If you own a hot tub in Calgary, you already know it’s one of life’s best comforts, especially when the temperature drops below freezing. But Calgary’s unpredictable weather can be tough on your spa. Between water balancing, temperature swings, and constant use, maintenance problems can sneak up fast.

In this article, we’ll explore the five most common hot tub problems Calgary owners face, how to fix them, and when to call the experts at RnR Hot Tubs and Spas for professional help.

5 MOST COMMON HOT TUB ISSUES IN CALGARY

Even with regular care, hot tubs in Calgary face unique challenges that owners in milder climates don’t. The combination of water balancing, long winters, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles puts extra strain on your spa’s systems. Over time, that can lead to cloudy water, weak jets, temperature issues, or even leaks. 

Understanding these common problems and what causes them is the first step to keeping your hot tub running smoothly all year long. Let’s take a closer look at the top five issues most Calgary hot tub owners encounter.

Cloudy or Dirty Hot Tub Water

Nothing ruins a relaxing soak faster than cloudy or murky water. You slip into your hot tub expecting clear, inviting water, only to find it looks dull, hazy, or even slightly foamy. It’s frustrating, and it instantly takes away from the experience you’ve been looking forward to.

Cloudy water doesn’t just look unappealing; it’s also a sign that something’s off in your water chemistry or filtration system. Whether it’s caused by imbalanced pH, a buildup of body oils and lotions, or a filter that’s overdue for cleaning, cloudy water is your spa’s way of saying it needs attention. 

Left unchecked, it can lead to bacterial growth, scaling, or damage to your hot tub’s internal components. The good news? With the right steps, it’s one of the easiest issues to clear up and prevent. 

Causes

• Imbalanced water chemistry (pH or sanitizer levels)
• Dirty or clogged filters
• Overuse without proper maintenance
• Oils, lotions, and residue from bathers

How to Fix It

1. Check your pH and sanitizer levels using a reliable testing kit.
2. Shock the water with a chlorine or non-chlorine shock treatment.
3. Clean or replace the filter if it’s dirty or old. We offer Ultrasonic Filter Cleaning to help you keep your filters clean.
4. If the problem persists, drain and refill the hot tub completely.

Prevention Tips

• Shower before soaking.
• Clean filters weekly.
• Use water clarifiers occasionally to maintain sparkle.
• Don’t wash your swimsuits in laundry detergent.

Hot Tub Not Heating Properly

Calgary winters can push your hot tub to its limits. If the water isn’t heating or takes forever to warm up, it can be more than just inconvenient; it’s a sign that something’s not working as it should. A number of issues could be behind it, from a worn-out heating element to a clogged filter restricting water flow. Sometimes, it’s as simple as low water levels or a tripped breaker, but other times, the problem runs deeper.

Here’s the truth: when it comes to heating issues, guesswork can only take you so far. The internal components of a hot tub are complex, and even a small misdiagnosis can turn a minor fix into a costly repair. That’s why it’s crucial to have a qualified technician lay eyes on your hot tub. 

They can test the electrical systems, check for circulation problems, and pinpoint exactly what’s wrong before damage spreads. In Calgary’s extreme cold, a professional inspection isn’t just a convenience; it’s peace of mind that keeps your spa safe, efficient, and ready when you need it most.

Common Causes

• Malfunctioning heating element
• Clogged filters or restricted water flow
• Sticky relay
• Electrical issues
  

Quick Fixes

• Reset the breaker and control panel.
• Clean or replace the filter.
• Check the water level, as low levels can cause the heater to shut off.
  

If you still can’t get the temperature up, call RnR Hot Tubs and Spas. Their technicians can test the heater and wiring safely.

Cold Weather Impact

Calgary’s extreme cold can freeze water lines quickly, damaging your heater and other internal components before you even notice a problem. Once temperatures dip, even a minor power interruption or equipment malfunction can lead to serious freeze damage. That’s why it’s critical to either keep your hot tub running all winter or properly winterize it before the deep freeze hits.

Enter the Spa Dragon, a proactive freeze-protection device designed to act as a safety net for your hot tub. The Spa Dragon continually monitors your spa’s water temperature, and if it drops below a preset threshold (indicating a malfunction or power loss), the unit activates its own heater to prevent freezing. Crucially, it’s plugged in separately from your hot tub’s circuit, so it can still operate even if your spa’s breaker trips.

Beyond just heating, the Spa Dragon also acts as an early warning system: it will send you an email or text notification when it’s activated, alerting you that something has gone wrong and needs your attention. In cold-weather conditions like Calgary’s, that kind of instant awareness can make the difference between a quick repair and a frozen wreck.

While the Spa Dragon greatly reduces the risk of freeze damage, it’s not a substitute for proper maintenance or prompt repair. It’s a backup guard, keeping your spa safe when things go wrong. 

Weak or No Jets

Jets are what make your hot tub feel like a true luxury. The soothing massage, the steady rhythm of bubbling water, and that instant sense of relaxation. So when the pressure drops or the jets stop working altogether, it can be both disappointing and confusing. You might notice weak flow, uneven pressure, or even air sputtering out instead of water.

The good news? In most cases, it’s not a major breakdown. A loss of water pressure is often caused by something simple, like a dirty filter, trapped air in the plumbing (known as an air lock), or calcium buildup inside the jet nozzles. Sometimes, even low water levels can prevent the pump from circulating properly.

Still, while these issues are usually easy to resolve, ignoring them can lead to bigger problems down the line. Reduced water flow can strain your pump and heater, shortening their lifespan. That’s why it’s important to address pressure issues as soon as you notice them.

Clean the filters, check water levels, and make sure air can move freely through the system. If the jets still aren’t performing the way they should, it might be time to call in a technician to take a closer look and keep your spa experience feeling like the luxury it’s meant to be.

Possible Reasons

• Clogged jets or pump blockages
• Air lock in the plumbing lines
• Dirty filters restricting flow

Error Codes or Control Panel Problems

Seeing random numbers flash on your hot tub display? Don’t panic! Error codes are your hot tub’s built-in language for telling you something isn’t quite right. Think of them as your spa’s way of asking for help before a small issue turns into a costly repair. 

Whether it’s a low-flow warning, an overheating alert, or a temperature sensor malfunction, these codes are designed to protect your hot tub from damage while giving you a chance to fix the problem quickly.

Common Error Codes

• OHH: Indicates an overheat. One of the sensors has detected water temperature of 118°F+ (48°C+) inside the heater
• HFL: Heater flow problem
• LF: Water flow problem. Persistent flow problem
  

When you call into RnR Hot Tubs and Spas, we will first go through a checklist with you to see if the solution is simple. If needed, a tech will come out to have a look and to diagnose what the issue is. 

Leaks Around the Hot Tub

A small drip might not seem urgent, but in Calgary’s dry, freezing air, minor leaks can turn into big problems fast. What starts as a slow, occasional drip can quickly escalate into significant water loss, damaged insulation, or even cracked plumbing once the temperature drops. 

The combination of cold air and escaping warm water creates the perfect storm for freeze damage, especially when moisture seeps into areas that aren’t meant to get wet.

In Calgary’s harsh winters, leaks aren’t something to ignore or delay. If you spot damp spots around the base, notice the water level dropping faster than usual, or hear an odd hissing sound when the tub isn’t running, it’s time to investigate. 

Tightening fittings or replacing worn seals can help with small leaks, but when in doubt, have a technician inspect your hot tub. They can locate hidden leaks behind panels, test the plumbing system, and repair issues before they cause lasting damage. Catching leaks early not only protects your hot tub; it keeps you soaking comfortably all season long.

HOW TO PREVENT THESE COMMON HOT TUB ISSUES

Preventing problems is always cheaper and easier than repairing them.

Maintenance Tips

• Test and balance your water when you use your hot tub. If you need help learning how to keep your hot tub balanced, join our Spa School. 
• Rinse filters weekly, deep clean monthly.
• Drain and refill your hot tub at least twice a year. Do it once in the spring and once in the fall.
• Schedule annual professional service for a deep inspection. We offer 50-point inspections to help find any issues in your hot tub. 

Owning a hot tub in Calgary should be about relaxation, not frustration. By staying proactive with maintenance and knowing the signs of trouble, you can enjoy your spa without unexpected breakdowns.

And when issues do arise, remember that RnR Hot Tubs and Spas has your back, offering expert care, honest advice, and dependable service to keep your oasis in perfect shape.

You can visit us at Bay 8 –  5700 Barlow Trail SE in Calgary.

Servicing all makes and models, including Vita Spa, American Whirlpool, and Maax Spas.

Now servicing Calgary, Airdrie, Strathmore, Okotoks, High River, Chestermere, Invermere, Banff, Canmore, Radium, Golden, and the surrounding areas.