In Calgary, we LOVE our summers! 

The hot weather that doesn’t last long enough. The sunshine that lasts until 11 pm. I mean, we are called the Blue Sky City now, and summertime is a great reminder as to why.

However, summertime is when water use skyrockets. From sprinklers running all day to filling backyard pools, our habits tend to lean toward the splashy side. But while we’re all enjoying that cool-down, our water systems are working overtime. 

The past few summers, we have had water shortages and usage restrictions that have peaked during these hot months. It can make enjoying your hot tub even harder. In this blog post, we are going to dive into how we can conserve water and still enjoy our hot tubs or swim spas all summer long. 

THE IMPACT OF WATER CONSERVATION

Water conservation isn’t just about saving on your utility bill. It’s about protecting a precious resource. Prolonged droughts across North America are reminders that our water isn’t limitless. The more we conserve today, the less likely we are to face severe restrictions tomorrow.

At RnR Hot Tubs and Spas, we believe every homeowner can be part of the solution while still enjoying their hot tub or swim spa. Even if you use your hot tub or swim spa every night, there are ways to conserve water and make it last throughout the summer months.

Hot Tubs & Water Usage: The Truth

A typical hot tub holds anywhere from 250 to 500 gallons of water. That may sound like a lot, but here’s the catch…

You don’t drain and refill it weekly. With the right care, you can drain and refill your hot tub water twice per year. With a swim spa, you should only need to change your water once per year. 

So, what is the real culprit when it comes to water usage in hot tubs? 

Evaporation, leaks, and improper maintenance. The good news? All of those can be reduced or even eliminated with a few smart habits.

And here’s something else to think about. When your hot tub is well-maintained, it becomes a water-saving machine compared to other backyard features. Instead of topping off constantly or dealing with murky water from poor chemistry, regular care keeps your water clean, balanced, and usable for months. Think of it like changing the oil in your car. Stay on top of it, and everything runs smoother (and lasts longer).

SMART SUMMER HABITS FOR SPA OWNERS

Summer is full of sun-soaked days and unlimited time spent outside in the sun, but it’s also when water usage tends to spike. As a spa owner, you’ve got the perfect setup for relaxation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be mindful of how you use your water. With a few smart, simple habits, you can enjoy every soak while conserving water and keeping your spa running efficiently all season long.

Cover Your Hot Tub When Not in Use

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do: use your cover! It might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many spa owners leave their hot tubs uncovered, especially during warm summer days. An insulated, properly fitted cover acts like a shield against evaporation, reducing water loss by over 90%. That’s not just saving water. It’s saving money on chemicals and energy, too.

A good cover also keeps debris like leaves, dirt, and bugs out of your water, which means less cleaning and fewer water changes. During the hot summer months, direct sunlight can increase evaporation and even mess with your spa’s water chemistry. A UV-resistant cover protects your water from those harsh rays while maintaining the perfect temperature, so your spa is always ready when you are.

If your current cover is cracked, waterlogged, or just doesn’t fit right, it might be time for an upgrade. It’s a small investment that pays off big in water savings, energy efficiency, and overall spa care. Please reach out to the office, and we can send you an estimate for a replacement. 

We currently have a Covana Automated Cover Sale going on for July. Reach out to our sales experts for exclusive deals on these beautiful and easy-to-use covers.

Regular Maintenance Reduces Waste

Nowadays, spas are more like appliances than ever before. The better you take care of it, the better it runs, and the less water you waste. When your hot tub is clean, balanced, and functioning properly, you won’t need to drain and refill it nearly as often. 

Routine maintenance starts with your filter. Cleaning it regularly ensures it’s trapping dirt, oils, and other contaminants efficiently, keeping your water clearer for longer. A clogged or dirty filter makes your system work harder, and when water quality dips, you’re more likely to throw in extra chemicals or, worse, decide to start fresh with a full drain. To read more about the importance of filters, check out our blog post on them.

Keeping your sanitizer and pH levels balanced is essential. Poor water chemistry can lead to cloudiness, scaling, or even bacterial buildup, all of which can shorten the life of your water. Get in the habit of checking your water every time you use it. 

Regular maintenance doesn’t just reduce water waste. It extends the life of your hot tub and gives you a consistently better soak every time.

Monitor for Leaks and Fix Them Quickly

Leaks might seem like a minor issue, but over time, even a small, unnoticed leak can lead to hundreds of gallons of wasted water each month. That’s not just wasteful; it can also increase your energy costs, mess with your water chemistry, and cause long-term damage to your spa.

Set aside just a few minutes each week to do a quick inspection. If you notice damp spots, unexplained water loss, or your spa needs frequent top-offs, reach out to your dealer. 

Fixing leaks early can be as simple as tightening a fitting or replacing a worn gasket. When you let it go, that’s when small problems turn into big, expensive ones. Regular leak checks help you conserve water, avoid costly repairs, and keep your spa running at peak performance.

MAKING WATER LAST LONGER IN YOUR SPA

You want to keep your hot tub water clean and usable for as long as possible. It’s a way to conserve water and cut down on maintenance. With some attention to detail, you can significantly extend the life of your water without compromising the quality of your hot tub time. It all comes down to being proactive, consistent, and mindful of how your spa is used and cared for.

Use Quality Water Treatment Products

Not all chemicals are created the same. Investing in better products means your water stays clean longer.

Come into our store or shop online at our website. We offer FREE shipping on orders over $150. We even offer in-store pickup. Order the chemicals that you need, and we can have them ready for you.

Shower Before Entering

This one is HUGE. Rinsing off before a soak removes sweat, lotion, and oils, keeping your water cleaner and reducing the load on your sanitizer.

Add A Small Pail Next To The Hot Tub Or Swim Spa

Looking for a way to easily keep your water cleaner for longer? Put a pail next to the hot tub or swim spa with clean water in it. Before you or your kids get into the hot tub, have them dip their feet into the pail water. 

This will help to keep debris out of the water and keep your water cleaner for longer periods. 

Add Spa Marvel To Your Hot Tub Maintenance Routine

If you’re serious about making your spa water last, Spa Marvel is a game-changer. This all-natural water treatment product is designed to reduce the need for harsh chemicals while keeping your water clean, clear, and comfortable. By helping to balance water chemistry and soften the water, Spa Marvel reduces the strain on your filters and equipment, meaning your water stays usable for longer periods of time.

It’s gentle on the skin, easy to use, and best of all, it can dramatically cut down how often you need to drain and refill your hot tub. For spa owners looking to save time, water, and effort, Spa Marvel makes it easier to enjoy every soak without constantly worrying about maintenance.

Balance pH and Sanitation Levels Properly

A well-balanced tub is a happy tub. Keep your pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer within range to minimize water issues and maximize lifespan.

If you need help with water maintenance and balancing, we offer a couple of different solutions depending on what you would like to do. 

Join us for Spa School. This is a one-hour class where we walk you through how to keep your water balanced and the chemicals that you should be using. We make it easy for you to understand so that it can easily fit into your routine. 

We know that if water maintenance is difficult, you are going to grow to hate your hot tub, and we don’t want that. Let us show you how to use and maintain it. 

We also offer our Monthly Water Maintenance Program. This is where our water tech will come to your home on a bi-weekly basis and balance your water for you. You will still need to maintain your water in between visits, but this is not only great to keep an eye on your water, you also get a tech’s eyes on your hot tub. 

Reach out to the office if you would like to sign up for Spa School or for the Water Maintenance Program. 

SEASONAL HOT TUB DRAINING TIPS

Draining your hot tub is a necessary part of regular maintenance, but timing and technique can make a big difference, especially during the warmer months. With a seasonal approach, you can be more efficient, reduce water waste, and get the most out of every refill. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to keeping things eco-friendly and hassle-free.

Only Drain When Needed

With the right care, spa water can be changed twice per year. We recommend changing it in the spring and in the fall. This puts you on a consistent routine for when to change your water. 

Reuse Spa Water for Outdoor Use (Where Safe)

You can water trees, shrubs, or even grass with old spa water if it’s chlorine- or bromine-free and pH neutral.

If you have maintained your water correctly, you can use the tub and then drain it into your garden or use it to water trees in your yard because there would be zero free chlorine in your water. 

To be safe, test it with strips, and if it is coming up correctly, you should be fine to use it for outdoor use. 

Best Times of Day to Drain and Refill

Aim to drain and refill during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun isn’t directly overhead. These times help reduce the amount of water that disappears due to evaporation before your spa even has a chance to heat up.

By choosing a cooler part of the day, you’re not only conserving water, you’re protecting your hot tub and making the entire process more efficient.

HOW RNR HOT TUBS AND SPAS SUPPORTS WATER AWARENESS

Water conservation is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to helping our customers make informed, eco-conscious choices every step of the way. From the products we carry to the guidance we provide, our goal is to support a more sustainable approach to spa ownership.

Education Through Our Blog and Social Media

We love sharing helpful tips and tricks like these so you can enjoy your spa while doing your part for the planet. 

Scroll through our blog, YouTube channel, Instagram feed, and Pinterest feed to find all sorts of information that will help you learn how to take care of your hot tub or swim spa.

Customer Support That Cares

We are a service-first dealer. That means that we started in service before finding the hot tubs that we knew would last for years and years with our customers. We go above and beyond just dropping a hot tub or swim spa at your door. 

We make sure that you know how to use it, maintain it, and if anything happens 6 months to years down the road, we are there to help you with warranty claims and service. That is what sets us apart from other hot tub dealers. 

Read our Google reviews to see what all of our customers are saying. 

Water conservation isn’t about massive sacrifice. It’s about small habits that add up. From covering your tub to watching for leaks, every little change matters.

We all want summers full of fun, relaxation, and sunshine. But to make that a reality year after year, we’ve got to protect the resources that make it possible.

Simple Water-Saving Checklist for Spa Owners

• Use a high-quality spa cover
  
• Shower before soaking
  
• Monitor water chemistry weekly
  
• Check for leaks monthly
  
• Avoid over-draining or overfilling
  
• Reuse water where safe
  
• Schedule family spa time

Water conservation during summer isn’t just smart, it’s essential. And as a hot tub owner, you’re in a unique position to enjoy luxury while being mindful of the planet. 

At RnR Hot Tubs and Spas, we’re all about relaxation with responsibility. Whether you’re shopping for a new spa or just looking for better ways to care for the one you’ve got, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s soak smart and keep our summers sustainable.

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.