Hot Tub cleaning in Calgary winter lets you fully enjoy everything the local climate has to offer ;). In addition, Calgary’s hard water makes regular maintenance essential for keeping your tub in top condition. This helps keep your hot tub water fresh, clean, and safe year-round.
Whether you own a chlorine or saltwater hot tub, regular maintenance is key to longevity and hygiene. It will prolong the life of your tub and make every soaking experience hygienic and relaxing.
Important Hacks For Owning Hot Tubs In Calgary
Regular cleaning is essential, but there are additional steps to extend your hot tub’s lifespan. The following list of hacks was created to help those who own hot tubs in Calgary extend the life of their units. Each hack will contribute to its longevity and ensure that every dip in your tub is comforting, relaxing, and hygienic.
1. Shock Your Hot Tub Weekly
Despite regular sanitizer use, body oils, lotions, and sweat can still build up in the water. Using a shock treatment once a week is the best way to ensure these contaminants break down. Both non-chlorine shock and chlorine-based shock treatments used once a week help break down these contaminants and restore water clarity.
Hack:
Perform the shock treatment at night or when you won’t be using the tub for several hours to allow the chemicals to work effectively.
Always leave the cover off for at least 20 minutes after shocking to let the chemicals disperse properly.
2. Use Household Items for a Quick Clean
Specialized hot tub cleaners work well, but common household items can also tackle grime and buildup.
Hacks:
Vinegar for Water Spots: Wipe down the tub’s shell and jets with a vinegar-water mixture to remove water spots and mineral buildup.
Baking Soda for Scum Lines: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and scrub the waterline to remove stubborn residue without damaging the surface.
Citrus Juice Brings a Fresh Scent: Add a few drops of lemon, lime, or other citrus juice to the filter compartment for a natural deodorizing effect.
3. Keep Your Filter in Top Shape
Your hot tub’s filter is the first defense against dirt and debris. Keeping it clean ensures clear water and proper circulation.

Hacks:
Rinse the filter weekly with a hose to remove surface debris.
Soak the filter in a 50/50 vinegar-water solution or a specialized filter cleaner every month to break down oils and mineral buildup.
Keep a spare filter on hand so you can swap them out while one is soaking.
4. Balance Your Water Chemistry the Easy Way
Balancing pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels keeps your water clean and protects hot tub components. Calgary’s hard water can make balancing levels trickier, but these tips can help.
Hacks:
Use Test Strips Frequently: Test your water 2-3 times per week to catch imbalances early.
Pre-Dissolve Chemicals: Dissolve sanitizers and pH balancers in a small bucket of water before adding them to the tub to prevent cloudy water and chemical buildup.
Baking Soda for Alkalinity Boost: If your alkalinity is too low, adding baking soda is a quick and affordable way to bring it back up.
5. Drain and Refill Smartly
Owning hot tubs in Calgary makes it important to drain and refill your hot tub no less than 3 times a year. This process helps keep the water fresh, but doing it correctly makes the process easier.
Hacks:
Use a Submersible Pump: A small pump drains your hot tub in minutes, making the process much faster than using the standard drain valve.
Clean While Empty: Before refilling, scrub the shell and jets with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly to avoid suds in your next soak.
Refill with a Hose Filter: Attaching a pre-filter to your garden hose removes excess minerals and impurities from Calgary’s hard water, reducing buildup over time.
6. Prevent Foamy or Cloudy Water
Foamy or cloudy water is usually caused by soap residues, lotions, or improper water chemistry. Here’s how to prevent it.
Hacks:
Shower Before Entering: Rinsing off before getting in prevents lotions, deodorants, and detergents from contaminating the water.
Tennis Ball Trick: Toss a few tennis balls into the water when the tub isn’t in use; these absorb body oils and help keep the water clear.
Enzyme Treatments: These treatments use natural enzymes to help reduce organic contaminants and prevent foam buildup. You should treat your hot tub at least once a week.
7. Protect Your Hot Tub Cover
Your cover keeps out debris, retains heat, and extends the life of your hot tub. Keeping it clean ensures it functions effectively.
Hacks:
Use a Vinyl Protectant: Apply a UV protectant spray every month to prevent cracking and fading from Calgary’s sun exposure.
Wipe Down Regularly: Clean the cover with mild soap and water weekly to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Flip It Open to Breathe: Let your cover air out for a few hours each week to prevent moisture accumulation and odor buildup.
Regular maintenance doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these hot tub cleaning hacks, you’ll keep the water in your hot tub crystal clear. They’ll help prolong its lifespan and allow you to enjoy worry-free relaxation no matter the season. While these hacks are great ways of maintaining the life and function of your hot tub, they’re no replacement for professional maintenance.
Enjoy a Clean and Refreshing Hot Tub Year-Round
Looking for high-quality hot tubs or expert maintenance advice in Calgary? Then, it’s time to reach out to Backyard Canada and our team of skilled professionals. We’re one of the most respected suppliers and servicers of hot tubs in Calgary and have a standing reputation of excellence you can rely on.
Don’t let your hot tub’s maintenance fall behind. Visit Backyard Canada to explore top-tier hot tubs and get personalized tips for keeping your spa in peak condition!