Hot tubs naturally lose water through evaporation, splashing, and regular use. In fact, losing around 1–2 inches of water per week can be perfectly normal, though it can vary depending on several factors.
But what if you seem to be topping up your hot tub more often than usual? Well, while a dropping water level doesn’t necessarily mean you have a leak on your hands, it can sometimes indicate a problem worth investigating.
In this post, we’ll explain what causes hot tub water loss, how to reduce it, and when it might be time to get some professional help.
Your hot tub can lose water for several reasons, and figuring out which one is responsible can help you determine whether there’s actually a problem.
Here are four common causes to consider.
Evaporation is one of the most common reasons your hot tub loses water. Since the water is much warmer than the surrounding air, some of it naturally escapes as vapour whenever you remove the cover.
You may notice this more during the colder months, especially in the Collingwood area. Both the cold, dry air and windy conditions can increase evaporation, particularly if you leave your hot tub uncovered for long periods.
And the longer you leave the cover off, the more water you can lose.
Every time someone gets in or out of your hot tub, they take a little water with them on their skin, hair, and bathing suit. Add in splashing, moving around, and using the jets, and it’s easy to lose more water than you might expect.
If you use your hot tub frequently or regularly have several people in at once, these small losses can add up too. You can always try measuring the water level before and after heavy use to see if this kind of natural water loss could be what you’re seeing.
Your hot tub cover helps prevent water loss by trapping heat and moisture when you’re not using the spa. However, if it’s damaged, warped, or doesn’t fit properly, warm, moist air can escape through the gaps, causing more evaporation than usual.
Yes, even when your hot tub isn’t in use.
To rule out this cause, check whether your cover sits evenly against the shell and look for any obvious gaps, cracks, or signs of wear. If it’s no longer sealing properly, replacing it could help reduce water loss.
If your hot tub keeps losing water even when you’re not using it, a leak could be the culprit. Leaks can develop around plumbing connections, pump seals, jets, or other fittings. In some cases, even cracks in the shell can also allow water to escape.
The key thing to realize here is that you won’t always see an obvious puddle. Water can collect inside the cabinet or travel along pipes before it becomes visible outside the hot tub.
So, if you suspect a leak, mark the water level, secure the cover, and leave your hot tub covered and unused for 24 hours. Then, check the water level again.
If it has dropped noticeably, repeat the test using a bucket placed inside the hot tub. Mark both the water level inside the bucket and in the tub, then compare them after another 24 hours. If the hot tub loses more water than the bucket, a leak is more likely, and it may be time to have a professional investigate.
While some water loss is unavoidable, a few simple habits can help you keep it to a minimum. Most involve reducing evaporation and preventing water from escaping during regular use.
Here are some practical ways to reduce how much water your hot tub loses:
Since some water loss is natural, you’ll still need to top up your hot tub occasionally. Just remember to test and adjust your water chemistry after adding a significant amount of fresh water.
If you get to the point where you’re constantly topping up your hot tub and can’t figure out where the water is going, it may be time to have a professional take a closer look.
At Clark Pools & Spas, we can help identify and address hot tub problems, including potential leaks. Whether you need help investigating unexplained water loss or keeping your hot tub running properly, our team is here to help.
Contact us for hot tub maintenance or repairs in Collingwood and the surrounding area.
