If you’re considering buying a hot tub or already own one in Winnipeg, chances are you’ve heard plenty of advice—some helpful, some not so much. Hot tub myths circulate widely, and believing them can cost you money, time, and enjoyment. Let’s set the record straight on seven persistent misconceptions that Manitoba hot tub owners should stop believing right now.
Myth #1: Hot Tubs Are Expensive to Run Year-Round
Many Winnipeg homeowners worry that operating a hot tub through our cold winters will send their hydro bills through the roof. The truth? Modern hot tubs are remarkably energy-efficient. A well-insulated spa with a quality cover typically costs $20-40 per month to run, even in January. The key is keeping your cover on when the tub isn’t in use and maintaining proper water chemistry so your heater doesn’t work overtime. In fact, some owners report lower costs in winter because the cold air helps cool the pumps and equipment.
Myth #2: You Need to Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub Every Month
This myth wastes thousands of litres of water unnecessarily. Most hot tubs only need draining every 3-4 months, depending on usage. If you’re maintaining proper sanitizer levels and keeping up with regular hot tub maintenance like filter cleaning and water testing, your water will stay clean and clear for months. Draining too frequently actually makes it harder to maintain balanced chemistry and puts unnecessary strain on your system.
Myth #3: More Chemicals Mean Cleaner Water
Dumping extra chlorine or bromine into your spa doesn’t make it cleaner—it makes it unsafe. Over-sanitizing can irritate skin and eyes, damage your hot tub components, and throw your pH balance completely off. The goal is to maintain sanitizer levels in the ideal range (1-3 ppm for chlorine, 3-5 ppm for bromine), not to max them out. Test your water 2-3 times per week and add only what’s needed to stay in that target zone.
Myth #4: Hot Tubs Are Too Much Work to Maintain
This misconception stops many Winnipeggers from enjoying the benefits of spa ownership. In reality, basic hot tub care takes about 10-15 minutes per week. You’ll test and adjust water chemistry, rinse or spray down the filter, and wipe the waterline. Every few months, you’ll do a deeper clean and drain. That’s it. Once you establish a routine, maintenance becomes second nature—far less work than most people imagine.
Myth #5: You Can’t Use a Hot Tub in Extreme Cold
Some people believe that when Winnipeg temperatures hit -30°C, hot tubs become unusable or will freeze. Not true. Hot tubs are designed to operate in cold climates, and many owners say winter soaking is the best experience—steam rising into the crisp air, stars overhead, then a quick dash inside. As long as your tub is properly winterized (meaning it’s kept running and covered, not drained), it will maintain temperature just fine. The freeze risk only comes if you shut it down improperly or lose power for an extended period.
Myth #6: Any Cover Will Do the Job
A cheap or worn-out cover is a false economy. Your hot tub cover is responsible for retaining heat, keeping debris out, and preventing evaporation. A waterlogged or poorly-fitted cover can double your energy costs and leave your water exposed to contaminants. Quality covers with a proper vapour barrier and 3-4 inches of tapered foam insulation pay for themselves within a year through energy savings alone. If your cover is more than 5 years old or feels heavy with absorbed water, it’s time for a replacement.
Myth #7: You Should Buy the Biggest Hot Tub You Can Afford
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to hot tubs on sale. A seven-person spa might sound impressive, but if it’s usually just you and your partner soaking, you’re heating and treating extra water you don’t need. Larger tubs cost more to operate, require more chemicals, and take longer to heat after a water change. Choose a size that matches your actual usage—a 3-4 person model is perfect for most Winnipeg families and offers the best balance of comfort, features, and operating costs.
Don’t let hot tub myths keep you from enjoying everything spa ownership has to offer. Whether you’re shopping for your first tub or want to get more from the one you already own, Swim & Spas has the expertise to guide you. Check out our hot tub maintenance resources or contact us to speak with a Winnipeg hot tub specialist who can answer your questions and help you separate fact from fiction.