As with a swimming pool filter, hot tubs and spa pool filters need to be regularly cleaned and replaced when old or damaged. The water chemistry, sanitizer and the filter are there to keep the water clean and safe for your family’s enjoyment. How to clean your hot tub filter element is a simple and quick procedure that anyone can complete with a few minutes training. Read our post below to learn how simple it really is.
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What is a Hot Tub Filter?
A hot tub filter element is a cylindrical cartridge with pleated, fabric filter material attached to a metal or plastic core. There are plastic end caps holding the filter cartridge together. The filter element is contained within the filtration unit where pool water is pumped from the outside through the filter cartridge into the core and back to the pool. Dirt and debris are trapped within the pleated filter material.
Most hot tub filtration units do not have a backwash function like an inground swimming pool so the filter unit has to be opened up and the filter element removed for cleaning.
How often do you clean hot tub filters?
Many hot tub owners don’t clean the water filter enough. Once the filter element becomes soiled with dirt and other contaminants from the pool water the pressure within the filter system will increase indicating that it is harder for the pump to push the water through the filter element.
When the pressure within the filter system increases beyond a certain level it is time to open the filter and manually clean the element. When a hot tub or spa pool is regularly in use the filter will need to be cleaned every two weeks.
How to Clean Your Hot Tub Filter
Usually a filter element only needs to be hosed clean. When you hose the filter there will be dirty water and small particles of debris so it’s recommended to clean the filter on the lawn, near a drain or in the gutter out in the street. Use a hose head that sprays the water with extra pressure to really clean away the dirt. Ensure you open the pleats to remove all the dirt trapped in the filter element.
If you frequently clean the element it will never become very dirty and will last much longer before needing replacement.
If the filter element is very dirty you can soak it in a bucket of water with a small amount of vinegar or bleach in the water. There are special cleaning products available to use on filter elements that clean the element without damaging it. You would spray the filter element, leave for 15 minutes and rinse well with the hose to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
Note: It’s not recommended to use household cleaning products in a hot tub or to clean a filter because they usually contain chlorine based chemicals that can damage surfaces and unbalance or react with your hot tub water.
Can I clean my hot tub filter in the washing machine?
No. There is no need to put a filter in a washing machine to clean it. Filter elements are constructed with filter paper or fine cloth. A washing machine will most likely damage the filter. Similarly, do not put a filter element in a dishwasher as it will most likely damage the filter.
Can you use bleach to clean hot tub filters?
Yes you can add a small amount of bleach to a full bucket of water and soak the filter for an hour or two. Then rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water.
When to Replace a Hot Tub Filter
Normally, a spa or hot tub filter cartridge should be replaced every two years. With heavy usage replace it sooner. The filter element keeps your spa water clean and protects your health from the contaminants that can reside in hot tub water. A dirty filter or a filter that no longer works effectively is endangering your health. And it’s potentially damaging your pump and filtration system.
If the filter element becomes damaged in any way you will need to replace it. Filter elements are relatively inexpensive compared to other pool and spa components so replacing it is not an issue. I recommend always having two filter cartridges. One cartridge in the filter and one spare ready to swap with the one in the filter. When you clean the filter simply swap the cartridges so that the hot tub is ready again for use immediately. Clean the dirty filter, allow to dry and store in a dry place.
Should I leave my hot tub filter on all the time?
Yes, you need to leave the filter system switched on all the time to keep the water clean. If you have saltwater chlorination you need to leave it on to have the water adequately sanitized.
If you have a spa pool next to your swimming pool the two bodies of water will most likely be filtered and chlorinated by the one filtration system. The pump will be set to automatically activate for the required number of hours each day to filter the water and generate chlorine to sanitize the pools.
Switch off the heating unit to save power. Only turn it on before you want to use the tub or spa. Note that the heater will use a lot of power to heat up the water from cold. Once the water is heated the heater only uses a small amount of power to maintain the temperature. Many people prefer to leave the heater on and cover the hot tub or spa pool. This retains the heat so that the water is never cold.
Can I use soap in a hot tub?
Do not use your hot tub or spa pool like a bath. As soap suds will clog up the filtration system. When you have a bath you simply empty the water including the suds into the drain. Hot tubs are not emptied after use but rely on a filtration system to clean the water. If you introduce soap, shampoo, bubble bath or another soap product you are contaminating the water. The chemicals, chlorinator and filter will not be able to remove the detergent or soap from the water. The filter element will clog up with soap. The soap will unbalance the water chemistry causing the water to become more contaminated.
Frequently Change the Hot Tub Water
Hot tubs and spa pools are not the same as a swimming pool. They contain a lot less water volume and need to be drained, cleaned and refilled more frequently.
Normally you need to drain, clean and refill your spa or hot tub every 3 to 4 months. It’s not the surface of the tub itself that gets dirty. It’s the plumbing pipes that clog with dirt, hair, scum and chemicals.
You wouldn’t know it by just looking at the water when the pumps not operating but spa pools and hot tubs very quickly accumulate dirt in the plumbing. This reduces the operating efficiency and increases the risk of catching a bacterial infection from the water.
This is another reason why it is essential to frequently clean the filter and replace the filter every one or two years. A dirty filter allows dirt and scum to accumulate more rapidly in the plumbing pipes.
Conclusion
Hot tubs and spa pools are great fun and have many health benefits. However, you need to ensure the filter is clean and operating effectively, otherwise, the water will contain contaminants that are dangerous to the health of yourself and your family.