What is your hot tub filter and why is it so important?

You love your sparkly clean water in your hot tub, right? And have a regular routine for maintaining the chemical composition of your water, right? But have you thought much about your hot tub filter lately?

You know that to keep your hot tub clean, efficient and healthy every time you use it you need a regular routine to keep your water in prime condition. You check your pH levels, adjust your chemicals, whether you use bromine or chlorine, you clear away the leaves and debris using a skimmer or vac – you are on it! You even regularly shock your water to keep it in tip top condition so that every time you slip into your tub, all you have to worry about is, well…. Nothing. Just let the powerful jets and bubbles do their thing.

You need to see your filter as another weapon in your armoury to combat dirt, debris and nasties that love your hot tub as much as you do. Just because you don’t have to change them very often, doesn’t mean they don’t need you attention.

Funnily enough, filtering water was around long before the cocktail of chemicals we use nowadays to keep our water clean. Since the 17th Century, people have been using filters, although the technology has moved on a little from the sand or earth which was widely used.

What is a hot tub filter?

A modern filter is a cartridge, usually made of polyester, through which the water passes, leaving behind all sorts of dust and debris before sending your water off to be pumped around your tub. While your hot tub is bubbling away, the filter is constantly working hard to keep your water clean and hygienic. However, like the filter in your vacuum cleaner, it can easily get clogged up, compromising the cleanliness of your water and putting a strain on your hot tub system.

So, you may not need to change your filter very often, but you do need to clean it regularly to optimise the performance of your hot tub.

How do I clean my filter?

There are three stages of cleaning your filter, but don’t worry. They are easy to do and won’t take you long. And this will also preserve your filter for longer, saving you money.

Before we start, don’t be tempted to use anything other that products specifically designed for the purpose of cleaning your filter. Don’t put them in the washing machine or dishwasher and don’t be tempted to use household cleaning products such as washing up liquid as this could damage the filter and your hot tub.

We recommend having two filters on the go – one in your tub and one that is being cleaned. Your filter needs to dry out completely before putting back into your hot tub so it makes sense to have a spare, which means you can still use your hot tub when you need to.

About once a week you should remove your filter and rinse it off with water. This will remove any larger pieces of sediment that have accumulated. You can use a pressure or hose to do this.

The next level of cleaning your filter should be carried out about once a month. Use a filter cleaning spray for a deeper clean. Give your filter a good soaking and leave it for about 20 minutes so the cleaner can do its work. Then give your filter a thorough rinse and let it dry completely before putting it back into your tub.

The last level of cleaning should be carried out every 3 or 4 months. It is a good idea to deep clean your filter every time you change the water in your hot tub. This process demands an overnight soak for your filter, completely submerged in a bucket of water and cleaning solution. Weigh the filter down so it stays submerged and gets a good clean. Keep children and animals away from the bucket during this process as the chemicals are quite potent. The next the day, give your filter a thorough rinsing until the water runs clear. Completely clear. Then dry thoroughly before putting back into your tub.

If you follow this routine you will prolong the lifespan of your filter and your hot tub. Most filters will last up to 2 years so get cleaning, save money, and enjoy sparkling clean, clear and hygienic water.

At Hot Tub DIY we stock a huge range of hot tub filters and cleaning sprays and solutions to get the job done quickly, so you can get back to relaxing in your hot tub.

Useful Links

Link to The filter we sell - Hot Tub and Spa Filters

Link to Filter Cleaning Items - Hot Tub Filter Cleaning Tools

This article was written by Hot Tub Help - All rights reserved 2021