Your hot tub is your oasis, your favourite place to relax in the whole wide world. So, you need it to be clean, safe, and ready to use at the drop of a hat.
When it comes to cleaning the water, your filter will extract any waterborne nasties, like dirt, debris, and pollutants. For it to work effectively, the filter should be cleaned regularly.
Read on to learn everything you need to know (and more) about hot tub filter cleaning.
How does a hot tub filter work?
Water is pumped through the filter, and any debris gets caught in the filter’s pleats. It works alongside chemicals and sanitisers to keep the hot tub water clean and healthy.
How often should I clean my hot tub filter and why?
We recommend following our filter cleaning guide once a week. This will ensure dirt, debris and pollutants are cleared quickly and effectively and will extend the life of your filter.
A clean hot tub filter gives you more accurate results when testing the chemicals, meaning you could save money. Not only that, a fully functioning filter will prolong the lifespan of your hot tub.
How long should my hot tub filter last?
High-quality hot tub filters have a moulded plastic core which is covered in a pleated polyester material such as Reemay®. This is an acid-free random spun-bonded polyester material that is specifically designed for strength and stability in wet and humid conditions, and it’s resistant to chemicals. Having a spare filter to rotate when cleaning means that they can last up to 18 months. If you’re not rotating with a spare, you should expect to replace them every 12 months.
Purchasing genuine branded hot tub filters allows your system to run more efficiently, thus allowing a more reliable circulation of water and easier maintenance.
How do I clean a hot tub filter?
Use our step-by-step guide to discover the best way to clean your hot tub and spa filters.
- Turn off your hot tub at the isolator and remove the filter from the housing unit.
- Use a hosepipe to remove any large pieces of debris from the pleats.
- Completely submerge the filter in a large bucket or container or water and add one of our filter cleaning solutions to soak for the time advised on the packaging. You might need to pop a lid on the container to weigh the filter down while it’s soaking. Ensure that it’s out of reach of children and animals.
- Remove the filter from the container and rinse it again with the hose, paying close attention to the pleats. A hot tub filter cleaning comb can come in quite handy here. They allow you to clean between the pleats quickly and easily and reduce the need for cleaning chemicals.
- Wipe the filter housing unit with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt particles.
- Allow the filter to dry completely before placing it back in the hot tub.
Additional tips
Do not use household cleaning products
Using bleach or other household cleaning products will reduce the filter’s lifespan as it damages the fibres. They can also cause damage to your hot tub and are harmful to your skin.
Do not wash your filter in a dishwasher
Not only would you damage your dishwasher and filter, but you’d also reduce the effectiveness of your filter and in turn damage your hot tub.
Do not wash your filter in a washing machine
The plastic on your filter would crack from the repeated contact with the metal drum, which would also damage your washing machine. Laundry detergents have a detrimental effect on hot tub filters and cause unwanted foam in your hot tub water.
Always inspect your filter before replacing
We recommend checking your hot tub filter before replacing it to ensure that all traces of dirt and debris are removed. Inspect for wear and tear on the plastic and fabric, particularly if your filter’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
Allow your filter to dry naturally
Although high-quality filters can withstand varying temperatures, direct heat from a hairdryer or radiator will warp the plastic and affect the filter’s performance.
Always replace your filter before running your hot tub
The filter is designed to stop debris from being sucked into the pump and causing damage. The pump is a more expensive hot tub part to replace, therefore we don’t recommend running it without a filter.
Hard vs soft water
In hard water areas, calcium deposits can cause scaling on the filter. Soft water can be corrosive as the calcium levels are low. By cleaning regularly and using the correct chemicals, you can ensure the filter works effectively.
Find out about using the right chemicals for your hot tub in our chemical guide.
Parting advice
And there you have it; now you know everything about cleaning a hot tub filter. Sticking to a regular routine will save you money and keep your filters running for longer. It’s a win-win situation, so what’s not to love?
Need more advice? Give us a call on 01482 212322 or email enquiries@outdoorlivinghottubs.co.uk and we’ll help you out. Or drop in and see us in our Hull or Leeds showrooms to see our hot tub filter range for yourself.
Not near one of our Yorkshire hot tub showrooms? No problem, if you’re looking for a new hot tub you can explore our virtual showroom or book a video call with our showroom team
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