Clean, clear and beautiful water is what you want in your spa when you decide to enjoy a nice relaxing soak. Thanks to your filtration system that circulates your water and removes particles and debris, along with your sanitizers and other chemicals for microorganisms, your hot tub should stay crystal clear and clean for your enjoyment.
When looking at filtration systems for spas there are two types, a suction variety and pressure variety. The suction type is the newer of the two technologies and is found predominantly in spas today. The way the suction variety work is by using the suction of the pump to pull water from the spa through the top of the canister or filter housing, through the skimmer, and then filter cartridge itself. The water then goes through the pump and heating unit and returns to your spa. The pressure variety was modelled after pool filtration systems, and is the original design for hot tub filtration. The water from the spa is pulled into the pump, through the heating unit and then pushed into the pressure filter. The difference between the two is where the water hits the filter cartridge itself, in its journey back to your spa. With both types, making sure you are keeping the filter cartridge well maintained will determine how well the filtration system works. Removing the filter once a week and rinsing with fresh water, and doing a once a month soak in a filter cleanser will help to keep the system running at tip top shape.
The filtration cycle is the amount of time the water is running through your filter cartridge and back into your spa. Most hot tubs that do not also have a circulation pump will have their variable pump scheduled to run on low for 2 hours every 12 hours. If your hot tub does have a circulation pump, it is a secondary pump separate from your main pump and jets. This pump is used to continually circulate the water thorough the filtration system, and removes contaminants 24 hours a day.
While the main parts of the filtration system are located on the inside of your hot tub, the key pad which attaches to the control system plays an important role too. In newer spas the key pad may be able to access the many features on your spa such as lights, jets as well as control the filtration system. Depending on the control system you have, your capacity to control the filtration system will vary. In most spas, you can control the flow of water, set when the filtration system comes on and off, and for how long the filtration cycle runs. You may also be able to change filtration requirements based on number of bathers and water conditions. Learning your filtration system inside and out will allow you to troubleshoot any problems and adjust the filtration system during heavier bather loads and help to keep water clean.
Your spa filtration system is your first defence against contaminants, impurities and grime from entering your water. Keeping the system clean and well maintained will improve the quality of your water and enjoyment of your spa. Sparkling clear water is what we all want to see when soaking in our backyard retreat and the filtration system is the starting point for clean, healthy water.