The filtration system is the heart of your hot tub; without it, the water wouldn’t move through your jets and pump and give you your relaxing bubbles we all enjoy. The filter cartridge is a key component of the system, and often, if you are having water quality trouble, your filter is a good place to start. If the filter is clogged or frayed, it will no longer do an effective job of cleaning the debris and impurities from the water. This can cause damage to your heater and pump as the water is still full of debris when it is pulled through those systems; it can also make your water cloudy and unpleasant-smelling. Having a regular filter maintenance routine is very important for water chemistry and the health of your spa and components.
Weekly Hot Tub Filter Care for Better Water Quality
It is recommended that you have a weekly, monthly and yearly filter program to troubleshoot any issues and keep the filter clean. Once a week, remove the filter from the hot tub and, with your garden hose, rinse the inside and outside of the cartridge to remove debris, dirt and grime. Spray water between each pleat to help remove the smaller particles. A filter flush tool is a wonderful add-on that helps to get into the hard-to-reach places. Attaching to your garden hose, it comes with several nozzles to get a deep clean with virtually no back splash, making cleaning easier and faster.
Monthly Filter Cleaning to Remove Oils, Lotions, and Algae
Smaller particles such as oils, lotions and algae are harder to remove from the filter cartridge. This foreign matter can block the filter's pores, creating reduced filtration. To rid the filter of these impurities, use a filter soak product once a month. Some filter soaks come in a one-time use, pre-measured package or tablet, while others will be of a multiple-use variety. Ensure you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for soak time and the amount of water needed. It is also recommended to replace your filter cartridge annually, as they do wear out over time. Many people also keep on hand a spare filter, which allows immediate replacement when cleaning or annual renewal. This will help your filters last longer and keep your filtration system running in top form at all times.
Extra Tips for Extending the Life of Your Hot Tub Filter
Here are some additional tips to help with filter care:
- Never use a dishwasher or power washer to clean your filter cartridge, as the pressure and heat can damage filter pleats.
- Only use cleaners specifically designed for filter cleaning, as household cleaners can cause water chemistry problems, such as foamy water and may react with other water chemicals.
- Rotate your filters to allow them to dry between uses. This should extend the life of your filters.
- Always read and follow the manufacturer's directions for removing and reinstalling your spa filter cartridge.
Keep Your Hot Tub Filtration System Running Smoothly
Keeping up with proper filter cleaning and replacement will help to keep your filtration system running at top performance, keeping the water crystal clear and clean, so enjoying your hot tub is fun and worry-free.