How to clean a hot tub filter: Essential filter cleaning tips

Whether you’re new to hot tub ownership or you’ve years of experience looking after this type of at-home spa system, it goes without saying that keeping your hot tub or swim spa clean is an absolutely essential part of good hot tub maintenance.

The main hot tub module responsible for maintaining clean water, if you don’t look after your hot tub filters, and replace them when necessary, you’ll quickly find your hot tub water turning green or filling with muck and grime.

Fortunately, learning how to clean a hot tub filter is pretty easy and takes very little time to do, meaning you can spend more time enjoying a relaxing soak instead of having to troubleshoot hot tub function problems brought on by poor water quality.

Read on to learn our top tips for cleaning a hot filter, including how to clean them after different lengths of time, and how often to change a hot tub filter so that you always have one operating at peak efficiency.

 

What is a hot tub filter?

A hot tub filter is exactly as it sounds – it’s a filter used by your hot tub as a means of removing unwanted organic particulates, bacteria, and dust from your water in order to maintain good water quality.

Essentially, a hot tub filter will strip your water of impurities by circulating hot water through the filter fibres. These fibres absorb any dirt that passes by them, keeping your hot tub water clear and fresh as it circulates through your tub’s piping system.

 

Why is cleaning a hot tub filter important?

As you can probably guess, making sure your hot tub filters are clean is important for one very crucial reason – it keeps your water free of contaminants. Without a hot tub filter, your tub’s water would become soaked in filth and organic matter, leading to algae and bacterial build-up, not to mention putting strain on the rest of your hot tub’s systems.

In particular, poor filter quality can lead to what’s known as ‘low flow’ problems, which manifests itself in slower heating times and reduced jet power – both of which can happen as a result of dirty water clogging up your tub’s internal piping.

 

How to tell if a hot tub filter is working?

The best way to tell if your hot tub’s filters are working is by examining your water quality through regular hot tub use. For example, if you use your hot tub every other day for two weeks, and the water remains clean and clear, this is a good indication that your hot tub filters are working as intended.

 

How long do hot tub filters last?

Generally speaking, most high-quality hot tub filters will last you up to a year before no longer functioning. However, we recommend replacing your filters every 6-months to ensure maximum filtration efficiency.

 

What is the best way to clean a hot tub filter?

Ready to learn more about cleaning a hot tub filter? Excellent, below are our top tips for when and how to carry out hot tub filter cleaning:

 

Weekly hot tub filter cleaning

Although it may feel like an effort, if you use your hot tub several days a week, then it’s good practice to carry out a weekly filter clean as well. Typically, this involves removing your hot filter and rinsing it with water, but we also recommend applying a filter cleaning spray as well for a thorough clean.

So, turning off your hot tub first, remove the filters from your hot tub and rinse them with clean water – hose pipe water is fine, but you can also clean them by hand in a bucket. You should also make sure you spread apart each pleat as you do this to get rid of any dirt, hair, and debris clinging between them.

Next, spray your newly rinsed filter with a rapid filter cleaning spray, leaving it for the recommended product time before rinsing it thoroughly again. Then simply let your filter dry thoroughly before reinserting it into your tub.

 

Quarterly hot tub filter cleaning

While a weekly clean will be enough to keep your filter fit and functional for regular use, we always recommend giving your hot tub filters a more thorough clean every quarter, usually around the same time as emptying your hot tub, as it gives you an excuse to submerge them in a more intense chemical soak.

So, once you’ve emptied your hot tub, remove your filters and place them in a bucket with a hot tub filter cleaning solution, diluting with water according to your product’s instructions and double-check to make sure your filter is entirely below the water line.

Then, all you have to do is leave your filters to soak overnight, rinse them thoroughly the next day, and leave them to dry completely before reinserting them.

 

How often should I clean my filters?

For the most part, we’d recommend implementing our above suggestions into your regular hot tub maintenance routine for ease of cleaning. However, how often and how thoroughly you need to clean your hot tub filters will depend on how often you use your hot tub.

Heavy usage will naturally mean that your filters will clog up quicker. However, the situation is different when you fill your hot tub for the first time, or whenever you drain and refill your hot tub.

In this instance, your filters may clog up within three to four days, but this is nothing to be worried about as it will likely be due to the small particles contained in tap water and any particles from manufacturing and transport being filtered through the system.

 

How can I make my hot tub filters last longer?

Even though hot tub filters are designed to be long-lasting and durable, if you want to get the most out of your filters before needing to replace them, then there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan.

First and foremost, maintaining good hot tub chemical chemistry will go a long way to preserving the functionality of your hot tub filters, as the right chemical balance will break down and minimise water impurities for easy filtration.

Alongside this, showering without washing before entering your hot tub can help remove any extra impurities and chemicals you may be bringing into the water from lotions, body washes, and moisturisers.

Finally, one of the best ways to increase your hot tub filter’s longevity is to invest in several filter sets and rotate them every quarter. This will help you cut back on the intensity of filter cleaning you need to do, and lets you use your hot tub as soon as you're done cleaning it, rather than waiting for your filters to finish soaking and drying.

 

Find the right hot tub filter in our range

And there you have it – now you know how to clean a hot tub filter and when you should be replacing them. Again, even though this might seem like a time-consuming task, like all other areas of hot tub maintenance, putting in the effort to clean your hot tub filters properly will go a long way to making hot tub maintenance easier and cheaper in the future.

And, naturally, if you find yourself in need of a new hot tub filter, then look no further than our hot tub accessory range. Filled with everything you need to keep your hot tub running at peak functionality, if you choose to buy a hot tub with us, you’ll have no trouble finding the right filter for it in our collection.

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about the hot tubs, swim spas, and ice baths we have on offer in our range, and don’t forget to visit our inspiration blog for more helpful hot tub articles like this one.

 

Hot tub filter cleaning FAQs

Got some extra questions around hot tub filters that you want answering? Take a look at some of our most commonly asked questions below:

 

Why do I need to let my filter dry completely before putting it back?

While not an essential step for hot tub filter cleaning, letting your hot tub filter dry completely before reinserting it will allow the filter fibres to reset properly, which in turn enables your filter to be more effective in how it operates.

 

Can I clean my hot tub filters with bleach?

No, you should never clean your hot tub filters with bleach as it will corrode its fibres and fixtures, damaging your filter’s functionality.

 

Can I clean my hot tub filters with detergent?

Yes, you can technically clean your hot tub filter with detergent, but we wouldn’t recommend doing so. Simply put, detergent will not be as effective as standard hot tub filter cleaning solutions, meaning you’ll need to clean your hot tub filter more often to keep it functional.

 

Can I clean my hot tub filters with vinegar?

Yes, but again, as with detergent, using vinegar to clean your filters will not be as effective as simply using a hot tub filter cleaning solution. Worse yet, certain vinegars may be too acidic for your filter fibres, causing damage to their structure.

 

Can I run my hot tub without a filter?

No matter your reason, you should never run your hot tub without a filter as this will only result in dirt and debris getting into your hot tub’s piping, which will eventually cause blockages and damage to your other hot tub systems.