Imagine sinking into your hot tub after a long day, only to be greeted by cloudy, murky water. Yuck! To maintain that sparkling, inviting oasis, cleaning your hot tub filter regularly is essential. A clean hot tub filter ensures proper water circulation, removes contaminants, and keeps your sanitizer working effectively. Read on as we dive into the world of hot tub filter maintenance.

Understanding Your Hot Tub Filter

Your hot tub filter acts as the workhorse of your spa’s hygiene system. Typically made from pleated polyester fabric, it traps dirt, debris, body oils, and lotions as water circulates through the hot tub. Over time, this buildup can clog the filter, hindering its ability to function properly. The consequences? Reduced water flow, cloudy water, and a potential breeding ground for bacteria.

The Cleaning Cavalry: Tools and Supplies

Before we tackle the cleaning process, here are some hot tub supplies you’ll need:

• Garden hose with a spray nozzle: This trusty tool will be your weapon of choice for rinsing away debris. If you have a FreshWater Salt System hot tub you can consider using a Clean Screen Pre-Filter. This attaches to your hose to filter out organic contaminants, tannins and metals so they don’t make it into your spa.
• Clean bucket: You’ll need this to soak your filter in a cleaning solution.
• Hot tub filter cleaner: Specially formulated hot tub filter cleaners are highly effective at removing built-up grime and oils. Look for a cleaner compatible with your filter type.
• Soft rags or sponges (optional): These can be helpful for gently removing stubborn debris.

Mission: Clean Filter! A Step-by-Step Guide

Have everything? Get ready to clean!

1. Power Down and Locate: First things first, turn off your hot tub’s power supply. Safety first! Then, identify the filter compartment, which is usually located near the footwell or on the side of the spa. Consult your hot tub’s manual for specific instructions.
2. Filter Removal: Following your manual’s guidance, carefully remove the filter cover and take out the filter cartridge. Handle it with care to avoid damaging the pleats.
3. Initial Rinse: Hold the filter upright outdoors and spray it thoroughly with a garden hose using a gentle, wide spray pattern. Avoid using high-pressure settings, as this can damage the filter fabric. The goal is to remove loose debris like leaves, hair, and dirt.
4. Weekly Maintenance Rinse (Optional): For optimal performance, it’s recommended to give your filter a quick rinse with the hose at least once a week. This helps prevent buildup from accumulating in the first place.
5. Deep Cleaning with Solution (Monthly): For a deeper clean, which should be done at least once a month or whenever your filter appears clogged, fill your clean bucket with warm water and add the recommended amount of hot tub filter cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Submerge the filter completely in the solution and allow it to soak for the recommended time (usually 24 hours).
6. Post-Soak Scrub (Optional): After soaking, you can gently scrub the filter pleats with a soft rag or sponge to remove any stubborn grime. Avoid using abrasive brushes or cleaners, as these can damage the filter.
7. Final Rinse: Rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water from your garden hose until all cleaning solution residue is removed. You’ll know it’s clean when the rinse water runs clear.
8. Inspection Time: While the filter is still wet, take a moment to inspect it for any tears, rips, or permanent stains. If you notice significant damage, it’s time to replace the filter.
9. Drying and Replacement: Allow the clean filter to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before placing it back in the hot tub. Never reinstall a wet filter, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold growth.
10. Replacing Your Filter: Polyester or “paper” filter cartridges typically need to be replaced every 2-3 years depending on wear. Ceramic fiber filter cartridges need to be replaced every 4-6 years depending on wear.  These are just recommended timelines on regular use, but you can always clean your filters sooner if they become damaged or clogged beyond cleaning. Consult your hot tub manual for the recommended replacement schedule for your specific filter type.

Prolonging the Life of Your Filter

Taking care of your filter helps it work better and longer. Here are some tips that will help prolong the life of your hot tub filter.

• Shower Before Soaking: Taking a quick rinse before entering your hot tub helps minimize body oils, lotions, and other contaminants from entering the water and clogging the filter.
• Maintain Proper Water Chemistry: Balanced water chemistry is vital for filter performance. Regular testing and adjustments of sanitizer level, pH, and total alkalinity will help prevent excessive strain on your filter.
• Consider a Filter Cover: Using a filter cover can help trap some debris before it reaches the filter.