How to Clean Hot Tub Filters

The debris and contaminants stuck in a hot tub filter can mix with water and lower the filter’s quality. If you sit in this type of water, it can not only impact your skin but may also lead to a lung infection. Plus, it may spoil your hot tub accessories.

For that reason, we recommend cleaning your hot tub filters regularly–in this post, we’ve shared a detailed guide on how to do that properly. Let’s dive in!

Structure of a Hot Tub Filter

Before you learn how to clean a hot tub filter, it’s essential to understand its structure. The following are the three major parts of a hot tub filter:

• Core: This is the major internal plastic structure that provides strength to the filter.
• Medium: This is the pleated structure around the core that acts as a filter. The folds increase the surface area and enable maximum filtration.
• End Caps: These structures connect the hot tub filter to the plumbing system.

Most hot tub filters are cartridge style, meaning you can easily remove them from the tub for replacement or cleaning purposes.

Three Ways to Clean Hot Tub Filters

There are many approaches to cleaning a hot tub filter–here are three ways you can do quick and deep hot tub filter cleaning:

Method 1: Rapid Rinse

This method is suggested as a weekly procedure because it is the quickest way to clean your filter. It is called the ‘rapid rinse’ method because it helps to get rid of large dirt particles quickly. 

• Step 1: Power off your hot tub by flipping the isolator switch.
• Step 2: Take the filter off.
• Step 3: Rinse the pleats inside and out with your hose.
• Step 4: Before reinstalling your filter in your spa, give it some time to dry.

Method 2: Using an Instant Filter Cleaner

If you use your hot tub quite frequently, this method is a better choice than a quick rinse. We recommend performing this filter cleaning technique at least once or twice every month. 

Note that you will also need a strong filter cleaner for this procedure that can quickly eliminate dirt and grease from your filter.

• Step 1: Turn off your hot tub by pressing the isolator switch.
• Step 2: Take your filter off.
• Step 3: Rinse your filter to get rid of big particles.
• Step 4: Wear protective gear and completely cover the filter area with a filter cleaner of your choice. 
• Step 5: Let the filter cleaner rest for at least ten to fifteen minutes. 
• Step 6: Use a soft brush for loosening and removing dirt particles with ease. 
• Step 7: Extremely dirty filters may require an additional wash or soak session.
• Step 9: Let everything dry before reinstalling the filter in your hot tub. 

Note: Refrain from using bleach as a filter cleaner. Although bleach works well when cleaning your hot tub’s exterior, it can harm the media fibers of your filter, reducing its lifespan.

Method 3: Filter Soaking

This method uses a degreasing solution. A degreasing solution can take some time to seep into the filter’s pleats, making this choice the most labor-intensive one–but it is a very effective way to clean your filter. 

We recommend repeating this method every three to four months. Some hot tub users even repeat this procedure once a month because they can use a clean, dry filter while they clean the dirty one.

• Step 1: Start by turning off your hot tub at the isolator switch.
• Step 2: Remove the filter from the hot tub.
• Step 3: Rinse your filter quickly to eliminate large dirt particles.
• Step 4: Pour a filter soak solution into a bucket according to the recommended dose on the package.
• Step 5: Allow the filter to soak for at least eight hours.
• Step 6: Make sure to thoroughly rinse your filter prior to putting it back. Otherwise, foaming will occur.
• Step 7: Allow the filter to dry completely before you put it back in the hot tub. 

Hot Tub Filter Cleaning Simplified

Cleaning your filters regularly not only makes them function more effectively but also allows them to last longer. We do recommend an annual filter replacement, especially if you use it a lot. It’s also a good idea to inspect your hot tub filters at least once or twice per month as slight mishandling could invalidate your warranty.

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