How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter? [+ 5 Maintenance Tips]

Owning a hot tub certainly has its perks, offering plenty of fun and relaxation. But, if you don’t take care of your hot tub and keep it clean, all of that will go down the drain. Cleaning your hot tub filter is an important task to not only keep the tub sanitary but also extend the time you’ll have to enjoy it.

We’ve created an easy “How To Clean a Hot Tub Filter” guide where we’re going to take a look at how to get the filter cleaning job done as well as how to know when it’s time for a filter replacement.

Why Is It Important to Clean My Hot Tub Filter?

Think of your hot tub filter as a screen that gets rid of all the dirt as water flows through. If you don’t clean the filter, the dirt and oils it traps can make their way into your water. When the filter is clean, it removes dirt and oils better, keeping your water clearer.  

How Often Should I Clean My Hot Tub Filter?

While you don’t have to do a deep clean of the hot tub filter every time you use it, you should rinse the filter at least every two weeks to remove things like leaves and hair. If you use your hot tub frequently, you’ll want to do that more often.

When you rinse the filter, the debris flushes out, but filters can still get clogged with lotions, soaps, and body oils. That’s why you should deep clean the hot tub filter by soaking and rotating it every 3-4 months or every time you change the water. Although you clean the filter regularly, the water should also be changed periodically to keep it free from bacteria and other harmful contaminants. 

How Do I Clean My Hot Tub Filter?

Since all hot tubs are made differently, check your owner’s manual for how to remove the filter first. Once you have it out, you’ll want to get your filter sprayer nozzle ready. If you don’t have one of those, a standard garden hose will do. Position it at a 45-degree angle to clean between the grooves. This will help to get debris that is inside the filter.

5 Hot Tub Filter Maintenance Tips

1. Consider Using Filter Sprays

You may also want to look into filter sprays for a more thorough cleaning job. These allow you to clean deeper without having to soak the entire filter. There are also different hose attachments that allow you to really get into the grooves of the filter as well as core cleaners that get to the inside of the filter. The cleaner you can get the filter, the cleaner the water will be. This will provide the healthiest experience.

2. Use The Proper Tools

It’s important to have the right tools to clean your hot tub filter because the wrong ones can permanently damage the filter or the hot tub itself, resulting in costly replacements. Never use a power washer, scrub brushes, or scalding water. Using these can end up breaking or weakening parts of the filter.

3. Use Proper Chemicals in The Tub

When you soak the filter every 3-4 months, you’ll want to fill a tub with water and a cleaner specifically made for the purpose. Let it soak overnight before rinsing it. Let the filter dry thoroughly to prevent any mold from growing.

4. Use Cleaning Products Designed For Specific Tasks

You always want to use cleaning products made specifically for the filter. Substituting with household cleaners can damage the filters and your hot tub.

5. Have Multiple Filters

It’s a good idea to have two filters so that you can rotate them. Put the clean filter in while the other one is soaking. This way you can continue to enjoy your hot tub through the cleaning process. Plus, you can cut down on wear and tear because you’re not using the same filter continuously. 

The only time you don’t have to soak the filter every 3-4 months is if you are using disposable microfilters. These only need to be rinsed bi-weekly.

How Do I Know I Should Replace My Hot Tub Filter?

Although cleaning your filter regularly can help it to function better, eventually, it will need to be replaced because it won’t be able to do its job efficiently. It’s recommended to replace the filter annually. Sometimes you need to do it more frequently if your spa is used heavily. 

If you are rinsing and soaking it when you should and you notice the water is not as clear as it should be or you notice debris, those are usually good signals that it’s time for a new filter. Here are some other red flags that a new hot tub filter is in your future:

• Broken, loose, or missing bands
• Cracked end caps
• Fuzzy fabric on the filter pleats
• Pleats separating or sticking together
• A persistent odor or staining after you clean

Ignoring any of those signs can impact how well your hot tub functions and ultimately, your overall health. Remember, keeping your hot tub filter clean is one of the most important things you can do to be able to enjoy your hot tub for years to come.

Epic Hot Tubs is the Premier Hot Tub Dealer in NC

Epic Hot Tubs offers low-maintenance hot tubs for sale in North Carolina. You can shop our hot tubs for sale in Raleigh and Durham today or request a virtual appointment at 888-884-3742 or fill out the form below to get started.

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