Your hot tub filter does a lot of work behind the scenes.
It captures dirt, hair, body oils, lotions, pollen, and other tiny bits of debris every time water circulates through it. Thus, a filter is a key element of keeping your water clean and making the hot tub function well.
But how often should you clean your hot tub filter?
For most tubs, it is recommended to rinse the filter about once a week and to give it a more thorough cleaning once a month. However, heavy use can increase the frequency of filter maintenance, and most cartridge filters will eventually need to be replaced.
Of course, every hot tub is unique. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on filter maintenance.
Here at Sunset Spas, we offer our clients much more than a choice of spa models – proper maintenance is essential for enjoying your tub for years.
Quick Answer: How Often Should You Clean a Hot Tub Filter?
Here is a simple filter maintenance plan:
- Rinse: About once a week
- Deep cleaning: Every 4 to 6 weeks
- Inspection: Every time you clean it
- Replacement: Often every 12 to 24 months, or earlier if it is damaged
Heavier hot tub use requires more frequent filter cleaning.
For example, if several people use your spa frequently, you may have to rinse it more often than once a week.
The same applies to parties and other occasions of heavy use.
Why Your Hot Tub Filter Gets Dirty
The water in your tub may seem clean, but each user adds some things to it.
Those can include:
- Body oils
- Sweat
- Lotions
- Sunscreen
- Hair products
- Cosmetics
- Dirt
- Dust
Outdoor hot tubs attract pollen, leaves, insects, and any other bits of debris the wind brings.
Spas in Arizona and Nevada can easily accumulate plenty of dust outdoors, even under the cover.
The filter catches most of those elements before the water circulates again through the spa.
But there is only so much the filter can hold.
Why a Dirty Hot Tub Filter Matters
Dirty filter is more than a cosmetic problem.
As the debris accumulates between filter pleats, the water finds it more difficult to flow through the cartridge.
That can reduce water circulation.
Bad circulation affects the efficiency of the filtration process and spa water management system.
Besides, reduced water flow can place additional strain on your hot tub pumps and other equipment.
Thus, filter cleaning is not only about keeping the water clear.
It is a part of protecting your tub.
Rinse Your Hot Tub Filter About Once a Week
Filter rinsing is an easy maintenance task for your hot tub.
First of all, turn the spa off according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Next, take the filter out and rinse the cartridge using a garden hose.
Do it from top to bottom, turning the cartridge as you go, to rinse all surfaces of it.
You don’t need high pressure here.
Actually, high pressure may damage filter material. Just rinse the filter gently.
Then inspect the cartridge before putting it back into the spa.
Look Between the Filter Pleats
Do not rinse only the outer surface of the filter.
Most of the dirt is hidden inside, between pleats.
Gently spread them apart to rinse the inner surface of the cartridge.
You’ll be surprised to see how much dirt gets out of a filter that seems pretty clean.
That is also the moment to inspect the filter for damage.
Look for tears in the fabric, flattening of pleats, cracks, damaged end caps or other structural issues.
If the filter shows signs of damage, cleaning will probably not help.
Give the Filter a Deeper Cleaning Every Month
A quick rinse clears out the loose dirt.
However, it will not wash off body oils, lotions, sunscreen, and other sticky substances stuck to filter material.
That is where deep cleaning helps.
To clean many cartridge filters, it is recommended to use special spa filter cleaners once every four to six weeks.
Follow the instructions on the filter cleaner bottle and in your spa owner’s manual.
Some cleaners require short soaking period. Others require longer soak.
After deep cleaning, rinse the filter thoroughly and install it back to the tub.
Do Not Use Household Cleaners
Using a dish soap, bleach or any other household cleaner may seem like an easy solution.
But do not use them unless your spa manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Such products may damage your filter material and leave residues behind.
Soap residues create another problem – foam.
Once soap gets into a spa, removing foam can be a difficult task.
So, spend just a bit more on the filter cleaner and you’ll save yourself from an irritating water-care issue.
Clean the Filter More Often During Heavy Use
Usually, the maintenance schedule works perfectly for you.
Then you have six people in the tub on Saturday evening.
That’s not the same story.
The more users there are in a hot tub, the more dirt and lotions they bring there.
Thus, pay more attention to the filter after any heavy use of the tub.
You may also need to clean it more often if:
- You use the tub every day
- Several family members use the tub often
- You entertain guests often
- Sunscreen use is widespread among spa users
- There is much wind and dust
- The water has become cloudy recently
Let the state of the filter show you when you should clean it.
Arizona and Las Vegas Dust Will Affect Filter Cleaning
Climate also plays a role.
Sunset Spas sells its products to homeowners in Arizona and Las Vegas, where dust can become a part of everyday life.
The wind can carry it across patios and backyards. Pollen and debris from the garden can also get into the spa.
A good cover prevents most of it.
However, you need to clean your filter regularly anyway.
If it becomes dirty sooner than usual, clean it.
There is no point in postponing the cleaning due to some schedule.
What Signs Show Your Hot Tub Filter Needs Cleaning?
Sometimes the spa gives you signs of the filter being dirty.
These can include:
- Cloudy water
- Slow water flow
- Weak circulation
- Visible dirt on the cartridge
- Dark and dirty filter pleats
- Reappearing water-care problems
However, do not wait until you notice the symptoms.
Routine maintenance is much easier than dealing with water problems caused by the overloaded filter.
When Should You Replace Your Hot Tub Filter?
Cleaning increases the filter’s longevity, but a cartridge doesn’t last forever.
With regular care, many cartridge filters last around 1-2 years.
But some factors can make it less.
You’ll have to replace the filter sooner if you notice signs of damage to it.
Look for:
- Tears in filter material
- Cracks in plastic
- Flattened pleats
- Fuzziness
- Staining that won’t come off
- A dirty filter even after a thorough cleaning
- Flow problems even after cleaning
An old filter might look like a filter but do its job badly.
In this case, the filter replacement is better than risking the whole spa.
Consider Having a Backup Filter for Hot Tub
Having a backup filter can simplify your maintenance procedure.
While one of your filters requires cleaning or soaking, you can install the clean one to the tub.
Then you can thoroughly clean the dirty one and leave it to dry, if required by the type of the filter.
Using two filters alternately also helps keeping on schedule.
But do not forget that both filters need periodic cleaning and replacement sooner or later.
Clean Filters Make Water Care Easy
Water chemistry and filtration work together.
While your sanitizer takes care of microorganisms in water, the filter catches the dirt and debris.
But once the filter is overloaded with dirt and oils, water management becomes much harder.
Thus, if you have difficulty clearing your cloudy water despite having a proper chemistry, check your filter.
Hot Tub Filter Cleaning Is Only a Part of Maintenance
Clean filter is important, but it is not the only maintenance task.
Hot tub owners should:
- Test the water regularly
- Maintain proper sanitizer levels
- Balance pH and alkalinity
- Clean waterline
- Clean the cover
- Drain and refill the spa as recommended
- Inspect the equipment periodically
Routine maintenance makes all those tasks much easier.
Instead of waiting until something goes wrong, try to complete small tasks regularly.
Stick to the Maintenance Plan for Your Hot Tub
All hot tubs are not the same.
Some have more than one cartridge. Others have different types of filters or additional filtration equipment.
Due to that, the maintenance plan specified in the owner’s manual should always come first.
Use filter care guidelines as a base and adjust them to your specific hot tub, filter, and use pattern.
If you have any doubts about the type of filter your hot tub uses and its maintenance, ask a specialist.
Get Your Hot Tub Ready for Use Any Time You Need It
Nobody buys a hot tub to have an additional chore to do at home.
But maintaining your hot tub filter doesn’t take much time.
Just rinse it regularly, give it a thorough cleaning now and then, inspect it for wear, and replace when required.
Sunset Spas offers premium-quality hot tubs and swim spas, maintenance products and replacement parts for them, and also maintenance services for spa owners.
Whether you need a new spa or need help with your existing one, filter maintenance is one of the easiest ways to keep it ready for your next soaking.
