A hot tub filter keeps your water clean and healthy, while relieving the strain on the equipment in your spa. However, like any device that requires regular upkeep, your filter can become dirty over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep it spotless and ready for use again.

1. Quick Rinse:

This is the quickest way to clean your filter, and should be done weekly. Utilize your hose to rinse away pleats and debris inside of the filter; however, note that this won’t provide a deep clean; only large debris will be removed.

2. Rinse:

This can be accomplished by spraying your filter with cleaner and allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with your hose. While this method works great for keeping your filter fresh, it may not be suitable for heavily soiled filters.

3. Bleach:

For dirtier filters or those that haven’t been cleaned in some time, a bleach-and-water mixture can be effective at cleaning them. However, be careful as this mixture may damage the fibers of pleated material and reduce their capacity for filtering contaminants away, leading to less efficient performance overall.

4. Laundry Detergent:

Some spa professionals suggest soaking your filter in laundry detergent to break down and destroy scum and bacteria buildup. Rinse it thoroughly with water, then air-dry it completely before placing it back in your hot tub.

5. Chemical Soak:

This option should be done four times a year to maximize your filter’s effectiveness, and usually done at the same time you change your spa’s water. Most spa dealerships sell an easy-to-make chemical soak solution that keeps your filter in top condition.

When cleaning your filter with bleach solution, laundry detergent or another product, always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Failure to do so could leave your spa’s water dirty, unbalanced and even hazardous for people and pets.

6. Rotate Your Filters:

A hot tub filter can become clogged with body oils, lotions, soaps and mineral deposits from hard water that require routine cleanings to remove. To reduce clogging, rotate your filters so you don’t have to wait until each set has been thoroughly cleaned. This will allow for faster access to the spa when done.

7. Never Use Power Washers/Dishwashers/Scrub Brushes to Clean Hot Tub Filters

Power washers, dishwashers or scrub brushes shouldn’t be used when cleaning hot tub filters as they can weaken fabric and cause pleats to tear. Also avoid scalding water when doing this task.

8. No-Dry Water Quality:

If your water is especially hard, calcium deposits can be an issue. Not only do these make it difficult to remove debris from your filter, but they may actually shorten its life expectancy if not treated with a softener or other similar product that reduces calcium buildup on the inside of the filter. This issue arises especially if there is no softener present that helps reduce calcium accumulation on filters.

If you need any assistance when cleaning your hot tub filter, Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen is more than happy to assist you. They will make sure all of your hot tub requirements are taken care of promptly and accurately.