There are endless benefits to owning a hot tub or spa. These can include family recreation, relaxation, muscle therapy, and much more. Most hot tubs have a life span of 10-12 years. The majority of hot tubs are located outdoors, and climate can have a large impact on its lifespan. Spas and hot tubs located near the ocean tend to become corroded by salt air, and spas located in very humid regions tend to rot out the cabinets and framing faster. Climate location aside, the number one most destructive source of damage is due to improper maintenance. Poor chemical maintenance, dirty filters, and unrepaired leaks will severely limit your hot tub’s lifespan. It is important to note that Chemical Maintenance is the most important of all, as it has a direct impact on whether the spa is safe to use. It has a very detrimental effect on the hot tub itself when chemicals are left unbalanced. Good chemical balance is what keeps the water from becoming corrosive, kills bacteria and viruses, etc. In this guide, however, we will focus on the importance of a clean filter as it relates to water quality, and the health of your hot tub, how to clean your cartridge, and when to replace it. For help with chemical maintenance, see our guide “Chemical Maintenance for a Safe and Healthy Hot Tub”
One of the biggest issues we come across in the Spa industry is misinformation to the consumer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spoken to homeowners and given advice on care and maintenance just to hear them tell me “No one has ever told me that before!” So today I’m here to set the record straight. Let’s begin with why a clean filter is so important.
The benefits of a clean spa filter cartridge:
Clean, sparkling water in your spa at hot tub
No one wants to bathe in water that is cloudy, has particulates floating around, etc. A dirty cartridge cannot filter out organic debris, contaminates, dirt or grime.
Less pressure on your spa and hot tub equipment
A clogged or dirty cartridge will make it difficult for water to flow through the system. This can make it extremely hard for your pump to do its job. The spa may not be able to successfully complete its programmed filter cycles. Due to decreased flow, the spa may also incur flow errors that will cause it to shut itself down and cease all operation. It will also prematurely wear down your pump. As it must work harder, the pump motor will heat up. This condition can cause plastic components to warp, and seals to become damaged and leak. When pump seals leak, you run the risk of water infiltrating the pump motor and causing the pump to need replacing. This can be extremely costly and is usually avoidable.
Peace of mind for all spa and hot tub owners
There’s no feeling quite like getting into a hot tub you know is well maintained, safe, and clean. It’s hard to fully enjoy the benefits of a hot tub or spa if in the back of your mind, you question just how clean the water really is.
When to clean the filter cartridge of your spa or hot tub?
It would be great if there was one standard rule on when you should clean your cartridge. We do have guidelines on timeframes, however these may not always apply in every situation. Factors such as bather load, outside conditions, bather cleanliness, and chemical maintenance will play a part in how often you need to conduct a cartridge cleaning. A hot tub that is used by just a couple of people 2-3 times a week will need to be cleaned and replaced less often than a tub that is used by 8 people 5 times a week. Special circumstances such as a party where many people use the spa would require a cleaning immediately after.
Bi-Weekly standard cleaning of your spa
For normal usage by 2-4 people 2-3 times a week, it is recommended that you remove the filter and conduct a standard cleaning every 2 weeks (See standard cartridge clean).
Quarterly deep cleaning of your spa
It is recommended under normal use to conduct a drain and refill on your hot tub every 3 months (quarterly), this is the perfect time to conduct a deep cleaning on your filter cartridge (See deep cartridge clean).
Special circumstances needing the cleaning of the filter cartridge of your spa
- It is recommended that a cartridge cleaning is conducted after the following situations have occurred…
- Parties and gatherings where an abnormal amount of bathers are using the tub.
- Visual inspection shows a fair amount of debris, staining or other conditions.
- Unusual amount of organic debris in the water from outside weather conditions.
- Persons with poor hygiene have used the spa.
- Chemical maintenance has caused an unsanitary condition, undissolved chemical residue, or algae has become present.
- Bodily fluids, excrement, or other such undesirable substances have entered the water. (Following a full drain, clean, refill, and chemical balancing).
- Any noticeable decrease in flow, flow-related errors, etc.
When to replace the filter cartridge of your spa?
A common rule on when you should stop trying to clean or revitalize your filter cartridge and fully replace it is Yearly. Every year purchase a new cartridge and dispose of the old one. This is a good rule to live by and certainly a timeframe you should never exceed. I would argue however, that as with cleaning, certain similar circumstances may help you to decide to replace it sooner…
Inspection of the cartridge shows damage of any kind such as holes, torn pleats, cracked top or bottom, and stripped threads or broken handles.
Dirty Filter Cartridge
Unusually high bather load for extended periods. Consistantly high bather loads require replacement every 4-6 months or sooner depending on usage.
Inability to remove staining or other residue from pleats.
Pleats become abnormally wide or material becomes “fuzzy”.
Clean Filter Cartridge
How to clean the filter cartridge of your spa or hot tub?
There are 2 basic ways to clean your filter cartridge. First is the Standard Cleaning, usually conducted every 2-4 weeks, and the Deep Cleaning that should be done Quarterly to every 6 months depending on conditions and usage. See below for step-by-step instructions for both methods.
1. Shut down the circuit breaker that powers the spa.
2. Be mindful of the location you choose to clean your cartridge, as staining, residual chemical residue, etc., can occur.
3. No cleaning solutions or products are necessary for a standard cleaning; however no harm will come if you decide to use one. Just be sure to apply it after an initial cleaning. Always remove debris with just clean water before using cleaning products.
4. Remove filter cartridge from the skimmer or filter canister.
5. Hook up a garden hose with a filter cleaning wand. (Fig.1) You can also use a standard or adjustable garden hose nozzle; however, the process may take longer and not be as thorough. Cartridge cleaning wands are designed specifically to penetrate between the pleats and make the job faster and easier.
6. Position your cleaning wand an inch away or right up against the pleats (depending on brand and type of wand) If using a high-pressure nozzle, position 2-6 inches away depending on water pressure. Spraying with too much water pressure can and will damage the pleats of the cartridge and decrease its effectiveness and lifespan. (Fig.2)
... Cartridge Cleaning Wand in action (Fig. 2)
7. Proceed to spray into the pleats moving slowly from top to bottom vertically. Be sure to turn the cartridge slightly once one vertical row is complete. Repeat until the entire cartridge has been finished. (Fig.3)
Fig. 3
8. Next spray horizontally from side to side, turning the cartridge after each section is completed. Continue until entire cartridge is finished.
9. Inspect the cartridge closely and repeat if necessary, it is ok to gently spread the pleats to be sure you have removed all debris.
10. If you decide to use a cleaning solution or filter wash (Fig.4), this is the point at which you would apply it. Pour solution around the perimeter of the top of the filter and allow to penetrate the pleats. If you are using a spray bottle, be sure to cover every square inch. Let sit for 30 seconds to one minute, then rinse the solution out completely. Be sure to use a non-foaming product designed specifically for spa filter cleaning applications only.
11. If possible, let the filter completely dry out before reinstalling.
Tech Tip
Purchasing two filters for your spa is beneficial. This will allow you to always have a clean dry cartridge on hand and ready to go. It will also allow you to only need to buy replacements every two years.
Deep cleaning procedure of the filter cartridge of your spa or hot tub
It is recommended to change your water (Drain, fill, Chemical balance) every 3 months, this is the perfect time to conduct a deep cleaning on your filter cartridge. You must always start with a standard cleaning to remove all dirt, grime, and debris from the pleats. After that, it’s basically just the act of soaking the filter overnight in a filter clean solution. See below…
1. Follow steps 1-9 from the Standard Cleaning Procedure above.
2. Fill a bucket with an approved non-foaming cleaning solution (Fig.1). Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging, you may need to dilute the cleaner, or it may be ready to go. Using an undiluted cleaner that is supposed to be mixed with water could be harmful to the cartridge and lower its lifespan.
3. Simply place the cartridge into the solution and let it sit for the recommended amount of time (usually overnight or up to 24 hours (Fig.2). Again, be sure to read the instructions provided on the cleaning solution label.
Fig. 2
4. After the soak time is complete, remove filter from the solution and rinse thoroughly. Discard cleaning solution responsibly.
5. Allow filter to fully dry out before reinstalling in your spa or replace with clean dry spare.
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