How To Clean a Hot Tub Filter (Step by Step)

Hot tub filters get clogged, and stop filtering the water properly. This guide will show you how to clean them out so that your hot tub is running smoothly as usual again.

How to clean a hot tub filter is a question that has been asked many times before. The “easy way to clean hot tub filter” is typically not an easy task, but it can be done in just a few steps.

Which Type of Hot Tub Do You Have?

The first question you must address before cleaning your hot tub filter is what kind of hot tub you have. To work effectively, several hot tub manufacturers need the use of the same type of filter. Some individuals choose various filtration symptoms for their hot tubs, which need the use of particular filters.

Types of Hot Tub Filters

How-To-Clean-a-Hot-Tub-Filter-Step-by-Step

In hot tubs, there are four distinct kinds of filters that may be employed. Filters for Cartridges, Filters made of ceramic, Filters made with sand, and Filters made with diatomaceous earth are among the options. Each of these filters has its own set of features that appeal to various types of hot tub users, and some function better than others.

Filters for Cartridges

These are the most popular and often used hot tub filters. Paper, cloth, or plastic are used to make them. These are constructed of pleated cloth sandwiched between two plastic circular ends that simply fit into the hot tub’s filter area. They are simple to clean and often include the complete filtering system in a single cartridge.

Filters made of ceramic

These filters are designed similarly to Filters for Cartridges, but they last considerably longer. If a ceramic filter is well-made and well-maintained, it can last for years before needing to be replaced. These filters are known to have layers of activated charcoal that add even more filtering protection.

Filters made with sand

Filters made with sand have become a more popular option for hot tub users that want a less chemical way to refresh their water. Typically, these filters are spherical and use sand to filter the water. They sit outside the hot tub and need to be cleaned very frequently. These filters, while popular for those who desire less chemicals in their hot tub, are not as effective at removing dirt as the other filters.

Filters made with diatomaceous earth

These filters are, surprisingly, almost as commonly used as Filters for Cartridges. They are similar to Filters for Cartridges with the way that they are set up, but the filtering device that is used is diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is the remains of fossilize diatoms that is ground into white powder and used as the filtration particle in this type of filter. Water is sent through the particles to remove bacteria and dirt.

What Kind of Filter Is in My Hot Tub?

Unless your hot tub requires a brand-specific filter, you may use whichever filter you like as long as it’s available in the size you need.

In-ground, portable, wooden, and other kinds of hot tubs are available. LED lighting, unique massage water jets, speakers, and other elements may be found in hot tubs. Because each hot tub is unique, appropriate maintenance requires specific consideration.

As with any new purchase, it’s a good idea to spend some time getting to know your hot tub. Make a mental note of the filter you’ll need. Find out which filter type is appropriate for your requirements. Check to see whether that filter is available in the size your hot tub requires.

How can I know if I need to clean my filter?

Ask your water or even your hot tub whether your hot tub filter needs to be cleaned if you’re not sure. Your water and tub may inform you when it’s time to clean your filter in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:

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Check to check whether your water is contaminated. Is it discolored or hazy in any way? Is there any debris in the water? Is your hot tub’s bottom covered with dirt?
Take note of how the water makes you feel on your skin. Water might become too soft or too hard if a filter isn’t working correctly. Is the water a little slick on your skin? Does it have a flaky texture? Dirty?
Check to see sure your jets are functioning correctly. Are they exerting the same amount of pressure? Are they making any strange noises? They might be blocked with unclean water if they aren’t performing correctly.
Remove the filter and examine the image. Is the filter clogged? Is it slimy or has it changed colors? If the filter is visibly filthy, this is the most apparent evidence that it needs to be cleaned.

The amount of time that has gone since your previous filter cleaning might also indicate if your filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

If it’s been more than two weeks since you last cleaned your filter, it’s time to do so. Your filter is generally not too filthy at this point, and it can usually be cleaned with a water hose.

If it’s been a month or more since you last cleaned your filter, it’s time to do so. Some filters may need replacement at this point, while others may just require a chemical cleaning to eliminate built-up residue. Make careful to fully rinse the filter after the chemical cleaning and allow it to dry completely before reusing it.

If it’s been a year or more since you last cleaned your filter, you almost certainly need to do so. If you have a ceramic filter, you may be able to clean it chemically and reuse it. Most filters, on the other hand, do not last this long. At this time, changing the filter is your best chance.

How Do I Clean My Hot Tub Filter Correctly?

Throughout the year, you will clean your hot tub filter in three distinct ways. To maintain your filter in good operating order, you’ll do weekly fast cleanups, Chemical Cleanups on a Monthly Basis, and Chemical Soakings on a Quarterly Basis.

A cartridge filter is provided as an example filter for the cleaning tips and procedures since it is the most regularly used filter.

Quick Cleanups Every Week

Remove your filter once a week and thoroughly rinse it with a water hose to ensure it is as clean as possible.

Take the following steps:

Remove the filter from the hot tub.
Activate your water hose.
Spray into all of the cracks in the filter and spread the pleats out with your hands.
With your hand, remove any big clumps of trash.
Rinse until there are no apparent evidence of residue left.
Before you use it, make sure it’s thoroughly dry.

Chemical Cleanups on a Monthly Basis

A chemical cleansing of your hot tub filter is required once a month. You’ll clean your filter using a water hose and a hot tub filter cleaner at this time. Chemical filter cleaners are available for purchase, or you may build your own.

Take the following steps:

Remove the filter from the hot tub.
Spray the chemical cleaning or your homemade cleaner concoction all over the filter.
Spread the pleats open and spray the cleaning into the crevices with care.
Allow the filter to soak for at least 15 minutes with the cleaner on it.
Rinse it well with the water hose after it has rested for a reasonable amount of time.
Make sure the filter is clean and free of visible debris and grime.
Rinse well.
Before utilizing the filter, make sure it’s totally dry.

Chemical Soakings on a Quarterly Basis

You should give your hot tub filter a chemical treatment every 3 to 4 months throughout the year. This is frequently done at the same time as changing the water in your hot tub since it is more convenient to do the most time-consuming maintenance tasks at the same time. Please keep in mind that this is an overnight procedure.

Take the following steps:

Remove the filter from the hot tub.
Fresh water should be used to rinse the filter.
Immerse the hot tub filter completely in a diluted chemical cleaning solution. Make careful to follow the directions on the chemical cleaning solution container or double-check the measurements if you’re making your own.
Allow the filter to soak in this solution for at least one night. If necessary, place something over the filter to weigh it down.
Remove the filter the following day and rinse it with a water hose.
Ensure that all debris and visible dirt has been removed.
Rinse well. Make sure that all chemical solution has been rinsed from the filter.
Before reinstalling the filter, let it dry fully.

For a clean filter and a healthy hot tub atmosphere, these three cleaning procedures are essential. Make a note of if your hot tub needs a varied filter cleaning and replacement schedule depending on the kind of hot tub you have.

The whole idea of having a hot tub is to be able to rest in peace while knowing you’re in clean, filtered water. You can’t enjoy this pleasure without a well maintained hot tub filter since you don’t know what you’re sitting in.

What is the best way to make my own chemical cleaning solution?

Making your own cleaning solution is straightforward, whether you want to use as little chemicals as possible in your hot tub or just like DIY projects. Cleaning your hot tub filters may be done using a variety of homemade cleaning solutions.

TSP (Technical Support Personnel)

5 liters of boiling water + 1 cup TSP (Trisodium Phosphate).

Solution of White Vinegar

Combine 3 cups white vinegar and 5 gallons of water in a large mixing bowl.

Dishwashing Detergent

Mix 1 cup of Dishwashing Detergent with 5 gallons of hot water.

Muriatic Acid is a kind of muriatic acid that is (for heavy calcium deposits)

1 gallon of cold water plus 1 cup muriatic acid

Solution of Bleach

5 gallons of boiling water with 14 cup bleach

Solution of Sea Salt (organic option)

5 liters of hot water + 1 whole bag of sea salt

Do Not:

Filters for hot tubs should be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Using a pressure washer, clean the hot tub filters.
To clean a hot tub filter, use laundry detergent.
To clean a hot tub filter, use diatomaceous earth.

Tips & Tricks for a Perfectly Clean Filter

A dirty filter may be caused by a variety of circumstances. Not only does the hot tub filter debris from the air and people, but the water type – whether soft or hard – may also determine how frequently a filter should be cleaned.

These pointers will help you get the clearest filter possible:

Make sure your filters are totally dry before reinstalling them in your hot tub. Filters that are still moist, particularly those that have been cleaned with chemical treatments, might leak residue into your hot tub. It might make the water in your hot tub froth and irritate your skin.
You may work with two filters to save time and ensure that your hot tub always has a properly clean filter. Rotate the filters, putting the clean one in when the dirty one is removed to be cleaned. This gives you extra time to clean your filter and ensures that the filters are completely dry before reinstalling them in the hot tub.
Calcium deposits can rapidly build up on your filter due to hard water. It’s possible that cleaning filters with this kind of water will be very tough. To assist reduce the calcium deposits, you may need to replace your filter more often or treat your water with a water softener.
Replacing your hot tub filters at least once a year is a reasonable rule of thumb. If the hot tub is not used often, certain filters may survive more than a year.
Each time you clean the filter, take a good look at it. If you find any cracks or damage to the filter, it may be time to replace it.
When you clean your hot tub filter, don’t forget to clean the unit that holds it. This is significant since a clean home will help the filter last longer.
Test your water quality on a regular basis to check whether it has altered. Water testing might reveal trouble spots in your hot tub. For example, the presence of too many chemicals might indicate that you haven’t been adequately washing your filters.
Skim your hot tub on a regular basis to catch larger debris that might get into the filter and cause problems.

Where to Buy Filter Parts in the U.S.

There are particular firms that create the finest of the best in specialized hot tub components and appliances if you ever need parts for your filter or hot tubs.

For these items, look into the following companies:

Name-brand goods and high-quality cleansers are available at Jacuzzi.
Hayward is a company that cleans canisters, filter nozzles, hoses, and pipelines.
Replacement filter nozzles, temperature gauges, plugs, and pipes are available from Tork.
Unicel is a brand of classic filter cartridges and filter covers.
Filber for replacing filter cartridges and filter cleaning solution
Filter cartridge replacements using Aqua Kleen
Pleatco is a company that sells replacement filter cartridges.
Sundance Spas for filter cartridge replacements, Filters made of ceramic, sanitizers, and jet replacements

The Bottom Line on Filtration Systems for Hot Tubs

Hot tub filtration systems may seem complex, but they are only a collection of components that work together to safely and consistently pump your water.

Suction and pressure filter systems are the two kinds of filter systems. Suction kinds are more popular, and they’re also simpler to keep up with. Older hot tubs frequently have pressure sorts, which don’t need as much upkeep. Their upkeep, on the other hand, might be challenging.

The word “filtration cycle” refers to the water’s cycle as it passes through the filter. To maintain the clearest water, you’ll need a powerful circulation pump. The whole hot tub is controlled by a control system, and some even regulate the filtration cycle. This is useful since it allows you to vary the filtration cycles based on the number of persons in the hot tub.

To sum it up…

It’s fairly easy to clean a hot tub filter. There are a variety of methods to tailor your cleaning processes, as well as a variety of hot tub filter alternatives. This enables people who are environmentally conscious as well as those with sensitive skin to have a relaxing hot tub experience.

To ensure that a hot tub lasts, it must be maintained on a regular basis. The filter maintenance is the same whether you have a built-in hot tub or a soft-sided inflatable portable hot tub.

The “clean hot tub filter with dish soap” is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a hot tub filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to turn off hot tub to clean filter?

A: No, you do not have to turn off the hot tub.

How do you clean a hot tub filter naturally?

A: In order to clean the filter of a hot tub, you will want to remove it from your system, then wash and rinse thoroughly under water. You can also use baking soda or vinegar in place of soap.

How often do you clean hot tub filters?

A: I do not understand your question. Please provide more detail in the form of a question that you would like me to answer.

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How To Clean a Hot Tub Filter (Step by Step)

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Which Type of Hot Tub Do You Have?