Having a clean and functioning hot tub or spa filter cartridge is an integral aspect if you are to maintain normal chemical levels in the pool water. Basically, cleaning and replacing the filters regularly is actually quite a simple task, but it goes a long way in preventing bacteria growth, which in turn prolongs the life and usability of individual components of the spa.

Talking of simple, we mean being as easy as remove, rinse, and finally, replace – easy, right? Well, let’s dive a little deeper into this and find out how you are supposed to clean your spa filters;

Removing the Filter

First and foremost, you need to locate the filter cartridge before anything else. Oftentimes, if you look closely, you will see the spa filter inside the spa system. It is mostly located inside the cradle, canister, or lid. But if you still don’t find it, just peruse your owner’s manual and try to locate it.

 
Now, after locating it, you will have to turn off the spa system before you remove it. You should also remember that, without the filter cartridge present, you should never attempt to run the spa. The reason being, to achieve filtration, the spa systems have to work together, so, with the filter missing, the filtration process won’t be complete.

Turn the filter counter clockwise. You need to do this both slowly and gently so as to prevent any damage. Now, as you rotate, check the filter to see if there are any bottom threads that might need to be unscrewed. After that, if the filter loosens, pull it up and out of its compartment.

As filters come in different styles, there are some that you can remove with a counter clockwise turn, but there are others that aren’t so easy to remove. Now, when you encounter such filters, you will need to consult the owner’s manual. If a gentle twist doesn’t loosen your filter, then grab your manual and peruse through the filter removal process.

Providing Monthly Cleaning

Take a large plastic bucket and fill it with water. Five gallons of water should be enough to fully clean a spa filter. The temperature of the water shouldn’t be of any concern to you as both hot and cold water can clean the surfaces well.
Mix in a mild cleanser - to determine the amount you need to add per gallon of water on your hot tub, just follow the instructional manual of the brand. What’s more, when it comes to cleaning your filter, you should never apply anything other than a filter cleanser.

There are those pool owners who decide to use detergents to clean the filters, but the truth of the matter is, the chemicals are quite harsh and they can easily damage the filters or alter the water chemistry.

Redo the weekly cleaning steps. Now, before treating the spa filter with a cleanser, you need to ensure that you protect the spa by switching it off and also inspecting whether the filter has been damaged. If you notice any lingering debris, use your hose-head cleaning wand to get rid of it.

Soak the filter – so, if you used hot water to clean the spa filter, you need to soak it for about an hour. But if you used cold water, let it soak overnight. Remember, while the filters are soaking, you need to keep your pool off. 

Use a cleaning wand to rinse the filter off. After soaking it, ensure that you rinse it thoroughly in order to remove any chemicals or debris remaining. When rinsing, be sure to hold the wand at an angle of 45-degrees so as to prevent it from spreading to the core. 

Clean your water – add cleansing chemicals to your spa water directly, following the sanitization instructions listed in the owner’s manual. The reason why this is important is that if you don’t follow those instructions, you will end up with an improperly cleaned filter and altered water chemistry, which promotes the growth of bacteria and algae, all of which are detrimental to your health. Moreover, excess residual damages the spa’s component, which in turn, shortens the useful life of the filters. 

Be patient – when it comes to cleaning the filter cartridges, patience is quite a crucial aspect so as to ensure that you eliminate as much debris as you can. What this means is that you need to take your time when cleaning them, and you will in turn lengthen your filter’s useful life. In addition, doing this will ensure that the next time you clean them, you will have a much easier time. 

Replacing your Filters

You need to ensure that the filter is white, which means that it has been thoroughly cleaned and free of debris. Don’t put back a coated or tinted black filter in a slimy residue. You should at least install a new filter every 1-3 years. So, it is actually a good idea to have an extra filter for when replacement becomes super necessary.

Put the filter into place – to replace a filter, just reverse the removal process. When sliding the filter back to its compartment, just twist it to the right.

Start your hot tub – after installing the filter, let the spa run for at least one complete cycle before you embark on using it. This ensures that any debris that may have been collected when filtration on your spa system wasn’t actively on is completely depleted.