Hot Tub Filters

All hot tubs and spas require regular maintenance with one of the most important elements being the filters. Unsurprisingly they can become clogged up and although rinsing them can help, eventually you will need to buy new ones.

Your Questions About Hot Tub Filters

What is the best way to clean a hot tub filter?

The Sage answers:

Hello,

www.unicel.com is the leading manufacture of filters and they have an excellent step by step guidelines. We also use Pleatco for some of our replacements for some hot tubs we work on. Absolutely use a filter cleaner, let it sit and soak, then spray it off with a hose. We do take the hose and spray from the inside out and we use a bucket with a few tablespoons of TSP (tri-sodium phosphate - from Lowe's) to neutralize the mild acid that was used to clean the filter. If you just use water you are not properly cleaning it and getting the built up calcium chloride that is restricting the waters flow thereby decreasing the life of your tub or swimming pools motor. There's a great new spray on filter cleaner that only needs ten minutes to work well. Most of my customers use a quart of filter cleaner in the smallest bucket to fit the filter and fill the rest with water and let it soak in it overnight then rinse it the next day, keeping the liquid for up to six months, by using a lid. A great way to save money. Ideally you have two sets of filters and let one set soak and then dry and use the other set and switch them out every month. But that's an ideal world.

Maria asks…

why is my hot tub filter slimy?

Well kept hot tub. Temperature dropping in winter weather and filter/basket slimy-gummed up.

The Sage answers:

Over time, the filter will collect layers upon layers of contaminants. Body oil, dead skin cells, etc. The filter will have to be shocked with a dose of chlorine and then washed in the top shelf of your dishwasher. As for the temp drop, do you have an insulated cover for the hot tub. Mine drops quickly as soon as I remove the cover.

Daniel asks…

whats wrong with my hot tub filter?

yesterday i cleaned the hot tub and today we filled it and is now letting it heat but we did not get a new filter... we used the hot tub a long time a go but only once so we thought the filter would work but there it this white chippy stuff in the hot tub and it wont filter.... is the filter not working because we let it sit too long? or is that not the problem?

The Sage answers:

Honey is right about the calcium precipitating, but if it's not being filtered, it's because its to heavy to get drawn into the filter. You could try to get it out with a net, but usually it doesn't work very well. What I do is to get a garden hose and start it siphoning by putting one end deep into the spa and putting my thumb over the end once it is as far in as I can reach. Then I lift it up to near the top with out taking it out and the water and it will begin to siphon. I then use the siphoning hose to suck up the "white chippy stuff". It works well, and you don't need harsh chemicals or expensive equipment.

Ken asks…

How to prime a sand filter in a commercial hot tub?

Having trouble filling hot tub with sand filter. when you turn the pump on it's draining the water instead of filtering it. Please help!

The Sage answers:

Look for a valve somewhere, it's probably not an obvious valve, it may even be on the top of the filter itsself, but there is a valve somewhere.

William asks…

where to buy a type of hot tub filter assembly?

I'm looking to buy a replacement floating weir filter assembly. Not just the filter, the entire assembly.
If you click on this url and scroll down until you see "Floating Weir Water Skimmer", you'll see what I mean.
http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Belize-Oval-II-Spa-P917C307.aspx

Anyone have an idea of where to purchase such a thing?

The Sage answers:

You can buy the product from amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=wherebuy09-321-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

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What is the easiest way to clean my hot tub filters?  

I am looking for the best cleaning type mix to soak my hot tub filters in so the grime gets dissolved.

The Sage answers:

Make a mild solution of water and automatic dishwasher detergent (low suds). Soak them a while and rinse thoroughly to remove the detergent. By the way, if you let them dry thoroughly before soaking they will come cleaner. Seems the fabric “fluffs” when dried, letting the soap solution penetrate better.

Paul asks…

Whats the best way to clean hot tub filters?

I have tried a few different things… The chemical soak seems to be the best, but I am wondering if there is a better way.

The Sage answers:

The chemical soakers recommended by your hot tub mfgr. Should work just fine.

Helen asks…

Looking for Eco Pur filters for MasterSpa Hot Tub?

I want to buy Eco Pur filters for my LSX 1050
Master Spa Hot tub on-line and I can’t find a web site. Can you help me?

The Sage answers:

Your not going to like this answer….but they are worthless! Go for a regular Pleatco or Unicel. The eco part is not worth the extra cost. Go ahead and get a “Frog” stick or floater for the mineral.

—former masterspa dealer….

George asks…

Hot tub filter housing discoloration?

I have an older hot tub (built in 1994) that has Jacuzzi brand hot tub filter housings that have discolored to a yellowish tan color. Does anyone know of a way (easy, without having to remove them) to brighten them up?

The Sage answers:

Your seen EVA yellowing; Formation of discoloring chromosomes in non-virgin vinyl products that has no protection additives.
It is a nature event with really nothing you can do now but know it’s happening. Over time it will become brittle and easy to break. Until it starts being a problem and it’s out of sight, let it be out of mind as well.
Over the past few years I been replacing a great number of windows in homes because of the same events, but in my case it is a sore eye to the whole community.
You might contact the manufacture, many may have a solution or replacement part.

Donald asks…

hot tube repairs, what can be used to clean a hot tub filter?

Is there a home solution one can use to clean a hot tube filter besides using the expensive commercial solutions?

The Sage answers:

Lowes sell a great filter cleaner for around $6.00.
I guess you could just remove the filters and flush it out w/clean water.Then soak in a tub of water with bleach for 2 to 3 hours.Flush again w/clean water reinstall.
Depending on the use and number of people using the tub.
I change my water & clean filters every 6 weeks.
Make sure that the chemincals are satisfactory at each use

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Welcome to our website. The following information is designed to help you shop for the best hot tub filters available today at the cheapest prices. Looking after the hot tub filters is a necessity if you want to keep the water clean and safe.

This amazing device cleans your hot tub of hair, algae, bacteria, dead skin, leaves, bugs and any other debris that gets flushed through it. Below you will find three different types of filter, all with different advantages:-

Spa-N-A-Box Spa or Hot Tub Filters: Priced at $29.95 with a shipping weight of 1 lb. This four pack will only fit where the filters are located in the spa and not the pump.

Sundance Hot Tub Filters or Spa Filters: Priced at $54.42 with a shipping weight of 5.9 lbs. Filter measurements are 8.5" x 18.25" x 2.625".

Sand Filters: The sand and gravel contained in these hot tub filters removes the dirt as the water is pushed through. Microscopic particles can be missed though and after a few years you will probably need to top the filter up with a special type of sand. 

Cartridge Filters: The most common used filter, which contains a pleated mesh (usually Dacron), so tightly folded, it allows a large area to be used in a small container. It’s this clever mesh that catches the dirt and debris. 

Diatomaceous Earth Filters: Another mesh which is coated with diatomaceous earth (crushed petrified bones).  It’s important to run the hot tub for at least an hour every day regardless of whether it is being used or not. This should be enough time for the filter to do its job and ensures good water circulation.

Replacement of your hot tub filter will depend on how large it is, how often you clean it, how much the hot tub is used and how much dirt gets into the water. On average allow one to two years before changing it.        

At least once a month clean the hot tub filter using hot tub filter cleaner, (never use any soap based cleaners), and replace it with a spare one. The reason for this is that the filter has to dry first to allow the fibres to bind together so having a spare is vital. This process may be required more frequently if the hot tub has a lot of usage. Signs of reduced circulation and inferior cleanliness of the water usually indicates that cleaning of the filter is required.

How To Clean The Filter:-

• Take the filter out of the housing unit.   
• Use a garden hose with a nozzle to wash out the debris working from the bottom downwards until all the dirt has gone.   
• Soak the element overnight in the filter cleaner.   
• Rinse it clean again to remove any further oils and cleaning solution.   
• Replace in housing unit.   

To help the filter, here are a few important tips to implement:-

• Have a shower before getting in. The gels, hairsprays, deodorants, lotions and creams that we use are the greatest threat to the hot tub filter.    
• Keep all oils and soap away from the hot tub.   
• Use a floating sponge in the hot tub that absorbs unwanted oils.   
• Check the water chemistry regularly.     

They don't mention this in the shop. Yes you will need to do some work if you want the hot tub to look good and last longer but then anything this amazing deserves a bit of effort. Look after your hot tub filter and it will look after you.

We have selected a video below showing you exactly how to replace your filters step by step. As explained, it's advisable to clean them at least once every 2 weeks unless you only use the spa or hot tub once a week in which case you may get away with cleaning them once a month. Without regular maintenance, the system will be working twice as hard to clean thus increasing your electricity costs significantly. Hopefully you will be able to see how easy it is and should you wish to add any comments or feedback, please use the box below.