How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter for Crystal Clear Water

Ever jumped into your hot tub excited for a relaxing soak, only to find cloudy water? I’ve been there too! The culprit is often a dirty hot tub filter.

Did you know that cleaning your filter can make it last twice as long? Your hot tub filter catches oils, hair, and dirt to keep your water clear. But over time, these things build up and make the filter work poorly.

I’ll show you exactly how to clean a hot tub filter to keep your water crystal clear and avoid costly repairs. Trust me – this guide will make filter cleaning quick and easy, whether you’re new to hot tubs or just want to take better care of yours!

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before we jump in, let’s gather what you’ll need. Nothing’s more annoying than starting a project and having to stop halfway through!

• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Filter cleaner (store-bought or homemade)
• A bucket big enough for your filter
• Soft brush (for stubborn gunk)
• Rubber gloves
• Clean towel
• Filter cleaning wand (helpful but not required)
• Water test kit

Why Clean Your Hot Tub Filter & Filter Types

Benefits of Regular Cleaning

You might wonder, “Is cleaning my filter really that important?” Yes! I learned this lesson the hard way after replacing a pump way sooner than needed. Keeping your filter clean:

• Stops cloudy water and bad smells (nobody wants to soak in murky water!)
• Keeps water flowing and heating properly
• Makes your filter and pump last longer
• Prevents bacteria growth
• Saves money on new parts
• Reduces gunk buildup in pipes

According to Caldera Spas, “Dirty, clogged filters put a strain on your spa’s jet pumps,” which can wear them out faster.

For complete hot tub maintenance, see our Hot Tub Cleaning Guide.

Understanding Different Filter Types

Not all hot tub filters are the same! Here’s what you might have:

• Cartridge Filters: The most common type made of folded fabric in a tube shape. These usually last 1-2 years with good care. If you bought a standard hot tub, you probably have this type.

• Flat Filters: Used in some newer Bullfrog Spas (2023+), need cleaning or replacement monthly. These look more like flat panels than cylinders.

• Ceramic Filters: A higher quality option that catches smaller particles and lasts 2-3 years but costs more ($80-$120). Worth the investment if you use your tub often!

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters: Professional-grade filters needing special care. You’ll likely only have these in a commercial setting.

How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter: The 3-Step Cleaning Process

1. Weekly Quick Rinse

I do this quick 5-minute rinse every weekend, and it makes a huge difference! Here’s how:

1. Turn off your hot tub – Always shut down power first to protect the pump. Safety first!
2. Take out the filter – Check your manual to learn how to get to your filter. It’s usually pretty simple.
3. Rinse with garden hose – Use medium pressure and hold the filter at an angle while spraying between the folds. You’ll be surprised at what comes out! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIh0VsuiYy0]
4. Look for damage – While it’s wet, quickly check for tears or flattened parts.
5. Let water drain out – Allow extra water to drain before putting it back. I usually prop mine up for a few minutes.

Master Spa Parts says filters should be rinsed weekly to remove built-up dirt and work their best.

2. Monthly Deep Clean

Once a month, your filter needs more than just a rinse. Think of it like the difference between rinsing your hair and using shampoo!

1. Make cleaning solution – Fill a bucket with water and either:
   • Store-bought filter cleaner (follow the directions)
   • DIY mix (half white vinegar, half water)
2. Soak the filter – Put it completely underwater for:
   • 2-4 hours for lightly dirty filters
   • Overnight (8-12 hours) for really dirty filters (I leave mine overnight, and it works great!)
3. Rinse well – After soaking, spray with a garden hose until all cleaner is gone. You don’t want chemicals in your spa!

Bullfrog Spas suggests soaking the filter in a mix of one part cleaner to three parts water for at least an hour.

Green Tip: If you care about the environment as I do, use cleaners that break down in nature within 28 days, like the eco3spa REVIVE Filter Cleaner (no affiliation), instead of regular cleaners that take 6-12 months to break down.

3. Reinstall and Maintain

After cleaning:

1. Let it dry – If possible, let the filter dry completely before putting it back. I lean mine against a wall in the sun.
2. Put it back right – Follow the manual for correct placement. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!
3. Turn power on – Start your hot tub and check that the water flows well.
4. Test water – Use test strips to make sure water chemicals are balanced.

Helpful Hint: Here’s my favorite trick – buy a spare filter to use while cleaning your main one. This keeps your hot tub running and makes each filter last 60-80% longer.

Alternative Cleaning Methods: Pros and Cons

I’ve tried lots of different cleaning methods over the years. Here’s what works and what doesn’t:

Vinegar Solution

Good Points:

• Natural and non-toxic (safe around kids and pets!)
• Good for removing scale and mineral buildup
• Costs only about 50 cents per cleaning
• Safe for skin

Bad Points:

• Not great for oils and heavy dirt
• Takes longer to work
• May not fully clean very dirty filters

Household Products (Use With Caution)

Bleach:

• Good: Kills germs well
• Bad: Damages filter material, makes it wear out faster (I learned this the hard way!)

Dishwasher Detergent:

• Good: Cuts through oils well
• Bad: Must rinse very thoroughly

Laundry Detergent:

• Good: Cleans without damaging fibers
• Bad: May cause foam in your hot tub (imagine bubbles everywhere!)

Dishwasher Cleaning:

• Good: Seems convenient
• Bad: Heat damages filters; water jets don’t clean between folds well

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Cleaners

Store cleaners cost $15-$30 per bottle but are made just for hot tub filters. Homemade solutions save money, but store cleaners remove slime better, clean deep into folds, and protect filter material.

Troubleshooting Filter Problems

Signs You Need a New Filter

Even with perfect cleaning, filters don’t last forever. How do you know when it’s time for a new one? Look for these signs:

• Colors (brown, gray, green) that stay after cleaning
• Folds becoming flat
• Tears or holes
• Cracks in the plastic ends
• Filter band coming apart

Most filters should be replaced yearly, though better filters can last 2-3 years with good care.

Common Issues and Fixes

Have a specific problem? Here’s how to fix it:

Problem	Fix
Calcium buildup	Soak in mild acid solution (wear gloves and eye protection)
Oils and lotions	Use degreasing cleaner; soak longer (12-24 hours)
Cloudy water after cleaning	Rinse filter more; check for soap leftover
Slow water flow	Check for stuff stuck between folds; make sure it’s installed right
Filter floats out of place	Check for damaged ends; ensure correct installation

Cost-Effective Filter Maintenance

Cleaning vs. Replacement Costs

Let’s talk money – cleaning saves a lot! Here’s the breakdown:

New filter costs:

• Basic cartridge filters: $30-$70
• Premium filters: $80-$120
• Flat filters: $15-$40

Cleaning costs each time:

• Store-bought cleaner: $3-$5
• Vinegar solution: About 50 cents
• Water used (8-10 gallons): 5-10 cents

That’s a huge difference! Plus, dirty filters waste electricity. For a standard hot tub pump, clean filters save 0.275-0.44kWh of electricity daily.

Using Multiple Filters in Rotation

This is my favorite money-saving trick! Using two filters in rotation:

• Starting cost: Twice your filter cost (yes, more upfront)
• Benefit: Each filter lasts 60-80% longer
• Plus: Always have a clean filter ready (no waiting for it to dry!)
• Long-term savings: $20-$30 each time you don’t need to buy a new one

What Not to Do When Cleaning Hot Tub Filters

We all make mistakes! Here are some I’ve made (so you don’t have to):

❌ Never use household cleaners. These can make too much foam in your hot tub and may contain harmful ingredients. Imagine a bubble bath gone wrong!

❌ Don’t use pressure washers. They can tear the delicate filter material. It might look cleaner, but you’re actually destroying it!

❌ Don’t use bleach as the main cleaner. While it kills germs, bleach breaks down filter fibers quickly. I ruined a perfectly good filter this way.

❌ Never run the hot tub without a filter. This can damage pumps and let dirt flow through your system. It’s like driving a car without an oil filter!

❌ Don’t use hard brushes. They can damage the folds and fibers of your filter. Soft toothbrushes work much better.

❌ Skip the dishwasher. The heat and strong spray can damage filter materials. I know it’s tempting, but it’s not worth it!

Thermospas warns against using pressure washers, washing machines, and household cleaners, suggesting only products made for hot tub filters.

Cleaning Schedule

Want spotless hot tub water all year? Follow this simple plan:

• Weekly: Quick rinse with garden hose to remove loose dirt (5 minutes tops!)
• Monthly: Deep clean by soaking in solution (store-bought or homemade)
• Every 3 months: Deep degreasing for well-used tubs; try enzyme cleaners
• Yearly: Full check and likely replacement (sooner if showing damage)

I keep this schedule on my phone calendar with reminders. It works!

Related: How to Drain a Hot Tub

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you avoid the cloudy water frustrations I’ve experienced! By rinsing weekly and deep cleaning monthly, you’ll make your filter last longer and enjoy better soaks.

Remember that good hot tub filter care saves energy, uses less water, and prevents costly repairs. Your clean filter means more enjoyable, worry-free relaxation time. Start cleaning your filter properly today, and you’ll see the difference in your hot tub water right away!

Enjoy your clean hot tub! Also, explore comparing saunas and hot tubs for more relaxation options.

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