What's the best way to clean a spa hot tub filter?

2025-09-26

Spa hot tubs are extremely popular today, offering users a comfortable and relaxing way to relieve stress, muscle aches, and other physical discomforts. However, maintaining clean water quality is crucial for their longevity and the health of their users.


To ensure the purity of their water, spa hot tubs are equipped with filters, a key component that effectively removes impurities such as dirt, skin cells, and skincare residue.


Over time, the filter element in the filter becomes increasingly dirty and loses its filtering effectiveness. When it comes to spa hot tub maintenance, many users face the question: should they regularly clean the filter or replace it with a new one?


This article will delve into the best ways to clean a spa hot tub filter and compare the pros and cons of cleaning versus replacing it, helping you make the right choice.

spa hot tub

What is the role of a filter in a spa hot tub?

The filter is an essential component of a spa hot tub. Its primary function is to remove impurities and particles from the water, thereby keeping it clean and preventing harmful substances from circulating. If filters are not regularly maintained or neglected, water quality may deteriorate and even damage other components in the spa hot tub, such as the pump and jets.


Filters typically consist of multiple layers of filter media that trap impurities while allowing clean water to pass through. However, when a filter becomes too dirty, it not only loses its filtering effectiveness but also slows water flow, affecting the overall performance of the spa hot tub. To ensure clean water, users should regularly clean or replace the filter.

hot tub

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

Cleaning the filter is an important part of routine spa hot tub maintenance. Regular cleaning can extend the filter's lifespan and maintain good water quality. Below are detailed steps and the best way to clean the filter:


1. Turn off the power to the spa hot tub

Before cleaning the filter, make sure to turn off the power to the spa hot tub first. This is to prevent accidents or damage to the equipment and ensure safe operation.


2. Remove the filter

Locate the filter, usually located near the water surface or in the filter tank on the side of the tub. Follow the instructions in the user manual to remove the filter from its housing. Removing the filter may vary slightly depending on the model of spa hot tub, but it's generally quite simple.


3. Rinse with Clean Water

First, rinse the filter with clean water to remove loose dirt and particles from the surface. Place the filter under a tap, ensuring that the water reaches every layer of the filter material. If the filter is coated with a thick layer of dirt or grease, the water flow may not be able to effectively clean the impurities inside, so rinsing alone may not be sufficient.


4. Use a Filter Cleaner

For a deeper clean, we recommend using a specialized filter cleaner. These cleaners effectively break down grease, dirt, and mineral deposits in the filter, restoring optimal performance. Here's how:


    • Soaking Method: Soak the filter in clean water with a solution of cleaner, typically for a few hours or overnight. This allows the cleaner to penetrate deep into the filter element, helping to dissolve stubborn dirt.

    • Spraying Method: Some cleaners are sold as sprays, which can be applied directly to the filter surface, ensuring even coverage of the filter material. After letting it sit for 15-20 minutes, rinse it thoroughly with water.


5. Thoroughly Rinse and Dry

After using the cleaning agent, be sure to rinse the filter thoroughly to ensure no residual cleaning agent remains. Residual cleaning agent may affect water quality and react adversely with chemicals in the water.


It is not recommended to return the filter to the spa hot tub until it is completely dry. You can dry the filter in a well-ventilated area, ensuring that no moisture is present inside or outside. The drying process after cleaning prevents the growth of mold and bacteria.

spa hot tub

Is it better to clean or replace the spa hot tub filter?

While regular cleaning can effectively extend the life of the filter, the filter's filtration performance may gradually deteriorate after repeated cleanings. At this point, the user needs to decide whether to continue cleaning and using the filter or simply replace it with a new one. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed in detail below:


1. Advantages of Cleaning the Filter

    • Cost Savings: Cleaning the filter is clearly much more economical than replacing a new filter cartridge. Most filters have a lifespan ranging from a few months to a year. Regular cleaning can significantly extend the lifespan of the filter, saving the cost of frequent replacements.

    • An environmentally friendly choice: Constantly replacing filters generates a certain amount of waste, but cleaning reduces filter waste and helps the environment. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help reduce unnecessary discarding.


2. Disadvantages of Cleaning Filters

    • Inability to completely remove stubborn contaminants: Even with specialized cleaning agents, stubborn deposits, particularly grease and mineral deposits, may remain within the filter. These deposits can gradually accumulate and affect filter efficiency.

    • Time Cost: Cleaning the filter takes time, especially if you choose to let it soak in the cleaning agent, which can take several hours or longer. For some users, cleaning can be cumbersome and time-consuming.


3. Advantages of Replacing a Filter

    • Fully Restores Filter Performance: Replacing a filter ensures that the filtration system is back to optimal condition. A new filter cartridge typically has a greater filtration capacity than an old one that has been repeatedly cleaned, ensuring clean water quality.

    • Saves Time and Effort: Replacing a filter cartridge is often simpler and faster than cleaning. You simply purchase and replace the filter cartridge, eliminating the time-consuming cleaning and drying process.


4. Disadvantages of Replacing a Filter

    • Increased Cost: Replacing filters increases maintenance costs, especially if you change them frequently. Although replacing a new filter is infrequent, it can still put a strain on your budget over time.

    • Environmental Concerns: Frequently discarding filter cartridges creates unnecessary waste, which is bad for the environment. If you're more environmentally conscious, you might prefer to extend the life of your filter cartridge rather than replacing it frequently.

hot tub

How to Know When to Replace Your Spa Hot Tub Filter?

Each spa hot tub filter has a predetermined lifespan, typically determined by frequency of use, spa hot tub water quality, and the filter material. Here are some common signs that a filter replacement is needed:


1. Reduced Water Flow: If you notice a significant decrease in water flow in your spa hot tub, the filter may be clogged and unable to filter the water effectively. Cleaning may not completely resolve the problem, so replacing the filter cartridge is recommended.

2. Water Quality Issues: If the water remains cloudy or has an odor even after cleaning the filter, it may be because the filter is failing and not functioning properly. Replacing the filter cartridge is the best way to maintain clean water quality.

3. Damaged or Deformed Filter Element: If the filter element is visibly damaged, cracked, or deformed, it will not be able to effectively filter impurities from the water. Continued use of the damaged element may lead to further deterioration of water quality.


How does Lovia Spa ensure timely production for bulk orders?

With a 45,000 sqm factory, 20 experts, and 200 workers, we maintain efficient production capacity. Wholesale buyers who place large orders can expect delivery within 30 days after deposit. Our company uses advanced planning systems to keep production smooth, ensuring on-time supply even during busy seasons.

Customers benefit from cheap wholesale purchasing, discount sales, and factory promotions without worrying about delays. Lovia Spa is a manufacturer and supplier known for reliable delivery schedules and consistent quality.

Get the latest price? We will reply as soon as possible (within 12 hours)