3 Methods for Cleaning Your Hot Tub Filters

There are multiple ways to clean a hot tub filter and all are effective. However, you will get different results with each method.

I’ll begin by saying what NOT to use. Do not clean your hot tub filters with:

• Laundry Detergent
• Car Wash
• Dish washing Soap
• Or any bubbly household soap for that matter

I would recommend using any of the following methods for cleaning your hot tub filters.

1. The Quick Rinse

Pull the filters out of your hot tub and give them a quick rinse with water. You can rinse them with a garden hose or in a sink.

Be sure to spread apart each pleat and rinse well between them to get any dirt, hair, or other debris out.

I recommend quick rinsing your filters at least once a week if you use your hot tub quite a bit.

2. The Chemical Rinse

Purchase a bottle of hot tub filter cleaner. If you already have filter cleaner, and it doesn’t come in a spray bottle, use the recommended dilution method for the cleaner and put it in a clean spray bottle.

Generously spray down your hot tub filters and let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse them down with clean water.

Note: Make sure you rinse them down really good.  Filter cleaners can cause a ton of foam in your tub when you put the filters back in.

3. The Chemical Soak

Using a hot tub filter cleaning chemical (NOTE: do not use household products), dilute the chemical with water according to the directions on the bottle. Make sure you use enough water to completely submerge one filter. If you have room, you can add more filters to the solution.

Let the filter rest in the solution overnight or 24 hours.

The next day, be sure to rinse the heck of the filters with clean water. Again, you don’t want foamy hot tub water.

The Recommended Filter Care Method

1. Rinse your hot tub filters with clean water every week.

This will help keep the debris from building up and the chemicals from eating away at your filter material. By doing this, you will allow your hot tub filters to work more efficiently and last longer.

2. Chemical Rinse your filters using a standard filter cleaner every month.

Spray the filters down with the cleaner and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will allow the chemical to sink and do its job.

Then with clean water, rinse the filter thoroughly until all the soapy substance is gone.

3. Chemical soak your spa filters overnight every 6 months.

Some pool and hot tub supply stores might offer this service, but it’s really easy to do at home with a 5 gallon plastic bucket and some hot tub filter cleaner.

Bonus Tip

Some folks will often buy two sets of filters to switch off between the two sets. This is a good idea and may be right for you.

Happy Swimming!