Hot Tub Filters Overview

Installing  a hot tub is easy to do if you get it from a good dealer. But to maintain it and clean it regularly is your responsibility. So its here the big question of filtration arises.  You should have a filtration system of your personal preference, budget and time required for maintenance.

Purpose of Hot Tub Filters

You need to have a filter system to keep your hot tub clean so as to prevent harmful bacteria forming algae. Hot tub filtering systems will help avoid the harboring of germs that spread disease, Hot tub filters will also help extend the life span of the tub.

Types of Hot Tub Filters

Every time the hot tub is used the hot tub’s water is forced through the hot tub’s filters to clean the water of algae, leaves, bacteria, hair, oils, dead skin, and any other debris that get into the water. A spa filter is one of the most abused and unappreciated parts of the hot tub. There are three types of hot tub filters available.

Sand Filters

This filter uses sand as filter medium. The water passes through layers of sand and gravel, this helps to pull out the dirt and impurities.  You can use water clarifier products, like bright and clean, to coagulate the microscopic particles into large particles so it can be filtered before the water enter the tub. You need to add new sand to the hot tub filters once a year to make sure the sand bed is fresh.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

The DE filters are organic and non-polluting. They are made from crushed petrified bones that look like a sponge with thousands of tiny pores. They are coated on a grid of extremely fresh mesh and act as adhesive, trapping any microscopic dirt particles.

Cartridge Filters

These are the most common type hot tub filters and are made with fine, pleated Dacron mesh. This pleated mesh is key to the filter’s operation. The tighter the pleats or folds and more material that is used, the larger surface is available to capture dirt or debris in water.

Filter maintenance

1. Spa has to be run for at least an hour every day to ensure good water circulation. Add water clarifier or PH balance once a week.
2. Cartridge filter has to be replaced once a year depending on the size of the filter and the debris collected, or if there is a crack in the plastic ends or if the pleated fabric is separated from the plastic. Generally, a filter needs to be replaced once or twice a year depending upon how you maintain your hot tub.
3. Use only cleaners that are specifically designed for spa and do not use any soap based cleaners. Also use a oil-absorbing sponge, which reduces the amount of oils that get into the hot tub filters.
4. Maintain proper water chemistry and also have two filters, so you can alternate them when one is being cleaned. Shower before using the hot tub and  avoid hair spray, styling gel, lotions, and creams of any sort from entering the filter. They affect the proper functioning of the hot tub filters.