When and how should you clean your hot tub filters?

October 12, 2021 / Sarah Elphick

Keeping your filters clean is vital for the longevity of your hot tub. As a hot tub owner, it is important to clean your filters to help keep the water in your hot tub fresh and sanitised. Hot tub filters keep debris, dust, dirt, and even some bacteria from interfering with your hot tub experience. For optimum usage, you must clean and change them regularly.

For an insight into the best practices for keeping your filters clean and working efficiently, we have highlighted our recommended maintenance schedule below:

Chemical rinse (weekly)

  • Remove the filter(s) from your hot tub and rinse with clean water (either use a hose pipe or clean them in a bucket)
  • Be sure to spread apart each pleat and rinse well to get rid of any dirt, hair and debris
  • Spray with rapid filter cleaning spray, then leave for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Chemical soak (quarterly)

  • You should change your hot tub water at least every 3 months. Whilst doing this, we recommend giving your filters a thorough chemical soak
  • To complete a chemical soak, you will need to use a hot tub filter cleaning chemical
  • Dilute the chemical with water according to the directions on the bottle, making sure you use enough water to completely submerge the filter
  • Leave the filter to rest in the solution overnight
  • The next day, rinse your filter well and leave to dry.

Filter replacement (every 6 months)

  • For maximum filtration benefit and to maintain the cleanest possible water, it is recommend to change your filter every 26 weeks
  • Replacement filters can be purchased directly through our website or over the phone

How often should I clean my filters?

This will depend on your usage, but we recommend you clean them at least once every fortnight. Heavy usage will mean your filters clog up quicker. However, the situation is different when you fill your hot tub for the first time, or whenever you drain and refill your hot tub. In this instance, the filters may clog up within three–four days because of the small particles contained in tap water and any particles from manufacturing/transport.

What will happen if I don’t clean my filters regularly enough?

Failure to clean your filters may restrict water flow causing an automatic shut down. The following diagnostic messages may appear on your touch pad if your filters are dirty; FLO, Heater Dry, LF, DR, OHH, or — (two lines). To confirm that the filters are the cause of the problem, remove them and run the hot tub for a few minutes to see if the message clears. If the message does not clear, try switching the hot tub off whilst the filters are removed, and then back on again. You MUST NEVER run the hot tub for long periods without filters. If the message still appears, please contact a member of our team to arrange speaking with a technician.

How do I clean my filters?

To clean your filters, we recommend using a hot tub filter cleaner. For optimum results, spray the filter evenly with an instant filter cleaner, wait 15 minutes and then rinse the filter with a hose. An additional recommended cleaning method is to soak the filters in a bucket overnight with a filter cleaner solution. This solution breaks down oils from the pleats and gives the filter a deep clean.

TOP TIP: It’s good practice to have multiple filters. When you carry out a drain and refill of your hot tub (and a chemical soak), replace with your other filter. Alternate the filters each time you do this.

For more information on filter care and the types of filters required for your hot tub, contact us on sales@miamispas.co.uk or call 01246 541200.