How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter: The Ultimate Guide for Sparkling Water

Your hot tub filter is the unsung hero of your spa system. It tirelessly traps dirt, oils, and debris, keeping your water crystal clear and safe. Without proper maintenance, your filter can become clogged, leading to poor water circulation, cloudy water, and bacterial growth.

Neglecting hot tub filter cleaning forces your pump and heater to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear on your equipment. Regular maintenance ensures that your hot tub water treatment is effective, extending the life of your filter and keeping your spa experience luxurious.

This guide’ll explore how often you should clean your hot tub filter, what tools you need, and the step-by-step process to keep your spa in peak condition.

How Often Should You Clean a Hot Tub Filter?

Keeping your hot tub filter clean is essential for water clarity, chemical efficiency, and long-term equipment durability. A dirty filter restricts water flow, leading to weak jet pressure, increased chemical usage, and potential pump damage.

Recommended Cleaning Schedule:

• Light use (1-2 times a week): Rinse every 3-4 weeks, deep clean every 3 months.
• Moderate use (3-4 times a week): Rinse every 2-3 weeks, deep clean every 2 months.
• Heavy use (daily or almost daily): Rinse weekly, deep clean every 4-6 weeks.

Pro Tip: If you use your hot tubs frequently, consider having a backup filter to rotate them while one is being cleaned and dried.

Signs Your Hot Tub Filter Needs Cleaning:

Even if you follow a schedule, some signs indicate it’s time for immediate hot tub filter cleaning:

• Cloudy, foamy, or smelly water – Bacteria and debris clog the system.
• Weak jets or poor water circulation – Restricted flow due to buildup.
• Visible dirt or discoloration on the filter pleats – A clear sign it needs a deep clean.
• Frequent chemical imbalances – A dirty filter struggles to maintain proper water treatment.

By following a consistent cleaning routine, you’ll maximize the lifespan of your filter, improve hot tub water treatment, and enjoy cleaner, fresher water every time you soak.

What You Need to Clean a Hot Tub Filter

Essential Cleaning Supplies

A garden hose or filter cleaning attachment is used to rinse off debris.

• Soft brush or toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt.
• Hot tub filter cleaner solution (commercial or DIY vinegar/water mix).
• 5-gallon bucket for soaking the filter
• Filter cleaning spray for deep cleaning.
• Microfiber cloth & gloves for safe handling.

Optional Accessories for Better Cleaning

• Hot tub filter flosser – A high-pressure cleaning tool that attaches to a hose.
• Filter cleaning wand – Allows deep cleaning between filter pleats.
• BuenoSpa Filter Cleaner – A premium cleaning solution for removing scale, oils, and bacteria.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter

Following this step-by-step hot tub filter cleaning guide’ll ensure optimal water quality, better jet pressure, and longer-lasting equipment.

Step 1: Turn Off the Hot Tub & Remove the Filter

Before you start, turn off the power to your hot tub. Running the system without a filter can cause debris to enter the pump and plumbing, leading to damage.

• Locate the filter compartment, typically found near the skimmer.
• Remove the lid and carefully pull out the filter cartridge.
• Inspect the filter for visible dirt, debris, and discoloration.

Pro Tip: If your filter has visible tears or excessive discoloration, it may be time to replace it instead of cleaning it. With proper care, most filters last 12-24 months.

Step 2: Rinse the Filter with a Hose

A quick rinse removes loose dirt, hair, and debris from the pleats.

• Use a garden hose or a filter cleaning attachment to spray water between the pleats.
• Avoid using a high-pressure washer, as it can damage the delicate pleats.
• Rotate the filter while spraying to ensure all sides are cleaned.

Pro Tip: Hold the hose at an angle to avoid pushing dirt more profound into the pleats.

Step 3: Apply a Hot Tub Filter Cleaning Solution

A quick rinse isn’t enough to remove built-up oils, minerals, and bacteria. To deep clean, use a commercial hot tub filter cleaner or a DIY solution:

• Spray-on method – Apply a specialized hot tub filter cleaner to the pleats, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
• Natural alternative – Soak the filter in a vinegar and water solution (50/50 mix) for a few hours to dissolve buildup.
• Heavy-duty cleaning – Use a professional hot tub filter cleaning solution, designed to break down tough grime and biofilm.

Pro Tip: If your filter has heavy oil buildup, use a degreaser-based cleaner to dissolve body oils and sunscreen residue.

Step 4: Soak the Filter for Deep Cleaning

For a thorough clean, soaking the filter helps remove stubborn dirt, biofilm, and mineral deposits.

• Fill a 5-gallon bucket with warm water and add a filter-cleaning solution.
• Submerge the filter entirely and let it soak for 1-2 hours (or overnight for deep cleaning).
• After soaking, rinse the filter thoroughly to remove any leftover cleaning solution.

Pro Tip: Never use household detergents or bleach—these leave residues that can create foamy water and irritation when reinstalling the filter..

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly & Let the Filter Dry

After soaking, it’s crucial to rinse off all cleaning residues before reinstalling the filter.

• Use a garden hose to rinse between each pleat.
• Let the filter air dry completely before putting it back.
• Avoid drying in direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the filter material.

Pro Tip: Keeping two filters on hand allows you to rotate them, ensuring that one filter is always clean and dry while the other is in use.

Step 6: Reinstall the Filter & Restart the Hot Tub

Once the filter is completely dry:

• Place it back in the filter compartment securely.
• Replace the filter lid and ensure it is tightly sealed.
• Turn the hot tub power back on and run the jets for a few minutes to circulate the water.

Pro Tip: After reinstalling the filter, test your water pH and sanitizer levels to ensure proper hot tub water treatment.

How Often Should You Replace a Hot Tub Filter?

Even with regular cleaning, hot tub filters wear out over time. A typical filter lasts 12-24 months, but you may need to replace it sooner if:

• The pleats are torn, cracked, or discolored.
• The filter remains dirty even after deep cleaning.
• Water flow is still restricted after cleaning.

Upgrade your spa experience with a premium-quality hot tub filter replacement from BuenoSpa for better performance and longevity!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Hot Tub Filter

Even if you clean your hot tub filter regularly, making mistakes during the process can lead to inefficient filtration, water quality issues, and reduced filter lifespan. To ensure proper hot tub maintenance, avoid these common errors:

1. Using Harsh Chemicals That Damage the Filter

Many hot tub owners mistakenly use household cleaners, bleach, or dish soap to clean their filters. While these might seem like effective degreasers, they can:

• Break down the filter material, causing premature wear.
• Leave behind residues that mix with hot tub water, leading to foaming, cloudy water, and skin irritation.
• Reduce filter efficiency, allowing bacteria and debris to build up faster.

What to do instead: use a hot tub-specific filter cleaner.

2. Not Rinsing the Filter Properly After Cleaning

Even if you use the right cleaner, residue buildup from cleaning solutions can cause foam, cloudy water, and chemical imbalances if not rinsed thoroughly.

• Always rinse the filter thoroughly with a garden hose after using a cleaner.
• Spray water between each pleat to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
• Let the filter dry completely before reinstalling it to prevent mold growth.

If you notice excess foam in your hot tub after a filter cleaning, you may not have rinsed the filter well enough. Run the jets and skim off any foam before adding more chemicals.

3. Skipping Regular Cleaning or Waiting Too Long

A dirty filter forces your hot tub’s pump to work harder, increasing energy costs and reducing the lifespan of your equipment.

If cleaning no longer improves performance, replacing the filter is time. Get a high-quality replacement from BuenoSpa.

4. Reinstalling a Wet or Partially Dried Filter

A filter that hasn’t thoroughly dried before reinstalling can lead to mold growth and bacterial contamination inside your hot tub’s filtration system.

Final Thoughts…

Make filter cleaning a regular part of your hot tub maintenance routine, and you’ll enjoy a clear, healthy, and refreshing soak every time.

Link to BuenoSpa’s best hot tub filter cleaners to help customers make a wise purchase decision.