Spa Filter Cleaning: Diy Home Product Hacks

Keeping your hot tub clean is important, and this starts with cleaning the filter. The filter is what stops the water from turning into people soup, but it can quickly become clogged up with lotions, makeup, hair products, hair, sweat, and other bodily fluids. Dirty filters also pick up less dirt, debris, hair, and bacteria, leaving contaminated water to circulate in your hot tub.

To clean your spa filter with household products, you can use vinegar, laundry detergent, or dishwasher detergent. Bleach can also be used, but it may damage the filter's fibres.

How to clean a spa filter with vinegar

Cleaning your spa filter regularly is essential to ensure that your spa stays clean and to prolong the life of your filter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your spa filter with vinegar:

Step 1: Prepare the Spa Filter for Cleaning

Before you begin cleaning, it is important to turn off the power to your spa at the circuit breaker. This will ensure that the spa does not accidentally turn on while you are cleaning the filter. Locate the spa filter, which should be noticeable as you sit in the tub. If you cannot find it, refer to your owner's manual, as it will have a diagram of all the spa parts.

Step 2: Remove Large Debris

Use a garden hose to rinse away any large pieces of debris from the spa filter. This includes things like leaves, bugs, hair, and other visible contaminants.

Step 3: Soak the Filter in a Vinegar Solution

Place the spa filter in a large bucket or tub of water, ensuring that the entire filter is submerged. Add white vinegar to the water to create a cleaning solution. The ideal concentration is a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water, so you will need at least half a gallon of vinegar for a large bucket. For extra cleaning power, you can heat the vinegar before adding it to the water or use straight vinegar.

Step 4: Let the Filter Soak

Allow the filter to soak in the vinegar solution for at least 3 hours. It is even better to leave it overnight, especially if it has been a while since the last cleaning. After about 2 hours, turn the filter over to ensure that all parts of it are exposed to the cleaning solution.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Filter

Remove the filter from the vinegar solution and give it a thorough rinse with a garden hose. Pay attention to any remaining mineral deposits, and if you see any, let the filter soak for a little longer. Once you are satisfied, place the filter in the sun to air dry completely before reinstalling it.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to deep clean your spa filter about once a month.
• In between deep cleanings, it is a good idea to rinse the filter with water weekly to remove any buildup.
• If your spa filter is very dirty or has a lot of buildup, vinegar may not be strong enough to clean it effectively. In this case, you may need to use a stronger commercial cleaner or a different cleaning agent, such as bleach or laundry detergent.
• Always let the filter dry completely before reinstalling it, and check that the filter chamber has water in it before turning the power back on.

How to clean a spa filter with bleach

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill pathogens, algae spores, and other harmful microbes introduced by spa users. It can also leave your spa filter looking clean and sterilized. However, bleach can damage the integrity of the filter's fibers, requiring you to replace the filter more frequently. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a spa filter with bleach:

Step 1: Remove the Filter

Locate your filter cartridge, usually inside a canister, cradle, or lid. Turn off your spa system before removing the filter. Then, turn the filter counterclockwise and slowly lift it out of the compartment.

Step 2: Inspect the Filter

Check the filter for any rips, tears, or a loose center core element. If the filter is damaged, do not proceed with cleaning and replace it instead to avoid damaging other spa components.

Step 3: Rinse the Filter

Use a filter cleaning wand or a garden hose to rinse out the spa filter. Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and gently open and rinse debris from the pleats. Ensure you remove any noticeable buildup by rinsing and checking between the pleats for any hair, small sticks, or leaves.

Step 4: Soak the Filter in Bleach Solution

Prepare a bleach solution by diluting household bleach with water. The recommended ratio is 1/4 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of hot water. Soak the filter in this solution for a maximum of 2 hours. Do not leave it overnight as prolonged exposure to bleach can damage the plastic parts of the filter.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Filter

After soaking, thoroughly rinse the filter with clean water to remove any remaining bleach solution. Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling it in the spa.

Important Considerations:

• Always refer to your spa's owner's manual for specific instructions on filter removal, cleaning, and replacement.
• While bleach can be effective, it is recommended to use it sparingly due to its damaging effects on the filter's fibers.
• For a gentler alternative, consider using vinegar, a mild cleanser, or a commercial hot tub filter cleaning solution.

How to clean a spa filter with dishwasher detergent

Cleaning your spa filter regularly is important to ensure your hot tub remains in good working condition. Here is a guide on how to clean your spa filter with dishwasher detergent.

Weekly Cleaning

Firstly, turn off your spa system and remove the filter by rotating it counterclockwise. Check your owner's manual if this does not work, as not all filters are removed in the same way. Once removed, examine the filter for damage, such as rips or tears. If the filter is damaged, do not clean it and replace it instead. If the filter is intact, use a filter-cleaning wand attached to a garden hose to rinse out the filter. You can also add a drop of enzyme-based products to the water, as this will prevent the growth of bacteria.

Monthly Cleaning

For a more thorough clean, fill a large plastic bucket with around five gallons of water. Add a mild cleanser, following the instructions on your chosen brand of spa filter cleanser. Do not use anything other than a filter cleanser to clean your filter, as bleach or detergent may damage the filter. Before you soak the filter, repeat the weekly cleaning steps outlined above. Then, soak the filter in the bucket for around an hour if you used hot water, or overnight if you used cold water. After the filter has soaked, use the cleaning wand to thoroughly rinse it and remove any remaining chemicals or debris.

Using Dishwasher Detergent

Dishwasher detergent is a good option for cleaning spa filters, as it is designed to clean oil and tough buildup without foaming or bubbling. It is also safe for people to be exposed to. However, it is important to thoroughly rinse the filter after using dishwasher detergent to ensure that no residue remains on the filter, as this can dirty the water in your hot tub.

Other Tips

• Always keep your spa system turned off while the filter is being cleaned or soaked.
• Keep your pool water clean by following the sanitation instructions in your spa's owner manual.
• Be patient when cleaning your filter, as this will ensure that you remove as much debris as possible and prolong the life of your filter.
• Make sure that your filter is white and free of debris before putting it back in your spa system.
• If your filter is greasy, spray it with a chemical made specifically for hot tub filters.
• The core of the hot tub filter can be washed in a dishwasher without other dishes and without detergents. Do not use the heated drying cycle.

How to clean a spa filter with laundry detergent

To clean a spa filter with laundry detergent, you will need a garden hose hooked up to water, a tall clean bucket, laundry detergent, and a towel.

First, remove the filter from your spa system. Consult your owner's manual if you are unsure how to do this. Turn off your spa system before removing the filter. Once removed, examine the filter for any damage, such as rips or tears. If the filter is damaged, do not clean it and replace it instead.

Next, rinse the filter with water from the garden hose to remove any noticeable buildup. You can use a filter cleaning wand to help with this step. The wand should be attached to your garden hose and have soft comb-like teeth. Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and use the comb to gently open and rinse debris from the pleats of the filter.

After rinsing, fill the bucket with water and add laundry detergent. Do not use bleach, dishwasher detergent, or other household cleaners, as these can damage the filter. Soak the filter in the detergent solution for an hour if using hot water, or overnight if using cold water. Remember to keep your spa turned off while the filter is soaking.

Finally, rinse the filter again with the garden hose to remove any remaining detergent or debris. Make sure to rinse thoroughly, as any leftover detergent may cause foam buildup in your spa. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it in your spa.

How to clean a spa filter with muriatic acid

To clean a spa filter with muriatic acid, you will need the following:

• Muriatic acid
• A large bucket
• Water
• Goggles
• Gloves
• A garden hose

Muriatic acid is a corrosive substance, so it is important to handle it with care and wear protective goggles and gloves.

First, turn off your spa system. Then, remove the filter by locating it inside the spa system, typically inside a canister, cradle, or lid. Turn the filter counterclockwise and slowly and gently examine it for bottom threads that may need to be unscrewed. If it is loosened, pull it out of the compartment.

Next, rinse the filter well with a hose, and fill the bucket with water. Always fill the bucket with water first, and then add the acid. The recommended concentration is a ratio of 1:20, or one part muriatic acid to 20 parts water.

Place the filter in the water and acid mix, ensuring it is fully submerged. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If the filter is not completely covered by the liquid, flip it over for another 10 to 15 minutes to ensure that the entire filter is exposed to the solution.

After the allotted time, remove the filter from the bucket and rinse it again with the hose. You may want to add a pH-up product to the water and the runoff to neutralize the acid before discarding the liquid.

Finally, allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it in your spa system.

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