Instructions for Cleaning a Spa Filter

Regular filter maintenance will keep your spa looking its best.

Spa filters work to keep the spa's water clear of debris, bugs, algae and bacteria. Regular filter maintenance ensures a properly working system and keeps the spa's pump from getting clogged. A filter is made of a fibrous material that gradually loosens over time. With larger spaces present, particles can get trapped, causing the pump to stop working. However, with proper filter cleaning and sanitation, your spa will remain a favorite retreat. When you need to clean your spa filter depends on the type of filter, how often the spa is used, and how dirty it looks.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Large bucket
• Spa filter cleaning solution
• Filter cleaning bag
• Muriatic acid

Instructions

1. Remove the filter from the spa. Using a garden hose, gently spray filter pleats to loosen trapped debris and dirt. Be mindful of high water pressure, which can damage the filter's material.

2. Loosen with your fingers any small particles embedded in the filter cartridge. This works best when the filter is completely dry, but can be done on a wet filter as well. Brush the remains away.

3. Place filter in a specially designed filter-cleaning bag filled with spa filter cleaning solution. Any remaining dirt and particles will float into the water. Spray thoroughly again with water to remove the solution.

4. Fill a large bucket with a mixture of water and muriatic acid. This will remove any calcium scale and disinfect the filter within one minute.

5. Dry the filter completely before putting it back. This may take a few days, but will eliminate micro-organisms from growing inside and contaminating the spa water.

Tips & Warnings

• Have another dry, already sanitized filter on rotation in case you do not have the time to allow the filter to dry before putting it back in.

• Filters should be replaced once a year no matter what condition they are in.

• Replace the filter sooner if the center part is loose, ripped or bent, or if the caps on the ends are brittle, cracked or discolored.

• Hand- or dish-washing soaps, laundry soaps or any bubbling soap will not sanitize your filter.

• Straight bleach will weaken and shorten the lifespan of the filter.

References

• Hot Tub Living: Filter Cleaning and Replacement
• OnlineTips: Cleaning a Spa Filter