How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter: A Simple Guide for Autumn and Winter
Autumn is the busiest time of year for your hot tub filter. Falling leaves, garden debris and more evenings in the water all add up, and a clogged filter is one of the most common reasons we get called out for cloudy water, weak jets and heaters struggling to keep up as the weather turns cold. The good news is that cleaning a hot tub filter is quick and easy. Here is our step-by-step guide, plus how often to do it and when to replace it.
Why Your Hot Tub Filter Matters
Your filter traps dirt, hair, skin oils, lotions and debris as water circulates through the hot tub. When it clogs, water flow drops, your sanitiser has to work harder, and the pump and heater are put under extra strain. Keeping the filter clean means clearer water, lower chemical use, lower running costs and a longer life for your hot tub.
How Often Should You Clean a Hot Tub Filter?
- Every 1 to 2 weeks: a quick rinse with a garden hose.
- Every 1 to 3 months: a deep clean with a hot tub filter cleaning solution to break down oils and scale.
- Every 12 to 24 months: replace the filter cartridge.
If you use your hot tub every day, have lots of bathers or are near trees, lean towards the shorter end of each range. Many owners keep a spare set of filters so one can be cleaned and dried while the other is in use.
How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter: Step by Step
1. Turn off the power
Always switch the hot tub off at the control panel and the isolator before removing the filter, so the pump cannot run without it.
2. Remove the filter
Lift out or unscrew the filter cartridge, following your hot tub’s manual. Check the filter housing for leaves or debris and clear it out.
3. Rinse with a garden hose
Hold the hose at a 45-degree angle and spray down between each pleat from top to bottom, working all the way round. Gently separate the pleats to get at trapped dirt. Do not use a pressure washer, as it can tear the filter fabric.
4. Deep clean every one to three months
Soak the filter in a bucket of water mixed with a dedicated hot tub filter cleaner, following the product instructions, usually for several hours or overnight. This dissolves the oils and lotions a rinse cannot shift. Never use washing-up liquid, bleach or household detergents, and never put a filter in the dishwasher, as residue causes foaming and can damage the pleats.
5. Rinse again and let it dry
Rinse thoroughly to remove all of the cleaner. Letting the filter dry completely before refitting helps the fibres recover and kills off bacteria, which is where a spare set comes in handy.
6. Refit and restart
Put the filter back in, make sure it is seated properly, switch the power back on and check the jets are running normally.
When to Replace Your Hot Tub Filter
Even with regular cleaning, filters wear out. It is time for a new one if the pleats are torn, flattened or permanently discoloured, if the end caps are cracked, or if your water stays cloudy even after a deep clean. A worn filter lets debris through, which can lead to bigger problems with your pump and heater.
Getting Your Filter Ready for Winter
Before the coldest months arrive, give your filter a full deep clean, clear any leaves from the filter housing and skimmer, and check the condition of your cover. A clean filter means your hot tub heats more efficiently through the winter. For more cold-weather tips, read our guide on how to get your hot tub ready for winter.
Let Us Take Care of It
If you would rather leave it to the experts, our hot tub servicing team covers Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire. We clean or replace filters, balance your water and check your hot tub is running at its best, whichever brand you own. Call 01782 312534, get in touch online or visit our showroom at 1 Belgrave Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.
Hot Tub Filter FAQs
How often should I clean my hot tub filter?
Rinse it every one to two weeks, give it a deep chemical clean every one to three months, and replace it every 12 to 24 months depending on how much the hot tub is used.
Can I put a hot tub filter in the dishwasher?
No. Dishwasher detergent and high heat can damage the pleats and leave residue that causes foaming. Use a hose and a proper filter cleaner instead.
Can I use a pressure washer on a hot tub filter?
No. A pressure washer can tear the filter fabric. A garden hose with a spray nozzle is all you need.
How do I know when my hot tub filter needs replacing?
Replace it if the pleats are torn, flattened or discoloured even after a deep clean, if the end caps are cracked, or if your water stays cloudy and the flow from the jets is weak.
Do you clean hot tub filters as part of a service?
Yes. Our servicing team checks and cleans filters, balances the water and inspects your hot tub. Visit our hot tub servicing page to book.
