A hot tub is a little piece of the ocean in your home. Sometimes you entertain friends and family, and other times you enjoy it all by yourself. It’s a blessing on days when jet lag really grinds down on you. The warm water and the bubbles soothe any ache left untreated.
But do you recall those bittersweet moments when friends or guests jump for joy in your hot tub, and you see the lotion, hair oil, glittery makeup, and other cosmetic products on their bodies slowly wash off into the water? Yes, that’s annoying. Not all of us remember to shower before entering a hot tub, especially children. Soon, your hot tub becomes a polluted mess.
All these bodily fluids seep into the hot tub filter. The longer you refrain from cleaning it, the more likely it is that the filter will stop functioning at its maximum potential. The water is no longer free of contamination. If it’s really bad, the pipes get jammed and your hot tub malfunctions.
A clean hot tub filter offers numerous benefits and prolongs your entertainment capabilities. A standard high-quality hot tub filter can last up to 18 months without a worry if you regularly maintain it.
There are different ways to clean a hot tub filter. Many filters are brand new and can do with just a quick rinse, while for others, cleaning the filter becomes priority number one after months of continuous use.
Easy Wash
It’s the beginning of the pandemic. The weekend parties have stopped. You’re preparing for months of quarantine. The hot tub hasn’t been used as much. Now’s the time for a quick and easy clean that will get your hot tub back to its best.
This is a relatively straightforward process. It doesn’t deep clean the filter but instead primarily disposes of significant residue. It won’t do enough to get to the stubborn buildups and deposits that have accumulated over time, so you should use this method only when the hot tub is mostly unused.
Step 1: Unplug the hot tub from its power source using the isolator switch.
Step 2: Carefully disassemble the hot tub filter.
Step 3: Use the water hose from the backyard to thoroughly sprinkle water at a significant speed through the pleats to clean it from the inside out.
Step 4: Let the filter dry out in the open before reinstalling it onto the hot tub.
Monthly Wash
This is when the pandemic began to relax and settle down. You are hosting a little get-together every once in a while. The hot tub has been kept busy for the past month, and your guests have loved the freedom. Take this next-level approach for a more rigorous clean using an instant filter cleaner spray. It’ll get to those more stubborn stains and deposits that have soiled the filter over the month.
Step 1: Once again, turn off the hot tub using the isolator switch.
Step 2: Take off the hot tub filter.
Step 3: Use the water hose to quickly rinse the filter to get rid of large chunks of grease.
Step 4: Carefully and slowly spray an instant filter cleaner on top of the filter to ensure that it reaches all nooks and corners (make sure you wear protective gear like hand gloves and eyewear).
Step 5: Let the filter cleaner work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 6: Use a soft sponge or dish brush to gently scrub remnants from the surface for a deeper clean.
Step 7: Use the water hose to thoroughly rinse the filter inside, making sure all the residue is washed away. Any leftovers will cause further foaming in the hot tub.
Step 8: Let the filter dry out in the open air before reinstalling it.
Repeat the process if necessary.
No Escape Wash
You have reached the boss level of washing your hot tub filter. This take-no-prisoners approach will undoubtedly clean and eat away any dirt, grease, or deposit. This is for when you know you’ll be hosting friends and family for a month-long wedding ceremony and the hot tub’s going to go through lots of hard work.
The process involves soaking the filter in a cleaning solution for a lengthy period. It is a slow, thorough, and one-off process that will probably earn you a little vacation from maintenance for some time. You usually attempt a filter soak after three to four months of the regular water draining routine. Therefore, it is also smart to replace filters, keeping the old ones clean for later.
Step 1: Turn off the hot tub.
Step 2: Take out the filter.
Step 3: Give it a quick wash.
Step 4: Grab a bucket and put a filter-soaking cleaner agent into it.
Step 5: Drop the filter inside and allow it to soak nicely for seven to eight hours.
Step 6: Relax.
Step 7: Discard the leftovers and rinse the filter rigorously.
Step 8: Let it dry and put it back in again.
Voila! You’ve done it! Now you can enjoy a good month of soaking and dipping in the hot tub without a care in the world.
FAQs
1. What happens if I run the hot tub without a filter?
You are strongly advised to not do this. All the debris and residue drain directly out of the water pipes and can seriously damage the hot tub. To avoid preventable damage, always cut the power before taking the filter out of the hot tub.
2. What should my hot tub filter cleaning routine look like?
You should give the hot tub filter a deep clean once a month and a quick wash now and then. When you feel it’s overused, go for a deep soak every two to three months.
3. What are some critical dos and don’ts I should follow when cleaning my filter?
- Never use household products like kitchen detergents, bleach, etc., as they can shorten the longevity of filters.
- If you want to avoid irreversible damage, don’t wash the filters in a dishwasher. The high temperatures will make sure you have to buy a new filter instead.
4. Can I use a hairdryer to dry the filter after a wash?
Dry the filter in the open air, as the high temperatures of a hairdryer can melt the plastic and make the filter unusable.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of your hot tub, including your filter, will prolong its lifespan. Now more than ever, the value of spending more time indoors has taken over. It is wise to create a routine to clean and maintain your filters now and then to ensure you get the most out of your time and money.
