Cart is empty Keeping your hot tub filter clean is one of the simplest ways to keep your water clear, reduce chemical use, and protect the life of your spa equipment. A clean filter supports healthy circulation, prevents cloudy water, and helps your system maintain the right balance of sanitizer and pH. The good news is that filter maintenance is straightforward when you follow a regular routine.
Why Cleaning Hot Tub Filters Regularly Matters
Your filter acts like the lungs of your hot tub. Every minute, water circulates through the pleats to trap oils, lotions, dirt, dead skin cells, and fine particles that make water cloudy. When the filter becomes clogged, water flow slows down, and the pump has to work harder. This increases wear on the equipment and can throw off your chemical balance.
A neglected filter leads to higher sanitizer consumption and can cause issues like foam, cloudy water, odors, and inconsistent heating. With a simple routine, you prevent these problems before they start. If you’re ever unsure which filter your spa needs, stores like Backyard Canada can help you choose the correct size and brand.
Essential Tools and Products You Need
You don’t need specialized equipment to clean a hot tub filter effectively. A few basic tools will make the job easier and safer:
• Garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle
• Filter-cleaning bucket or a large plastic bin
• Commercial hot tub filter cleaner (enzyme-based or alkalinity-balanced)
• White distilled vinegar
• Dawn dish soap
• Baking soda (optional)
• Soft pleat brush and protective gloves
• Filter-cleaning machine (optional for heavy buildup)
A rinse with a strong hose nozzle removes surface debris. Soaking the filter dissolves oils, lotions, and minerals that a simple rinse cannot remove. Use a soft brush only on trouble spots. Hard brushing can tear pleats or loosen adhesive.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Hot Tub Filters
There are two cleaning processes you’ll rotate through for a hot tub in Calgary: a quick rinse and a deep soak.
Quick Rinse (Every 1–2 Weeks)
This helps keep debris from building up between your monthly deep soaks.
- Turn off the spa and remove the filter.
- Spray between pleats using a hose with a high-pressure nozzle. Hold the hose at a 45-degree angle and rotate the filter as you spray.
- Look for any oil sheen, discoloration, tears, or weak spots in the pleats.
- Allow the filter to drip dry before reinstalling.
- Write down the rinse date in a log so you can track maintenance.
Deep Soak (Monthly or as Needed)
A deep soak breaks down oils, lotions, sunscreen, and scale that accumulate over time.
- Rinse the filter to remove loose debris.
- Mix your chosen soak solution in a bucket deep enough to submerge the filter completely.
- Soak for the recommended time and ratio listed below.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear and no residue remains.
- Air-dry the filter for 24–48 hours if possible. If reinstalling while damp, monitor sanitizer and pH closely over the next day or two.
Tested Soak Solutions
(Ratios, Soak Times, and When to Use Each)
White Vinegar
• Ratio: 1:1 vinegar to water
• Soak Time: 4–6 hours
• Best For: Mineral scale, light biofilm
• Notes: Rinse well. If the filter still feels greasy, follow with a mild detergent soak.
Dawn Dish Soap
• Ratio: 1 tablespoon per gallon of water
• Soak Time: 1–2 hours
• Best For: Oils, lotions, and sunscreen buildup
• Notes: Rinse thoroughly until suds disappear from the pleats.
Baking Soda Booster
• Ratio: 2 tablespoons baking soda + 1 tablespoon Dawn per gallon
• Soak Time: 1–2 hours
• Best For: Mild odors and residue
• Notes: Gentle option for regular maintenance. Not strong enough for heavy soil on its own.
Commercial Filter Cleaner
• Ratio: As instructed on the product (commonly 1:3 cleaner to water)
• Soak Time: 8–12 hours overnight
• Best For: Deep biofilm, sunscreen buildup, or filters that haven’t been cleaned in a long time
• Notes: Wear gloves and avoid breathing fumes.
Pro tip: For heavily soiled filters, start with a Dawn soak to lift oils, rinse well, then follow with a vinegar soak to remove mineral deposits. Using an enzyme cleaner once every 1–3 months helps prevent recurring biofilm and reduces future maintenance.
Drying, Reinstalling, and Best Practices
• Air-dry the filter for 24–48 hours when possible to help loosen remaining debris.
• Never use a pressure washer or heat gun to speed drying, since both can damage the filter.
• Inspect the seals, end caps, and pleats during each cleaning.
• Expect slightly higher sanitizer demand after reinstalling a damp filter. Test water daily for the next 24–48 hours.
When to Replace vs. When to Clean
Most filters last 12–24 months, but heavy use and poor water chemistry can shorten their lifespan. Replace your filter sooner if any of these apply:
• Pleats are torn, collapsed, or glued together
• End caps are cracked or brittle
• Filter remains discolored after multiple deep cleanings
• Water continues to look cloudy despite balanced chemicals
• Flow does not recover even after a full cleaning cycle
It can help to measure water pressure before and after cleaning. If there’s no improvement, the filter is likely at the end of its life. Replacement filters and upgraded options can be purchased through Backyard Canada, especially if you want a higher-quality or longer-lasting cartridge.
Troubleshooting & Quick Decision Guide
• Cloudy water: Shock the spa and balance sanitizer, pH, and alkalinity.
• Low flow: Check pump suction, skimmer basket, and plumbing restrictions.
• Persistent odor or slippery surfaces: Increase cleaning frequency and use an enzyme cleaner.
• Foaming: Remove oils with a Dawn soak. A defoamer can be used temporarily while addressing the root cause.
“Regular maintenance is preventive. A clean filter saves days of troubleshooting later.” – Alex Moreno, Spa Maintenance Specialist
Safety and Best Practices
• Always turn off power to the spa before removing the filter.
• Wear gloves and follow cleaner safety instructions.
• Never mix cleaning chemicals.
• Track cleaning dates and replacement intervals in a log.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean hot tub filters?
Rinse every 1–2 weeks and deep clean once a month.
Can I use vinegar to clean my filter?
Yes, a 1:1 mix of white distilled vinegar and water works well for mineral scale and light biofilm.
When should I replace my filter?
Replace when there is damage, discoloration that won’t lift, or poor water flow after cleaning.
What commercial cleaner works best?
Enzyme-based cleaners are commonly recommended for heavy biofilm and organic buildup.
Final Checklist & Call to Action
• Rinse regularly and deep soak monthly.
• Follow exact dilution ratios for the solutions listed above.
• Replace filters when cleaning no longer restores proper flow.
If you want help choosing the right filter, need replacement supplies, or want to explore new spa options, visit backyardcanada.ca for additional support, products, and expert recommendations.
