How To Clean Swim Spa Filters

How to Clean Swim Spa Filters

As a swim spaowner, there are certain maintenance tasks that you need to stay on top of to keep your spa running optimally. Aside from keeping the spa water sanitary and clean, one of the most important tasks is keeping your filter clean. As filter cartridges collect dirt and debris, they need to be kept clean in order to maintain their filtration efficiency. To find out what steps are involved in cleaning your filter cartridges, keep reading below.

How Often to Clean Filters

How often you need to clean your filters can depend on the recommendations that your owner’s manual provides in addition to how much your swim spa is used and how many people are using it. In general, filters need a basic weekly cleaning and a more thorough monthly cleaning. Some spas may even display a warning signal or error code on the control panel if water pressure or the heater is not working as well as it should be because of inadequate water flow.

How to Remove Your Filter

In many swim spas, the filter cartridge will be visible from inside the spa system. Typically, it will be found inside a canister or lid. If you are unable to locate, consult with your owner’s manual.

Remember to always make sure that your swim spa is turned off before removing the filter. Review your owner's manual for how to remove the filter as some spa filters may need to be unscrewed. For most filters, you will just need to slowly turn it counterclockwise and gently remove.

Weekly Filter Cleaning

Every week, you should examine your swim spa filter to check for damage such as rips or tears. If you do notice any damage, don’t clean the filter as it will most likely need to be replaced.

Filter cleaning wands are an accessory that can attach to a garden hose and have what appears to be soft, comb-like teeth. You can position the wand at a 45-degree angle to gently rinse the debris from the filter. The filter wand helps to gently open the folds and allow water to easily access the filter pleats.

Do a closer inspection of the filter pleats to ensure that there is no lingering debris and if you do find a piece, remove and gently clean that area.

Monthly Filter Cleaning

Every month, you will need to fill a large bucket of water to immerse your swim spa filter for deep cleaning. Your dealer will recommend which brand of spa filter cleaner to use and advise you on how much you should add per gallon of water.  To clean your filter:

While it may seem like a lot of work to clean your swim spa filter, it quickly becomes part of your routine. Sticking to frequent filter cleanings will lengthen the life cycle of your filter and make it easier to clean without weeks and weeks of build-up.

Finally, by keeping your spa water clean and using the proper water chemicals will help your filter last longer. Always follow the complete care routine that your dealer recommends to ensure that your investment lasts for years to come.

To learn more about swim spa maintenance, download a swim spa buyer’s guide.