Do NOT Buy Hot Tub Filter Systems Until You Read These FAQs!

Hot tub filter systems are absolutely essential if you want to keep your tub clean without fuss and hassle.

Although hot tubs are relaxing and fun, they can also be a challenge. It can be very difficult to maintain a Jacuzzi hot tub especially if something goes wrong.

However, getting good hot tub filter systems will reduce the likelihood of things going wrong.

This is because keeping the water clean means that fewer things mess up the jets or clog up the system.

Also, water damage is a real thing. For instance, untreated hard water will cause limescale damage to appliances and make them run less efficiently.

No matter what type of Jacuzzi hot tub you have, most work in the same way. They have several nozzles around the spa to make the water bubble and froth.

There are also often seats in the hot tub that can provide a place to relax while soaking.

Although there are many good reasons to have a hot tub in your home, they need to be properly equipped with good quality filters.

This article will provide you with all the information you need in order to make a choice on your next hot tub filter system.

This includes a comprehensive FAQ section. I’ll end by helping you troubleshoot the most common issues that hot tub owners have.

Hot Tub Filter Systems FAQ

Q: What is a Hot Tub Filter?

A: If you have ever seen an aquarium, you probably already know how a water filter works. The filter in your hot tub is not really different. But it works on a much larger scale.

Hot tub filter systems process water to remove dirt, sediment, bacteria and even some unwanted minerals before the water reaches your body.

Q: Are There Different Types of Hot Tub Filter Systems?

A: Yes there are 3 main types. The 3 main different types of hot tub filter systems are:

• Cartridge Filters.
• Sand Filters.
• Diatomaceous Earth Filters.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are very easy to clean and can usually be easily rinsed with a water hose. They are made from durable materials such as polyester.

This type of filter is usually cheaper and much easier to maintain than other types of filters. They are the most common and are, by far, the most popular.

Sand Filters

Sand filters are usually large, round balls filled with sterile sand. Water is filtered through this sand so that unwanted particles can be captured by a very natural method.

This version of a filter system does not work as well as other types and absorbs the least amount of dirt. However, it is very popular among hot tub owners looking for a completely natural way to keep their water filtered.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

The diatomaceous earth (DE) filter is made from the diatomaceous waste that is turned into a fine white dust powder.

This is a very common form of filtration that is almost as popular as the cartridge filter. Some cartridge filters also contain this type of filter dust as part of their configuration.

The DE dust is so fine that it filters almost everything in your water. It is extremely durable and great for anyone that wants a completely natural filter system.

Q: How Long Do Hot Tub Filters Last?

A: Again, this all depends on the brand, make and model of your filter. But the average is between 1-2 years. However, the instruction manual of your filter should give you more precise information. Replace the hot tub filters immediately if it falls apart during cleaning.

If you have very hard water, you may have to change the hot tub filter more frequently. Hard water can build up limescale on your filter and cause it to work harder thereby reducing its lifespan.

Also remember that your filter lifespan may reduce if you use your hot tub very often.

Filter cartridges may occasionally break during prolonged use. You should replace it if this happens.

Q: Hot Tub Filter Replacement Frequency?

A: This depends on the type, make and model of the hot tub filter system that you have. The average lifespan is 1-2 years. But check the instruction booklet or ask the manufacture direct if you’re unsure.

One of the main causes of hot tub filter problems is forgetting to replace the filter at the right time.

This is why it’s important to know how often the filter cartridges need changing and how often the filter should be replaced. Keeping up with these changes will keep your hot tub and filter working effectively for much longer.

Q: How Can I Change My Hot Tub Filter?

A: Keep in mind that each hot tub is different. The best way to figure out how to remove the filter parts from the hot tub and change the filter on your specific model is in the manual.

However, this may not always be possible especially if you have had your hot tub for a while and have lost the manual.

Follow the steps below to change any hot tub filter at any time:

• The first step to changing your hot tub filter is to find out where it is located on your device.
• The filter housing looks like a small bucket (with a cover over it) and should be visible without removing the other components or parts. Your manual can tell you exactly where to look. But it should not be hard to find.
• Once you found it, turn off the hot tub from it’s power source before attempting to remove the filter.
• Your filter cartridge can be removed as easily as a simple twist. However, some cartridges are screwed in. So you may need a screwdriver to take it out. You should be able to tell if you can remove your cartridge by hand. Regardless of how you need to get it out, bring the filter out to complete the next step.
• Read the instructions on the new filter to make sure you do not need to soak or rinse it first to prepare it for use or to remove unwanted parts from the filter cartridge.
• Reverse the process that you used to remove the old filters to place the new filter in the container of your hot tub.
• When the filter is completely installed, turn the hot tub back on.

Q: Do I Really Need a Filter?

A: Short answer, yes.

Some people might attempt to save money by trying to run their hot tub without using hot tub filter systems. But they will regret it in the long run.

It seems a lot of work to maintain, replace and care for hot tub filters however, it’s worth it for a smooth running hot tub that doesn’t break down. And it’s worth it to prevent your hot tub getting seriously damaged.

You’ve made a huge investment to get a hot tub in the first place so doesn’t it make sense to spend a few extra dollars to protect that investment?

The filter is an important part of your hot tub, helping it to function properly. It also helps keep you and your family safe while you use it.

But wait are you sure I really need a filter? What if I keep it really clean by hand cleaning it after every use?

Consider the following information points about hot tub filters and why they are important:

• The hot tub filter also prevents dirt from entering the pump. The more dirt that enters the pump, the more likely it is that the pump and its components will be damaged. This is a much more expensive problem than replacing a filter cartridge.
• If you remove the filter from your hot tub, air can also enter the pump. When this happens, the results are approximately the same as when dirt enters the pump. You could end up with a completely broken pump or heavily blocked pipes.
• It catches larger items such as sticks and leaves that float in the hot tub and can cause damage or cut your skin. This can sometimes be filtered away long before you spot these items.

Q: What Happens When My Filter Isn’t Working?

A: It is inevitable that you will one day experience some type of difficulty with your hot tub. Your hot tub is leaking? The water is not getting hot enough? Jets are not working properly? The filters are not working? The best place to start troubleshooting.

Hot Tub Filter Troubleshooting.

The following steps will help you find out if the problem with your hot tub is with your filter or not.

• As with most electronic things, the first step is always to turn off the device from the power source, wait a while and then re-start it.
• if the filter continues to not work properly then it might be because of a limited flow of water. This may be because something very large is blocking the filter and preventing the water from entering the hot tub correctly. Clean the filter cup or replace the cartridge with a new one to correct this problem.
• Are your hot tub filters not working at all? This can be a problem with your pump. Check the pump for dirt and any other type of issue. If you can’t see anything try carefully removing all air from the pump and then re-start the hot tub. In the worst case scenario, parts of the pump may be damaged and may need to be replaced.
• Filters not working may also mean that jets and/or other components of your hot tub need cleaning or to be replaced.

Hot Tub Troubleshooting

Hot tub owners must deal with a variety of different problems that may occur during the life of the hot tub.

These are just some of the problems you may encounter:

Hot Tub Troubleshooting Heater

Heating water is a very important part of a hot tub. Without hot water, you simply have a cold bath.

In some cases, the water in a Jacuzzi takes much longer than it should to heat up properly.

It can be lukewarm at best and may even take a long time (like 15 minutes) or more to get to this lukewarm state.

In other cases, the water may not heat up and stay completely cold. No matter how long you try to heat it.

In both cases, the thermostat is the most likely culprit. If not, then check the filter or the Jacuzzi insulation.

Best Hot Tub Filter Systems?

Hot tub filters fulfil an important task. They are designed to filter unwanted contaminants from the water that flows into your hot tub.

And it can protect you and your family by removing rough deposits such as calcium from the water supply.

Don’t be tempted to operate your expensive hot tub without using filters. You might save a few bucks in the short term but you will regret it.

A couple of bucks on a good quality water filter will save you a lot of money and the headache of a damaged hot tub.

The good news is that hot tub filters don’t need too much on-going maintenance. Simply rinse them every few weeks and then do a deep clean now and again.

They usually last about 1-2 years before you need to replace them. But this depends on the brand and model that you choose. It will also depend on how frequently you use your hot tub.

This article has also answered questions to some of the most common FAQs on the topic of hot tub filter systems.

In terms of the best filter, my personal favourite is the Unicel C-8465. Good quality filters like this can extend the life of your tub and keep all the parts involved working as well as possible for a very long time.