How do you clean a spa filter?

Filter clogging is caused by soaps, chemicals, perspiration, body fats, oils, and fine particles of dust or dirt. A blocked spa filter cartridge can put undue pressure on your pump and motor and decrease the life of these parts.

You can save money, reduce the wear and tear on your spa while prolonging the life of your filter by following a few basic maintenance steps. Read on to learn how to clean your spa filters.

In this article, you'll learn:

• How do I clean a spa filter?
• What do you use to clean a spa filter?
• How often should I clean spa filters?
• How long do spa filters last?
• How do I know when my spa filter needs replacing?
• How are spa filters made?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• Clean filters regularly – Soak and rinse to prevent clogging and extend lifespan.
• Use the right products – Avoid high-pressure hoses and harsh chemicals like bleach.
• Know when to replace – Cloudy water, clogs, or restricted flow mean it’s time for a new filter.

Important note about Micron Filters

Micron filters found in Vortex™ and Jacuzzi^® Spas cannot be cleaned and need to be replaced for a new micron filter at the end of their life.

How do I clean a spa filter?

Step 1. Remove your filters

Unscrew the filter or filters from the filter compartment of your spa and remove them. Also, remove any floating objects like scum absorbent discs and cleaning cloths as these could be sucked into your pump once your filters have been removed.

Step 2. Place filters in a filter cleaning solution and soak

We recommend soaking your filters for up to 24 hours in a filter cleaning solution to help dissolve and loosen dirt and organic matter that has built up. Follow the directions on the filter cleaning product and add the appropriate amount to a container of water, then leave your filters to soak. (The longer you can soak them for, the better!)

Step 3. Rinse filters with a filter cleaning wand

After your filters have soaked, remove them from the cleaning solution and rinse them with fresh water.

Using a filter cleaning wand will help you rinse them more thoroughly and efficiently. Filter cleaning wands clip straight onto your garden hose and allow you to clean deep inside the pleats of your filter.

Important note: Do not use a high-pressure hose, pressure washer or stiff brush as these can damage the filter media.

Step 4. Replace filters in your spa

Once you have rinsed your filters thoroughly, carefully screw them back into their housing in the filter compartment of your spa. Take care not to cross-thread them if they are threaded.

Bonus Tip - buy a second set of filters and rotate

If you have a second set of filters, you can have one set soaking for a whole week while your other set is in use. This will prolong the life of your filters considerably as they are getting a very thorough soaking every week.

Take away: Proper spa filter maintenance will ensure that spa filters last. Cleaning a spa filter is quick and easy using a spa filter water wand. A high-pressure hose or a stiff brush should never be used.

What do you use to clean a spa filter?

Soaking your filters in an approved filter cleaning product like the Zodiac Filter Cartridge cleaner will help remove dirt, grime and oils from your filters.

Then, rinse your filters with a filter cleaning wand to ensure they are thoroughly clean before replacing them in your spa.

Back to top

How often should I clean spa filters?

As a general rule, it is recommended to rinse your spa filters every 1-2 weeks. If your spa has high usage with a large number of bathers, you will want to clean your filters more regularly.

In addition to rinsing every 2 weeks, you should soak your filters in an approved filter-cleaning solution at least every month.

How long do spa filters last?

Generally, your spa filters should last at least 12 months and up to 18 months before they need replacing. In a high-use spa, you should replace your filters more regularly than if your spa is not being used as often.

If you are regularly cleaning your filters thoroughly then they will last longer.

How do I know when my spa filter needs replacing?

• The spa water is not staying clear.
• The cartridge gets blocked quickly, and you have to clean your cartridge more often.
• Restricted water flow and high differential pressure (differential pressure is the difference between the pressure coming in and the pressure going out, caused by a blocked cartridge).
• A cracked or damaged cartridge, which is very rare unless the filter has been plugged or there is an issue with the spa plumbing.

Back to top

How are spa filters made?

There are two different types of spa filters that are largely used in modern portable spas and swim spas: Pleated spa pool filters and micron spa filters.

Pleated Spa Pool filters

Pleated spa filters are the most common type of filters and are typically good for filtering out particulates 20 microns or larger.

As the name suggests pleated filter cartridges are made from pleated filter material known as media.

Why is it pleated you might ask? The pleats dramatically increase the surface area of the spa filter which increases the efficiency and reduces the overall size requirement.

Micron Spa Filters

Micron spa filters are either used alone or in conjunction with pleated filters. They provide superior water clarity by capturing finer particles than pleated filters, typically down to 5 microns.

They also help reduce chemical usage, but not all micron filters are made with the same quality. Choosing a high-quality, factory-authorised filter is essential to avoid premature clogging and damage.

• Superior filtration – Captures particles as small as 5 microns for clearer water.
• Chemical savings – Reduces the need for spa chemicals to maintain water quality.
• Quality matters – Low-quality filters clog quickly and break down faster.
• Durability concerns – Poorly made filters can fall apart at the end caps, shortening their lifespan.
• Choose reputable brands – Always buy from an authorised supplier to ensure longevity and performance.

Back to top

Frequently Asked Questions

Got more questions?

Talk to us or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to help!