Spa Filters - Keep Water Clean and Healthy

Spas and hot tubs are very popular among homeowners as they provide a great place to relax and unwind, especially after a long day at work. With a hot tub on your property, you can enjoy your own private retreat where you can reduce stress and soothe tired muscles. Spas are also excellent gathering places where you can get together with friends and family and enjoy some quality socialization. However, in order to make the most of your spa or hot tub and to keep your friends and family safe, it's absolutely essential to keep the water clean and free of pollutants.

All swimming pools, spas and hot tubs are prone to becoming dirty and cloudy if not properly maintained on a very regular basis. Dirt and debris can enter the water from the surrounding environment and also on the bodies of bathers. Lotions and body oils will also contribute to water cloudiness. While dirty water looks unappealing, there are additional reasons why it should be avoided. For example, cloudy water, whether in a large swimming pool or a small hot tub, creates an ideal environment for algae growth. Once an algae bloom has taken hold in the water, it can be very difficult to eradicate.

However, the most important reason for keeping spas and hot tubs clean is the health and safety of the people who will be in the water. While bacteria and other harmful microorganisms can accumulate in any body of water that is not properly maintained, the warm water of hot tubs and spas provides a particularly ideal environment for microorganisms such as mold, viruses and disease-causing bacteria to breed. As a result, if these microorganisms are not properly controlled through water treatment and maintenance, the health of everyone who uses your spa will be at risk.

When it comes to keeping hot tub water clean and clear, the most important piece of equipment is the filtration system. Spa filters remove debris, microorganisms and other impurities to leave you with brilliantly clean and clear water. This is achieved through the use of a cartridge element. Typically constructed from heavy-duty materials such as reinforced polyester, filter cartridges provide a large surface area for trapping contaminant and debris particles as the water flows through the filter. As a result, only clean, purified water is allowed to return to the spa or hot tub.

Since spa and hot tub filters trap a wide variety of unwanted particles, this debris builds up on the cartridges over time. Consequently, spa and hot tub filters must be cleaned and even replaced from time to time in order to continue to experience effective filtration for clean, safe water. In addition, keeping spa filters clean and unclogged will also result in less strain on the pump, which will extend the equipment's lifespan. Generally, hot tub filters should be manually clean every one to three weeks, depending on usage and bather load.

Spa filters can be easily cleaned by applying a stream of water from a garden hose at a 45 degree angle. Following that step, most spa and hot tub filters should then be soaked overnight in a special cleaning compound. However, specific types and brands of spa and hot tub filters will come with their own instructions and guidelines. In order to extend the life of your hot tub filters and to experience very little or even no hot tub downtime, it's recommended to rotate between two sets of filters.

While regularly cleaned spa filters can typically last up to 12 months, every filter will eventually need to be replaced. After approximately one year of use, even thorough cleaning will not be able to remove all of the grime and build up from the cartridge element. At this point, it's extremely important to replace your hot tub filters so that you can ensure that your water will stay crystal clear and contaminant free, thereby protecting the health of your family and friends. Fortunately, replacement spa filters can be found for good value and will likely work effectively for very close to the 12 month limit when properly maintained and cared for.

Considering the vital role that spa and hot tub filters play in keeping water free of debris and potentially harmful contaminants, proper water filtration is something that every hot tub owner should be knowledgeable about. Knowing how to clean hot tub filters in the right way and with the right frequency is essential to preventing the spread of viruses and bacterial infections. Of course, as previously explained, replacing spa filters when they near the end of their effectiveness is also absolutely vital to keeping your water clean and your entire filtration system running smoothly. Whether your spa or hot tub is your private oasis or a hub of social activity and whether you use it every day or just once per week, spa and hot tub filters are an essential component of proper water maintenance and will allow you to enjoy the warm, soothing water to the fullest.