How To Remove A Hot Tub Filter? 4 Steps

Hot tub maintenance should be your top priority if you want a clean and functioning spa. This includes deep cleaning your hot tub filters and changing the hot tub filter cartridges when they are passed beyond cleaning. 

However, such a simple task is mostly taken for granted by most hot tub owners. You certainly don’t want to be one, that is why in this article, we will cover the easy steps to removing your hot tub filter so you can start your hot tub maintenance. Make sure to stick until the end.

4 Easy Steps To Remove Hot Tub Filters

Whether you’re removing your hot tub filter to clean or replace them, these are easy steps that you can follow to remove your hot tub filter.

repair guy checking hot tub pump

Step 1. Find The Filter Cartridge

When looking inside the spa system, the filter is often partially visible. It is typically found inside a cradle, canister, or lid.  You can also check your owner’s handbook to find the filter if you cannot find such a container.

Step 2. Turn Off The Hot Tub System

After locating the hot tub filter cartridge, you should not go directly into removing the hot tub filter. You must ensure that your spa system is off first to prevent electric shock. Likewise, it is only advisable to use the spa with a filter cartridge since the components of spa systems work together to provide filtration.

Step 3. Turn The Hot Tub Filter Counterclockwise

Reverse the direction of the filter. Move cautiously and slowly to avoid causing harm. Check the filter’s bottom threads to see whether they must be unscrewed when rotating them. Pull the filter upward and out of the container if doing so would loosen the filter. 

Step 4. Read The Owner’s Manual 

While many cartridge filters or filter housing may be removed simply by turning them counterclockwise, not all hot tub types can. Allow your operating manual to guide you through when you remove the filter if a gentle twisting motion does not remove your filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should You Remove Hot Tub Filter?

You must remove hot tub filters to be cleaned frequently, but they must also be replaced to avoid deterioration. To maintain your hot tub operating at its peak, it’s essential to note the filter’s age and when, as this will require replacement.

view of an open working hot tub

There isn’t a set answer for how long a hot tub filter will last because it mostly depends on how frequently you use your hot tub. A good filter will typically last between two and five years if it is regularly maintained and cleansed along the way. Up to three years is the maximum expected filter life for most hot tub owners who use their spa frequently.

Use this information to guide when you should remove hot tub filters.

  • 2-3 weeks. When performing your routine hot tub inspection, you should take the filter out and rinse it with a garden hose to eliminate larger particles like hair and leaves. This fast procedure serves only to maintain your filter’s functionality in between more thorough cleanings.
  • 2-3 months. At this point, you should take the filter out and thoroughly clean it to make the hot tub filter clean. We advise having a fresh filter available to swap out your used one. This allows you to use your hot tub immediately and increases the lifespan of both filters.
  • Once a year. Using your filter for longer than a year is not advised because it may lose effectiveness and let dirt and bacteria into your hot tub’s water. You can use both filters for longer if you alternate between them, but try to keep note of how long you’ve had each tub filter.

Do Hot Tubs Have 2 Hot Tub Filters?

Skimmer filters, found on the suction surface of spa pumps, are the standard filter for most portable spas. The second filter is placed on the pressure side of the spa pump or after the pump.

Can I Run A Hot Tub Without A Filter?

Run it only with the filter; without a filter running a spa pump for an extended time can cause blocked pump impellers and a rapid deterioration of the quality of the hot tub water. Therefore, if a new filter is required, do it right away.

How Many Hours A Day Should My Hot Tub Filter?

Normally, the filtration cycle should run twice daily for a minimum of four hours. If you regularly use your spa, you can extend the running time to keep the water sparkling. These circulation periods ought to be scheduled for off-peak times.

Conclusion

open working hot tub

Removing a hot tub filter and cleaning it regularly is a must to keep it in top condition. If you are using your hot tub for the first time and don’t know how to remove the spa filter, you can follow the above steps. Make sure to replace your hot tub once a year to enjoy it for a long time.