A spa is one of life’s greatest home luxuries – but to keep your water crystal clear and your equipment working efficiently, your filters need regular care. Knowing exactly how to clean spa filters can save you from murky water, unpleasant odours, and unnecessary wear on your spa’s pump and heater.
This guide will walk you through the process, explain why it matters, and give you practical tips to make cleaning spa filters easier and more effective.
Why Spa Filter Maintenance Is Essential
Your spa filter plays a vital role in keeping the water clean and safe. It traps dirt, body oils, hair, and other debris before they can circulate, ensuring a healthy spa environment. Without regular filter care, your spa’s performance and water quality can quickly decline.
Consequences of Neglecting Spa Filters
When spa filters aren’t cleaned or replaced regularly, several issues can arise:
- Reduced water clarity – Cloudy or murky water is often the first sign of a clogged filter.
- Strain on the pump – Blocked filters force the pump to work harder, shortening its lifespan.
- Lower heating efficiency – Restricted water flow makes it harder to maintain the right temperature.
Bacteria build-up – Dirty filters create a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.
How to Clean Spa Filters
Learning how to clean spa filters properly is key to keeping your spa hygienic and running smoothly.
- Rinse weekly: Use a garden hose to wash away dirt and debris.
- Deep clean monthly: Soak filters in a specialised spa filter cleaner to remove oils and stubborn particles.
- Replace as needed: Most filters last 12–18 months, but heavy use may shorten their lifespan.
Benefits of Regular Filter Maintenance
By keeping your spa filters clean, you’ll enjoy:
- Clearer, safer water.
- More efficient heating and circulation.
- Longer-lasting equipment with fewer breakdowns.
- A healthier spa environment with reduced risk of bacteria growth.
How Often Should You Clean Spa Filters?
For most Australian spa owners, a fortnightly rinse and a monthly deep clean works well. However, if your spa gets heavy use, or if it’s outdoors and exposed to leaves or dust, you may need to clean more frequently.
A general rule: if the water starts looking cloudy despite correct chemical balance, it’s time to give those filters some attention.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Spa Filters
Step 1 – Turn Off the Power
Before removing your filters, switch off your spa completely. This protects you from electrical hazards and prevents water from circulating without filtration.
Step 2 – Remove the Filter Cartridge
Most spas have easy-access filter housings. Gently lift the cartridge out, being careful not to damage the pleats.
Step 3 – Rinse with Fresh Water
For routine cleaning spa filters, a strong hose spray is ideal. Aim the water at a 45-degree angle to flush debris out from between the pleats. Avoid high-pressure washers, which can tear the filter material.
Step 4 – Deep Clean with a Filter Cleaner
Soak the cartridge in a special filter cleaning solution once a month. This removes body oils, sunscreen residue, and stubborn dirt that water alone won’t shift.
- Prepare the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Soak for at least 8–12 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning chemicals before replacing the filter.
This is particularly important if you want to properly clean hot tub filters, as oils and lotions can clog them faster than you think.
Step 5 – Inspect for Wear and Tear
Look for fraying in the pleats or cracks in the end caps. If you spot damage, replace the filter immediately – no amount of cleaning will restore full performance.
Step 6 – Reinstall and Restart
Once your filter is dry, place it back into the housing, secure it properly, and switch your spa back on. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your water will stay fresher for longer.
Extra Tips for Longer-Lasting Filters
- Rotate between two filters – Keep a spare on hand so you can swap them out during cleaning.
- Avoid household detergents – These can cause foaming and affect water chemistry.
- Check water balance – The lifespan of the filter might be shortened by improper pH or sanitiser levels.
- Rinse after heavy use – After parties or extended soaks, give the filter a quick clean.
Why Professional Spa Filter Cleaning Can Make a Difference
While learning how to clean spa filters yourself is useful, there’s no substitute for a professional touch. An experienced technician can:
- Remove deep-set debris and biofilm.
- Inspect the filtration system for hidden blockages.
- Recommend the right cleaning products for your spa model.
- Replace worn filters with high-quality alternatives.
If you own a spa in the Newcastle region, Just Spas Newcastle offers a specialist cleaning spa filters service as part of our broader spa care packages.
The Importance of Cleaning Hot Tub Filters in Australian Conditions
Australian weather – with its dust, heat, and frequent outdoor entertaining – can mean your spa filters work harder than most. Leaves, sunscreen, oils, and even fine red dust can quickly clog up the system, making regular filter care essential.
Cleaning your hot tub filters correctly prevents cloudy or smelly water, helps your pumps run smoothly, and reduces strain on the heating system—keeping your spa energy-efficient all year round. Dirty filters not only affect water quality but can also shorten the lifespan of your spa equipment if ignored.
Why regular filter cleaning matters in Australia:
- Dust and debris: Winds and dry conditions mean more particles settle in your spa.
- High usage: Outdoor entertaining and frequent dips add body oils, lotions, and hair products that clog filters.
- Warm climate: Warmer water encourages faster bacteria growth, making clean filters vital for hygiene.
- Energy savings: A clean filter allows water to circulate freely, reducing power consumption and wear on pumps.
By keeping on top of filter cleaning—ideally rinsing weekly and deep-cleaning monthly you can enjoy clear, safe water and a spa that performs at its best, even in tough Australian conditions.
Let Just Spas Newcastle Handle the Hard Work
Your spa should be a place of relaxation, not another chore on your to-do list. At Just Spas Newcastle, we provide expert filter care as part of our spa maintenance services. Our team uses professional-grade solutions and techniques that go beyond basic rinsing – ensuring your spa’s filtration system runs at peak efficiency.
We also offer personalised advice so you’ll know exactly how to clean spa filters between services, giving you the best of both worlds: professional care and confident DIY upkeep.
Ready for crystal-clear water and a spa that runs like new?
Experience the difference by scheduling a professional filter cleaning with Just Spas Newcastle right now.
