EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOT TUB FILTERS

Have you recently bought a hot tub, but don’t know much about how it operates? Perhaps you’re considering a hot tub installation, but curious about how to keep the water crystal clear with minimum fuss and maintenance? If you’re looking for information about the filter in your hot tub and the role it plays in water care, then keep reading!

In this article, we uncover everything you need to know about how hot tub filters work.

WHY HOT TUB FILTRATION MATTERS

While they may be the least sexy feature of a hot tub, a hot tub’s filtration system is easily the most critical component. Responsible for removing contaminants such as sand, dust, debris, and soils from surrounding surfaces, the filter is the unsung hero of your hot tub.

Without a filter to combat the contaminants, your hot tub could be facing a range of problems; from cloudy water to an increase in chemical usage, to the growth of algae, making your hot tub unusable. Learn more about how filtration can help prevent the most common spa problems. 

HOW HOT TUB FILTRATION WORKS

Let’s quickly review the two types of hot tub filtration systems:

Suction:

The suction filter is the go-to filter for most hot tub manufacturers because installation is less expensive and they’re easier to maintain. Housed inside a skimmer, the filter skims water at the surface level to remove larger debris such as leaves.

The water passes through a filter basket, micro filter and pump, before being passed back into the water through the massage jets. However, it’s not as efficient as its pressure counterpart when it comes to removing heavier debris such as sand. To properly filter the water, the suction filters need to run for at least sixteen hours per day.

Pressure:

As the name suggests, the pressure filter can handle much more pressure. However, they also cost more to manufacture, which increases the price of the hot tub. Housed inside a sealed canister with the skimmer in a separate unit, water flows from the pump to the filter, instead of from the filter to the pump.

A floor vacuum may also be added to the bottom of the hot tub, to extract even the most elusive grain of sand. While these filtration systems require infrequent maintenance, cleaning of the filter when it needs to be worked on, can be more difficult.

WHICH FILTRATION SYSTEM IS BETTER?

As both filtration systems perform the same job and do it well, it really becomes a question of which system would you prefer to work with. Do you want the efficient filter that’s more difficult to work with, but doesn’t require as much maintenance? Or do you want the filtration system that’s easier to maintain, but needs more service? Ultimately, it’s a decision that’s yours to make.

WRAPPING UP

Often forgotten and unnoticed, the filtration system in your hot tub is essentially the secret weapon in the battle against dirt and debris. Without one, your hot tub would be inoperable!

Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs offers a five-stage filtration system that uses CLEARRAY® technology to ensure crystal-clear water and exceptional hot tub performance. This proprietary filtration system requires much less maintenance, gives you peace of mind and frees up your time to enjoy your hot tub.

HOT TUBS FOR SALE AT WCI POOLS AND SPAS

We have a range of Jacuzzi® hot tubs and replacement hot tub filters for sale at our Ames and Urbandale backyard living showrooms. Visit WCI Pools and Spas today! We have two locations in Iowa and our staff are always happy to help.

Experiencing a problem with your spa? Take a look at this article for the most common spa problems, how to prevent them and how to solve them.