How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter the Right Way

Your filter is the kidney of your hot tub. A filter that only ever gets a quick rinse is hiding oils and biofilm deep in the pleats — and that shows up as cloudy water and a pump working too hard.

Three levels of filter cleaning

1. Weekly rinse: spray between the pleats with a hose to clear loose debris.
2. Monthly deep soak: soak the cartridge in a filter-cleaning solution overnight to dissolve oils and scale, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Replace: even well-kept cartridges wear out every 12–24 months. Frayed pleats or a soft core mean it’s time.

A few do’s and don’ts

Do let a deep-soaked filter dry fully before reinstalling if you can — rotate two cartridges so you’re never down a filter. Don’t use a pressure washer or dish soap; both ruin pleats and cause foaming. Learn about our filter cleaning and replacement service, included on every visit.

Prefer to skip the upkeep entirely? Get a free quote from Bubble Balance — we keep hot tubs crystal-clear across Wilmington and the Cape Fear coast on a simple monthly plan. Or call (910) 264-3361.