JACUZZI  FILTERS  

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First, and most importantly always keep in mind that your spa is not a bathtub. So, to preserve your spa filter and keep it working for several months, do try to shower before using your spa as it is of utmost importance to keep soaps, lotions (such as sun tan lotions), all kinds of skin creams, hair sprays, hair mousse, styling gels and antiperspirants, deodorants and all body oils out of your spa. One only has to stop and think that water is being forced through the spa filter every second the spa is running, cleaning the water of bacteria, hair, oils, dead skin, dissolved solids and any other kind of debris that gets into the water . . . including bugs!

Three types of filters are available on today's market. Each one has it's own individual, unique qualities.

Organic and non polluting Diatomaceious Earth Filters are becoming more and more popular as people are becoming more environmentally conscious. The Diatomaceious Earth Filters are made from petrified bones. If you were to study one of these filters under a microscope it would look much like a sponge with thousands of tiny pores. Do note that some local municipalities have strict rules and regulations concerning the disposal of the Diatomaceious Earth Filters which becomes a concern when it's time to clean the filter by flushing it out backwards, or back-washing it.

The most common filters used in spas today are the Cartridge Filters. These cartridge's are made with a fine, pleated, or folded, usually dacron, mesh material. The pleats are the key to the filter's operation. The tight pleats allow for a large amount of material to be used in a small container. The more material used, the larger the surface area available to capture unwanted dirt or debris in the water.

The third filter is known as the Sand Filter, so named simply because sand is it's filter medium. A certain amount of sand and gravel is inside the filter. When mixed with water as it passes through the filter it pulls out dirt and impurities. However small microscopic particles can pass through the filter. To prevent this from happening there are products on the market that one can use that will coagulate the smaller particles into larger ones that will be picked up by the filter. New sand must be added to this filter every few years, however, it is important to note that these filters require a very specific type of sand.

No matter which filter you decide to use it is important to remember that you care for it with a few simple rules of maintenance such as making sure that the spa runs at least one hour each day to ensure good water circulation, even if no one is using the spa that day and remember do 'not' use a water clarifier in your spa if you are using any kind of PH balance.

How often your filter cartridge needs replacing is dependent on a number of factors; the size of the filter, how often it's cleaned, how much the spa is used and how much debris gets into the water. As a general rule of thumb a filter needs to be replaced every one or two years. However if you notice either of the filter's plastic ends are cracked, the fabric pleats (or folds) separating from the plastic ends or cleaning it doesn't appear to get it any cleaner it's time to replace the filter.

The size of the filter, how much debris is allowed into the water and how much the spa is used will determine how often the filter needs to be cleaned. Generally portable hot tub spas or self contained spas should have their filters cleaned once a month. The best way to clean them is to blast them with a hose fitted with a high pressure nose such as the kind that is found at your local self serve car wash.

Never, never use any cleaning products not especially designed for cleaning filter cartridges. On the market today is a clever little 'floating duck' made especially to absorb any type of oil that would normally get into your hot tub spa filter. These little 'floating ducks' need to be cleaned regularly and replaced when they show signs of deterioration. Never use any soap based cleaners or car wax in or on your hot tub spa. There are cleaners designed especially for the spa on the market today.

Making sure you maintain proper water chemistry at all times is extremely important. Remember, take proper care of your hot tub spa and it will give you countless hours of the hydrotherapy needed to set your tired aching muscles at ease!

 

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