Benefits Hydrotherapy Features Manufacturing Warranties Style & Color Before You Buy Ownership Friends & Family Ask The Experts

Hot Tub Water Filtration Systems

Nearly every hot tub and spa uses a filtration system to ensure clean water. Most systems work in the same fashion: water is drawn in to the center of the filter and then pushed out through the filter. Particles and debris collect on the filter surface. While this principle may be the same in all hot tubs and spas, it is important to investigate every component of the system. All filtration systems are not the same.

Hot Tub Filters

Hot tub filters work by capturing debris from the water passed through them.

Simply stated, filters with large surface areas collect more debris. Large filters reduce the number of impurities and particles that are pumped back into the hot tub's water. As you're shopping for the best spas and hot tubs, ask your salesperson about the size of filter used in the hot tub, and how that size relates to other hot tubs and spas on the market.

Some hot tubs come with more than one filter. While their areas combined may be the same size as one larger filter, you'll have to clean more than one filter, so make sure filters are easy to access and remove.

• Try to choose a hot tub with filters that are easy to access for periodic maintenance.

Hot Tub Filtration Cycles and Circulation Pumps

The amount of water that passes through a hot tub's plumbing is one of the true tests of a filtration system. It is important that all of the water in the hot tub is filtered several times each day. Of course, this is most important when you need it the most: when you're sitting inside the hot tub.

Many hot tubs come with pre-programmed filter cycles. Depending upon the price of the hot tub and the complexity of its internal control system, you may be able to program your own cycles, or choose one of several pre-set cycles. These cycles determine the number of times per day your filtration cycles will activate and the length of each cycle.

During a filtration cycle, the jets in your spa will turn on and water will be rapidly pushed through the filter. Filtration cycles are generally set depending upon "bather load" (a measurement of how often you use your hot tub or spa).

Make sure to inquire about filtration cycles. How often is all the water filtered? Remember that filtration is a gradual process. If the hot tub you're considering holds 250 gallons of water, it is important that the hot tub can filter at least 10,000 gallons of water per day!

Many spas and hot tubs offer circulation pumps. A circulation pump keeps a small amount of water moving through your filter continuously - day and night. While circulation pumps do not work alone, they are effective in helping to keep your water clean and clear because they prevent standing water. In conjunction with powerful filtration cycles, they can help ensure that your water is adequately filtered all day long.