For many hot tub owners, cleaning filters feels frustrating, time-consuming and easy to put off. The task is not high on their weekend to-do list. Some buyers even tune out during the sales pitch — hearing only “low maintenance … every three months” — and assume if a filter looks clean, it is.
But skipping filter care can lead to real problems: reduced water flow, poor heating, cloudy water and even tripped sensors. Many owners panic, thinking something major is broken, when often a simple filter cleaning will restore normal operation.
Beyond keeping the spa running smoothly, filters are the first line of defense in maintaining safe, healthy water. “It’s the most important part of water care, even for brand-new tubs,” says Tim Rodger, president of The Spa Marvel Company, based in Ontario, Canada.
The good news: Proper filter maintenance can be simple. With the right products and education, customers can keep their water clear and their spas performing at their best — without wasting time or money. That’s where retailers come in.
Educating customers and providing options
Retailers should stress the difference between a quick rinse with a garden hose and a deep clean that removes dirt, oils and debris. Many customers don’t realize there are tools to make the job easier — and that these solutions are often available in your store or online shop.
After removing the filter and rinsing it, customers can choose from several products to finish the job.
Spa Marvel Filter Cleaner
This enzyme-based product is simple to use, Rodger says. Add two capfuls of the cleaner to up to 5 gallons of fresh water in a pail and mix. Soak the filter overnight in the solution, and the next day, remove all debris from the pleats with a garden hose sprayer. “It’s a product that works well, with no foaming agents,” Rodger says. “It doesn’t use bleach or acids, and it’s very inexpensive to use.”
Aqua Comb
Invented and manufactured by Mi-Way president Mark Schreiber, the Aqua Comb attaches to a garden hose. To use it, spray the cartridge filter with a dedicated filter cleaner (Schreiber recommends Waters Choice, which uses enzymes instead of chemicals), and let it work for five minutes. Attach the comb to a garden hose, turn on the water, insert the comb into the filter and work your way down from the top to the bottom. The comb opens the pleats for cleaning, scrubs the sidewalls and picks debris from the filter. Then give the filter a final rinse.
SpaGuard Filter Cleaner
A trusted BioGuard brand, SpaGuard can be sprayed directly onto the filter (soak for 15-20 minutes before rinsing) or diluted for an hourlong soak by mixing one part cleaner with three parts water.
“SpaGuard tends to be the best because there’s not a lot of filler in the product,” says Kyle Sweet, hot tub manager for Swimming Pool Services in Waukesha, Wisconsin. “I’ve seen some people go to other stores [for other brands], but you don’t see the same results. BioGuard is a trusted brand that stands behind its products.”
Retailer Melissa Hutzenbuehler, co-owner of Wisconsin-based HotSpring Spas of La Crosse, adds that the spray-on option is especially convenient in winter when outdoor hoses aren’t available.
“You can put the filter into your home sink and use it as a soak,” she says. “It doesn’t take overnight; you can soak it for 15 minutes and [wash] it off.”
Common mistakes to avoid
Customers often think pressure washers are a shortcut — but they can damage filters. “These strong washers can take the paint off a car,” Rodger says. Gentle rinsing is best.
It’s not a complicated process. It just takes the right tools and the right products.”
Mark Schreiber, Mi-Way/Aqua Comb
Another mistake: Letting filters dry before reinstalling them. “Letting them sit and dry gives time for an airborne contaminant, mold, fungus or something similar to get into that fabric and take root,” he says.
Retailers’ role
By offering classes, how-to videos or newsletter tips, retailers can teach customers the right way to care for filters — reducing service calls and extending spa enjoyment. The equation is clear: Clean filter = clean water = more time for hot tub owners to enjoy their investment. And less time calling their retailer with problems.
“It’s not a complicated process,” Schreiber says. “It just takes the right tools and the right products.”
Filter Cleaning Essentials
Spa Marvel Filter Cleaner
- Type: Enzyme-based deep soak cleaner (no bleach or acids)
- Benefits: Safely removes oils, dirt, hair and grime while helping prevent odors; one bottle handles eight filter cleanings
SpaGuard Filter Cleaner
- Type: Multipurpose solvent spray or soak-on cleaner
- Benefits: Breaks down oils, grime and scale to enhance water circulation and extend filter life; highly regarded by service pros for its purity
Aqua Comb
- Type: Handheld hose-attached comb tool designed to open pleats
- Benefits: Made in the U.S. with UV-protected materials; fast (clean in three to five minutes), ideal for both salt and chlorine systems and helps reduce strain on filters and pumps
Spapure Filter Clean Pro
- Type: Liquid concentrate designed for deep filter soaking and cleaning
- Benefits: Effectively removes body oils, lotions, grease, and scale buildup to restore water flow and filtration efficiency; helps extend filter life and maintain balanced, clear spa water