
How often should I run my hot tub filter?
Since many filters have several options as to how often they can work, it is up to you to decide according to how frequently you use your hot tub. It should be enough to run your hot tub filter for up to eight hours a day. It would be best if you run it in two intervals of four hours.
Should I Turn Off my hot tub filter when using it?
Meanwhile, many hot tub manufacturers advise turning off the filter while using the spa. On the other hand, if you use your spa less regularly, the best option is to set your filter to run at least eight hours a day.
What is a filter cycle in a hot tub?
Filtration cycles are periods of time when hot tub pumps are scheduled to run automatically, circulating water and chemicals through the filter system and pipes—regardless of whether the spa is in use or not. A hot tub full of standing water is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
How many hours a day should you run a hot tub pump?
So, eight hours a day is a happy medium that will keep a hot tub functioning properly without skyrocketing bills. However, it should be noted that it is best to run a hot tub’s pump on a cycle in which it turns on and off at set times throughout the day.

How long should a hot tub pump run?
Since your hot tub pump circulates the warm water as well as the sanitizer, a general rule is to follow manufacturer recommendations or leave the pump on for a minimum of eight hours per day.
How often should you filter your hot tub?
Regardless of how well or how often you clean your filter, you should replace it once a year. If your tub sees a lot of use from a lot of people you might want to replace the hot tub filter more often than that, but the longest you should go is one year.
How long does it take for a hot tub to filter water?
Generally, a hot tub filter should run at least twice a day for 2 to 6 hours. For occasional usage, 2 hours will be fine. For heavy use, 4 hours or longer is recommended.
Should I leave my hot tub filter on?
Regardless of the amount of time you spend using your hot tub every year or how much cleaning you do, you should be replacing your hot tub filter every year. This will ensure the filter's performance and efficiency aren't compromised. The filter is an essential part of your hot tub.
How do you know if your hot tub filter is working?
Is the water in your spa pool clear or cloudy? If your filters are working as they should and you do regular cleaning, the water should be clear enough to see to the bottom. Weak filters lead to more dust and dirt build-up, causing cloudy and dirty water.
What is the daily maintenance of a hot tub?
Daily. Every day you should be getting out to your spa and getting the lid completely off. This helps with releasing chemical gases that can, if left underneath the cover and unable to escape, can cause some deterioration to certain components like headrests and control panels. Leave it open for at just a few minutes.
How many hours per day should I run my spa pump?
Ideally, your spa pool pump will run for at least four hours, twice a day, but it's okay for the pump to run longer.
Can you let hot tub filters dry out?
The easiest way to let your filters fully dry is simply to rotate between two filters. After cleaning one using your hot tub filter cleaner, leave it out to dry and put the other filter in. Following this schedule can easily add a few months to the life of a hot tub filter.
How long can you leave hot tub water in?
We recommend customers to change their hot tub water every 3 to 4 months. The reason we recommend this is that as your continue to add more chlorine, it will start to dissolve slower and slower until the chlorine doesn't dissolve in your hot tub anymore.
Do hot tubs use a lot of electricity?
A larger tub will require more power to heat and to move a larger body of water, and to operate more jets. This will be reflected on your electricity bill. Usage - Using your hot tub 3-4 hours a week could mean an extra 100-120 Kilowatts on average.
Does a hot tub filter when the Jets are on?
In most spas, when you turn on the jets (which is typically when you are using the spa) only a small amount of the water is going through the filters before re-entering by way of the jet, and the rest of the water is being pulled through one or more by-pass suction fittings usually located in the footwell area of the ...
What is the most economical way to run a hot tub?
It is far more energy‑efficient to start your hot tub up with warm water rather than filling the hot tub with cold water and waiting for the pump's heater to do all the work. Additionally, if you don't require your hot tub to be as full as possible then consider only filling it up to the minimum line.
How long does it take to filtrate water?
A properly working filter can take anywhere from 5 to 35 minutes to pass a full top reservoir of water. The filter has a firm outer layer of filtration media that is densely packed.
How long do chemicals take to work in hot tub?
After adding these chemicals, hot tub owners need to wait for at least 30 minutes and then test the water again. This will give the chemicals time to distribute evenly, ensuring the test is accurate. On the other hand, proper water balance also depends on more than what is just read on the strip.
How long does it take for a hot tub to be ready to use?
But, how long should you expect to wait for your hot tub to reach this level of heat? Heating a hot tub to a safe and comfortable temperature of 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit usually takes about four hours; it may range from three to eight hours. Generally, water heats up at 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.
Does hot tub water get filtered?
Filter System Every hot tub uses a filter to remove dirt and other debris in the water.
How long should a hot tub filter run?
Generally, a hot tub filter should run at least twice a day for 2 to 6 hours. For occasional usage, 2 hours will be fine. For heavy use, 4 hours or longer is recommended. Regularly check your hot tub filter and clean it when needed. A clean filter will make the work for your pump easier, so it will last longer.
Why do you need a spa filter?
During the filtration cycles, the water in the spa moves through the filters. It helps to remove unwanted items and to spreads the sanitizer in the water. However, how often you should run the filter in your tub depends on several factors:
How far away should a hot tub be from a metal surface?
As a thumb rule, hot tubs installation should be at least 5 feet away from all metal surfaces, other electrical appliances, and outlets. There should be a cut-off switch within five feet of the spa that is within sight and accessible.
What color is a hot tub?
The most popular hot tub color is white and its different shades. But spas in other colors are also brought by users, depending on their taste. A white-colored shell for a hot tub helps to make the water look clean and blue. When it is slightly dirty, it easily shows up. The presence of grit, dirt, or debris is easy to spot in a white spa. Moreover, it does not show up water spots like in dark-colored spa shells. If your tub has a lighting set up, it will look more impressive with a white spa than with dark shaded spa shells.
Why is my tub blurry?
Walls exposed to humid air will lead to dry rot and mildew growth . If the tub is on the patio near the windows, the steam from the tub may make them blurry.
Why run a filter longer in winter?
Filters need to be run more often and longer in winter. It avoids water freezing in the pipes inside the tub. I recommend you run the filters for longer during the coldest times of the night. This is to avoid frozen water damaging the pipes, the pump, and the filter.
How to keep a pool from getting clogged?
It will help avoid debris getting into the pool with wind or when users step in after walking through dry leaves. Avoid placing in grass or muddy areas because the location will affect the longevity of the filters and tub because of the dirt getting into the tub and clogging the filters.
How often should you change the filter in a hot tub?
Generally speaking, hot tub filters should be changed every 2 years if they get rinsed every 3 weeks and deep cleaned every 3 months. With less sporadic cleaning, changing the filters every 12 months is best.
What is the best way to clean a hot tub filter?
The best way to clean hot tub filters is to rinse under hot water with a kitchen sink sprayer every 3 weeks. Then every 3 months, use Spa Depot Power Soak and soak the filters in hot water in a 5-gallon bucket for 1 hour. Then rinse off and put them back in .
How can you tell when it’s time to change your hot tub filter?
To begin with, a major sign you need to clean your hot tub filter is when the water in the hot tub isn’t clear.
How often should I clean my hot tub filter?
Rinse hot tub filters off with a kitchen sink sprayer every 3 weeks. Then do a deep chemical soak of the filters every 3 months. Doing both on schedule will allow most filters to get up to 24 months of life before needing to be replaced.
Why does my hot tub water cloud up?
However, if the hot tub filter is clogged or dirty, the flow of water will be impeded, and the water will cloud up more quickly.
What happens if you don't have a filter in your water heater?
After all, the filter removes gunk from the water like body oils, dead skin cells, hair, leaves, etc. Without a filter, that stuff just flows through your pipes and into the pump and heater. Over time, those things can end up lodged in the equipment.
How long do hot tub filters last?
As a general rule, hot tub filters last at least 1 year and up to 2 years. That range depends on how often you clean it, how thoroughly you clean it, and how often you use your hot tub.
What are hot tub filtration cycles?
Filtration cycles are periods of time when hot tub pumps are scheduled to run automatically, circulating water and chemicals through the filter system and pipes— regardless of whether the spa is in use or not.
When is the best time to run hot tub filtration cycles?
By default, most hot tubs will start their filtration cycle at the time you first turn on the spa, and then run on a schedule every 12 hours after that.
Should you ever run your hot tub without a filter?
You should never remove a spa filter for more than a few minutes at a time .
How often should you run your pump?
As a general rule, you should aim for the shortest filtration cycle needed to maintain clean water in your hot tub. What this is will depend on your spa, usage and local water quality, and will need some experimentation to figure out initially.
What happens if you don't run your filter enough?
The telltale signs that you're not filtering your spa water enough are:
How long do ceramic hot tub filters last?
If you didn’t know, all the Hot Spring models use a 24/7 circulation pump, so the hot tub is constantly filtering water through at least 1 filter.
How to make hot tub filters last longer?
In order to help your hot tub filters last longer, follow these tips: Always have a hot tub filter to use while cleaning and drying the dirty filter. Drying after cleaning will help kill any remaining bacteria and contaminants. Try using a filter cleaner every 3 to 6 months in order to remove oils and mineral deposits.
How to prolong the life of a hot tub filter?
Another great tip is to have a spare filter and rotate the two filters which will prolong the life of your hot tub filter considerably. One filter can be soaked in filter cleaner while the other filter is doing the service.
What is a hot tub filter made of?
Each cartridge consists of a core structure, which is usually made of plastic, and a medium that is wrapped around the core acting as a filter. Regardless of whether the core is made of polyester or other materials, ...
Why is my spa filter clogged?
The problem is that the longer the filter is used , the more dirt and debris in the spa water will clog it. Debris that settles in the filter is microscopic, but it can build up quickly over time and the filter gradually becomes less and less effective.
Why do hot tub filters smell musty?
There is a risk of a wet filter getting a musty smell when it fails to dry fast. This is exactly why it is recommended to have a spare filter so you don’t have to rush to dry your hot tub filters. Many people, on the other hand, like to let them dry once in a while.
Why do you need to replace a hot tub filter?
Generally, you will want to replace your filter when it starts showing signs of wear or damage or if there is a lack of water pressure going through it. Additionally, a filter that is dirty or over-used may affect other parts of the system. This will eventually cost a lot more in repairs than simply replacing your hot tub filter on time.
Why is it important to clean hot tub filters?
The particles trapped by the filters remain until they’re cleaned out, so your role in maintaining the filter contributes greatly to its effectiveness. Neglecting regular filter maintenance and replacement could strain your hot tub pumps and heating system and cause dirt and grime to build up. Read on for recommended cleaning and replacement schedules.
How long does a Tri-X filter last?
The new TRI-X ® filter lasts two to four years longer and offers twice the cleaning area of other cartridges the same size. It’s compatible with all Highlife Collection spa models—even those that do not come standard with TRI-X filters. With superior filters, your entire hot tub system will run more efficiently.
Why do hot tubs have filters?
Every hot tub has some type of filter, because even when your hot tub water looks clear, contaminants such as body oils, lotions, dirt, and other environmental debris are often present. The way filters work is fairly simple: Water passes through them, trapping unwanted particles in their folds.
What is a cartridge made of?
Each cartridge consists of a core structure—usually plastic—and a medium wrapped around the core that acts as the filter. Made of polyester or other materials, the medium is pleated; the many resulting folds greatly increase the surface area of the filter for better cleaning action.
How many filters are there in a hot spring spa?
Hot Spring spas, however, feature filters at every intake point and every return, for up to five filters total and up to 325 square feet of filtration capacity to support an exceptionally powerful jet output. The result? Clean, comfortable water and excellent performance.
Is a hot springs filter good for a hot tub?
While polyester or “paper” filters have long been trusted and reliable options for hot tub sanitation, innovations in hot tub design have taken filter cartridges to new levels. Hot Spring ® Spas has optimized ceramic fiber technology to develop a pleated cartridge filter that’s just as easy to clean and maintain as its polyester counterpart. The new TRI-X ® filter lasts two to four years longer and offers twice the cleaning area of other cartridges the same size. It’s compatible with all Highlife Collection spa models—even those that do not come standard with TRI-X filters.
Do you need to clean hot tub filters?
Luckily, today’s advanced cartridges are easy to clean, making your part in hot tub filter maintenance a straightforward matter .
Three Hours Twice a Day Is Recommended
Most spa filter cycles are pre-set to run twice each day for four hours each time, but allowing the spa to cycle less often can save energy. Washington State University's energy program recommends running the filter twice a day for three hours. Running the filter during off hours between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Energy-Efflicient Spas Need to Run Longer
Some spas are equipped with energy-efficient pumps that are designed to run constantly while saving energy, states RH Tubs. If you have a spa with one of these pumps, it is important to let it run 24 hours a day in order to keep your spa clean.
Bottom Line
While three hours twice a day is generally considered minimum, if you use your spa less frequently it is possible that you may not need to run your filter this much. Ask your local spa dealer to recommend filter times based on your use and the quality of your water supply.
The Pup
The manual for my "new" spa states the same thing...but I was able to set it to run 1hr every 12hrs (below the manufacturer's recommendation of 2hrs every 12hrs). It has been a year and so far...no issues of concerns.
Peteyboy
Maybe a spa expert can tell me what this really means? On my HotSpring Grandee, I don't have a filter option. When the circ pump is running, it is always filtering.
Susanj
I thought (from a previous thread on this forum) that there can be a concern with ozonators and the forming of possibly cancer- causing bromates. This is what was concluded-
