How to clean a hot tub filter (step by step)
By MySpaFilter Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Turn the spa off, remove the cartridge, hose it from the top down at about a 45° angle between every pleat, then soak it for at least an hour (overnight is better) in a filter cleaner, rinse thoroughly and reinstall. That is the procedure Unicel and Pleatco both publish[4][1].
The full procedure
- Power off. Hot Spring and Jacuzzi both say to cut power before removing filters[9][10].
- Remove the cartridge following your spa maker’s instructions[4].
- Hose rinse. Use a straight-flow nozzle, work from the top down, hold it at about 45°, and focus between the pleats; rinse until all debris is gone[4][1].
- Degreasing soak. For spa cartridges, soak at least one hour (overnight is most effective) in a commercial filter cleaner, or 1 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) per 5 gallons of water, or 1 cup dishwasher detergent per 5 gallons[4][1].
- Rinse again to remove oils and cleaner[4]. Jacuzzi warns that leftover residue can cause foaming once the jets run[10].
- Acid soak only if needed for mineral scale — see should you acid wash a spa filter?
- Reinstall and restart. Don’t overtighten the filter retainer[9].
Things to avoid
- Stiff brushes on the media[1].
- Pressure washers or high-pressure nozzles that can tear fibers[10] (some Sundance manuals do call for a high-pressure hose nozzle on the outer pleated filter — follow your own manual[11]).
- Dishwashers and washing machines[10] — see dishwasher guide.
- Any cleaner on disposable inner inserts — Sundance says never to use filter cleaners on them[11].
Using the spa while the filter soaks
Jacuzzi advises against running the spa with no filter installed; keep a second clean cartridge to swap in[10]. Hot Spring’s manual also says not to use the spa with the cartridge removed[9]. Look up a spare by part number on the homepage.
FAQ
How long should I soak a hot tub filter?
Unicel and Pleatco say at least one hour, with overnight most effective. Pleatco’s FilterWash tablets are designed for a 25–30 minute soak.
Do filters need to dry before going back in?
Jacuzzi says filters can be reinstalled damp; rotating two sets lets each dry completely, which it says extends life.
Should I turn the hot tub off to clean the filter?
Yes. Hot Spring and Jacuzzi both instruct owners to turn power off before removing the filter.
Sources
- Pleatco Catalog & Cross Reference Guide — filter care FAQ
- Pleatco FilterWash information sheet
- Unicel — Maintenance & FAQ
- Hot Spring Hot Spot Collection Owner’s Manual (2026)
- Jacuzzi — Hot Tub Filter Cleaning Made Easy
- Sundance Spas 680 Series Owner’s Manual (2024)
This guide summarizes published manufacturer guidance; always follow your own spa’s owner’s manual. See our disclaimer.