In the world of hot tub maintenance, understanding the 'whys' behind each step can significantly enhance your spa experience. At Spa Supplies, we often encounter customers reaching out with persistent water care issues. More often than not, the root of these problems can be traced back to two main factors:
1. Water that hasn't been drained & replaced for an extended period of time.
2. Filters that haven't been replaced.
While regular draining is crucial, today we're focusing on the latter – the importance of regularly replacing your spa pool filters and why it's a non-negotiable aspect of spa care.
We've written a whole blog post on cleaning and maintaining your filters, but why (and how often) do they need to be replaced?
Filter Lifespan
Filters should be cleaned regularly, and replaced with a new set every 6-months.
Like any component frequently exposed to harsh conditions, filters have a finite lifespan. They are constantly drawing water through the pleats, trapping debris and nasty contaminants that enter your spa pool water. They undergo constant wear and tear due to their never-ending exposure to chemicals, water, and debris. This inevitable degradation impairs their effectiveness, allowing particles to enter further into the pleats making them harder to clean and restricting flow through your heater.
Replacing every 6 months maintains optimal performance of your spa pool and it's components. You may also need to replace your filters early if the media is compromised for any reason (ripped or bent). Also if the end caps seem brittle, discoloured, or cracked.
SHOP REPLACEMENT FILTERS
If you've had your filter for more than 6 months, it's time to replace it. View our filter collection now.
Shop FiltersTop 3 Reasons for Replacing your Filters
1. Reduce stress on components
Regardless of thorough cleaning, filters come clogged over time. This clogging, caused by an accumulation of debris, dirt, and oils, not only compromises the cleanliness of your spa water but also puts additional strain on your circulation system. Like a clogged artery in a cardiovascular system, a clogged filter forces the heart of your hot tub – the pump – to work harder. This not only reduces efficiency but can lead to more significant maintenance issues down the line.
2. Bacterial Growth & Health Concerns
Another compelling reason to keep up with filter replacements is the risk of bacterial growth. Old filters can harbor bacteria and mold within hard to clean places. This not only poses health risks but can also lead to unpleasant odors that detract from your spa experience. Consistently replacing your filters ensures a hygienic environment, safeguarding you and your loved ones from potential health hazards.
3. Water Quality and Clarity
Lastly, the quality and clarity of your spa pool's water are directly impacted by the state of your filters. Even after draining and replacing the water, you may find it harder to maintain pristine, crystal clear water. That's because ageing filters become ineffective and struggle to do their job well, resulting in cloudy, uninviting, or even smelly water. To ensure that your spa pool remains a haven of relaxation and cleanliness, stay on top of your maintenance and replace your filters every 6 months.
How to Tell if Filters Need Replacing
It's fairly simple to tell when you need to get rid of your old filters and replace with a fresh clean set.
1. Time frame - If it's been more than 6 months then your filters need replacing.
2. Appearance - Discolored ends, faded filter paper. A sign your filter has been exposed to harsh water conditions or is past its expiry date.
3. Hard to clean - Filters are becoming harder to clean properly.
Final Notes
At Spa Supplies, we recommend adhering to a regular replacement schedule as we know the benefits that a fresh set of filters provide. A hassle-free way to do this is by putting your filters on 'auto-ship' with 'subscribe and save' - Learn more about Subscribe and Save here.
Remember, a clean filter equals a clean spa, and a clean spa equals a happy spa owner.