From filter cartridges to filter boxes to even filter lids, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to keeping your spa clean and safe. Luckily, Spa Parts Online has compiled a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about spa filters – from how often they should be changed to best practices for cleaning and replacing.

How often should spa filters be replaced?

While the answer to this can vary depending on brand and spa usage factors, most professionals recommend replacing spa filters every 12-18 months. Ideally, the best practice for spa owners is to have a second set of filters on standby; that way, while cleaning the filters that have been removed, you can have another set installed in the spa for optimal water quality. By using each set in tandem, you can extend the lifetime of your filters by allowing time for a deep clean. One way to see whether your set of spa filters are due for replacement is discoloration even after soaking and cleaning well. Experts recommend filters are cleaned at least weekly while spa is in regular use, so oils, skin cells and other nasties, don’t have a chance to permanently make a home. Water clarity, heat circulation & lower pressure in your waterfalls are also good indicators that your filters need replacing.

How long do spa filters last for?

Filters tend to last 12-18 months depending on your chemicals, how often you are using your spa, whether you are using them in tandem with another set, and of course the cleaning routine of the spa owner. To be on the safe side, we recommend replacing them after a year as they can become ineffective and start to leave debris and bacteria behind in your spa water. Ensuring you are regularly checking them and/or cleaning them will enable them to live to their fullest lifespan and function most effectively.

Filters are only made to last for about a year, more or less depending on use. We don’t recommend using your filter for more than 12 months though, as filters can become ineffective and leave debris and bacteria in your hot tub water. If you’re using a rotation set of filters you can obviously use both for longer but try to keep track of how long you’ve had your filters and how many months they’ve been in use. When they reach 12 months, you should replace them.

Are all spa filters the same?

Short answer? No! You’ll find a lot of spa filters on the market are cheaply made overseas and bulk imported, and while they may look the part, they’re often ineffective and break easily. A suspiciously cheap price & thin white cloth material, rather that heavy duty blue is often indicative that the spa filter is one of these cheaply made and unreliable imitation filters.

If you’re ever unsure and want to buy spa filters online in Australia, or spa filter cartridge replacements, only purchase from accredited spa part suppliers. Here at Spa Parts Online, we stock Microban Filters, made from antimicrobial material known as the highest quality filtration material in the market.

Can you reuse spa filters?

During their 12-month lifetime, spa filters and cartridges can certainly be reused so long as they are kept clean and maintained correctly. The suggestion for filter cleaning is to do so weekly while making use of your spa, and for longer cleans, rotate with a second set. A quick rinse and inspection should suffice for more frequent cleans, use a good quality Filter Clean Spray, leave to soak & then a garden hose to get rid of larger debris like hair and leaves. The main point of this clean is to ensure it remains functional, and so it doesn’t need to be an exhaustive process. 

Every 2-3 months, a more thorough clean is recommended, using Filter Clean Spray to remove bacteria and mineral deposits. Ensure you adjust the amount of cleaning solution to suit the level of dirt and grime you need to remove. During these cleans, you will need to soak your filters for up to 24 hours, which is where rotating in your second set of replacement filter cartridges comes into play.

Check out our range of high quality filtration options.