Hot tub filter cleaning guide
Updated October 2026
Dirty filters are behind a lot of cloudy water, weak jets and flow errors. Cleaning them takes ten minutes. Here’s how to do it properly, and when to give up and buy new ones.
2 to 4weeks between deep cleans
What a dirty filter does
The filter catches hair, skin oils, lotions and debris. As it clogs, less water gets through. The jets weaken, the heater can cut out with a flow error, and the sanitiser gets used up faster, so the water clouds.
Clean them more often if the tub is used a lot, by lots of people, or sits under trees.
How to clean a hot tub filter
- Switch the tub off at the control panel or the isolator.
- Take the filters out. Clear any leaves from the skimmer basket.
- Rinse each filter with a garden hose, top to bottom, working between every pleat.
- Soak it in a hot tub filter cleaner for as long as the label says.
- Rinse it again thoroughly, so no cleaner gets into the water.
- Refit the filters and switch the tub back on. Check the jets have their full flow.
What not to use
- Pressure washers. They tear the filter material.
- Washing-up liquid, dishwashers or washing machines. They leave residue that makes the water foam.
- Running the tub without the filters, even for a short while.
Filters can go straight back in wet. A spare set lets you swap them over and clean the dirty set when it suits you.
When to replace a filter
- The pleats are torn, frayed or flattened.
- An end cap is cracked or coming away.
- It still looks dirty or greasy after a soak.
- Flow errors come back within days of a clean.
Take the old filter with you when you buy a new one, or note the size and part number printed on it. Filters that look alike often don’t fit alike.
From people we’ve helped
From 47 reviews on Google
“Jon is very amiable and experienced. Fantastic job from start to finish . Thank you very much . God bless . Kate and Tim”
“Fantastic friendly and efficient service would highly recommend!”
“John came out to repair a leak on out hot tub he turned up when he said he would sorted our leak out really quickly. what a lovely knowledgeable and friendly man,
we will always use john for any problems we have with our hot tub, great service.”
Want us to sort the water?
Ring or WhatsApp us to book a clean or a full service.
If your tub is sunk into decking or the ground, or set against a wall, it helps to mention it when you book. If you’re not sure, a photo is fine.
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