At Grizzly Bear Hot Tubs, we believe your spa should be more than just a backyard fixture—it’s your personal retreat, a place to relax, recharge, and reconnect. But like any luxury experience, it requires a bit of upkeep to stay in top condition.
One of the most important elements of hot tub maintenance is your filter. It’s the unsung hero working behind the scenes to keep your water fresh, clear, and safe. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly clean and care for your hot tub filter—Grizzly style.
Why Your Hot Tub Filter Matters
Your hot tub filter traps dirt, oils, debris, and other unwanted particles before they have a chance to circulate through your spa. It works hand-in-hand with your sanitizing chemicals to keep your water clean and crystal-clear.
Without a functioning filter, your hot tub water would quickly turn murky, and over time, your pump and other components could suffer damage. Simply put: your filter keeps everything running smoothly.
How Often Should You Clean It?
We recommend giving your filter a rinse every week and doing a deep clean at least once a month. This keeps debris from building up and helps you get accurate water test readings—saving you money on unnecessary chemicals.
Regular cleaning also extends the life of your filtration system, making sure your Grizzly Bear spa stays roaring with performance for years to come.
How Long Does a Filter Last?
A good-quality hot tub filter, like those made with Reemay® material, typically lasts 4 to 6 months with regular cleaning. If you use a filter rotation system (swapping a clean, dry filter while another is soaking or drying), you can squeeze even more life out of it.
And don’t skimp—using genuine filters designed for your specific spa ensures proper fit, flow, and water quality.
How to Clean Your Hot Tub Filter: Step-by-Step
Keeping your filter clean is easier than you might think. Here’s the Grizzly-approved method:
- Turn off your spa at the isolator switch to prevent any accidents.
- Remove the filter from the housing.
- Rinse it off with a garden hose, spraying between the pleats to remove larger debris.
- Soak the filter in a dedicated hot tub filter cleaner (follow the instructions on your cleaner). Use a clean bucket or container, and place a weight on top if needed to keep the filter fully submerged.
- Rinse thoroughly again with a hose, ensuring no cleaner or debris remains. A filter comb can help you get into the pleats.
- Wipe down the filter housing with a clean, damp cloth.
- Let the filter air-dry completely before reinstalling. This helps kill bacteria and resets the pleats for maximum efficiency.
Filter Care Dos and Don’ts
- ✅ Do use spa-safe cleaners designed for hot tub filters.
- ❌ Don’t use bleach or household cleaners—they can damage your filter and throw off your water chemistry.
- ❌ Don’t put your filter in the dishwasher or washing machine.
- ✅ Do inspect your filter for tears, worn pleats, or trapped debris before each reinstallation.
- ❌ Don’t dry your filter with a heat source (like a radiator or hairdryer)—air-drying is safest.
Got Hard Water? Take Extra Care
If you live in an area with hard water, calcium buildup on your filter is more likely. This means more frequent cleaning and possibly using a descaling solution during your soaks. In soft water areas, filters can degrade faster, so check them regularly for signs of wear.
No matter your water type, the key is consistency in care.
Wrap-Up: A Cleaner Tub Means a Better Soak
Your hot tub filter does the dirty work so you don’t have to. Taking a few minutes each week to rinse and clean your filter goes a long way toward keeping your Grizzly Bear hot tub running at its best—so it’s always ready when you are.
Remember: a clean filter = cleaner water, longer equipment life, and fewer chemical headaches. Stay on top of your maintenance, and your spa will reward you every time you step in.
