If your Sydney spa pool water is going cloudy, you’re noticing more debris than usual, or the spa is just generally not meeting it’s normal performance expectations, you may need to clean or replace the spa filters.

The filters in your spa are a crucial part of it, that help to ensure your water stays clean and safe for use, while also protecting the spa itself from debris that could affect its inner workings.

In this article, we’ll run through what spa filters do, why and how you should clean them, and how to replace your spa filters when the time comes.

Read more: How to keep your spa pool water cleaner for longer

What does a spa filter do?

Any spa pool should have two to four filters. Spa filters create a physical barrier against debris in the water. As water passes through the filters, debris is captured and held, preventing it from reaching you as you soak and stopping it from entering other parts of the spa pool where it could cause blockages or build-ups.

There are two main types of spa pool filters: pleated filters and micron filters.

Pleated filters are designed to stop debris 20 microns or larger. For context, 20 microns is about one-fifth as thick as a sheet of paper. That’s pretty small - but not so small that it stops microscopic bacteria. 

Meanwhile, a micron filter can stop debris as small as 5 microns. This means a micron filter can help to reduce the volume of chemicals you need to use to maintain clarity in your water.

On the flipside, micron filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on how frequently you use your spa pool. That means what you save on chemicals, you may spend on replacing your filter instead. 

You can easily tell the difference between these types of filters, as pleated filters have pleats all around the sides, while micron filters have a spun material around the sides with no pleats. Spa pools can usually use any combination of the two options.

How often do I need to clean my spa filter?

As above, micron filters cannot be cleaned. However, pleated filters (which are also more common) can be cleaned and should be cleaned at least every two weeks. If you or your family are using the spa pool every day, you may need to clean the filters more often than this. 

If you use a digital calendar, set up a recurring event every week or two weeks to remind you to clean your spa pool filters. Cleaning the filters regularly will help to increase the longevity of the filter, so you won’t have to replace it as often as you might otherwise.

To clean your spa filters, follow these simple steps:

1. First, open the filter door by pushing inwards. 
2. Placing two hands on the filter faceplate, evenly slide it upwards until you can freely remove it. 
3. Next, you need to slide out the cartridge cover and locate the 2 x filter cartridges in the base of the filter box. 
4. Remove the two cartridges in turn then clean as described below.
5. Use a garden hose and apply the water stream at a 45-degree downward angle. Ensure all debris and foreign matter is dislodged by spraying in between each pleat in the filters.
6. Once clean, replace the filters, one at a time, then replace the cartridge cover. 
7. Finally, you need to replace the filter faceplate by sliding it back onto the front of the filter box. You must let the filter door fall back open into the filter box as you’re replacing the faceplate.

For further instructions on how to clean your filter, visit our FAQ page. You can also watch the video from Sapphire Spas below for a guided walkthrough.

How often do I need to replace my spa filter?

Assuming they are properly maintained, pleated spa filters should only need replacing every 12-18 months. Micron filters need replacing more often, around every 3-6 months depending on how often you use your spa.

If you use your spa often and have pleated filters, you can extend their lifespan by cleaning them regularly. However, micron filters cannot be cleaned, so if your spa sees constant use, you may need to replace them as often as every 3 months.

Some people have a spare set of filter cartridges, so they can alternate cartridges while one set is being cleaned. If you’re using a filter rotation system, you shouldn’t need to buy new filters for 18-24 months.

You should also consider replacing your spa filters if:

• The cartridge shows signs of cracking or other damage.
• You notice restricted water flow.
• You need to clean them more frequently than usual, as they are becoming blocked quickly.
• The water in your spa pool is proving more difficult to clean.

How do I change my spa pool filter?

Changing your spa pool filters is simple. If you’ve managed to clean your filters before, replacing them will be much the same and easy to do quickly.

To change or replace your spa pool filter, follow these steps:

1. Open the filter door by pressing inwards, if applicable.
2. Remove the filter faceplate by lifting upwards.
3. Slide the tray out of the compartment to access the filter cartridges beneath it.
4. Turn the handle on the top of each filter cartridge anti-clockwise, then lift the cartridge out.
5. If you have a swim spa, the filter cartridges will be stacked two-high. You’ll need to reach down, twist and lift out the second set of cartridges as well. If the lower cartridges are proving difficult to remove, replace the top cartridges then twist anti-clockwise even further until the top cartridge loosens the bottom cartridge for you.
6. To install your new spa filters, simply remove any packaging and insert the spa filter cartridges and reset the filter box by following the reverse of the above directions.

Find new spa filter cartridges in Sydney

If you need new spa filter cartridges for your spa pool in Sydney, the team at mySpa Sydney will be happy to help. We can provide high-quality spa filters as intended for use with Sapphire Spa hot tubs and swim spas. 

These are the recommended filters for all Sapphire Spas pools, as using lower quality filters can result in insufficient filtering and rapid damage to the filter cartridges themselves.
To find new spa filter cartridges and other spa replacement parts, get in touch with the mySpa Sydney team today or stop by our showroom at Unit 4/10 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill.