Owning a swim spa comes with many unique and relaxing benefits. But to keep it running smoothly and in the best condition, staying on top of regular maintenance is essential. Among those tasks, keeping the filter clean is one of the most important. We provide you with what you need to know about swim spa filter maintenance, including the best times to change it and what steps you can take to increase its lifespan.
Why You Need to Change Your Swim Spa’s Filter
Your swim spa’s filter is a key component that helps keep the water clean and sparkling. Removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants helps maintain good water quality and prevent problems like algae growth. It’s also up to the filter to circulate clean water into your swim spa. In addition, a clean filter also helps keep your swim spa’s pump running efficiently.
Over time, the filter will become less effective as it gets clogged with dirt and debris. If you don’t change it often enough, you might notice the water quality deteriorating. You might see murkiness, discoloration, and an increase in algae growth. Failure to change the filter can lead to pump damage in extreme cases and can happen when dirt and debris get pushed from the filter to the pump.
The Best Time to Change Your Filter
So when should you change your swim spa filter, and how often should you do it? In general, it’s a good idea to change your filter at least once every 6 to 12 months. However, this timeframe may vary depending on several factors, including how often you use your spa and how well you maintain it. The best way to establish whether or not you’ll need to change the filter sooner is to use testing strips or a testing kit to check your water levels. The ideal pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6. Other key indicators will let you know when it’s time to replace your swim spa filter:
- Deteriorating water quality – If you notice the water starting to become murky or discoloured, it’s a sign that the filter is no longer doing its job as well as it should.
- Increase in algae growth – Algae thrives in stagnant water, so if you start seeing more of it than usual, the filter isn’t circulating clean water.
- The pump is making strange noises – If you notice the pump making louder or unusual noises, it could be a sign that the filter is clogged and putting strain on the pump.
- Reduced water flow – A clogged filter will reduce water flow, so if you notice the water pressure dropping, a replacement might be in order.
Maintenance Tips to Make Your Filter Last Longer
In addition to changing your filter regularly, there are a few things you can do to extend its lifespan:
- Keep your swim spa’s cover on when it’s not in use to avoid the build-up of bugs, dirt, leaves or rainwater.
- Clean the water regularly and use spa chemicals such as chlorine, based on your maintenance schedule. For more info on the products needed to keep your spa clean, you can contact a spa retailer near you.
- Make it a habit to rinse off lotion, hair sprays, makeup, and other cosmetic products to minimize the gunk that gets into the filter.
Changing your swim spa’s filter regularly is one of the most important maintenance tasks to keep your spa looking great and running smoothly. Not only does changing the filter help keep your water crystal clear, but it also helps extend the life of your swim spa. A little bit of effort can help you make the most out of all the benefits of owning a swim spa. Download our free buyer’s guide for more information.