How to Maintain Your Spa Pool Filters for Optimal Performance

Jet spas spa pool filters selection against water background

Spa pools offer the perfect way to unwind, but regular maintenance is essential to keep your spa pool running smoothly and ensure the water stays clean and safe. This is especially true for your spa pool filters. Filters are a vital component of your spa’s filtration system, as they trap debris, dirt, and other contaminants that can affect water quality.

At Jet Spas, we provide a wide range of spa pools, swim spas, and accessories to customers in Hamilton and across New Zealand, as well as spa pool accessories. We understand the importance of proper filter care. In this guide, we’ll cover everything spa pool owners need to know about checking, cleaning, and replacing filters to ensure their spa pool delivers the best possible experience.

Why Spa Pool Filters Matter

Your spa pool filter is the heart of your spa’s water filtration system, capturing dirt, debris, and contaminants to keep your water clean, clear, and safe for use. Over time, filters can become clogged, impacting water quality and strain your spa pool’s pump. Regular filter maintenance is crucial to keep your spa running smoothly and enjoy crystal-clear water.

How Often Should You Check Your Spa Pool Filter?

As a spa pool owner, it is important to develop a routine for checking your filters. We recommend inspecting them at least once a month. A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of your spa pool and even lead to equipment damage over time.

If you own one of our Jet Spas, here’s a quick reference for the filters we supply:

Light Blue Jet Spa Filter : This filter fits models such as Tango, Blackbird, Falcon, Pegasus, Thunderbolt, Hurricane, Hercules, Whiskey, Charlie, Foxtrot, Echo, Sierra, Romeo, Delta, and Bravo.

Light blue spa pool filter from Jet Spas

Dark Blue Jet Spa Filter : Fits models including Spitfire, Gulfstream, Concorde, Orbiter, Romeo Spa Zone, Delta Spa Zone, and Bravo Spa Zone.

dark blue spa pool filter from Jet Spas

Long Grey Jet Spa Filter : Designed for the Orbiter Max spa pool.

Grey spa pool filter from Jet Spas

Cleaning Your Spa Pool Filters

Regular filter cleaning is an essential task to keep your spa pool running smoothly and ensure crystal-clear water. Dirty or blocked filters can force your spa’s pump to work even harder, reducing its efficiency and possibly causing damage to it over time. Here’s how you can keep your filters in tip-top shape:

Turn Off the Power to Your Spa Pool

Before you start, always switch off your spa pool at the breaker to avoid any potential electrical issues or pump damage while removing the filter.

Remove the Filter According to Your Spa’s Manual

Spa pool filters are typically located in an accessible compartment, often under a skimmer lid or behind a removable panel. Your spa’s manual will provide specific instructions on how to remove the filter safely. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact our team at Jet Spas for assistance.

Rinse the Filter Under a Hose

Once the filter is removed, use a garden hose with medium pressure to rinse the pleats. Be sure to spray at an angle to get between each fold, removing debris like leaves, dirt, and oils. Avoid using a high-pressure washer, as it could damage the delicate pleats of the filter. Pay special attention to any visible build-up or areas where debris seems trapped.

For a Deeper Clean, Soak the Filter in a Specialised Filter Cleaner

Rinsing is great for regular maintenance, but periodically, you’ll want to give your filter a thorough clean. To do this, soak the filter in a specially formulated filter cleaner, which can break down oils, lotions, and other contaminants more effectively than water alone. Mix the cleaner with water according to the instructions and let the filter soak for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best results. This deep clean will ensure that any grease or mineral deposits are removed, preventing them from affecting your spa’s water circulation.

Rinse Thoroughly After Soaking

After soaking, rinse the filter thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution. Any traces of cleaner left on the filter could foam up or irritate your skin when the spa is in use, so make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed before reinstallation.

Allow the Filter to Dry Completely

It’s important to let your filter air-dry completely before putting it back into your spa pool. This allows the filter pleats to fully open up then return to their original shape, which will ensure maximum filtration efficiency. Drying also helps eliminate any remaining bacteria or mould that might have been trapped during soaking.

Reinstall the Filter and Turn the Power Back On

Once the filter is dry, reinstall it following your spa pool’s manual, ensuring it’s seated properly. Turn the power back on, and your spa should be ready to run at full efficiency again.


Pro Tip: Always have a spare filter on hand. This allows you to rotate between filters, giving one time to dry after cleaning while the other keeps your spa pool running smoothly. Having a spare also means you’ll never have to rush the cleaning process just to get back to relaxing.


By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you’ll prolong the life of your filters, protect your spa’s pump, and enjoy clearer, healthier water. Proper filter care is vital to getting the best performance from your spa pool.

When to Replace Your Spa Pool Filters

Even with regular cleaning, spa pool filters eventually need to be replaced. Depending on usage, most filters should be replaced every 12 to 18 months.

If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time to replace your filter:

  • Water remains cloudy even after cleaning the filter.
  • The filter is damaged, or the pleats are worn.
  • Your spa pump is working harder than usual.

Where to Find Replacement Filters

At Jet Spas, we stock a range of high-quality spa pool filters to suit various models. Whether you need a Jet Spa Filter (Light Blue) for your Tango or Falcon spa, a Jet Spa Filter (Dark Blue) for your Spitfire or Orbiter, or a Jet Spa Filter (Long Grey) for your Orbiter Max, we’ve got you covered.

Maximise the Lifespan of Your Spa Pool Filters

Your spa pool filters are a crucial part of maintaining water quality, so it’s worth taking steps to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your filters and avoid frequent replacements:

Shower Before Using the Spa

Taking a quick shower before entering your spa pool can significantly reduce the amount of oils, lotions, and other contaminants that end up in the water. Products like sunscreen, makeup, deodorants, and your natural body oils can quickly accumulate in the water, which ends up clogging your filters and reducing their effectiveness. By showering first, you’re helping to keep your filter cleaner for a longer, which means less frequent maintenance and a longer lifespan.

Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Keeping your spa pool’s water chemistry balanced is crucial not only for your comfort but also for your filter’s health. Imbalanced pH levels, excessive alkalinity, or too much calcium hardness can lead to scale build-up, which can clog the filter and cause damage to your spa’s internal components.

Regularly test your water and adjust as necessary with spa-approved chemicals to ensure it remains within the recommended range. Well-balanced water chemistry reduces strain on the filter, making it more efficient and extending its life.

Rotate Filters if You Have a Spare

One of the best ways to ensure your filters last longer is to keep a spare filter on hand. Rotating your filters will allow one filter to dry out completely between uses while the other is in use. This helps maintain its structure and makes it much more effective.

This method is especially useful after cleaning, as it gives the pleats time to dry and return to their optimal shape. While one filter is working, the other can be deep cleaned and dried, giving you continuous, efficient filtration without interruption.

Keep Large Debris Out of the Spa

Leaves, insects, and other debris can also quickly clog up your spa pool filter, in turn reducing its effectiveness. We suggest its best to use a spa cover when the pool is not in use, and consider investing in a skimmer net to remove any floating debris before it reaches the filter. This simple habit will prevent unnecessary blockages and help your filter run more efficiently.

DIY maintenance vacuum spa pool

Check Your Filters Regularly

Even with the best preventive measures, it’s essential to check your filters regularly, at least once a month, for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, frayed edges, or damaged pleats. Catching these wear and tear issues early can prevent further damage to your spa’s filtration system and help you avoid costly repairs.

By following these tips, you can reduce the strain on your spa pool filters and maximise their lifespan. Proper care and maintenance will save you money on replacements and ensure your spa pool stays clean and inviting year-round.

With a little attention to detail, you can ensure your spa pool filters perform at their best, providing clean, safe water for longer stretches and reducing the frequency of replacements.

Keep Relaxing with Jet Spas

At Jet Spas, we’re not just about maintaining your spa pool. We’re here to help you find the perfect spa for your home. If you’re looking to install a spa pool in Hamilton or anywhere else in New Zealand, Jet Spas is your trusted supplier. We offer a wide range of high-quality spa pools, swim spas, and accessories tailored to fit your lifestyle and backyard.

Whether you need a new filter for your spa pool or seek expert advice on installation and maintenance, our team is ready to assist. With a Jet Spas spa, you can count on clean, fresh water and a relaxing experience all year round. From helping you select the ideal spa to keeping it in top condition, we’re your one-stop shop for all things spa-related.

Let us help you create your perfect oasis today—enjoy the ultimate spa experience with Jet Spas!

Reach out to Jet Spas today and transform your lifestyle by selecting the best spa pool for your home. We have spa pools for sale in a diverse range of sizes. 

FLEXIBLE SHIPPING. Jet Spas will deliver to your home and even into place in Hamilton and anywhere in New Zealand.

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