Filtering is the act of removing impurities to make something cleaner, purer and better. In a hot tub setting the medium is water, with the filter tasked with removing dirt, debris and other invaders that can make your H2O less clean, less clear and generally less inviting.
But what exactly do the best hot tub filter systems look like? In this guide we’ll be telling you all you need to know about filtration, so you can secure the best spa filters possible – the type that will keep your water looking and feeling stunning.
What are hot tub filter systems?
Hot tub filter systems feed hot tub water through filters designed to catch the things that aren’t meant to be there. Filters deal with particulates down to a certain size, while microscopic intruders like bacteria are removed by chlorine.
Particularly large invaders, meanwhile, like leaves, twigs and insects, might be caught before they make it to the filtration system. The best pre-filter for hot tubs is generally a skimming weir, which is installed into the side of the shell and removes floating debris from the surface. These are common features in swimming pools, but less so in spas. Another form of pre-filter is one that attaches to the end of your garden hose, filtering the water as it enters your spa.
Hot tub filtration systems feature removable filters that are either disposable or cleanable.
Why are hot tub filter systems important?
Hot tub filtration systems are important because clean, clear hot tub water is important. If you want to truly enjoy all the benefits that an investment in a hot tub can deliver, it needs to be kept in prime condition, ready for a soak at a moment’s notice. Filters play a key role in keeping your water enticing, by removing visible invaders that can make your soak less luxurious and enjoyable.
Hot tub filters also work in tandem with your water care and circulation systems to keep your water safe by filtering out organic materials that can harbour things like mould spores, algae, bacteria and fungi.
Types of hot tub filtration system
To identify the best hot tub filtration system we first need to understand our options. There are a surprisingly wide array of hot tub filter systems on the market, and some filter water far better than others. The five most common filter systems are:
100% no-bypass filtration
A system invented by Hot Spring four decades ago, 100% no-bypass filtration can be found in a single range of hot tubs: the Hot Spring Highlife collection. Unlike every other spa on the market, all of the water in a Highlife machine is filtered all the time. The reason? Other filtration systems turn off when the jets are on. But in a Highlife, the filter keeps on filtering even while you enjoy a hydromassage.
This means that the longer you soak, the cleaner the water becomes, whereas in other hot tubs, the longer you soak, the dirtier the water becomes (though it will be filtered when you finish your jet session.)
Constant filtration isn’t the only reason our system is the best on the market. Three high quality ceramic filters offer up to 10x the filtering surface area of a standard system, removing more debris quicker. And cleaning the filters couldn’t be easier – simply pop them in the dishwasher (minus the soap powder) three times a year. A lack of disposable filters also makes our 100% no-bypass filtration system better for the planet!
Ultimately this system delivers crystal clear water, 24 hours a day, with minimal maintenance, absolutely no sound, and ultra-low running costs. While only available on premium models, this is an investment that will pay itself back over time.
24 hour filtration
A slightly different filtration system can be found in the Hot Spring Limelight range of hot tubs. The same constant operation, ceramic filters, low noise and low running costs remain – the only difference is that the water will bypass the filters when the jets are turned on.
As mentioned above, filtration will resume as soon as you turn the jets off, so your water will soon return back to being completely filtered.
Two-speed pump (no-bypass)
A two-speed, no bypass pump system sees both hydromassage and water circulation handled by the same pump, which switches between high power and low power depending on whether or not the jets are turned on. Filtration occurs when the pump is operating at low speed, not when the jets are being used.
Spas in our Hot Spot and Freeflow collections feature two-speed no bypass pump technology.
Two-speed pump (bypass)
The most common system on the market, this form of filtration features the same pump as above, but this time the pump bypasses the filters in both high speed and low speed mode. This uses less power, but it means the system takes a lot longer to filter the spa water.
One-speed separate pump
The cheapest option, a one-speed pump will circulate water at one speed only – high enough to power the jets. Lacking a lower speed setting, the power is too much for the filtration system to handle, so it is bypassed entirely. As a result power use is high and filtration cycles are slow.
The Hot Spring difference
What’s the best hot tub filter brand? Simple: it’s Hot Spring.
At Hot Spring our aim is to deliver the most incredible soaking and hot tub ownership experience possible. Our investment in filtration technology is a reflection of this aim.
No matter which Hot Spring model you choose, from the entry-level Freeflow range to the top-of-the-line Highlife collection, you’ll secure a hot tub with a filter system designed to minimise maintenance and make your water cleaner, clearer, fresher and safer.
On top of the filtration tech listed above, all Hot Spring hot tubs and Fastlane Pools swim spas feature skimmer weirs that remove larger debris that stop your filters from clogging.
Add in the fact that Hot Spring offer Australia’s most energy efficient hot tubs, and there’s simply no wiser hot tub investment.
Ready to experience the Hot Spring difference? Visit your local dealer today.
