Spa filters keep your spa’s water sparkling clear and your spa operating efficiently. However, filters can’t do their work when they’re dirty or loaded with debris. Fortunately, you can clean your Tri-X spa filters easily in the dishwasher by following a few simple steps.
To clean Tri-X ceramic spa filters in the dishwasher turn of the power to your hot tub, remove them from the filter compartment, rinse off large debris, and place them in a clean, empty dishwasher. Choose a long cycle and disable heat drying. When the full wash cycle is complete, place the filters back in the spa.
When your spa filters are clean, your spa works better, lasts longer, and provides you with a healthy place to relax. In this article, we’re going to explain how to clean ceramic hot tub filters both automatically and manually, including how to use your dishwasher to clean your Tri-X spa filters quickly and safely.
Steps for Cleaning Tri-X Spa Filters in the Dishwasher
Spa filters naturally get loaded up with large and small debris over time. If your spa is outdoors, it is exposed to even more dirt and debris. Although spa filters don’t typically last as long as the spa does, you don’t have to replace them every time they get dirty. Instead, you can clean them and reuse them. One method of cleaning ceramic spa filters is by running them through the dishwasher.
Ready to learn how to clean ceramic hot tub filters? Here are the steps to follow:
Make Sure Your Filters Are the Ceramic Type
Not all spa filters can go into the dishwasher. Don’t use the dishwasher for disposable or paper filters. However, if you have ceramic filters, such as Tri-X spa filters, then you can safely put them in your machine.
If you aren’t sure what type of filters are in your spa, look at them carefully. Paper filters are easy to identify, with hundreds of pleats made of paper. If you have a Tri-X ceramic filter, the pleats are harder and thicker. You can always switch to longer-lasting Tri-X ceramic filters if it’s important to you to be able to clean them in the dishwasher.
Remove Spa Filter
First, get a large plastic tub to carry the filters. They will be dripping water, and you don’t want to get that all over your floor on the way to the dishwasher. Next, turn off the power to your spa to prevent the spa from pulling debris inside the filter fitting. Once the power is off, open the lid to reveal the filters. Unscrew the top of the filter and lift it out. Place it in the plastic tub.
Rinse Off Large Debris
Before you put the spa filters into the dishwasher, it is best to rinse off the larger bits of debris. You can spray the filters with a hose connected to your outdoor spigot. Alternatively, you can rinse them under the faucet in your bathtub. Remember that you are going to put them in the dishwasher, so you do not need to try to rinse off all the finer dirt. Then, put the spa filters back in the plastic tub and carry the tub to your dishwasher.
Place Spa Filter in an Empty Dishwasher
The next step is to place the spa filters in a clean, empty dishwasher. If your dishwasher is due for a cleaning, take care of that first. Make sure there’s nothing else in the dishwasher besides the spa filters. Lay the filters gently on their sides or stand them upright between dish spikes on the bottom rack. Avoid pushing down on them, as the spikes could damage the filters. Do not add dishwashing detergent or cleaning products of any kind. The water will do the work without any soap.
Run the Dishwasher on a Long Cycle Without Heat
Close the dishwasher and turn the knob to select the cycle. Not all dishwashers have the same cycle options, but there are two factors to keep in mind. First, it needs to be a long cycle for maximum cleaning time. Second, make sure you do not use a cycle that dries with heat. On some dishwashers, that means you need to turn off the drying function. Now, start the dishwasher and wait for the full wash cycle to finish.
Replace Filter in Spa
Your spa filters should be cleaner now, so it’s time to put them back into the filter compartment. Place them in their usual spots, screw on the tops, and close the compartment lid. Turn the power back on, and you are ready to relax and refresh in your spa.
How to clean ceramic hot tub filters by hand
You don’t necessarily need to clean your ceramic hot tub filters in a dishwasher. Maybe you don’t have a dishwasher. Maybe your dishwasher is currently in use. Maybe you want to quickly clean the filters so you can jump back in your hot tub and enjoy a relaxing soak.
No matter the reason, rest assured that you can also clean your ceramic hot tub filters manually. Here’s how to clean ceramic hot tub filters by hand.
You begin by removing the filter/s from your hot tub (follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage). You then rinse off any large debris, as you would if you were washing the filters in your dishwasher.
To clean the filters you have a couple of options:
- Use a purpose-built filter spray, which you spray on and then rinse off with a hose.
- Soak the filter in a purpose-built degreaser overnight and rinse off with a hose.
If you’re washing your filters manually you can also use standard dishwashing detergent at a push, but this option comes with a small warning: if the dishwashing detergent isn’t wiped off or rinsed off properly, dirt can become glued to the residue, and this may lead to the filter breaking down faster than usual.
Speak to your local Hot Spring dealer to find out more about our range of filter sprays and degreasers.
FAQ on Tri-X spa filters
What Dishwasher Cycle Is Best for Cleaning Spa Filters?
Every type of dishwasher has its own settings. When choosing the cycle to clean your spa filters, remember you need a long cycle without heat for drying. On some dishwasher models, you have to set the cycle and also push a button to disable heat drying.
Heat drying could damage the spa filter so you don’t have to worry about drying them. After all, they are going back into their watery compartment, so it’s perfectly fine if they are still a little damp when the wash cycle finishes.
Can I Run the Spa While Filters Are in the Dishwasher?
You can’t run the spa or put chemicals in it when you don’t have any filters in it. For that reason, many people choose to have a spare set of filters. This method allows you to keep using your spa, even while one set of filters is in the dishwasher.
When Should I Clean My Spa Filters in the Dishwasher?
Most experts recommend cleaning your spa filters once a month. However, if your spa gets heavy use or is located outdoors, you might need to clean the filters more often. In addition, consider your source water. If it has a lot of contaminants, you might need to clean your spa filters more often.
You’ll know your spa filters need attention in several ways. For one, if you have a touchscreen on your spa, you might get an error message about the water flow or the heater. Spas without touchscreens might have different error messages, such as HL, LF, DR, or DY. You might see more debris in your water than usual, as well.
Should I Use Dishwasher Detergent to Clean Spa Filters?
Do not use detergent if you are cleaning your spa filters in the dishwasher. The dishwasher won’t rinse out the detergent well enough. Then, with detergent residue on your filters, they pick up dirt faster. Also, the leftover detergent may begin to break down the filter faster than usual.
You may have heard that spa experts recommend using dishwasher detergent to clean spa filters. This kind of detergent is safe for humans and works well to get out body oils and sweat. The problem is the rinsing. If you do use dishwasher detergent to clean your spa filters, only do it outside of your dishwasher.
Do I Need to Clean the Filters in the Dishwasher After Filling the Spa?
Clean your spa filters in the dishwasher a few days after filling or adding water to the spa. No matter where you get your source water, it likely has some contaminants in it. By cleaning your spa filters in the dishwasher at this time, you can protect your spa and ensure the water is as clean as possible.
Another approach is to use a prefilter as you fill your spa. The pre-filter removes heavy metals and other contaminants from the water before it goes into the main spa area. If you use a prefilter, you probably don’t need to put the spa filters into the dishwasher so soon.
Can I Use Degreaser Before Putting Spa Filters in the Dishwasher?
You might be concerned that the dishwasher can’t remove all the grease from your spa filters. The dishwasher’s jets are moderately effective in blasting away contaminants such as body oils. However, if you want to be sure, you can use a degreaser and rinse it off thoroughly before you put the filters in the dishwasher for their long cycle. The most important thing is to be sure you completely rinse off all the degreaser.
For more information on how you clean your Hot Spring spa pool filter, please contact your nearest Hot Spring showroom or check out our spa pool accessories to see what you can purchase to help improve your spa experience.
How to clean hot tub filters in a dishwasher?
To quickly summarise the guide above, the process of safely cleaning your hot tub filters is as follows:
- Check your filters: Not all hot tub filters can be cleaned in a dishwasher. Check yours are dishwasher safe, such as Hot Spring’s ceramic Tri-X filters.
- Remove the filters: Remove the filters from the filter compartment of your hot tub.
- Rinse off debris: Use a hose to spray away any large debris that may clog up your dishwasher.
- Put the filters in the dishwasher: Place your filters upright in an empty dishwasher. Do not add any dishwashing detergent – water alone is enough.
- Turn the dishwasher on: Choose a long, low heat cycle. Make sure there is no drying cycle at the end, as the heat and rinse aid can damage the filters.
- Reinstall the filters: Once the dishwasher cycle is complete, do not dry the filters – take them straight to the hot tub and reinstall them.
