Are All Inflatable Hot Tub Filters the Same?

An inflatable hot tub’s filtartion system is vital in keeoing the water in the hot tub clean and fresh. At the heart of the filtration system is the filter cartridge itslef and all inflatable hot tubs will require that you do some cleaning, maintenance and replacing of the filters on a regular basis. But, are all in flatable hot tub filters the same? Do they require the same cleaning and maintenance or are there different types?

I decided to do some research and this is what I found out.

So, Are All Inflatable Hot Tub Filters The Same? There are quite a few different types of hot tub filters. The material used for the pleats in the filters can vary, the type of filtration they use can vary, and their size can vary. While most of the hot tub filters available can work both in inflatable hot tubs and standard, hard-sided hot tubs, there are some differences between the two different forms of hot tub filter.

Each hot tub filter offers something different for your hot tub, but all filters have some universal traits. For example, when it comes to cleaning your hot tub’s filters, all different kinds must be cleaned thoroughly and regularly to ensure that your hot tub remains efficient.

It is imperative that you keep your hot tub’s water clean via filtration. You cannot simply leave your hot tub running without a filter as this can cause numerous problems, which we will cover later.

What Are The Different Types Of Hot Tub Filters?

Whether you’re talking about inflatable hot tub filters or standard hot tub filters, there are several key types that are available on the current market. If you look on Amazon for hot tub filters you will see what a wide choice there is.

Both inflatable hot tubs and regular hot tubs have generally the same type of hot tub filters, although they do vary in a few aspects such as size and power capacity. Generally speaking, there are two primary types of hot tub filter widely available.

Cartridge Filters – The first type of hot tub filter is the cartridge filter, also commonly referred to as a paper or polyester filter. These filters are manufactured using plastic, paper, or fabric and feature multiple pleated sheets that are all housed inside a plastic cartridge that easily slides directly into the filter slot in your hot tub.

These cartridge filters are by far the most popular filter choice on the current market as they are exceptionally easy to both manufacture and purchase at a consumer level. Cleaning these types of filters is fairly easy and takes little effort.

With regular and thorough cleaning, a cartridge filter can last you up to a year or two, provided that it does not become damaged at any point. Although it should be stated that because these filters are relatively cheap when compared to the other filter types, they are very easy to replace should they become damaged beyond repair or simply too dirty to be cleaned.

Ceramic Filters – The second primary type of filter currently available for both inflatable hot tubs and standard hot tubs is a ceramic filter. These ceramic filters function in essentially the same way as the aforementioned cartridge filter, the only significant difference being that the ceramic filters are manufactured using a resilient and sturdy ceramic material.

This strong material tends to give the ceramic filters a much longer lifespan than cartridge filters as they are simply less prone to general wear and tear over time. With consistent and thorough maintenance, a ceramic filter can actually survive and maintain efficiency for several years before it needs to be replaced.

The main downside to this type of filter is, of course, its price. Due to the more expensive materials being used to manufacture this type of filter, their market price is much higher than those of cartridge filters. Although, many hot tub users argue that the upfront cost is more than worth it in the long run as these ceramic filters are easier to maintain, subsequently costing you less in the long run as they will not need to be replaced as frequently.

While ceramic filters and cartridge filters are definitely the two main types of filters available for hot tubs, there are a few more unique filters types that are not so widely used, especially not in inflatable hot tubs. A sand filter, for instance, is one such filter type that is not nearly used as much as the other two types. A sand filter is usually spherical in shape, containing sand that removes the substances from the water. These sand filters are rarely used as they require a great deal of cleaning after every hot tub use.

Why Do You Need A Hot Tub Filter?

It may be extremely tempting to just throw your hands up in the air and exclaim to the heavens that you don’t actually need a hot tub filter, especially after you’ve spent a few hours trying to search for one that is actually at a price point where you won’t have a heart attack over it.

But, unfortunately, you do need a hot tub filter, and an efficient one at that. A hot tub filter is absolutely imperative as several issues can arise with your hot tub if you do not have one. The main, and most significant, issue revolves around the cleanliness of the water in the hot tub.

Simply put, if your hot tub does not have a filter then the water inside the tub cannot be filtered or cleaned. This means that any dirt, insects, bacteria, or any number of foreign objects can float around in your hot tub at free will.

Without a filter installed, these objects and substances will continue to float around in the water as they will not be cleaned out by any other hot tub component. This build-up of substances will eventually lead to your hot tub being unfit for use.

The pH levels of the water will be completely imbalanced, therefore leading to the water being deemed unsafe to use. If this water is accidentally ingested by you or any other person, this can cause some serious health risks depending on what contaminants are in the water.

If your hot tub filter has stopped working or has been removed altogether then this can also cause issues with some of your hot tub’s other components, specifically the hot tub’s motor unit.

If your hot tub’s motor unit is put under too much strain then this can have a domino effect on the rest of your hot tub’s components, slowly breaking down each component until your entire hot tub needs to be replaced. This can be extremely expensive and time-consuming, so hot tub users should ensure that their filter is maintained so that other components are not affected gradually over time.

Your hot tub filter is designed to rid the water of any harmful contaminants or bacteria, thus allowing your hot tub to maintain its optimum temperature and pH levels. Keeping your hot tub filter maintained over time will ensure that your hot tub is kept in perfect working order.

If your hot tub’s filter becomes damaged beyond repair, then you may need to replace it. And while this may be a little expensive, it is absolutely necessary as you simply cannot use a hot tub that does not have a filter system in place.

What’s The Difference Between An Inflatable Hot Tub Filter And A Regular Hot Tub Filter

Generally speaking, there are not many differences between a filter designed for use in an inflatable hot tub and a filter intended for use with a regular, “hard-sided” tub. Both primary forms of hot tub can be installed with a range of different types of hot tub filter, all of which have been mentioned just above.

There are only two really significant differences between an inflatable filter and a regular hot tub filter. The first primary difference is the size of an inflatable hot tub filter compared to a regular one. In general, a filter that is designed to be used with an inflatable hot tub will be much smaller in size than a standard hot tub filter.

There are some negative side effects that come as a result of the smaller size filter, the primary one being that the filter requires cleaning more frequently than a standard size filter. The smaller size of these filters also means that their lifespan is not quite as long as a standard hot tub filter, meaning that you will need to replace an inflatable hot tub filter more regularly than a standard hot tub filter.

The second significant difference between these two filters is that an inflatable hot tub filter is often slightly less powerful than a standard hot tub filter. This is largely due to the size difference between the two filter types. This difference in performance essentially means that while your hot tub water will remain clean and ready to use, it may take slightly longer for the water to be completely cleaned and filtered.

The lower performance level really isn’t too much of an issue, as your inflatable hot tub filter will definitely do the job in the end, it may just take some time between uses. If you do not use your inflatable hot tub every day, then this will not be an issue at all as there will not be as much of a build-up of dirt that needs to be filtered.

Regardless of these slight differences, an inflatable hot tub filter will still effectively clean the water of your hot tub, you may just need to clean it more regularly and give it more time to work between uses.

How Do You Clean An Inflatable Hot Tub Filter?

It is critical that you clean your hot tub filter regularly. This is especially important for a hot tub filter that is designed to be used in an inflatable hot tub as they tend to be smaller in size, thus requiring more frequent cleaning. How often you clean your hot tub filter largely depends on how often you use it, and for how long.

For instance, if you use your hot tub daily, or more frequently, then you should give your filter a quick clean after each use and give it a more thorough clean around once every week to ensure that it remains efficient.

It is widely accepted that you should replace your inflatable hot tub filter in its entirety around every month or so, although this again depends on how often you use your hot tub. You will know when you need to replace your filter entirely when it appears evidently worse for wear, the pleats being significantly frayed, or damage and the entire filter being discoloured.

The actual process of cleaning your inflatable hot tub filter is fairly straightforward. Start by carefully removing the filter. Make sure that the motor unit has stopped running before you remove it as this can cause some structural issues if the motor is left on while you remove the filter. Once you have removed the filter you should then check it for any damages and general wear and tear. If it looks worse for wear, then it may be time to replace the filter. If the filter only looks a little dirty, then you can begin the cleaning process.

If your filter only needs a light clean, then you should start by gently rinsing the filter under a tap or backyard faucet. Make sure that the water stream is not too intense as this could damage the filter. This should effectively remove any loose bits of dirt from the filter. For a more thorough clean, make sure that you open up the pleats of the filter so that the insides can be cleaned as well. A light and small brush or comb can also be used to remove any lingering bits of dirt from the filter.

If your filter looks as though it needs a more thorough clean, then you should set the filter down on the ground and spray it with a specially-designed filter cleaner. Filter cleaners can be bought from practically any hot tub store or online marketplace and are not overly expensive.

Leave the filter for around 15 minutes to let the cleaner do its work. Use a garden hose or something similar to thoroughly rinse the filter. To ensure that all of the cleaner has been removed sufficiently you may need to place the filter in a bucket of water for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can put the filter in your dishwasher for a quick cycle, although this is not really recommended as the powerful water jets in your dishwasher can often damage the fabric of the filter.

How To Find A Replacement Filter

When your hot tub filter has reached the end of its lifespan it is time to find a replacement filter. There are a few ways to go about finding the right filter for your hot tub. The easiest method by far is to check for a part number at the bottom of your old filter. This part number can then be used to find a replacement part online. Alternatively, you can find out what type of filter your hot tub requires by measuring your old filter’s dimensions, although this can take some time.

Related Questions

How Often Do You Need To Clean An Inflatable Hot Tub?

Keeping your inflatable hot tub clean will ensure that your tub keeps working efficiently for a long time. It is generally recommended that your inflatable hot tub should be drained and thoroughly cleaned around every three or four weeks. This does depend on how often you use the hot tub. Daily use may require the tub to be cleaned more regularly.

How Often Should You Change The Water In An Inflatable Hot Tub?

On average, it is widely suggested that you should change the water in your inflatable hot tub around every 6 weeks or so. This is largely dependant on how often you use the hot tub and the capacity of the tub. Alternatively, you should change the water in the hot tub when it begins to appear cloudy or visibly dirty.