No matter how hot the water is in a spa or hot tub, hot tub filters are an essential piece of equipment to keep the water clean and bacteria-free. Hot tub filters are designed to keep the water sparkling clean and healthy by catching such floating debris as hair, leaves, dead bugs and dirt that could interfere with the operation of the unit's water pump in addition to making the spa water an unhealthy breeding ground for bacteria. It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions in order to use a filter that properly fits a particular spa model.

Most hot tub filters have a lifespan of about 12 months and need to be replaced after that. It is a smart idea to keep an extra new filter handy in order to have an immediate replacement whenever necessary, rather than having to shut down use of the tub until a new filter can be located. It is important to shut down the power to the tub prior to doing any work on it. To remove a filter that has been locked into place, start turning it in a clockwise motion in order to remove it for cleaning.

The best way to clean one is to place it overnight in a special soaking solution that can be purchased online or at the store where the unit was purchased. Overnight soaking is the most thorough way to clean the device, after which it can be rinsed off with clean water prior to replacing it into the unit. Whether replacing or reinstalling one that has been cleaned, it is a good idea to run the motor at high speed just for a few minutes to displace any air that may have gotten into the water pumping system during the cleaning operation.

Never try to run a spa without having a filter in place. If the device looks cracked, broken or no longer holds its shape, it is essential to replace it with a new filter rather than try to operate the tub using a worn-out one. Not replacing filters in a timely fashion is the number one cause of hot tub malfunctions.

Protecting the water in the unit with a spa cover is another way to extend the life of the filter because less dirt and debris will be falling into the water when the unit is not in use, so that the filter system doesn't have to work so hard to maintain the purity of the water.