Filter Cleaning

[Damian]

Looking to clean my filter using Leisure Time solution. In the directions it doesn't specify using hard/soft, hot, warm, or cold water. Or does it even matter?

Thanks.

[Roger]

Looking to clean my filter using Leisure Time solution. In the directions it doesn't specify using hard/soft, hot, warm, or cold water. Or does it even matter?

Thanks.

I used to use hot water and soak for about 12 hours in a bucket. I'd rinse with a hose about every other week (depends on your usage) And then soak and rinse about every other month. I kept 2 so I could just swap and clean at my leisure.

[gman]

I have two sets of filters so there's no down time on my tub. I use regular Cascade dishwasher powder to clean my filters. The basic cleaner in Cascade is the same as in most hot tub "specialized" filter cleaners and is a lot cheaper. My filters are large, so I use a cooler to carry the water-soaked filters through the house without getting everything wet. I fill the cooler filled with warm/hot water and about a cup of cascade and let the filters soak for about 48 hours. I then rinse thoroughly with a hand sprayer in my sink. After rinsing, I'll let the filters dry in the shower stall. I then store them in a clean kitchen trash bag to keep the dirt out of them until the next filter change.

gman

[Damian]

Great advise! Thanks fellas.

[Dnepr Dave]

I use TSP in 100 degree water, soak it overnight in an ice chest, hose it off and let it dry before using it again. I also have two filters, so I can rotate them.

Dave

[tjbrew]

I use TSP in 100 degree water, soak it overnight in an ice chest, hose it off and let it dry before using it again. I also have two filters, so I can rotate them.

Dave

I used to use TSP but didn't really like the results. Sometimes the filters would have an odd smell. The inner pleats were still dirty.

I too have two rotating sets of filters, so I can always have a clean set on hand.

I tried several different cleaners, and the one I like best is a product called "Homebrew Clean", which I had around for cleaning homebrew equipment. It did such a nice job ... my filters came out sparkling clean, white all the in to inner most part of the pleats. After a few cleanings I looked closely at what was in Homebrew Clean, and much to my surprise, it's Dichlor! At a higher concentration, dichlor is a good cleaner, and it has the added benefit of sanitizing your filters!

So now I just hose my filters off in the basement sink, place them in a bucket with about 2 tbsp Dichlor and warm water, and let the filters soak overnight. Rinse, let them dry, and they are ready to go as a backup, sparkling white and fresh smelling.

I think Homebrew Clean is slightly cheaper than Dichlor used for tubs.

I know it's cheaper than TSP, which is quite expensive!

Note that this method probably isn't a good idea if you use bromine as your sanitizer

[waterbear]

I use TSP in 100 degree water, soak it overnight in an ice chest, hose it off and let it dry before using it again. I also have two filters, so I can rotate them.

Dave

I used to use TSP but didn't really like the results. Sometimes the filters would have an odd smell. The inner pleats were still dirty.

I too have two rotating sets of filters, so I can always have a clean set on hand.

I tried several different cleaners, and the one I like best is a product called "Homebrew Clean", which I had around for cleaning homebrew equipment. It did such a nice job ... my filters came out sparkling clean, white all the in to inner most part of the pleats. After a few cleanings I looked closely at what was in Homebrew Clean, and much to my surprise, it's Dichlor! At a higher concentration, dichlor is a good cleaner, and it has the added benefit of sanitizing your filters!

So now I just hose my filters off in the basement sink, place them in a bucket with about 2 tbsp Dichlor and warm water, and let the filters soak overnight. Rinse, let them dry, and they are ready to go as a backup, sparkling white and fresh smelling.

I think Homebrew Clean is slightly cheaper than Dichlor used for tubs.

I know it's cheaper than TSP, which is quite expensive!

Note that this method probably isn't a good idea if you use bromine as your sanitizer

Only problem is that it will not degrease the filter and the high chlorine levels can damage the filter or shorten its life. FWIW, plain laundry bleach can also whiten a filter.

It will have no effect if you use bromine since any residual chlorine left in the filter will just oxidize the bromide in the water into bromine sanitizer.

However, as I stated before, this will NOT degrease a filter and can shorten it's life.

[Jake the dog man]

Spray filter cleaner or Fantastic & power wash at a self-serve carwash has worked well for me. I also have two sets so I can alternate as needed.

[ScottWilliamson]

I have two filter and rotate between the two.

On Saturday, I replace the filter in the spa.

With the filter I just took out, I give it a quick rinse and soak it in a bucket of water and 8 oz of filter clean overnight (24 hours). The next day, I rinse the filter really, really good and soak it in a bucket of water and 1 cup of bleach for about 10 minutes. I move it from the bleach solution and let is air dry for a few days in the garage. Do not put the filter in something or in a bucket.. mold will form. Air drying it does not do this.

By the time next Saturday rolls around, I switch it out and do the process over again with the other filter.

I replace the buckets of filter clean and bleach solution every 3 months.