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Proper filtration is one of the keys to better water quality and clarity.  While most spa utilize a cartridge filter for convenience, it is not always the best or most efficient way to filter spa water.   High efficiency filters can remove micron size particulates, that might otherwise pass right through a standard filter cartridge.  The more efficient filtering of various particles reduces the need for chemicals or makes them more effective.  This, is turn, makes cloudy spa or hot tub water less likely.  Clicking on the underlined and highlighted "keywords" or "catch phrases," in the archived answers will give you access to additional information on that topic or product.  Please refer to the Glossary, if there are terms or phrases that require explanation.
 

Micron Disposable Filters
(click the picture.)

► High Efficiency Filter Cartridge?

I am debating switching my regular filter to a disposable micro filter.  It was independently tested and is 94 % efficient at removing particles at 1 micron.  With this filter, you are supposed to get rid of using defoamers, decalcifiers, basically any liquids normally added to the tub.  The filters will last 2-4 months and are about $30.  Less expensive than using all the other materials.  According to the company, it will remove all particles that can cause damage to the hot tub.  Of course, you still need to have sanitizer in the tub.  Just wondering if you had an info or thoughts on these filters.  The spa manufacturer, in my city, sells all their tubs with these filters and has for over 3 years.  Thanks in advance of your thought.  Cheers.

Derek, Canada, 3/14/2006

Depending upon the quality of your source water a MicroPure high efficiency filter can make a significant difference.  For more information go to:  www.micropure.ca  It will certainly remove very small particulates and some microorganisms.  It will not make the water in the spa sanitary and will not remove salts that are in true solution.  Better filtration should improve water quality and reduce the need for some or most of the accessory chemicals.  You will still have to maintain a proper sanitizer level and keep the pH, TA and calcium hardness within acceptable ranges.  There is no doubt that this type of filter is better than the standard spa cartridges.  I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 3/14/2006

 

► Floating White Particles?

We recently purchased a home which has an above ground spa.  Unfortunately we were not left any reference materials related to the spa.  It has been cleaned, but we are still seeing small black and viscous white particles floating throughout the water, no one has used the spa since we moved in.  I assumed that the filter would take care of this, but the particles are still there.  Is there something that we can do about this as we REALLY want to use our spa.  Thank you for any advice that you can offer.

Angela G., 5/8/2004

What you are describing is the flaking off of scale and copper corrosion deposits from the heater coil.  The white particles are calcium carbonate and the dark ones are probably oxidized copper.  I suggest that you add a dose of a calcium scale treatment and a metal treatment.  These products should help end the problem within a few days.  Have the water tested for copper and calcium hardness, as this will provide insight into the problem.  If the problems continue, you may want to do the following.  Allow the chlorine level to zero out.  Lower the pH to about 6.0 and keep recirculating the water.  When there seems to be no more white particles, drain and clean the spa.  Refill, add a dose of a calcium scale treatment and resume normal operation.  Depending upon the type of filter that you have, calcium minerals can be passing right through the filter.  A MicroPure Disposable Filter will remove fine, suspended calcium particles that might be contributing to the problem.  I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 5/9/2004

 

► Using Well Water?

I would like to fill a 400 gallon spa with well water.  The spa will be sanitized with an ozonator and a bromine floater.  I plan on adding some metal treatment before the chemicals.  Anything that I should do?

Bill M., 2/4/2006

Have the water tested, to know what you're dealing with.  You could use a MicroPure Pre-Filter, as it will help remove the suspended solids and matter than leads to staining and discoloration.  It is far better than just adding chemicals.  After the spa is filled, you should continue with a MicroPure high efficiency filter, to help maintain better water quality and reduce chemical consumption.  I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 2/4//2006

 

► Cleaning A Spa Filter Cartridge?

What's the best way to clean a spa filter cartridge.   And how often? 

Jessica, Tampa, FL, 12/6/2004

There are Spa Filter Cleaning Products available:  these products are usually acidic, detergent solutions.  Hose the cartridge off to remove hair and other debris.  The cartridge should be immersed in a plastic container (5-gallon pails are perfect) containing water and some of the cartridge cleaner.  Follow directions, as to duration, etc.  If the container isn't deep enough, turn the cartridge over to immerse the other end.  Hose off to remove all traces of the cleaner when finished.  How often the cartridge should be cleaned will depend upon the water chemistry and the amount of bather wastes.  Any time that the return flow seems weak is a good time to clean the cartridge.  Otherwise, every month or so and whenever the water is replaced.  There is another choice!  A MicroPure Disposable Filter will last for three months and do a much better job.  It will remove the finest particles, reduce the sanitizer requirement and help eliminate the need for other chemicals.  For more information go to:  www.micropure.ca   Enjoy the spa.  I hope that I was helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 12/6/2004

 

► Spa Sediment?

Hi, I have a Spa that over the last month daily has a sediment on the one step in the morning that resembles soft brown sand. I can vacuum it up and within 4 or 5 hours will start to reappear. Do you have any idea what this might be.  Thanks.

Walt, 7/16/2004

The sediment is probably waste materials, minerals or dead algae, mold, bacteria, etc.  In any event is seems likely that may be too small to be removed by your filter, even if lifted off the bottom.  Start by checking your filter.  How old is the cartridge? Adding a dose of a blue clarifier could help coagulate the sediment and make it easier to filter out.  Depending upon how the spa is being sanitized, it may simply be a matter of adding shock more often.  You might try adding a filter sock to your skimmer, as a means of improving performance.  Even better would be a MicroPure high efficiency disposable filter.  Refer to the pool page for "Yellow Mustard Algae," as your description seems very similar.  However, no report of this problem in a spa has come to my attention.  I hope that these suggestions prove helpful. 

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 7/16/2004

 

► Where Does the Chlorine Go?

Good day, Alan,  We are new to the world of spas here in Florida.  We use chlorine as our sanitizing agent. I don't understand why when you enter a spa and the chlorine and pH levels are where should be, and 30 min. later when you get out, the levels are much lower.  Is this normal? As I said, we are new in this arena.  I didn't realize that you had to add chemicals after, or before, each use.  Guess we can learn something new every day.

Joyce & Jim, Florida, 9/15/2003

The typical pool in your neighborhood has about 60 times more water than your spa.  Add to this the fact that the spa is at a much higher temperature and this will produce more bather wastes.  This means that the typical spa gets more demands put on its sanitizing system than the typical; pool.  Sanitizer levels can be depleted very quickly and it just makes sense to test the water and add more chlorine before and after each use.  However, if the spa is equipped with an ozonator or UV sanitizing unit, less chlorine will be used.   Ozone and UV units have controllable effects on the sanitation, while chlorine effectiveness rises and falls with its concentration. These alternative means of sanitizing spas are more flexible and provide a higher degree of effectiveness through use of a backup system.  Much of the chlorine or Ozone is used to destroy wastes that cannot be removed by standard spa filters.  Adding a MicroPure Disposable Spa Filter can remove ultra small particles and reduce chemical consumption.  Refer to the archives on a variety of spa and hot tub sanitizer topics.  I hope that I cleared up the mystery.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 9/15/2003

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