Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: dirtrubber on February 23, 2008, 03:22:49 pm

Title: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: dirtrubber on February 23, 2008, 03:22:49 pm
I out of filter cleaner what will work that i could get local without trip to dealer 80 miles round trip
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: tony on February 23, 2008, 03:25:37 pm
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I out of filter cleaner what will work that i could get local without trip to dealer 80 miles round trip

Cascade dishwasher detergent or TSP both do the job.
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: Steve on February 23, 2008, 06:49:35 pm
If using either of the above, RINSE REALLY WELL! Not sure if I would recommend dishwashing detergent... You could end up with a real soapy mess in your tub!

You could also put your filters in bleach for 5 or 10 minutes and then rinse them and let dry. Alternating filters is always best.
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: tony on February 24, 2008, 09:24:39 am
Quote
If using either of the above, RINSE REALLY WELL! Not sure if I would recommend dishwashing detergent... You could end up with a real soapy mess in your tub!

You could also put your filters in bleach for 5 or 10 minutes and then rinse them and let dry. Alternating filters is always best.


I use filter cleaner and alternate.  Unicel instructs to use either a) filter cleaner, b) one cup TSP to five gallons water, or c) one cup dishwasher detergent to five gallons water.  I agree, rinse very well.

www.unicelfilters.com
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: dirtrubber on February 25, 2008, 04:26:21 pm
I tried the dishwasher detergent it worked pretty good,  rinsed well no foam
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: spa-ing on February 26, 2008, 02:43:35 pm
I've never needed to use anything but hot water and a spray nozzel from the sink.
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: tinybubbles on February 26, 2008, 03:24:22 pm
First time I used filter cleaner I got major bubbles.  Now I give filters a quick dip in diluted bleach and rinse before reinstalling.  This seems to get rid of any residual filter cleaner.
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: tonyp on February 26, 2008, 04:11:59 pm
As for as detergents go -

Dishwashing - NO

Dishwasher - YES this is specifically designed not to foam!
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: SPORT on February 27, 2008, 12:07:42 pm
Hot Spring Tub company encourage washing their filters in the dishwasher with detergent, and they guarantee their filters for 10 years.
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: Renee on February 28, 2008, 01:27:50 pm
I have found vinegar to work well.  Since it's been cold out, I fill the bathtub 1/2 full of water, add 1/2 gal of vinegar.  After soaking the filters for a short time, you can just see the soap and residue floating on the water.  Then I take the shower sprayer, and any remaining residue comes right off the filter pleats.  The water is pretty gross.  I drain and rinse again with the sprayer, and my filters look great.
I am by no means an expert on this subject, but this seems to work well for me.
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: TubsAndCues on February 28, 2008, 02:30:34 pm
Does your dealer sell chems online?  Or would he ship to you?
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: Micah on February 28, 2008, 07:24:37 pm
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I've never needed to use anything but hot water and a spray nozzel from the sink.
Isn't that like taking a shower, but not bothering to use soap.  
Your filters remove not only all the bacteria, but body oils and hard water deposits.  Do you really want to "just hose them off"?
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: SPORT on February 29, 2008, 07:45:45 am
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Does your dealer sell chems online?  Or would he ship to you?

In addition to Spa-ing's response,

It's kinda like the lint trap (the metal screen type) in your dryer.  After removing all the lint, try running water through it.  Chances are water will puddle on top of the screen and  not flow through very well.  Now take warm water, soap and a sponge and clean the screen then try running water through the screen again.  You may notice an increased flow through the screen (no puddling).  This is because 'Bounce' or other similar products leave a residue (much like the oils of your body) in the filter and can reduce the filtration effectiveness; AND may lead to burning a motor or heating coil.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: tony on February 29, 2008, 09:08:30 am
I am a firm believer in filter cleaner or other appropriate cleaning product.  Cleaners cut soaps, oils, etc that inevitably get filtered out and end up in the filter medium.  Rinsing, IMO, is not as thorough.  The interval between deep cleanings is debatable, though, and rinsing filters periodically withing that interval makes good sense.
Title: Re: Filter cleaning ?
Post by: Steve on February 29, 2008, 09:12:41 am
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I am a firm believer in filter cleaner or other appropriate cleaning product.  Cleaners cut soaps, oils, etc that inevitably get filtered out and end up in the filter medium.  Rinsing, IMO, is not as thorough.  The interval between deep cleanings is debatable, though, and rinsing filters periodically withing that interval makes good sense.

Totally agree!