Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: brian_tr on September 27, 2009, 12:38:53 pm

Title: Filter cleaner
Post by: brian_tr on September 27, 2009, 12:38:53 pm

Went to spa store for more filter cleaner and guy told me to just use 1 part acid to 3 part water.   Sounds pretty strong to me.  Not sure i want to stick my hands in that.  Should of just bought cleaner. All they had was spray bottles and i usually just pour some in bucket with water. Guess i can still just open bottle. He says dont have to worry about foam with acid water. Is this guy crazy or what.   

Title: Re: Filter cleaner
Post by: Bonibelle on September 27, 2009, 10:45:22 pm

Did he sell you a bottle of acid? I think there are friendlier cleaners..I cleaned my filters once with TSP..you just have to rinse forever. So I went back to the spa filter cleaner. See if anyone answers that may have tried acid. I wonder if all filters can withstand a strong acid solution??

Title: Re: Filter cleaner
Post by: wmccall on September 28, 2009, 09:19:34 am

I've used a clorox/water solution before, less rinsing with that, but if you make it too strong it can soften the plastic portion of the filter as it did for me. (But it may have been one of my older filters.

Title: Re: Filter cleaner
Post by: soak-king on September 28, 2009, 03:07:04 pm

I think the bigger issue is going to be that the Acid solution is mainly used for cleaning heavy calcium residue and scaling. It doesn't break up grease / oils like filter cleaner does. You really need the filter cleaner to get rid of the deodorant, lotions, and body oils.

Title: Re: Filter cleaner
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on September 28, 2009, 03:44:14 pm

From Unicel, one of the largest filter manufacturers;

For years, service technicians and homeowners have acid washed D.E. grids. However, cartridge elements do not have the protective D.E. powder coating that grids have and can be permanently damaged by the acid. As a rule of thumb, acid wash only when required, if at all, and never without thoroughly cleaning the element with a cartridge degreaser first.


After thoroughly cleaning the cartridge with a degreasing agent, flush the cartridge with a garden hose to remove all traces of soap, etc. Now apply several drops of acid directly to a small area of the filter media. If bubbling occurs, this indicates a build-up of calcium or minerals, and you should proceed with a mild acid soak (see Unicel Cleaning Instructions for more details). If no bubbling is observed, your cartridge most likely does not require acid washing.

Title: Re: Filter cleaner
Post by: Spiderman on September 29, 2009, 10:55:44 pm

Sounds like a heck of a salesman; gave bad info and didn't sell anything.  No wonder hot tub dealers are closing their doors.