Types of Spa Filters
Spa filters play a very important role in your hot tub. Without them you’d be soaking in unwanted objects and particles, whether seen or unseen, like algae, bacteria, hair, leaves, dead skin, oils, or bugs. Instead of relaxing and reinvigorating yourself, you would be actually be exposing yourself to harm.
Three types of spa filters are available in the market. As with everything else, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Among these is the diatomaceous earth filter. This is generally regarded as more efficient than the other types of filters. It consists of a network of fine mesh coated with diatomaceous earth or DE. DE is a sedimentary rock that occurs naturally and is made from the fossils of an algae sized from 5 – 100 micrometers. These extremely small organic fossils are what make the DE filter effective in trapping debris in the tub’s water. It lacks odor or taste. It is also chemically inert and thus will not affect the water. Indeed, it is also used to filter drinking water. The downside is that DE is not effective in removing color from water. And disposal may be an issue in some municipalities that have strict environmental laws.
Filters filled with sand and gravel are also used. Not any type of sand, however, can be used for the purpose. The sand has to be extremely fine so that dirt and other impurities would have difficulty passing through it. Often additives are poured into the filter to coagulate microscopic particles to make them larger.
Cartridge filters are the most commonly used filters for spas and swimming pools. Most filters of this type are cylindrical although some can look flat. Inside the cartridge is a pleated fine mesh material, often Dacron. This material sifts dirt and debris keeping them in the cartridge while the water flows back into the tub. The pleats are intended to multiply the surface area of the mesh thus providing more barriers blocking unwanted particles.
Whichever type of filter you choose, be sure to check and clean them periodically for a cleaner hot tub.