Having a clean hot tub relies heavily on clean hot tub filters. But can you clean your hot tub filters in a dishwasher? Here is what I found out.
You should not clean your hot tub filters in a dishwasher because the dishwasher can damage the filter material. The dishwasher will also not get your hot tub filters clean because it can’t get in between the pleats. You will most likely notice debris stuck in between the filter material and the pleats after cleaning the hot tub filter in a dishwasher.
But this is just a quick snapshot. Let’s dive deeper into the topic to discover more.
Related Read: Can You Use a Hot Tub Without Filters?
Will a Dishwasher Clean a Hot Tub Filter?
A dishwasher will clean a hot tub filter but it wouldn’t get it as clean as it should be because it can’t get in between the pleats.
Technically speaking, a dishwasher will get your hot tub filters clean since the dishwasher is designed to wash and clean. But the real question is will a dishwasher get the filter as clean as it should be? The answer to that question is no.
While a dishwasher will clean the cartridge, the cap, and the outer parts of your filtration system, it wouldn’t clean the pleats properly. The pleats are the most important part of your filtration system. The pleats trap oils, food residue, dirt, debris, scum, and depending on the model, even algae that is in the water. All of these contaminants will accumulate in between the pleats over time and become difficult to remove.
A dishwasher is not capable of removing all of these contaminants that are stuck in between each pleat. To remove these contaminants, you will occasionally need to soak the filter in chemicals and give it a hard spray with your garden hose. Your dishwasher regardless of the model is not equipped to do all of these and it can’t get in between the pleats to get rid of the dirt in there.
So while the dishwasher will clean your kitchen utensils, it wouldn’t clean your hot tub filter properly.
Related Read: How To Clean Hot Tub Filters?
Can a Dishwasher Damage Your Hot Tub Filters?
Washing your hot tub filters in a dishwasher can damage the filters beyond repair. The dishwasher can tear the filter material and the pleats which are usually made from fabric or soft plastic.
The filtration system in your hot tub is made of different parts. The parts that trap debris and dirt in the water are the pleats. The pleats are usually made from fabric or soft plastic that can easily be damaged by a dishwasher. Once these pleats are torn or damaged, there is no way to repair them. You will have to purchase a new filter for the hot tub.
A dishwasher can also damage the support bands that hold the pleats together. Due to the soft and flexible nature of the pleats, they can easily be fluttered or separated as water passes through them. To prevent this, support bands are used to hold the pleats together to prevent them from giving way during water circulation.
If you wash the filter in a dishwasher, the dishwasher can break the support bands or move them out of position. This causes the pleats to flutter during water circulation in the hot tub. In simpler terms, when the support bands are damaged, the filter wouldn’t trap any dirt.
Asides from the damages to your hot tub filter, cleaning the filter in a dishwasher is also not a hygienic option. Hot tub filters trap a lot of contaminants including algae. You shouldn’t clean an algae-infested hot tub filter in the same equipment that you use to clean your kitchen utensils. That is just gross.
Now you know not to clean your hot tub filters in a dishwasher. But what can you use to clean the filters? Let’s take a closer look.
Related Read: Can You Clean The Hot Tub With Rubbing Alcohol?
What Can You Use to Clean Your Hot Tub Filters?
- Filter cleaner
- Filter chemical
- Garden hose
Filter Cleaner
There are several products advertised as hot tub filter cleaners. Many of them are liquid solutions that come in bottles while others are powdered substances that can be mixed with water.
These products are specially designed to clean and get rid of accumulated scum in your filter material. You can get a filter cleaner in any pool store.
Related Read: Using a Windex in a Hot Tub?
Filter Chemical
When it comes to cleaning your hot tub filters, nothing does it better than filter chemicals. These chemicals are usually acidic and strong enough to break down grime in between the filter material and then flush them out.
If you are having a tough time cleaning your hot tub filter, then you need to soak the filter in a filter chemical. Filter chemicals are also available in pool stores.
Related Read: Are All Hot Tub Filters The Same?
Garden Hose
The most convenient equipment to clean your hot tub filter with is your garden hose. Just place the filter on a stable surface and give it a hard spray with the garden hose.
It is advised to spray from top to bottom so you don’t damage the filters. I would tell you where to get a garden hose but I assume you already have one.
Related Read: Can You Clean The Hot Tub With a Pressure Washer?
Final Words
Overall, cleaning your hot tub filter in a dishwasher is a no-go. The dishwasher will not get the filters cleaned properly and it can damage the hot tub filter.
Not to mention the fact that it’s a gross way to clean your hot tub filters. So whatever you do, never clean your filters in a dishwasher.
So there you have it. If you liked this post, ensure to check out others like it on this website for more hot tub tips. Have a nice day.
Related Read: Can You Use Dish Soap in a Hot Tub?
