How often should you replace your spa filters?

[wayner]

I read online that you should replace annually.

I have been replacing mine about every 6-7 years. How often should they be replaced?

 

[Mdragger88]

I’m still using my original thats 6 years old.
It’s in rotation with one that’s probably 5 years old.
They both still look fine & clean up well.
For pools a properly cared for cartridge filter can last 10 years although the manufacturer will suggest a yearly replacement.
When they start looking rough (like the material looks rough) or have a tear its time for replacement.
I think the main thing that occurs with spa ones is the end cap material (plastic/rubber) starts deteriorating so if that looks suspicious (brittle or cracked)
I would replace- you don’t want that threaded part breaking off in the tub if yours is designed to screw in.
Mine originally come with strings and they both broke loose in short order but other than that they have done well. I may order another clarathon to replace my original one soon as its plastic/rubber parts are showing their age.

 

[wayner]

Thanks - agreed about the end cap. It changes colour and starts to disintegrate a bit. In the past I did have a thread that broke off, but I was able to get it out ok.

 

[Gebo]

I’m sort of a messed up guy. I have 2 in rotation. I change every month. I clean the dirty one and replace it with the clean dry one. Soak the dirty one in a 5 gal bucket 24 hrs. I’ll replace them both in 2 years. Oct ‘25.

 

[phonedave]

I’m sort of a messed up guy. I have 2 in rotation. I change every month. I clean the dirty one and replace it with the clean dry one. Soak the dirty one in a 5 gal bucket 24 hrs. I’ll replace them both in 2 years. Oct ‘25.

This is what I do. I soak them in OxyClean.

However, my filters have been in rotation for around 4 years and are still going strong. They have become less "stiff" if that makes sense, but they still work fine, so no need for me to replace them.

I rinse them with fresh water every so often (maybe monthly depending on usage) and I swap them and do the OxyClean thing when I do a water change. After I soak them in OxyClean, I rinse them well, and then I let them dry THOROUGHLY, as in 3 to 4 days, before sealing them in a dry 5 gallon bucket. Maybe that helps (maybe it does not, but it is what I do)