How often should you replace a hot tub filter?
By MySpaFilter Editorial Team · Last reviewed
Most pleated spa cartridges are replaced somewhere between 12 months and 3 years, depending on the brand and how hard the tub is used. Jacuzzi says 12–24 months[10], Hot Spring says 2–3 years for standard cartridges[8]. Disposable inner filters (such as Sundance MicroClean inserts) are on a much shorter schedule of a few months[12].
What the manufacturers say
| Source | Filter | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Jacuzzi[10] | Pleated cartridges | Every 12–24 months, sooner if torn, flattened or heavily stained |
| Hot Spring[8] | Polyester (“paper”) cartridge | Every 2–3 years |
| Hot Spring[8] | TRI-X cartridge | Every 4–6 years |
| Hot Spring owner page[7] | Cartridges | Every three years |
| Sundance 680 (2024 manual)[11] | MicroClean Mini pleated filter / insert | 12 months / 4 months |
| Sundance 780 (2024 manual)[12] | Small MicroClean disposable cartridge | Every 3 months, or earlier |
Note that Hot Spring’s own pages give slightly different figures (“every three years” on the owner maintenance page versus “2–3 years” on its filter article), so treat any number as a starting point, not a deadline.
Why there is no fixed lifespan
Unicel and Pleatco both make the same point: a cartridge has no moving parts, so it doesn’t “fail” on a date. The media gradually plugs with body oils, soaps, chemicals and very fine particles[6][1]. They tie the end of a cartridge’s life to three things: shorter and shorter intervals between cleanings, low flow / high pressure, or physical failure such as torn media or a collapsed core[1].
What makes a filter wear out faster
- More bathers and more frequent use (Hot Spring notes that more use means more frequent cleaning)[8].
- Unbalanced water chemistry[1].
- Scrubbing with a stiff brush[1], or unnecessary acid washing — Unicel calls acid washing “perhaps the biggest single factor leading to premature cartridge failure”[4].
Stretch the life with two cartridges
Unicel, Pleatco and Jacuzzi all recommend alternating two sets of cartridges so one can be soaked and dried fully while the other is in use[6][1][10]. Find your replacement by OEM number on the homepage search, or browse Hot Spring, Jacuzzi and Sundance cartridges.
FAQ
Do I need to replace my hot tub filter every year?
Not necessarily. Jacuzzi gives a 12–24 month range and Hot Spring gives 2–3 years for standard cartridges; replace sooner if the cartridge is torn, flattened or no longer restores flow after cleaning.
How long do disposable inner filters last?
They are on a much shorter schedule. Sundance’s 2024 780 Series manual says to replace the small MicroClean cartridge every 3 months, and its 680 Series manual says to replace the MicroClean Mini insert every 4 months.
Does rotating two filters make them last longer?
Unicel, Pleatco and Jacuzzi all recommend alternating two sets so each can be cleaned and dried thoroughly between uses.
Sources
- Pleatco Catalog & Cross Reference Guide — filter care FAQ
- Unicel — Maintenance & FAQ
- Unicel — When to Replace a Cartridge Filter (PDF)
- Hot Spring Spas — Maintenance Tips
- Hot Spring Spas — How Do Hot Tub Filters Work?
- Jacuzzi — Hot Tub Filter Cleaning Made Easy
- Sundance Spas 680 Series Owner’s Manual (2024)
- Sundance Spas 780 Series Owner’s Manual (2024)
This guide summarizes published manufacturer guidance; always follow your own spa’s owner’s manual. See our disclaimer.