Filter Life

[marks]

I have a 400 gallon spa that uses one filter.  I rinse it out weekly and soak it over night in a cleaner monthly.  I have two filters that I swap out on a monthly basis.  How long using a conservative estimate should these 2 filters last.

[bulmer4nc]

I basically do the same thing and our dealer told us we should probably get 5 to 7 years out of our Sundance filter if it's cared for properly and you swap them out each water change like that.  Guess time will tell...  We're just over a year and both filters still look brand new.

[Brewman]

I've heard that 3 years is a benchmark.  That will vary of course by individual.  
I just brought in a filter to be cleaned, and the dealer commented that I'd be needing a new one soon.  That filter is about 30 months old.  
I'll see what it looks like when I pick it up later this week, but I'm thinking it should be good for a few more cycles, based on it's physical condition.

[Backpains]

we swap our filters out weekly. we have a two filter system...so we bought two more pre-filters and one more big filter, and swap them out once a week the filter we are swapping out goes to work with my husband where he steam cleans both (boy talk about coming back white!)Then the other fliter goes to the hot tub..this is done on a weekly basis and both filters seem to be doing just fine.

[tony]

I follow the same basic routine and my filters lasted three years and I feel I take good care of them.  Five to seven years really stretching the truth.  When I bought my spa, the dealer said eighteen months, so three years swapping between two seems right to me.

[leesweet]

Are we talking about the new 880 SD filters, which are supposed to last 6 months max and be trashed (thrown out) after that.... of course, that could be PR hype.

Comments?!

[Brewman]

I believe this thread is discussing the standard pleated filters that most spas use.  
The new Sundance disposables aren't made to last too long, from what I've observed.  I don't think these are supposed to be cleaned.

[HotTubMan]

Your filter is good until it shows major signs of wear, like tears or pilling OR You seem to have no control of the water: TDS is low, water is balanced and sanitized and you cant get it clear, your filter may be done.

Beachcomber does start you off with cheaper filters, 3oz vs 4oz, so they may not last as long as some have suggested.

With your routine and 2 filters, dont expect to buy another until 3 years past your original purchase date if not longer.

[HotTubMan]

Another thought, will the gallon per square foot of filter ratio affect longevity. I suspect yes.

Is it fair to assume that a 150 sq/ft of filter in 400 gallons should need the same maintenance and life as a 25 sq/ft filter in the same size spa with all other factors equal? I doubt it.

The 25 footer will clog 6 times faster, therefore need to be reinsed 6 times more often, cleaned 6 times more often.

[marks]

Guys,

Just got back from a business trip, thanks for all the input.  Sounds like I should have no problem getting a year out of each filter so a set of two should last 2 years.   Filters are only $25, so using one a year is not a big deal.  When I buy new ones I should look for 4oz filters instead of 3oz?

[rotigers]

Each filter will last you up to 1 year, so if you are rotating them you are using them half as much so you can get 2 years out of those two filters! Your doing everything right!