Many homeowners and families enjoy a hot tub for relaxing, socializing and entertainment. Since the water in a hot tub is reused without flushing, it's important to have a hot tub filter to prevent the growth of bacteria. The water's temperature can promote bacterial growth, leading to the risk of disease if it is not filtered.
Hot tub filters should contain several layers, each one designed to filter different contaminants.
Skimmer
Most systems have a single water intake, usually located near the surface. Debris from the top layer of water flows into a skimmer unit, which filters it. This can prevent a buildup of oil, grease, and hair on the surface. In addition, a skimmer can help eliminate larger debris from clogging a filter system.
Many skimmers have a chlorine feeder, which provides a continual feed of disinfectant into the hot tub. A chlorine feeder usually consists of a hollow chamber filled with chlorine tablets. These tablets dissolve slowly under running water, providing chlorine at a steady rate into the system.
Prefilter
A prefilter is usually made from cloth, fiberglass or another porous material. It helps filter debris larger than a grain of sand. While a prefilter cannot eliminate bacteria, it does help clear the water of any visible debris.
Carbon Filter
A carbon filter helps eliminate odors and fine debris from the hot tub. This can include dissolved solids, microparticles and some bacteria. While a carbon filter cannot remove bacteria from the water, it can remove a major source of its food.
Silver Cartridge
Silver inhibits the growth of microbial organisms. A silver cartridge adds a minute quantity of silver particles to the water in a hot tub. When bacteria come in contact with these silver particles, it causes them to die. Silver is not harmful to humans, and offers a simple way to keep the hot tub healthy.
While a silver cartridge cannot replace chlorine tablets, it can be a valuable supplement. Chlorine degrades in the water over time, as it comes in contact with contaminants. Sunlight can also degrade chlorine, leading to less disinfecting power during the day. Silver particles can provide 24-hour antibacterial protection in a tub.
UV Light
Some units incorporate a UV light into the filtering system. As water passes through a clear tube, it is exposed to high intensity light from a UV bulb. This kills all bacteria and germs, helping to prevent the spread of disease.
Hot tub filters should contain several layers, each one designed to filter different contaminants.
Skimmer
Most systems have a single water intake, usually located near the surface. Debris from the top layer of water flows into a skimmer unit, which filters it. This can prevent a buildup of oil, grease, and hair on the surface. In addition, a skimmer can help eliminate larger debris from clogging a filter system.
Many skimmers have a chlorine feeder, which provides a continual feed of disinfectant into the hot tub. A chlorine feeder usually consists of a hollow chamber filled with chlorine tablets. These tablets dissolve slowly under running water, providing chlorine at a steady rate into the system.
Prefilter
A prefilter is usually made from cloth, fiberglass or another porous material. It helps filter debris larger than a grain of sand. While a prefilter cannot eliminate bacteria, it does help clear the water of any visible debris.
Carbon Filter
A carbon filter helps eliminate odors and fine debris from the hot tub. This can include dissolved solids, microparticles and some bacteria. While a carbon filter cannot remove bacteria from the water, it can remove a major source of its food.
Silver Cartridge
Silver inhibits the growth of microbial organisms. A silver cartridge adds a minute quantity of silver particles to the water in a hot tub. When bacteria come in contact with these silver particles, it causes them to die. Silver is not harmful to humans, and offers a simple way to keep the hot tub healthy.
While a silver cartridge cannot replace chlorine tablets, it can be a valuable supplement. Chlorine degrades in the water over time, as it comes in contact with contaminants. Sunlight can also degrade chlorine, leading to less disinfecting power during the day. Silver particles can provide 24-hour antibacterial protection in a tub.
UV Light
Some units incorporate a UV light into the filtering system. As water passes through a clear tube, it is exposed to high intensity light from a UV bulb. This kills all bacteria and germs, helping to prevent the spread of disease.
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