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Last updated: 1 Mar 2023
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Always Be Ready to Relax With the Best Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridges

Best Overall
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Guardian Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge
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Most Affordable
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SUNSET FILTERS Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge
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Runner Up
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POOLPURE Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge
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Honorable Mention
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Volca Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge
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Also Consider
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Intex Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge
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Nowadays, people go the extra mile to find something that can offer them relaxation, fun, and peace of mind. For example, a weekend trip helps you relax your nerves and forget about the monotonous life for some days, while a beautiful Thai massage relaxes the tensed muscles and lulls you to sleep. However, you have to step out of your house and even spend a hefty amount on these activities. Perhaps this is why the use of hot tubs or spa pools has gained immense popularity lately. The moment the warm water jet touches your skin and muscles, it works wonders on your tensed body, agitated nerves, and stressed mind. But the pools need proper maintenance, which is why you must get one of the premium hot tub filter replacement cartridges in 2023 so that the dirt and impurities don’t ruin your experience and interfere with your fun time.

Here is the Top Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge In 2023

1

Guardian Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge

– Best Overall
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If you are looking for an all-rounder hot tub filter replacement cartridge, this pack will be the most suited for you. It comes with three units compatible with high-end pools like the Filbur and Pleatco. Apart from having a long, cylindrical body, its filtration fabric has a whopping surface area of 30 square feet, which increases the filtration rate and efficiency by several notches. It can trap different types of solid impurities and debris of various sizes, ensuring that the water flowing into its internal chamber is completely clean. Therefore, your spa pool’s pump won’t have to exert too much mechanical pressure for circulating the water. For cleaning it, all you need is a powerful water jet (a hosepipe) that can effectively wash out the trapped debris and dirt from in between the fabric wrinkles.

Pros
  • Designed to block impurities and dirt effectively
  • Has the ability to deliver outstanding performance and last for a long time
Cons
  • Some people find it quite pricey
2

SUNSET FILTERS Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge

– Most Affordable
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The SUNSET FILTERS Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge is the perfect replacement filter for all inflatable hot tubs and spas that require a type VI filter, such as Coleman SaluSpa, Lay-Z-Spa, Bestway, and Intex. With these filters, users can enjoy a clean leisure time in a healthy sparkling spa, as this system ensures the healthiest and most enjoyable pleasure experience.

The filter is made of strong, durable Dacron textile fiber material that won’t tear or disintegrate after a short time. It has a powerful filtering rate of up to 2,500 gallons per hour, effectively removing fine dust and debris, as well as chemicals and metals like copper, chlorine, sunscreen, deodorant, accumulated debris, and gunk. Plus, with a rating of 500/2,500 GPH it offers reliable filtration and provides great value for money. Maintaining the filter is simple too; all you need to do is pull it out, rinse it under a powerful stream of water, and replace it for another round of fine filtering. It’s so easy to clean that you can reuse the filter cartridge again and again. 

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Reliable filtration
  • Removes fine dust, debris
Cons
  • Hard to clean
3

POOLPURE Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge

– Runner Up
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If you are wondering which replacement filter cartridge will be best in terms of performance, this product has got you covered. It has been tested thoroughly to ensure that the water produced is transparent, without any turbidity or reduced clarity. A trilobal fabric is used with a “Dirt Locking” technology to improve its efficiency infiltration. It helps the cartridge prevent hair, small debris, dust, leaves, and other impurities from passing through the tub’s interior compartments. Besides, cleaning this filter is very easy due to its unique design. Since its end caps are made from rubber having high resistance against chlorine, you won’t have to worry about the material suffering from damage due to bleaching. On top of everything, its surface area is about 35 square feet, enhancing both the filtration speed and efficiency.

Pros
  • Designed to fit most hot tub models with ease
  • Made from high-quality material for enhanced filtration performance
Cons
  • The pack comes with only two units of the filter cartridge
4

Volca Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge

– Honorable Mention
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This pack of six filter cartridges for hot tubs and spa pools will work wonders when it comes to the purity of the water. No matter what kind of dirt and solid impurity is in the pool water, it will effectively block them before the water enters the pump unit. Therefore, you won’t have to be concerned about the longevity of your pool. Since the cartridges belong to the Type VI category, you can use them for different spa pool tubs. You also won’t have to spend a lot of time removing the grime and dirt from in between the pleats, allowing you to use one cartridge unit repeatedly.

Pros
  • Can be installed within minutes due to its moldable end cap design
  • Has the ability to block different-sized debris and dirt from the pool water
Cons
  • The rubber cap might turn gray and slimy if not installed carefully
5

Intex Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge

– Also Consider
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This filter cartridge has been designed to deliver fantastic performance in terms of purification and last for a long time simultaneously. Its filtration surface is made from heavy-duty Dacron paper that can withstand high water pressure and trap different kinds of impurities and dirt. Besides, its pleats are so compactly spaced that even the tiny debris will get stuck and won’t pass into the internal hollow tube section of the cartridge. This makes it so that you won’t have to worry about the longevity and safety of your pool tub. Another plus is that you will get six units in this pack which can effortlessly reduce the filtration downtime to zero.

Pros
  • Can withstand high water pressure without getting damaged
  • Won’t fall short of filters while cleaning the existing one
Cons
  • Might cause difficulties during installation due to the absence of molded end cap

Finding Your Next Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge: A Buyer’s Guide

As the performance of a jacuzzi/spa pool depends significantly on the filter cartridges, you cannot settle down with any random product that catches your attention first. Choosing the best product demands a lot of considerations that you cannot overlook. If you do so, you may end up investing in a filter that won’t keep your pool healthy and safe. With this in mind, we have crafted a complete buying guide so that you can invest in the right hot tub filter replacement cartridge that can meet your expectations.

When Should You Use a Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge?

Sometimes, you are not able to determine when your pool needs a filter cartridge replacement. As a result, you tend to continue to enjoy your leisure time in a dirty spa pool. In addition, prolonged exposure to dirt, impurities, and wear and tear will reduce the filtration efficiency of the cartridges, leading to further damage to the pool pump and other such mechanical components. Here are some of the signs of a damaged filter cartridge:

  • A worn-out filter cartridge will hamper the water’s clarity, and you will soon find that it is becoming turbid or slightly whitish in appearance.
  • If water is taking more time to get filtered, it means that the cartridge has worn out and cannot eliminate the impurities and dirt.
  • Sometimes, the rubber caps of the filter cartridges start to break down due to excessive exposure to heat and other chemicals. Consequently, it damages your pump and even releases toxins into the water.

What Key Factors Should You Consider for Choosing the Best Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge?

Filter cartridge size

Hot tub filter replacement cartridges come in different sizes in terms of length and diameter. Therefore, you must determine the size you need beforehand so that you don’t have to struggle during the installation process. For example, if you choose a filter cartridge with a shorter length, a gap will be created between the filtration chamber and its end caps after installation. Similarly, if you pick a product one size larger than what you need, you will have to squeeze it into the filtration chamber, and it might damage the filter. This makes considering the proper size essential.

Tub type compatibility

Different types of hot tubs require different types of filter cartridges. So make sure the one you choose is compatible with your pool. Failing to do so can pour your money down the drain.

Surface area

The larger the surface area of the filter cartridge, the more will be its filtration efficiency. This is because it will filter a massive volume of water per second. For example, if a cartridge has a surface area of 30 square feet, its efficiency will be more than a product with 25 square feet cylindrical surface area. Apart from this, you should also ensure the replacement cartridge you pick has more pleats. The higher the number of pleats, the more the overall filtration surface and the better the performance will be.

End caps

Most hot tub filter replacement cartridges have rubber end caps to be molded according to the filtration chamber for effortless and hassle-free installation. You won’t have to forcefully squeeze the product as the end caps will conform and change their shape according to the chamber structures. Besides, they are less likely to get damaged due to higher flexibility and better fit.

Filtration performance

The performance of hot tub filter replacement cartridges depends on a myriad of factors like the material with which they are manufactured, access to the surface, and more. Usually, products made from Dacron are highly efficient as the fabric can withstand wear and tear for a longer time without compromising its filtration ability. Apart from this, check whether the chosen filter cartridge can remove both larger and smaller impurities or not. A filter cartridge is considered 100% efficient only if it traps small debris, dirt, larger leaves, and so on. Also, make sure it can maintain the clarity of the pool water at an optimal level. If there is a slight chance of turbidity, it means that the product is inefficient and not able to eliminate all sorts of debris and other impurities from the water.

How Much Does a Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge Cost on Average?

The average cost of hot tub filter replacement cartridges varies between $23.99 and $46.99 due to certain factors like:

  • A pack of large-sized hot tub filter replacement cartridges will be costlier than a pack of medium-sized units.
  • If a hot tub filter replacement cartridge can purify the water optimally, it means the filtration material has high quality. As a result, its price will increase.
  • The more the number of units in a pack, the higher it costs. For example, a pack of six cartridges is costlier than a set having three or four units.

How Can You Clean a Hot Tub Filter Replacement Cartridge?

To clean a hot tub filter replacement cartridge perfectly, you can follow the following steps:

  • Firstly, turn off the power source of the pool and drain the water till its level reaches halfway. 
  • Open the filtration chamber cover and clean the debris collecting bag. 
  • Take out the filter cartridge carefully, without putting too much pressure on the wrinkles. 
  • Now, clean it thoroughly with a hosepipe to produce a pressurized water jet.
  • If you want to clean the maximum area, use a Jacuzzi tap outlet with the pipe. 
  • Once done, place the filter cartridge into the water and allow the air bubbles to escape. 
  • Insert the filter inside the chamber, replace the debris bag if needed and close its door.

People Also Asked

Q: How often should I clean the hot tub filter replacement cartridge?

A: If you use the tub more twice a week, the volume of debris and other impurities in the water will increase, putting excess pressure on the cartridge. So, it would help if you cleaned it at least twice a week.

Q: Will hot tub filter replacement cartridges last for years?

A: No, hot tub filter replacement cartridges won’t last for a year because they are vulnerable and when exposed to wear and tear consistently, they are bound to get damaged.

Q: Do I need any hardware tool for installing the hot tub filter replacement cartridge?

A: If the chosen hot tub filter replacement cartridge has a moldable end cap, you won’t have to use any form of hardware tool. 

Cleaning Outdoors
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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