How to Replace a Hot Tub Filter - 3 Filter Types QCA Spas

Many spa manufacturers use either a skim filter, pressure filter or vane type filter canister to house the cartridge.  In this video, the filter is replaced in 3 different types of filter canisters depending on the spa model. 

QCA Spas uses the skimmer type filter canister as the main filter type but also uses vane style and pressure filters on select models. For instance, the model Amethyst uses a pressure filter.

Since cleaning the filter should be part of a normal hot tub maintenance routine, accessing the filter should become second nature.

Skim Filter Canister Type

For the skimmer type canister, there are front load and top load type filters. In this video, QCA Spas uses a top-load filter so it can be accessed and pulled out vertically without needing to drag the filter cartridge through the spa water as in the front load skimmer type.

Some skim filters allow for the inclusion of a chemical feeder and basket in the center of the filter.  This is a great spot for adding bromine or chlorine tablets and is easier to manage than a floating chemical dispenser that can get in the way when using the spa. 

Be sure to turn off the spa before taking the filter out to avoid an unexpected startup if the spa calls for heat at the moment you are trying to exchange or clean the filter. 

With the QCA Spa type skim filter made by Waterway, simply take off the filter lid, turn the filter basket/chemical dispenser to the left and pull out of spa. Then under that the filter is simply lifted vertically out of the spa without needing to unscrew it, but some spas may have a threaded connector where the filter must actually be unscrewed before lifting out.

Hot Tub Outpost offers a wide variety of spa filter cartridges as well as filter assembly parts including weir doors, filter lids, filter baskets and even entire filter canisters.