Outdoor Hot Tub Water Care & Filtration (Thailand)
Keep your outdoor hot tub crystal clear. Learn filtration, circulation, ozone, schedules, and filter care—plus setup tips from Q&G.
Clean, warm water is what makes a hot tub feel like a private spa. This guide explains how filtration, circulation, and ozone keep your water crystal clear —and how Q&G sets up our tubs so they’re easy to own and ready to soak 24/7.
What a Hot Tub Is (and Isn’t)
A hot tub is for soaking with massage jets—not for bathing with soap or shampoos. Always shower first, then enjoy the soak. With the right setup, your tub maintains clean warm water all day, every day.
Why Filtration Matters
Local water quality varies by province. Groundwater areas can carry more calcium (scale), iron, and sediments than city mains. Your filter captures dust, hair, body oils, and fine particles before they reach sensitive parts like the heater, sensors, ozone injector, and circulation pump.
Disinfection vs filtration
: the filter traps debris; ozone and chlorine kill germs and algae.
Water Change Guideline
Change water at least every 3 months. If many people soak or you use the tub daily / ~5× per week, change every 1–2 months.
How the System Works
- Circulation moves water through the cartridge filter (paper filter).
- Ozone (and a small amount of chlorine) sanitizes the water.
- The system runs automatically on a daily schedule while the tub remains powered on.
Correct Filter Placement
The filter should be the first step in the circulation path. Placing it after the pump can allow scale and sediment to hit the heater, temperature/flow sensors, pump impeller, and ozone line, causing clogs, slow heating, bad smells, and cloudy water.
Filtration Hours & Turnover
More circulation generally means cleaner water.
Example (1,200 L tub):
- Small 24/7 circ pump (55 L/min) ≈ 66 turnovers/day
- Large pump (240 L/min) needs ~5.5 hours/day to reach the same 66 turnovers
Rule of thumb: Aim for ≥48 turnovers per day for hot tubs (more than pools, because hot water accelerates bacterial growth).
Circulation Types
- Skimmer system: draws surface water through a skimmer wall with a cartridge filter; returns push water from the bottom.
- Overflow (perimeter) system: water spills into a gutter, passes a surge tank and filter, then returns—fast, even turnover and a luxurious “overflowing edge.”
Heavy debris (sand, gravel) won’t circulate to the filter—vacuum or siphon the floor when needed. Keep the cover closed when not in use.
Filter Cartridges: Cleaning & Lifespan
- Minimum replacement: once per year; in high-sediment or groundwater areas: every 3–6 months.
- Rinse monthly in clean-water areas; weekly where water carries more contaminants.
- A clogged cartridge stresses the entire system and shortens component life.
How Q&G Sets Up Outdoor Hot Tubs
For popular 2– 4person models :
- Two daily filtration cycles: morning & evening, 3 hours each (total 6 hours/day).
- At the start of each cycle, massage pumps run 30 seconds (each, if two) to mix the water.
- Post-use cycle: 30 minutes after you turn jets off, the tub runs an extra 1-hour ozone + filtration to polish the water for the next day.
- Schedules resume automatically after power cuts.
Common Problems (and Quick Fixes)
- Cloudy water / odor: rinse or replace the filter, check sanitizer, run the scheduled cycles.
- Foam: If foam occurs in the hot tub, it’s usually caused by detergent or fabric-softener residue left in the clothes or swimsuit worn in the water.
Solution:
- If foaming is heavy,
drain and refill with fresh water.
- Enter the tub only in a swimsuit or dedicated clothing that’s been thoroughly rinsed in warm water (no detergent or softener residue).
- Keep a “hot-tub-only” suit, washed with water only, and use it exclusively for soaking.
- remove lotions/oils; remind users to shower first.
Buying in Thailand: What to Look For
- Proper filter-first plumbing and a reliable circulation schedule
- Ozone system with easy cartridge access
- Clear dealer support on water chemistry, filter care, and spare parts
- Localized setup for your province’s water quality
FAQs
Outdoor Hot Tub Water Care & Filtration Guide
What does the hot tub filter actually do?
It traps debris such as dust, hair, body oils and fine particles before water reaches the heater, sensors, ozone injector and circulation pump.
Does the filter kill bacteria and algae?
No. Disinfection is done by ozone and a small amount of chlorine. Filtration removes particles; ozone/chlorine kill microorganisms.
How many hours should filtration run each day?
Aim for 48+ water turnovers per day. Small 24/7 circulation pumps achieve this continuously; larger pumps can meet it in fewer scheduled hours.
How often should I change the water?
At least every 3 months; every 1–2 months if many users or frequent use (daily or ~5 days/week).
How often should I clean or replace the cartridge filter?
Rinse monthly in clean-water areas (weekly if water carries more sediment). Replace at least once per year; in high-sediment/groundwater areas every 3–6 months.
Why avoid soap, shampoo and lotions in a hot tub?
They cause foam, clog filters and interfere with sanitizers. Always shower first; the hot tub is for soaking, not bathing.
Ready to soak?
Explore Q&G’s outdoor hot tubs and get a site check and sizing advice from our team.
