A spa pool is an investment in relaxation and wellness, but to fully enjoy its benefits, maintaining clean and clear water is essential. A reliable spa pool filter system plays a pivotal role in achieving this. At Hot Spring Spas Tauranga, we not only stock top-of-the-line spa pools and swim spas, but we also offer a wide range of spa and pool chemicals and accessories to enhance your spa experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of spa pool filtration systems to help you make the best choice for your needs.
What Are Spa Pool Filter Systems?
Spa pool filter systems work by circulating water through filters that capture unwanted debris such as dirt, leaves, and small particulates. While larger contaminants like twigs and insects are typically caught by a pre-filter such as a skimming weir, the finer particles are removed by the main filter system. Additionally, microscopic intruders, like bacteria, are handled by chemical treatments such as chlorine.
Filters come in different varieties—some are disposable, while others can be cleaned and reused. The best systems minimize maintenance while maximizing water clarity, ensuring your spa is always ready for a rejuvenating soak.
Why Are Spa Pool Filter Systems Important?
A high-performing filtration system is key to maintaining water that is both clean and safe. Without proper filtration, contaminants can build up, leading to water that’s not only visually unappealing but potentially harmful to your health. Filters remove organic materials that can encourage the growth of mold, algae, and bacteria.
At Hot Spring Spas Tauranga, we believe that to truly enjoy your spa pool, water quality must be pristine. A good spa pool filter system will keep your spa water inviting and ready for use at any time, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
Types of Spa Pool Filtration Systems
There are several types of filtration systems available for spa pools, each offering different levels of performance. Understanding the differences will help you select the right system for your spa.
1. 100% No-Bypass Filtration
Hot Spring’s Highlife collection offers a unique system called 100% no-bypass filtration, a technology developed by Hot Spring over 40 years ago. This system filters all of the water in the spa continuously, even while the jets are in use. In most spas, the filtration system stops when the jets are on, allowing unfiltered water to circulate. In contrast, the Highlife system ensures that your water gets cleaner the longer you soak.
With three high-quality ceramic filters, the 100% no-bypass system provides up to five times more filtering surface area than standard systems, which means more debris is removed faster. Maintenance is a breeze as well—simply place the filters in the dishwasher three times a year.
Not only does this system provide crystal-clear water 24/7, but it’s also more environmentally friendly due to the lack of disposable filters. While only available on premium models, this system offers long-term savings through reduced energy use and maintenance.
2. 24-Hour Filtration
The Hot Spring Limelight range offers a similar continuous filtration system, running 24 hours a day. However, unlike the Highlife collection, this system allows the water to bypass the filters when the jets are in use. Once the jets are off, filtration resumes, returning the water to its pristine condition.
Like the Highlife models, the Limelight range also features durable ceramic filters, low noise, and low energy consumption, making it an excellent option for those who value efficiency.
3. Two-Speed Pump (No-Bypass)
This system is commonly found in the Hot Spot and Freeflow collections. It uses a two-speed pump that switches between high and low power based on whether the jets are running. Filtration happens when the pump operates at low speed, ensuring energy-efficient water circulation. While the system doesn’t filter during jet operation, it resumes filtration as soon as the jets are off.
4. Two-Speed Pump (Bypass)
This is the most common filtration system on the market. While it uses a two-speed pump like the no-bypass system, filtration stops entirely when the jets are on, resulting in higher energy consumption due to the longer filtration required.
5. One-Speed Separate Pump
The simplest and most affordable option, this system uses a single-speed centrifugal pump to circulate water. However, it consumes significantly more power—about 8-9 times more than the systems in Hot Spring’s premium ranges. Though budget-friendly upfront, the ongoing operating costs make this option less appealing in the long run.
The Hot Spring Difference
At Hot Spring Spas Tauranga, we aim to provide the ultimate spa experience, and that includes offering the best filtration systems available. Whether you choose a model from our entry-level Freeflow range or a top-of-the-line Highlife spa, you’ll enjoy a filtration system designed for minimal maintenance and maximum water clarity.
All Hot Spring spas and Endless Pools swim spas also feature skimmer weirs, which prevent larger debris from clogging the filters, further reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
On top of superior filtration, Hot Spring spas are among the most energy-efficient in New Zealand, making them an excellent long-term investment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right spa pool filtration system is crucial to maintaining clear, safe, and enjoyable water. Hot Spring offers a range of filter systems tailored to different needs and budgets, from the premium 100% no-bypass filtration in the Highlife collection to the budget-friendly Freeflow models. Regardless of which system you choose, you can count on Hot Spring Spas Tauranga to provide a solution that minimizes maintenance and maximizes your spa experience.
For more information on our spa pools, swim spas, or filtration systems, visit Hot Spring Spas Tauranga today!