What Is No-Bypass Filtration? Why This Function Keeps Your Hot Tub Cleaner
Soaking in a hot tub may help you relax and unwind, but even short soaks can introduce contaminants into the water. Sunscreen, body lotion, sweat, laundry detergent residue, and soap scum can all murk up your hot tub. Your hot tub’s filtration system should be able to remove those contaminants, but some methods are more effective than others.
No-bypass filtration hot tubs, like Hot Spring spas, filter out contaminants more effectively than other models, extending the life of your hot tub.
Key Takeaways
Most hot tubs use a bypass valve to send water away from filters when you turn on the jets. No-bypass filtration systems, such as those found in Hot Spring Highlife models, continue to filter water even when the jets are running, keeping your hot tub cleaner even when you’re using it. This helps reduce how often you need to adjust chemicals and can help water stay clearer, longer.
Table of Contents
- How a Stand Hot Tub Filtration System Works
- How No-Bypass Filtration Hot Tub Systems Work
- Standard vs. No-ByPass: The Difference Lies in the Filter Materials
- Why Your Hot Tub Filtration System Matters
- Is a No-Bypass Filtration Hot Tub Worth the Investment?
How a Standard Hot Tub Filtration System Works
Standard filtration systems are standard for a reason: they’re the most common type of filtration system you’ll find when buying a hot tub. Standard filtration systems use a circulation pump that moves water from the hot tub through the filter cartridges. The system works with a low flow rate, filtering low-pressure streams of water at a steady rate.
Standard filter cartridges are designed for low-pressure use. They can’t handle the high-pressure streams of water used when you turn on the jets in your spa. That’s why manufacturers build a bypass into the unit’s plumbing. When you turn the jets on, water bypasses the filter and circulates in the hot tub. When you turn them off, the circulation pump can start to filter water again.
Unfortunately, the water you’ve been soaking in will have picked up a bunch of oils and contaminants during that time. It can take time for the pump to clean the water thoroughly. It can also increase the frequency with which you’ll need to clean your hot tub filters.
How No-Bypass Filtration Hot Tub Systems Work
With a no-bypass filtration system, the water in your hot tub gets filtered even when the jets are running. The filters in these systems are stronger and able to handle water at higher pressures than standard filters.
What this means for you and your loved ones is that the water gets filtered continuously. Those oils and residues that can build up in the water while you’re soaking in a standard hot tub or spa get filtered out.
That continuous filtration means the water stays cleaner. You can find this type of filtration system on many Hot Spring Highlife hot tubs.
The Difference Lies in the Filters
Standard hot tub filtration systems typically use polyester filters that are designed to be replaced regularly. Once they filter out enough material, they become clogged and need to be replaced to keep your hot tub clean. These filters aren’t designed to withstand high pressure from hot tub jets, and they need to be replaced every year or so.
No-bypass filters, like Hot Spring’s Tri-X filters, are ceramic and reusable. Instead of replacing them and throwing the old filters away, you clean them. Some are even dishwasher safe, making cleaning your filters easier and faster.
Like any filter, no-bypass ceramic filters won’t last forever. However, you should be able to get between four and five years’ worth of use out of your filters when they’re properly maintained and cleaned.
Why Your Hot Tub Filtration System Matters
With standard filtration systems, the buildup of residue and oils can deplete the chlorine or bromine in your water. When that happens, you must add more chemicals to keep your spa clean, costing you more money in the long run.
Since no-bypass filtration systems keep the buildup of residues in the water to a minimum, you’ll likely go through fewer chemicals. The fewer chemicals you need to add to your water, the more comfortable your soaking experience will be—using too many chemicals usually leads to drier skin, stronger chlorine smells, and bigger maintenance bills.
For more tips on how to better maintain your hot tub, check out our YouTube videos on DIY hot tub maintenance.
Is a No-Bypass Filtration Hot Tub Worth the Investment?
If you prioritize water quality, lower chemical use, and low maintenance requirements, no-bypass filtration systems are an absolute must. The Highlife collection offers 100% no-bypass filtration so your water stays cleaner and your soaking experience is more enjoyable.
If you have questions about which hot tub filtration system is right for your home and your soaking style, contact the team at Hot Water Productions or stop by our showroom in Montrose, CO.