The cartridge in your pool filter should be cleaned every 3 -4 months or when the pressure gauge on your pool filter is approximately 8-10 pounds over the normal operating pressure. You will need to establish a schedule to cleaning your filter in the spa based on the amount of usage the spa receives. At minimum you need rinse off the spa filter monthly and deep clean the filter every time you change out your water – more often depending on bather load. However if you are using Baquacil or Baqua Spa special directions must be followed when cleaning your pool cartridge or spa filter for the following reasons:

In a chlorine pool the chlorine oxidizes the bacteria in the water, however in Baquacil the active ingredient is polyhexamethylene biquanaide (PHMB). The PHMB locates and binds the bacterial surfaces, and then attacks the outer bacterial wall. Once this wall has been compromised the inner cell membrane is destroyed. This allows the cell contents to disperse into their surroundings where they are broken down more into their elemental parts by Baqua Shock, a non-chlorine oxidizer.

Also, Baquacil is a mild coagulant which combines bacterial cells and other small particles into particles large enough to be trapped by the filter. The residue on the filter is a gray sticky film which can only be removed with Baqua Clean. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using Baqua Clean.

If you use a TSP type cleaner (trisodium phosphate) before cleaning the gray film then the TSP cleaner and the gray film will combine and form a gum-like substance. Once this occurs the substance cannot be removed from the element and the filter cartridge must be replaced. DO NOT USE TSP WITH A BAQUINE POOL OR SPA.

**Be sure to inspect your filter cartridge as you clean it to be sure there are no rips or tears in the fabric. If there are rips or tears, then particles will get through the element and into your pool or spa water and your cartridge filter will need to be replaced, see "How do I Prolong the Life of My Cartridge Filter?"

Special Note: You may want to have a backup cartridge to place in your filter. This way your spa or pool does not have to be down while you are soaking your cartridge. This also allows your pool cartridge or spa filter time to completely dry out between uses. On heavily soiled filter cartridges it is a good idea to allow them to dry for 24 hours after you have cleaned them. Once it has dried, you can lightly brush off or blow off the excess dirt that is on the filter. By allowing the filter cartridge to dry out completely after cleaning it will allow the destruction of microorganisms residing on the filter. During this cleaning and drying time you can be operating your filter with your backup cartridge. See “Filter Rotation”.