Sundance® MicroClean® Ultra Complete Filter Assembly (6541-397S) 880™ (2009-2023) & 980™ (2016+) Series

The most common mistakes include:

Waiting too long between cleanings
Using household cleaners or bleach
Attempting to clean disposable MicroClean® filters
Running the spa with damaged filters
Continuing to use filters beyond their recommended lifespan

Regular maintenance is far less expensive than replacing pumps, heaters, or water-care components damaged by poor filtration.

To maximize filter life:

Shower before entering the spa
Minimize lotions, oils, and cosmetics
Maintain proper water chemistry
Rinse filters regularly
Deep clean monthly
Keep a spare filter rotation
Replace filters at recommended intervals

These simple habits reduce filter loading and improve overall water quality

Over time, yes.

When a filter becomes clogged, the circulation pump must work harder to move water through the system. This added strain can shorten pump life and may contribute to low-flow or FLO error conditions.

Yes.

Dirty filters are one of the most common causes of:

Cloudy water
Poor circulation
Water chemistry issues
Increased sanitizer demand
Unpleasant odors
Reduced heating efficiency

Keeping filters clean is one of the easiest ways to maintain sparkling, healthy spa water.

Absolutely.

Many experienced spa owners keep a second set of pleated filters. This allows one set to soak and dry completely while the other remains in service, making maintenance easier and helping extend filter life.

No.

Operating your spa without properly installed filters can allow debris to enter the plumbing and equipment, potentially causing damage to pumps, heaters, and circulation systems.

No.

The inner disposable microfiber filters used in many Sundance® models are not designed to be cleaned. Their fine fibers trap microscopic contaminants, oils, and lotions. Rinsing them can actually introduce minerals and contaminants while reducing filtration effectiveness.

These filters should be replaced at the recommended intervals.

A cracked filter should be replaced immediately.

Cracks in the end caps or center core can:

Allow debris to bypass the filter media
Reduce filtration performance
Restrict water flow
Put unnecessary strain on pumps
Increase the likelihood of circulation issues

Even a small crack can compromise filtration efficiency. Continuing to use a damaged filter can lead to costly equipment problems over time.

Replace your filter if you notice:

• Torn, frayed, or damaged filter media
• Cracks in the plastic end caps or core
• Pleats that remain discolored after cleaning
• Flattened or collapsed pleats
• Reduced water flow
• Persistent cloudy water
• Repeated FLO or flow-related error messages
• Difficulty maintaining water chemistry
  
  A filter can look clean and still be worn out internally. If performance declines despite proper cleaning, replacement is usually the best solution.

Pleated Filters

Most pleated Sundance® filters should be replaced every 12 to 18 months, depending on usage, water balance, and maintenance practices. Some customers may see up to 24 months with exceptional care and light usage.

Disposable MicroClean® Filters

The fine microfiber inner filters found in many 680, 780, 880, and 980 Series models are designed to be replaced, not cleaned.

Typical replacement intervals:

MicroClean® Mini: every 3 to 4 months
MicroClean® Disposable Filter: every 3 to 5 months
MicroCore®/Inner Filters: every 6 to 9 months (model dependent)

Over time, you'll observe a change in the appearance of your hot tub filters, as they may discolor and accumulate dirt. This is a result of their role in capturing oils and contaminants present in your hot tub water. Sundance® Hot Tubs primarily employ two types of filters, based on your specific hot tub model.

1. Pleated cartridge filters, utilized in all models, are crafted from a durable folded paper-like material. These filters can be cleaned by soaking them in a Filter Cleaning Solution and rinsing them with a garden hose to keep them in optimal condition. It's recommended to perform this maintenance regularly, about once a month, with replacements needed approximately every 12-18 months. Maintaining a spare set of pleated filters for rotation enables you to clean your filters without having to drain the spa. Operating the spa without filters properly installed is not advised, as it can cause particles to enter the equipment and plumbing.

2. Featured in Sundance® 680, 780, 880, and 980 collection models, is a compact, dense microfiber filter resembling a elongated top hat. This disposable filter, housed within the larger pleated filter, cannot be effectively cleaned by rinsing. By the time the water reaches this filter in your hot tub, it has already passed through the pleated filter and no longer contains larger particles. Due to the fine fibers, rinsing it with hose water will only introduce metals and mineral particles commonly found in tap water to the filter. In order to maximize your hot tub's filtration system, it is advisable to replace this filter every 3-4 months or after every drain.

For most Sundance® pleated filters, a thorough cleaning is recommended approximately once per month under normal use. Homes with frequent spa usage, pets, heavy bather loads, or high levels of lotions and cosmetics may benefit from more frequent cleaning.

Authentic Sundance® filters are engineered specifically for Sundance® spas to ensure proper fit, optimal water flow, and maximum filtration performance.

Sundance® has carefully selected top-tier suppliers to create our filter cartridges, adhering to strict specifications for both filtering efficiency and compatibility with your hot tub's filtration system.

Using genuine filters helps maintain clean, clear water while protecting pumps, heaters, and other spa components.

Non-genuine filters may not meet Sundance's specifications and can reduce filtration efficiency or potentially affect warranty coverage.