Explained Spa Circulatory System:Clean Water and Lasting Wellness
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- Issue Time
- Apr 8,2025
Summary
As long as you keep this system on, the spa can go a whole month without draining or changing the water—yet it stays clean.

As long as you keep this system on, the spa can go a whole month without draining or changing the water—yet it stays clean. So do you know what this system is?
The answer is the spa circulation system. By reading this article, you'll uncover the secrets of spa circulation systems and learn how to keep your spa hot tub in its best condition!
What is the spa circulatory system?
The spa circulation system is the core module for water quality maintenance and heating. Multiple components work together to ensure clean water and an optimal temperature.
How the spa circulation system works
The circulation pump starts → Spa water enters the suction → The skimmer/filter filters out large particles → The filter cartridge removes smaller particles → The heater heats the water to the temperature set by the control system → The circulation pump drives the water flow → The ozone generator produces ozone → The UV lamp sterilizes with ultraviolet rays → The purified and heated water flows back into the spa.
This is the power source for driving the water flow. It generally has a smaller power output than regular pumps, with lower water pressure and quieter operation, making it suitable for long-term operation of the circulation system.

This is the starting point of the circulation system, responsible for returning the heated and filtered water to the spa, ensuring continuous water flow, and preventing stagnant areas. The suction is typically installed at the bottom or side of the spa, where it not only draws water to provide the medium for the circulation pump but also filters out larger impurities. Some suctions are designed with grooves and side openings to effectively prevent excessive suction that could adhere to the skin.
The skimmer is usually installed near the water surface. Through the suction effect of the water flow, it can pull floating debris from the surface and collect it in a filter or filter cartridge, such as leaves, insects, etc. By filtering out large particles, the skimmer prevents debris from settling and contaminating the water source. It also improves the efficiency of subsequent filters and filter cartridge and helps ensure smooth water flow in the hoses without being clogged by debris. Some skimmers come with a filter cartridge at the bottom.
The filter is typically cylindrical and is used to hold the filter cartridge. The material of the filter is generally resistant to high temperatures, high humidity, and corrosion, offering a long service life. It not only filters out smaller impurities and dust but also prevents debris from passing through the pipes and causing damage to various components.
Using a filter instead of directly using the filter cartridge helps to:
Protect the filter cartridge from long-term direct exposure to water pressure, preventing it from becoming loose or breaking, thus ensuring good filtration efficiency.
Allow water to flow evenly into the filter and the filter cartridge, ensuring optimal filtration performance.
Make the cleaning and replacement of the filter cartridge convenient and quicker with the removable outer casing.
Act as a barrier to intercept some impurities from passing through the filter cartridge.
The core material that generates the filtration effect of the filter is actually the built-in cartridge, and each paper cartridge has a standard matching model specification. The top styles include closed, open, and closed with a semi-circular handle.
The fiber structure of the paper core has a strong adsorption and filtration ability, which can effectively capture small particles and impurities in spa water. The number of folds and the filtration area of the paper core are important indicators for evaluating its filtration performance.
The heater can heat the water to a constant temperature through electric heating and heat transfer, while also providing a certain degree of sterilization. It is easy to install, heats quickly, but the power is larger, making it suitable for rapidly warming small spa. From the appearance, the heater has three types: I-shaped, L-shaped, and T-shaped.
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent. The ozone generator produces ozone (O₃) through electrolysis or discharge technology, capable of breaking down organic matter, bacteria, and viruses in the water, achieving sterilization and disinfection.
The Venturi tube utilizes the pressure difference of the water flow to effectively inject ozone gas into the water, where it is transferred and mixed with ozone or disinfectants for sterilization and disinfection.
The ultraviolet lamp emits UV light to directly irradiate microorganisms in the water flow. It is mainly used for secondary disinfection of the water flow to ensure thorough elimination of bacteria.
FAQs about The Spa Circulatory System
1. What can I do if the water is not circulating properly in my spa?
● Check if the pump is clogged or has air bubbles.
● Check if the manifold is clogged.
● Clean the filter to ensure the circulatory system is free of impurities.
2. Why is the circulatory system on, but the spa water is still dirty?
● Check if the filter is clogged or needs cleaning.
● Avoid using excessive bath salts or bubble bath additives.
● Ensure that the ozone generator and UV lamp are working properly for effective water disinfection.
3. What should I do for routine maintenance of my spa circulation system?
● Daily: check the water temperature and quality, clean the water surface scum
● Weekly: clean filter cartridges, check valves and pipes
● Monthly: clean skimmer, check heater performance
4. How often should I replace the filter cartridge, and what happens if I don't?
You should replace the filter cartridge every 3 to 6 months. Failing to replace the paper filter cartridge can result in reduced filtration efficiency, and degraded water quality, and may cause damage to other components such as the circulation pump and heater.
5. How to keep the spa circulatory system running properly in a low-temperature environment?
● Occasionally start the circulation pump to prevent water stagnation and pipe freezing.
● Turn on the heater to raise the water temperature to a level that won't freeze, around 4-5°C.
● Use additional freeze protection equipment, such as wrapping freeze protection heating tapes around the pipes and covering the spa pool with an insulating cover to prevent heat loss and direct contact with cold air.
● Alternatively, drain all the water from the spa and pipes before extreme cold weather to prevent residual water from freezing and blocking the pipes and components.
● Check spa components regularly.
More Advice from Hydrorelax
If you're concerned about the environment, consider reducing the use of chemicals and adopting fiber and mineral purification systems, as these technologies rely on natural processes to keep water clean.
Hydrorelax is a specialized manufacturer and supplier of spa equipment with over 20 years of industry experience. We have more than just an extensive library of finished products, professional customization capabilities, and most importantly, the expertise and skillful guidance to help you generate professional, scientific, and cost-effective system solutions. If you are still worried about difficult spa equipment problems, or if you are still afraid that the spa industry is difficult to get started, if you are still struggling with the lack of appropriate spa equipment system solutions, you are welcome to contact us at any time.
1000W/1500W/2000W/3000W
Voltage: AC220V/50-60HZ
Power: 15W
Qmax: 200L/min
Hmax: 3.2m
Top Handle
Bottom:4.8cm SAE thread