Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spa Pool Maintenance Guide

Your new Jacuzzi® spa is an investment that you’ll want to look after. In this article, we explain how to properly maintain spa pool filters, pillows and spa cover on a Jacuzzi® J-400™ spa, to ensure they operate effectively and stand the test of time.

How do Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spa Filters work?

The Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spa filters are designed to keep your spa water clean, clear, and healthy, and to help prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and other contaminants. So how do they work? Keep reading to find out.

The Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spa is equipped with a skimmer bag and ProClarity™/ProClear™ filter cartridges located under the filter cover.

The circulation pump drawing water through the skimmer bag and filter cartridge filters fine debris.

Large debris is filtered by Jets Pump 1 drawing water through the skimmer bag and second filter cartridge during an automated Secondary Filtration Cycle or when Jets Pump 1 is manually activated during spa use. Combined, both filters provide unsurpassed water quality by trapping surface oils and suspended particles. The filter cartridge should be cleaned once a month or as necessary, depending on use, for optimum performance.

After a specified number of days, a reminder message appears on the control panel display to remind you to clean the skimmer filter and check the polishing bag filter. This reminder must be reset at each filter cleaning interval.

Click the button below to learn more about Programming and Operation Instructions.

How to clean the filters and filter bag in a Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spas

Even the best spa filters will require regular maintenance to keep them working effectively. With Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spa Filters, maintenance is relatively straightforward.

To ensure optimum performance, please follow the cleaning instructions below:

  • The ProClarity™ filter cartridge can be cleaned every month but must be replaced every 18 months.
  • The ProClarity™ Depth micron filter cannot be cleaned and must be replaced every 3 months.
  • The ProClarity™ filter canister can be rinsed when the filters are cleaned.
  • The ProClear™ II skimming filter cartridge must be cleaned every month and replaced every 18 months.
  • The ProClarity™ debris bag should be checked and emptied monthly.

Important: Do not attempt to wash the ProClarity™ depth micron filter and the ProClear™/ProClarity™ debris bags or they will come apart!

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How to clean Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spa Filters – A step-by-step guide

The Jacuzzi® 400 series has 2 different filters, the ProClarity™ and ProClear™ filters. The ProClarity™ filter consists of three parts that need to be detached when cleaning. Please refer to the images below.

Now that you have identified which filter you’re spa has, let’s proceed to the cleaning process.

Step 1: Safety first

Ensure that the spa’s power is turned off, then lift the cover upward to access filter cartridges.

Step 2: Clean out the debris bag

Carefully remove the ProClarity™ debris bag from the clips and then clean out the debris.

Step 3: Remove each filter cartridge

Rotate each filter cartridge handle counterclockwise to unthread from the mating wall fitting, then lift unthreaded filter cartridge from the skimmer well. Please Note: Primary filter fitting is the one with the grid.

Step 4: Rinse the ProClear™ filter

Rinse debris from filter pleats on each cartridge using a garden hose and high-pressure nozzle. Start at the top and work downward towards the handle. Repeat until all pleats are clean.

Step 5: Remove the ProClarity™ filter and canister

Remove the filter pin in order to separate the ProClarity™ filter and canister. Once the filter pin is removed, rotate the filter cartridge handle counterclockwise to unthread from the filter canister. You can clean the filter and canister but you must replace the ProClarity™ Depth Filter 2 every 3 months.

Step 6: Rinse ProClarity™ filter and canister

Rinse debris from filter pleats using a garden hose and high-pressure nozzle. Start at the top and work downward towards the handle. Repeat until all pleats are clean. Rinse out any debris from the canister.

Step 7: Reassemble the ProClarity™ Filter

Remember to replace the depth filter with a new one if needed. Once the filter is assembled, secure it with the filter pin.

Step 8: Re-install each cartridge

Place each cartridge back into the skimmer well, then rotate each cartridge handle clockwise to thread it back into the wall fitting. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!

Install the clean debris bag back onto the filter cover clips (you can flip the filter skimmer and use the back side to extend usage).Reinstall the skimmer shield over the filters and lastly, turn the power to the spa back on.

Pro Tip: Submerge both filter cartridges in the spa before re-installing. Tilt threaded end upward to remove trapped air bubbles, then keep cartridges submerged to prevent air entrapment during installation.

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How to clean Jacuzzi® J-400™ Collection Spa Headrests

In order to extend the life of your Jacuzzi® headrests, you should clean them regularly. Fortunately, these pillows are relatively easy to clean.

Adjustable Headrests
  • Step 1: Remove the pillow by gently grasping both ends in each hand and pulling upward to release each pillow “snap.”
  • Step 2: Clean the headrest pillows as needed with soapy water or the suggested cleaning solution using a cloth or soft-bristle brush.
  • Step 3: To reinstall, align the pillow slot over the mounting tab and press until the pillow snaps into place.

Important: Always remove the pillows when adding chemical shock treatment to the spa water. The pillows can be returned to the spa when the sanitiser reading is stable as recommended on the inside cover of the manual.

Jacuzzi® Spas cover care and maintenance guide

Certain hot tub covers distributed by Jacuzzi Hot Tubs have a vinyl or ProLast™ Extreme encasement. This vinyl or ProLast™ Extreme encasement also referred to as the cover “skin” is attractive and durable. Regular monthly cleaning and conditioning (vinyl) is strongly recommended and may increase the longevity of your cover.

How to clean and care for the spa cover

  • Step 1: Use a garden hose to remove any debris.
  • Step 2: Using a large sponge or soft bristle brush, use diluted or mild soap to scrub the top gently.
  • Step 3: Rinse, clean, and do not allow soap to dry on the cover. Do not use soap on the underside of the cover.
  • Step 4: Please check with your Jacuzzi® dealer for recommended cover care and conditioning products. Use non-petroleum-based conditioners to keep the vinyl supple.
  • Step 5: Do not use any solvents, abrasive cleaners or strong detergents. Do not use products that contain silicone or alcohol.

Here are some other things to be aware of when caring for and maintaining your spa cover:

  • Debris can accumulate on the spa cover. Removal of snow or other debris will help to avoid breakages of the foam cores.
  • Be sure to lock the cover straps to secure the cover from unwanted or accidental entry.
  • Do not place heavy objects on the vinyl.
  • Do not walk, sit or stand on the cover.
  • Do not drag or use the flaps/skirt or the cover lock straps to remove the cover.
  • Use only recommended cover lift systems.
  • Use only chemicals and cleaners recommended by Jacuzzi®.
  • Remember to keep the spa covered when not in use. Maintaining proper water levels assures efficient operation and efficient electrical usage.
  • Do not expose your spa to the sun for extended periods of time as UV rays can damage the interior surface.
  • Use caution when removing the cover. Before removing the cover, ensure all locks have been released to avoid lock breakage and/or cover strap damage.

Click the button below to learn more tips for keeping your spa cover in excellent condition.

Jacuzzi® spa shell care and maintenance guide

Taking pre-emptive steps at the time of delivery is only the first step in caring for your spa shell. To preserve the sheen of your spa’s surface, it’s important to ensure that regular cleaning and maintenance are performed.

We recommend wiping down the inside of your spa every 2 to 3 weeks to keep it in excellent condition even without draining your water. Doing this regularly will also mean less work when you drain the spa water.

Click the button below to learn more about how to look after the shell on your Jacuzzi® spa.

How to clean the Jacuzzi® Spa cabinet and control panel?

The synthetic cabinet requires little or no maintenance of any kind. Using harsh chemical or solvent-based cleaning products should be avoided. To clean, simply wipe the cabinet with the mild detergent soap solution and a clean towel. You could also use a solution suggested by your spa retailer.

Important: Never spray the cabinet with a high-pressure garden hose for any reason since this action may induce an electrical short in the spa’s electrical equipment.

Cleaning the control panel is really easy. Simply wipe the control panel with a microfibre cloth that is used for cleaning polycarbonate lenses.

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In Summary

Taking care of and maintaining your Jacuzzi® spa filters, headrests and cover are an important part of your spa maintenance schedule. As explained above, it’s a simple process, but one that should be performed on a regular basis to ensure these components last and perform as intended.

We hope this article answers your questions about caring for your Jacuzzi® spa. If you need expert advice, we’re here to help!

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