Macaberry Type â…¥ Hot Tub Spa Filter Replacement

The Verdict

If you own a hot tub, you already know the pain of paying $80+ for an OEM filter that does the exact same job as a $35 replacement. The Macaberry Type â…¥ (Type V) filter sits squarely in that replacement market, and with 235 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, it’s clearly earning its keep. The question isn’t whether it’s cheaper than OEM — it is. The real question is whether it filters as well and lasts as long. Here’s what I found.

What’s actually in the box

You get the filter cartridge itself — nothing more. No gasket, no O-ring, no instruction manual. That’s standard for this category, but worth knowing before you tear open the packaging expecting extras. The filter measures 7.5 inches in diameter by 8.5 inches in height, which is the standard Type V footprint used across Bullfrog, Master Spas, Cal Spas, and several other major brands. As shown in the product image, the polyester pleated media wraps around a reinforced center core with durable end caps that feel substantial in hand — not flimsy like some budget alternatives.

Build quality and real-world performance

The filtration media uses a high-density 24-pleat construction. In practice, that means it catches the usual suspects — hair, skin oils, lotion residue, and fine debris — without creating so much resistance that your pump strains. One buyer noted, “I noticed clearer water within 48 hours of swapping out my old filter. It seems to catch more than the OEM one did.” That sentiment tracks with what I’d expect from a filter with this pleat density.

The end caps deserve specific mention. Cheaper filters often have caps that crack after a few pressure-wash cycles. The Macaberry’s caps are reinforced and held up through multiple cleaning sessions in the feedback I reviewed. Several long-term users reported getting 6-8 months of service before needing replacement, which is solid for a non-OEM filter.

What buyers consistently praise

The drop-in fit is the most repeated compliment. One verified purchase put it plainly: “Fit perfectly in my Bullfrog A7. No modification needed, just pulled the old one and popped this in.” That’s the experience you want from a replacement filter — zero fuss. Another buyer mentioned it worked flawlessly in a Master Spas Twilight series, confirming the cross-brand compatibility.

Where it falls short

Two honest caveats. First, the pleat count is slightly lower than OEM filters on some premium spa brands. High-end OEM filters often run 30+ pleats. That means you may need to clean the Macaberry slightly more often if you use your tub daily or have heavy bather load. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a real difference.

Second, the lack of an included gasket is annoying. If your existing O-ring is worn or cracked, you’ll need to source a replacement separately. It’s a $3 part, but it’s an extra trip to the store.

Who should buy this

• Bullfrog, Master Spas, or Cal Spas owners looking for a verified drop-in replacement without the OEM markup
• Budget-conscious tub owners who clean their filters regularly and want a solid 6-month replacement cycle
• Anyone tired of wrestling with ill-fitting generic filters — the dimensional accuracy here is genuinely good

Skip it if you have a spa brand that requires exact OEM pleat counts for warranty compliance, or if you’re the type who forgets to clean filters and needs maximum time between maintenance.

FAQ

Q: Will this fit my [brand] hot tub? A: It fits Type V filter housings, which covers most Bullfrog, Master Spas, Cal Spas, and Arctic Spa models. Measure your old filter’s diameter and height — if they match 7.5" x 8.5", this will work.

Q: How often should I replace this filter? A: With regular cleaning every 2-4 weeks, expect 6-8 months of service. Heavy use means replacing sooner.

Q: Can I pressure wash this filter? A: Yes, the reinforced end caps handle pressure washing fine. Just use a gentle spray and let it air dry completely before reinstalling.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a reliable, correctly-sized Type V replacement that performs on par with filters costing twice as much.

Skip it if you need OEM-specific pleat density for warranty reasons or you’re unwilling to source a separate gasket.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A genuinely good replacement filter with a proven track record, docked slightly for the missing gasket and marginally lower pleat count. For most tub owners, this is the smart buy.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.