WO2008089552A1

WO2008089552A1 - Portable apparatus for cleaning a water filtration cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2008089552A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sylvain Pellerin; Eric Ferry
Original assignee: Sp International Inc
Priority date: 2007-01-22
Filing date: 2008-01-22
Publication date: 2008-07-31

Abstract

The apparatus is used for cleaning a water filtration cartridge, for example of a cartridge for hot tubs, spas, swimming pools or the like. The apparatus comprises a container with a substantially cylindrical main body for receiving the cartridge through an end opening of the main body. The cartridge is supported in the main body by a cartridge supporting assembly driven by a hydraulic motor. In use, the cartridge rotates around a central vertical axle in the main body and pressurized water jets are directed to its outer surface. The apparatus provides a way of easily and conveniently performing a thorough cleaning of a water filtration cartridge.

Description

PORTABLE APPARATUS FOR CLEANING A WATER FILTRATION CARTRIDGE

This invention is concerned with a portable apparatus for cleaning water filtration cartridges, such as those used in hot tubs, spas, swimming pools or the like. Hot tubs, spas, swimming pools or similar arrangements are genetically referred to hereafter as "hot tub" or "hot tubs".

Many hot tubs include a water filtration system in which one or more water filtration cartridges are used for removing particles, oils and other foreign matters from the water. These cartridges are generally cylindrical in shape and most include a pleated water permeable membrane as a filtration medium for maximizing the filtration surface area. The filtration medium is disposed around a longitudinal central axis of the cartridge so as to form a closed cylindrical side wall. Each end of the filtration medium is generally embedded within a rubberized annular end member and the cartridge is opened at both ends. Water usually generally flows through the cartridge from the outside toward the inside.

Water filtration cartridges generally require frequent cleaning to remove foreign matters accumulated on and within the filtration medium. However, cleaning a water filtration cartridge is not always easy to do for many hot tub owners. Hot tub owners generally clean cartridges with a water jet coming out of a domestic garden hose. Achieving a thorough cleaning of a cartridge with such water jet can be difficult and many hot tub owners tend to find this task messy and tedious. A cartridge is also more difficult to clean during cold weather, especially under a freezing temperature. AIl these difficulties often result in that water filtration cartridges are cleaned less frequently and less thoroughly than recommended by manufacturers.

Hence, room for improvements in the cleaning of water filtration cartridges exists.

The concept presented hereafter simplifies the cleaning of a water filtration cartridge since the cartridge is cleaned with pressurized water jets inside the container of a portable apparatus.

In the present concept, there is provided a portable apparatus for cleaning a water filtration cartridge, the apparatus comprising: a water inlet; a container having a substantially cylindrical main body sized for receiving the cartridge therein through an end opening closable by a lid, the container including a longitudinally-extending side extension opened to an interior of the main body, the container having a water outlet at a bottom thereof; a hydraulic motor provided with a power output and having an inlet in fluid communication with the water inlet; a central axle provided in the main body and positioned substantially parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the main body; a cartridge supporting assembly pivotally connected around the central axle and mechanically connected to the power output of the motor, the cartridge supporting assembly including a plate for supporting an end of the cartridge; and a water jet supply tube having a portion longitudinally extending in the side extension, the water jet supply tube having an inlet in fluid communication with the water inlet and including a plurality of spaced-apart water jet nozzles along its portion longitudinally extending in the side extension, the nozzles being generally oriented toward the interior of the main body, the water jet supply tube being adjustable in position with reference to the longitudinal central axis of the main body.

There is also provided a method of cleaning a hot tub water filtration cartridge with pressurized water from a pressurized water source, the method comprising the steps of: (a) inserting the water filtration cartridge inside a container; (b) closing the container; (c) rotating the hot tub water filtration cartridge inside the container using the pressurized water to generate a driving torque and simultaneously impinging pressurized water jets on a surface of the hot tub water filtration cartridge, water accumulating at a bottom of the container being continuously removed from the container; (d) opening the container; and then (e) removing the hot tub water filtration cartridge from the container.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying figures and the following non- limitative detailed description of an example of an apparatus and of a method for cleaning a water filtration cartridge in accordance with the present concept. In the figures:

Fig. l is a front side view of an example of a portable apparatus incorporating features of the present concept;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 is a right side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; - A -

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, shown with a generic water filtration cartridge therein;

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the lid used with the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is another side view of the lid of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , which view is taken 90° from what is shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged view showing details at the side of the lid in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged view showing details at the center of the lid in Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is an exploded view of an example of a hydraulic motor used inside the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the hydraulic motor of Fig. 13, once assembled;

Fig. 15 is top view of the hydraulic motor of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a side view of an assembly of parts used at the bottom of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 17 is a top view of the parts shown in Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is an enlarged isometric view of the cartridge supporting plate shown in Fig. 16 and of its adjustable compressible coupling;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the parts shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged view showing the adjustable compressible coupling of the cartridge supporting plate in Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 is enlarged view of showing the adjustable compressible coupling of the water inlet in Fig. 19;

Fig. 22 is an isometric exploded view of the parts shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the water jet supply tube and the water nozzles used inside the apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 24 is an enlarged view showing one of the nozzles in Fig. 23; and

Fig. 25 is an exploded view of the lid shown in Fig. 8.

An example of the portable apparatus 10 for cleaning water filtration cartridges is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 25 and is described hereafter. The apparatus 10 is said to be portable since it is not attached to a hot tub water filtration system and can be easily moved wherever needed.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 7, the apparatus 10 comprises a container 1 1 having a substantially cylindrical main body 12 opened at the top side. The illustrated container 11 is designed to be positioned generally vertically while in use. The container 11 can be made of a molded plastic, for instance a high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Other materials are possible as well. The main body 12 includes a hole at the bottom for receiving a water inlet 14 through which pressurized water is supplied in the apparatus 10. The container 11 further includes at least one water outlet 16 at a bottom. One water outlet 16 is provided in the illustrated example at ninety degrees from the water inlet 14, as shown. The water outlet 16 can be simply a hole through the wall of the main body 12 of include a connector in fluid communication with an outlet water hose or pipe (not shown) directing the outlet water to a drain or another location.

As shown in Fig. 3, the bottom of the container 11 can be designed so that the apparatus 10 can stand on a flat surface.

The main body 12 is configured and sized to receive a water filtration cartridge in its interior space. The exact size of the main body 12 depends on the maximum height and diameter of the largest cartridge to clean and other design requirements, such as the height of the other components of the apparatus 10 located in the main body 12. For instance, many water filtration cartridges for hot tubs have a height that is between 10 to 17 inches (about 25 to 43 cm). Other dimensions are possible as well. A generic cartridge 15 is illustrated in Fig. 6.

The container 11 comprises a side extension 18 projecting from the wall of the main body 12 and longitudinally extending therewith. The side extension 18 is open to the interior of the container 11 along its length. The side extension 18 can be molded within the wall of the main body 12 or be otherwise made integral with the main body 12, for instance by welding or otherwise gluing a part over a longitudinally-extending slot provided in the wall of the main body 12. The side extension 18 may also be slightly shorter than the main body 12, depending on the design.

One of the ends of the main body 12, namely the upper end in the illustrated example, includes an opening that is closed by a removable lid 20. The lid 20 is shown in Figs. 7 to 12 and also in Fig. 25, which is an exploded view thereof. The lid 20 can be made of plastic, such as HDPE. The lid 20 in the illustrated example comprises a handle 22, for instance a handle made of a contrasting color. An example of material for the handle 22 is polyoxymethylene. Other materials for the lid 20, including for its handle, are possible as well. The handle 22 is connected to a main portion of the lid 20 by screws 24, as shown in Figs. 11 and 25.

The lid 20 is shaped to fit tightly on the corresponding opening of the main body 12 and can be locked thereto using a locking arrangement. The locking arrangement can be useful for preventing the lid 20 from moving upwards when the apparatus 10 is operating non-vertically or because of the buoyancy of the cartridge if the container 11 is used as a soaking vessel, as explained hereafter. The illustrated locking arrangement includes tab-like elements on either the outer circumference of the bottom portion of the lid 20 or the inner circumference of the upper portion of the main body 12. The tab-like elements interact with corresponding shaped slots provided on the other of the outer circumference of the bottom portion of the lid 20 or the inner circumference of the upper portion of the main body 12. In the illustrated example, and as shown in Fig. 7, tabs 26 are provided on the main body 12, and corresponding slots 28 are provided on the lid 20. Locking the lid 20 requires first that the lid 20 be properly aligned with the main body 12 before its insertion on the upper opening, and that the lid 20 be pivoted with reference to the main body 12 to lock it. Other arrangements for locking the lid 20 over the main body 12 can be devised as well. For instance, the locking arrangement can include one or more finger-actuated movable tabs, or involve a friction system. One can also choose not to provide a locking arrangement.

As aforesaid, the apparatus 10 includes a pressurized water inlet 14. The pressurized water inlet 14 may include a water tube provided with a standard coupling for a garden hose outside the container 11. The water tube of the pressurized water inlet 14 entering the container 11 at the main body 12 may also include a finger-actuated valve (not shown) so that the hot tub owner can easily interrupt the flow of pressurized water.

Many water filtration cartridges must occasionally be soaked into a cleaning solution for a given time, often for a few hours. The container 11 can then be used as a soaking vessel for soaking the cartridge. This can be very useful for hot tub owners since a filtration cartridge generally has a tendency to float at the surface of the cleaning solution and as a result, a portion of the filtration medium can remain outside of the cleaning solution. In the container 11 , the filtration cartridge can be completely immersed in the cleaning solution as it is pushed by the lid 20. The lid 20 is then held in place by a locking arrangement.

Soaking the cartridge in a cleaning solution can be done after an initial cleaning with water jets in the apparatus 10 or before it. The finger-actuated valve presented above can be used on the water inlet 14 for temporarily obstructing it when using a cartridge cleaning solution in the container 11. Using a one-way valve instead of a manually- actuated valve is possible. The water outlet 16 (or outlets) can also be provided with a valve (not shown) for temporarily obstructing it during soaking. Using a removable threaded plug or cap obstructing the water outlet 16 is another alternative. A similar threaded member can be used for temporarily obstructing the water inlet 14 as well. Still, the water inlet 14 can be considered temporarily obstructed by the presence of the hose or tube, for instance a garden hose to which the water inlet 14 is connected, if the hose or tube is itself obstructed at its opposite end, for instance by being connected to a closed water valve.

The water inlet 14 may include a rubber washer 14a and a filter 14b, both being shown in Fig. 22.

The apparatus 10 comprises a hydraulic motor 30 located at the bottom of the container 11 and is powered by at least some of the pressurised water coming from the pressurized water inlet 14, as shown for instance in Fig. 6. An example of internal details of the motor 30 are shown for instance in Fig. 13. The motor 30 comprises a housing 32 in which a turbine 34 is located. One or more pressurised water jets impinge on the turbine 34 so as to generate torque. The jet is created using an internal water concentrator 36 with converging internal walls. The torque generated by the turbine 34 is transmitted by a linkage system 38. The linkage system 38 includes screws and gears designed to lower the ratio, thus lowering the rotation speed toward the output of the motor 30 and increase output torque. The linkage system 38 drives a power output, which power output is in the form of an output gear 40 in the illustrated example. The linkage system 38 is provided in a separate chamber 42 over the turbine 34 in the illustrated example. A cover 44 is provided over the housing 32 and the output gear 40 is located outside the cover 44.

In the illustrated example, the cover 44 of the motor 30 supports an upright central axle 46, made for instance of aluminium, that is substantially in registry with the central longitudinal axis of the main body 12. The lower end of the axle 46 is inserted in a corresponding hole 44a in the cover 44. The axle 46 acts as a guide for a cartridge supporting assembly 50 around with it is pivotally connected, as explained hereafter. Alternatively, the axle 46 can be connected directly to the bottom of the main body 12 if the motor 30 is positioned and/or configured differently.

The cartridge supporting assembly 50 is best shown in Figs. 17 to 22. The cartridge supporting assembly 50 of the illustrated example is mechanically connected to the motor 30 by a reduction ratio gear arrangement. The cartridge supporting assembly 50 comprises a circular bottom member 52, with internal teeth, to which the output gear 40 of the hydraulic motor 30 is meshed. The internal diameter of the bottom member 52 being larger than the diameter of the output gear 40, a reduction of the ratio is achieved, resulting in a slower rotation of the cartridge supporting assembly 50 with reference to the output gear 40.

The cartridge supporting assembly 50 also comprises a tube 54 coaxially mounted around the axle 46. The tube 54 has an internal diameter that is sized to fit somewhat tightly on the axle 46 but without generating intense friction therewith. As shown in Fig. 6, the tube 54 includes an internal spacer 55 coaxial with the axle 46 and provided over the upper end of the axle 46. The tube 54 further includes a cap 57 to hold the spacer 55. The spacer 55 and the cap 57 are configured and disposed so that most of the weight of the assembly 50 and of its cartridge can be suspended to the axle 46 and rotate with reference thereto when the assembly 50 is driven by the motor 30.

The cartridge supporting assembly 50 further comprises a plate 56 that is coaxially mounted around the tube 54. The plate 56 is designed to engage the bottom of the water filtration cartridge and to support its weight when the apparatus 10 is vertical. In the illustrated example, the plate 56 includes a central sleeve 58 (Fig. 8) that is sized so as to fit somewhat tightly over the tube 54 while still being allowed to slide along it. An adjustable compressible coupling is provided to lock the sleeve 58, thus the plate 56, at a selected position along the tube 54. In the illustrated example, as shown in Figs. 18 to 20, the adjustable compressible coupling includes a threaded knob 60 inserted on the tube 54 and threaded on threads 58a provided on the sleeve 58. A plastic ring 62, for instance made of nylon, is located between the sleeve 58 and the surface of the tube 54. The knob 60 is designed to compress the ring 62 on the surface of the tube 54 upon tightening so as to create an intense friction holding the plate 56 in position. Anti-skid pads 64 can be provided on the surface of the plate 56 engaging the cartridge, as shown in Fig. 17.

The hydraulic motor 30 of the illustrated example comprises a water output in the form of an output tube 70. The output tube 70 receives the water that impinged on the turbine 34. If applicable, water from the pressurized water inlet 14 that was not used for driving the turbine 34 can be merged at that point to the water at the output of the turbine 34. The combined water is then used for generating the water jets to clean the cartridge. Both water channels can also be merged outside the motor 30 to form the output tube 70. Still, it is possible to discard the water that impinged on the turbine 34 and thus only use the deviated pressurized water for generating the water jets.

The output tube 70 is generally oriented towards the side extension 18 of the container 11. It is telescopically connected to a coextensive tube 72 (Fig. 6) using an adjustable compressible coupling 74. The adjustable compressible coupling 74 can include a knob 74a and an O-ring 74b, as shown for instance in Fig. 22. This way, the relative position of both tubes 70, 72 can be adjusted. As shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 23, the tube

72 is itself connected to a fitting 76 to which is connected a tube 78 longitudinally extending in the side extension 18 of the container 11. The tube 72, the fitting 76 and the tube 78 form portions of the water jet supply tube. The upper end of the tube 78 is closed by a cap 80 but other arrangements are also possible.

Spaced-apart threaded holes are provided along the tube 78. These threaded holes are configured and disposed to receive water nozzles 82 generally aimed toward the center of the main body 12. Each nozzle 82 generates a pressurized water jet when receiving pressurized water. The water jets can longitudinally overlap one another near the surface of the cartridge so as to cover the entire height of the cartridge having the maximum permissible length. The distance between the nozzles 82 and the surface of the cartridge can be adjusted using the adjustable coupling 74 so as to have an optimum distance between the tip of the nozzles 82 and the surface of the filtration medium. This way, the apparatus 10 can be used with cartridges of various diameters without reducing the cleaning efficiency of the water jets. In the illustrated example, and as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the tube 78 is held at one point by a holding member 100, made for instance of a V-shaped rubber or foam member, that engages the internal surface of the side extension 18 for maintaining its proper alignment of the tube 78 during operation.

In use, to clean a filtration cartridge, the user inserts the cartridge in the container 11 of the apparatus 10. An initial adjustment may be required to adjust the position of the plate 56 along the tube 54. In the illustrated example, this adjustment requires that the user untightens the knob 60 adjacent to the plate 56 and moves the plate 56 at the desired location. The knob 60 is tightened again thereafter. Adjustments are made so that the top of the cartridge be aligned properly at a marked level. This level can be indicated, for instance, with a line provided on the internal wall surface of the main body 12. The upper end of the cartridge is inserted far enough in the apparatus 10 so as to allow the lid 20 to be inserted on the container 11.

As illustrated in Fig. 25, the lid 20 of the illustrated example includes a hemispheric ball 90 that is configured and disposed to engage the upper opening of the cartridge.

When the cartridge is property positioned, the ball 90 only exerts a small retention force pushing the cartridge against the plate 56 and preventing the cartridge from moving laterally. The ball 90 is mounted for rotation under the lid 20 by mean of an axle 92 to which it is rigidly connected. The axle 92 is supported at the top by a somewhat sharp end 94. Details of constructions are shown in Figs. 10, 12 and 25.

The axle 92 is supported by a transversal member 96 that is maintained under the lid

20 by the screws 24 of the handle 22. To clean the cartridge once the lid 20 is in place, pressurised water is supplied through the water inlet 14. At least some of the pressurised water then impinges on the turbine 34 or otherwise power the motor 30 so as to generate a slow rotation of the cartridge supporting assembly 50, for instance 1 to 12 RPM. The assembly 50 then rotates relatively slowly around the axle 46 and the cartridge rotates with it. The antiskid pads 64 on the plate 56 prevent or at least mitigate a relative rotation between the cartridge and the plate 56. The ball 90 under the lid 20 facilitates the rotation of the cartridge since the cartridge is then maintained in its coaxial position with reference to the central longitudinal axis of the main body 12. Pressurized water is simultaneously sent to the nozzles 82, which then generate water jets directed to the surface of the filtration medium of the cartridge. Water washing the cartridge eventually falls at the bottom of the container 11 and exits though the water outlet 16. The apparatus 10 is operated for a few minutes, for example 5 to 10 minutes, or until the water coming out through the water outlet 16 is clear and not longer contains foreign matters. The pressurized water supply is then interrupted and the lid 20 is open for removing the cleaned cartridge. Another cartridge can be inserted in the apparatus 10 or the apparatus 10 can be put to storage until it will be needed again.

As aforesaid, it is possible to obstruct the water inlet 14 and the water outlet 16 of the container 11 so as to use the apparatus 10 as a receptacle for a cleaning solution before the cleaning or before a final cleaning with water jets. The apparatus 10 then provides a very suitable receptacle for soaking the cartridge when the lid 20 is closed since the cartridge is maintained underwater, for instance by the ball 90 under the lockable lid 20 as illustrated, when the container 11 is filled with a cleaning solution. The cartridge can be soaked for a given time, which is usually a few hours.

As can be appreciated, the portable apparatus 10 provides a way of easily and conveniently performing a thorough cleaning of a water filtration cartridge, even outdoors in the winter during a freezing temperature. The apparatus 10 can alternatively be used indoors, such as in a garage. The apparatus 10 can also be easily stored and transported.

Although an example of the apparatus has been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise example and that numerous changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims. For instance, the various materials presented in the description are only examples. Other materials can be used as well. The cartridges may have a filtration medium that is not a pleated membrane. The use of a handle on the lid is optional. The locking arrangement between the lid and the main cylindrical container can be different than what is shown and described. For example, the lid could be locked using simply a tight fit or an external locking mechanism. The hemispheric ball can be replaced by another cartridge-engaging element. The water inlet may not necessarily include a fitting for a garden hose. The motor can be constructed and configured differently from what is shown and described herein. It is also possible to locate the motor outside the main body of the container, for instance under the container. The motor can be constructed without an internal change of the ratio and/or be provided without its power output being mechanically connected to the cartridge supporting assembly with a change of ratio as in the illustrated example. The shape of the container or of any other parts of the apparatus can be different. Other dimensions, rotation speeds or time intervals than those provided in the description can be used. The weight of the cartridge and of the assembly supporting the cartridge can be supported by the bottom, using for instance the bottom of the tube 54, thus not be suspended over the axle 46. The container can be used vertically, as shown and described, but using it horizontally or at an intermediate angle could be possible. Still, many other examples of modifications are possible as well.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A portable apparatus for cleaning a water filtration cartridge, the apparatus comprising: a water inlet; a container having a substantially cylindrical main body sized for receiving the cartridge therein through an end opening closable by a lid, the container including a longitudinally-extending side extension opened to an interior of the main body, the container having a water outlet at a bottom thereof; a hydraulic motor provided with a power output and having an inlet in fluid communication with the water inlet; a central axle provided in the main body and positioned substantially parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the main body; a cartridge supporting assembly pivotally connected around the central axle and mechanically connected to the power output of the motor, the cartridge supporting assembly including a plate for supporting an end of the cartridge; and a water jet supply tube having a portion longitudinally extending in the side extension, the water jet supply tube having an inlet in fluid communication with the water inlet and including a plurality of spaced- apart water jet nozzles along its portion longitudinally extending in the side extension, the nozzles being generally oriented toward the interior of the main body, the water jet supply tube being adjustable in position with reference to the longitudinal central axis of the main body.

2. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal central axis of the main body is substantially vertical, the cartridge supporting assembly being suspended to the central axle.

3. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the cartridge supporting assembly comprises means for adjusting the plate in position with reference to the central axle.

4. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the means for adjusting the plate in position comprise a tube coaxially mounted over the central axle, the plate being connected to the tube at a selectable position.

5. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the plate and the tube of the cartridge supporting assembly are connected together by an adjustable compressible coupling.

6. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for locking the lid to the main body of the container.

7. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the means for locking the lid to the main body include tab-like elements provided on one among an outer circumference of the lid and an inner circumference of the end opening of the main body, the tab-like elements cooperating with corresponding slots on the other among the outer circumference of the lid and the inner circumference of the end opening of the main body.

8. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inlet of the water supply tube is in fluid communication with a water outlet of the hydraulic motor.

9. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the inlet of the water jet supply tube is telescopically connected to the outlet of the hydraulic motor through an adjustable compressible coupling.

10. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hydraulic motor is mechanically connected to the cartridge supporting assembly through a reduction ratio gear arrangement.

11. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hydraulic motor is located inside the main body of the container.

12. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein the central axle is connected to the hydraulic motor.

13. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the nozzles of the water jet supply tube are configured and disposed to generate longitudinally overlapping water jets on the surface of the cartridge.

14. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a tube holding member located between the portion of the water jet supply tube that is longitudinally extending in the side extension and an interior surface of the side extension.

15. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising means for temporarily obstructing the water inlet and means for temporarily obstructing the water outlet for holding a cleaning solution in the container.

16. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the lid comprises a cartridge-engaging element pivotally connected under a main portion of the lid, the cartridge-engaging element having an axis of rotation substantially coaxial with the longitudinal central axis of the main body.

17. The portable apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the cartridge-engaging element includes a hemispheric ball.

18. The portable apparatus as defined in any one of claim 1 to 17, wherein the cartridge is a hot tub water filtration cartridge with a pleated membrane.

19. A method of cleaning a hot tub water filtration cartridge with pressurized water from a pressurized water source, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting the water filtration cartridge inside a container;

(b) closing the container;

(c) rotating the hot tub water filtration cartridge inside the container using the pressurized water to produce a driving torque and simultaneously impinging pressurized water jets on a surface of the hot tub water filtration cartridge, water accumulating at a bottom of the container being continuously removed from the container;

(d) opening the container; and then (e) removing the cleaned hot tub water filtration cartridge from the container.

20. The method as defined in claim 19, further comprising: temporarily obstructing a water inlet and a water outlet of the container; providing a cleaning solution inside the container; soaking the hot tub water filtration cartridge for a given time; removing the cleaning solution from the container; and then allowing water to flow through the water inlet and the water outlet for performing step (c).

21. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein step of soaking the hot tub water filtration cartridge is performed after step (b).

22. The method as defined in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the hot tub water filtration cartridge is inserted through an upper opening of the container, the method further comprising: adjusting a vertical position of the hot tub water filtration cartridge in the container before step (b).

23. The method as defined in any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising: adjusting a distance between the water jets and the surface of the hot tub water filtration cartridge before step (b).

24. The method as defined in any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprising: channelling water from an outlet of a hydraulic motor producing the driving torque to nozzles generating the water jets.