How long can I reasonably expect my hot tub filters to last, what is a realistic lifespan?

Now, there’s the $64,000 question!

There are many factors that can affect the lifespan of hot tub filters, a great deal of which we, the user, have control over and so it is mostly down to us.

Let’s start at the top with this one – Filter quality.  This is arguably the most important factor involved in filter longevity. Not only is the filtration quality important, the robustness and durability of the filter material is also key. This has a great impact on the number of times that the filter can be cleaned. A more durable filter material can be cleaned more times without damage and ‘wear and tear’ occurring than a cheaper poor-quality filter which is less able to sustain the cleaning and brushing required to return the filter to an acceptable state whilst still maintaining its original filtration qualities.

Darlly filters contain a high-quality durable filter material which ensures a longer service life able to tolerate many cleaning cycles without losing strength, integrity, and efficiency.   

Regular and careful filter maintenance.  The filters should be inspected and cleaned at regular intervals. It is important not to let the filters get too ‘overloaded’ or ‘clogged’ as this will have a detrimental effect not only on the filter but also on water quality.

The filters should be thoroughly and sympathetically cleaned to maintain the filtration efficiency, which, let’s face it, is the reason they are there! 

The filters should be removed and gently washed and brushed before soaking in a filter cleaning solution. Gently does it so as not to cause physical damage to the filter.

Use the Darlly Cyclone Filter Cleaner (SC785) filter cleaner and detergent to truly clean the filters. You wouldn’t wash your clothes without detergent 

For continuous hot tub enjoyment, having two sets of filters gives you the opportunity to quickly change the filters and then immediately continue enjoying your hot tub. The removed filters can then be cleaned and allowed to dry at a more convenient time. It is important the allow the filters to dry completely before refitting back into the hot tub.

The spare filters should be stored in a dry dust and dirt-free environment, after all, we want the filters to remove contaminants not add them!

Now, let us have a think about what we are asking the filters to do. What do we imagine that the filters will be removing from the water? There is probably a lot more being asked of the filter than we might first imagine. Dust? Dirt? Leaves? Yep, and more!

What about make-up, sunscreen, body fats, fake-tan, body dirt?

It is recommended that people shower before enjoying the hot tub as this will reduce the contaminants carried into the hot tub water. It’s all about maintaining water quality.

Taking these precautions such as regular gentle filter cleaning, reducing contaminants entering the water and generally maintaining water quality will help your filters work efficiently and considerably extend their service life. As you can see, caring for your filters can help then care for you!

Please see our other topics on Filter care, including ‘How to clean a dirty hot tub filter’. 

Find out more about quality Darlly filters on our website Darllyfilters.co.uk

We hope that this topic has been helpful. If you have any suggestions for future hot tub filter topics, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we will do our best to help you! 

Happy Hot tubbing!

The Darlly Team

Well, it’s time to change the hot tub filters. How should I do this?  I don’t want to damage anything!

There’s nothing to fear here. This is a simple, quick and easy operation.

Firstly, how long can we expect the filters to last and how often should I change them?

If you are using your hot tub two or three times per week, you can expect quality Darlly filters to last twelve months or more depending on usage. During this time, you should be routinely gently cleaning the filters at regular intervals. Regular inspections should give you a good indication of cleaning intervals required for your hot tub usage. 

Darlly filters contain a high-quality durable filter material which ensures a longer service life, meaning they can tolerate many cleaning cycles without losing strength, integrity and efficiency.   

Dependent on the specification of your hot tub, there may be one or two filters.

To change the filters, the pumps should be turned OFF.

Remove the filter housing lid which normally unscrews or unclips. 

Next remove the leaf-catcher basket if fitted (without letting the debris into the water) This reveals the filter(s) beneath.

Carefully remove the filter without disturbing any debris captured in the filter. Depending on the filter, this will now either unscrew or just lift out with a slight twist just to release it.

When fitting new filters, if the filters have one or more thin bands around circumference of the filter pleats, this is part of the filter construction and should be left attached as it maintains the separation of the pleats.

After checking for any debris remaining in the filter area, the replacement filter(s) can now be fitted in place, ensuring bottom of filter is pushed on and is seated correctly or screwed down securely. 

Refit the leaf catcher basket and the filter housing lid ensuring that everything is fitted as designed and is secure.

Please see our other topics on filter care, including ‘How to clean a dirty hot tub filter’. 

For continuous hot tub enjoyment, having two sets of filters gives you the opportunity to quickly change the filters and then immediately continue enjoying your hot tub. The removed filters can then be cleaned and allowed to dry at a more convenient time. It is important the allow the filters to dry completely before refitting back into the hot tub.

If you will be cleaning the filters you have just removed, don’t forget to use the Darlly Cyclone Filter Cleaner (SC785) filter cleaner and detergent to truly clean the filters. You wouldn’t wash your clothes without detergent.

We hope that this topic has been helpful. If you have any suggestions for future hot tub filter topics, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we will do our best to help you! 

Happy Hot Tubbing!!!!

The Darlly Team 

Darlly filters are manufactured to the highest standard and use a tough resilient filtration media designed and specified to provide a long service life.

Material efficiently filtered from the hot tub water will build up within the pleats of the filter fabric, restricting flow and filtration capacity.

Often, the hot tub display will indicate a flow error if there is a flow restriction within the system. In this case, the easiest and first item to check is the filtration. Visually inspect the filters for a build-up of matter within the pleats. If there is build-up make sure to clean the filter thoroughly.

Inspect the fabric of the filter media for complete integrity, checking carefully for any damage, rips, tears or holes that will allow unfiltered water to flow freely through the filter fabric. A damaged filter should be replaced as it is no longer providing the required level of filtration. If there is a hole or tear in the fabric the water can bypass the filter and render it useless.

Over time, repeated or unsympathetic cleaning can cause the filter to lose its efficiency and require replacement. This can also be seen by pleats sticking together and being out of place. 

The filter end caps can also fade over time giving an indication that the filters have been in use for quite some time and although the fading does not affect the efficiency of the filter, the possible build up of difficult-to-remove debris deep in the pleats almost certainly will and replacement should be considered.

Remember, a quality Darlly filter will help to maintain your hot tub water quality, considerably enhancing your hot tub experience and enjoyment.

Use our website to read about different types of filter and to locate your nearest Darlly supplier.

At Darlly we would recommend to change your filter every 12 months, this will help prolong the life of your hot tub and improve spa efficiency.

Happy Hot Tubbing!

The Darlly Team 

The filter should first be inspected to check that the filter material is not damaged, ripped or torn. If the filter material is damaged or compromised in any way, the filter should be replaced. In this condition, it will not filter the water efficiently or effectively.

Particles and debris trapped by the filter will remain in the filter until removed by thorough cleaning. Dirty filters will easily lead to restricted flow and flow related errors.

An effective method to remove dirt and debris from pleated filters is to use the Darlly Cyclone Filter Cleaner (SC785) filter cartridge cleaner which easily attaches to any standard garden hose.

Step 1

Start by turning all the jets off on the hot tub.

Step 2

Carefully remove the filter from the filter housing without letting any of the debris back into the main chamber of the spa. 

Step 3

Move the filter near a drain/away from the tub. Attach the Darlly Cyclone Filter Cleaner to the hose and push the bristles into the pleats of the filter. Move the bristles up and down whilst pressing the trigger to wash out all the unwanted deposits. This will remove a large proportion of the deposits filtered out of the water.

Step 4

The filters should then be soaked overnight in a cleaning solution such as our Darlly Filter Cartridge Cleaner (SC796). Follow the simple instructions on the packaging to mix the solution. This can be mixed in a bucket and the filter(s) should then be submerged in the solution and to left to soak overnight for deep cleaning.

Step 5

After removing from the solution, a thorough wash with a garden hose will complete the procedure before the filters are left to dry before use.

A thoroughly cleaned filter will provide more efficient filtration than a poorly cleaned one. 

It can be advantageous to have two sets of filters to allow continued filtration and to help maintain water quality during the cleaning process.