The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it’s time to replace the hot tub filters but you can’t find the old label with the filter number on it. You did actually keep the label didn’t you? 

If not, read on…….. 

Darlly filters usually have the part number moulded on the top. If not, or it isn’t a genuine Darlly filter, you can take a few filter measurements and details.  

By using the Darlly ‘Find Your Filter’ pages in the Darlly Brochure & Filter Directory accessed from the home page of our website, www.darlly.eu , it should be possible to identify your filter.

If you are not sure how or what to measure on your filter, refer to another of our helpful Filter Care topics ‘How can I identify my filter?’ for an easy step-by-step guide.

Another route to identifying your filter with the information you have is by using the ‘Filters’ dropdown on the home page. This offers a choice of options to view. 

Each option will display all filters in that particular range. On the left hand side, select your hot tub brand which will then only display the filters relevant to your brand of hot tub.

By selecting a filter, the details and dimensions will be displayed along with other part numbers that the filter may also be known by. 

If you still cannot identify you filter, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are very friendly and will do our best to help you 

Happy Hot Tubbing!

The Darlly Team

In a nutshell, no! Well, that was easy wasn’t it? Or was it?

Let’s have a brief look over some filters to find out a little bit more about them, what various types actually do, and what we really expect from them.

Finances can be a little tight at the moment so it can be tempting to save a little money by selecting a filter costing a little bit less. Is this a way to save money? Don’t all filters perform equally?

Let us ask ourselves what we want our filters to do for us.

The Hot Tub water always needs to crystal clear and inviting, this goes without saying and it is most desirable. What about how long the filter will continue to do this for us before it requires maintenance? What about how long the filter will last with repeated cleaning? How long before it will require replacing?

Arguably, the most important component here is the filter paper. Two similar-looking filters may differ enormously just in the filter paper alone. Briefly:-

1. The filtration quality affects the water quality.

2. The filter paper area affects how long the filter lasts between cleaning cycles. Filters of similar appearance may have up to 100% or more difference in filter paper area. The filter material pleats should also be robust enough not to ‘collapse’ or deform under pressure whilst holding filtered contaminants.

3. The quality and durability of the filter paper to withstand ripping and tearing through repeated cleaning cycles affects the lifespan of the filter.

4. The lifespan of the filter affects the running costs of the hot tub which ultimately means your pocket.

We can see from this that filters need to be robust quality items to withstand the day to day life that they are subjected to.

So far, we can see that as with most things in life, quality pays in the longer term. Purchasing a cheaper poor quality filter may not result in the saving that we thought it would be.

Something else to consider is the type of filter that we want. Have you considered a Darlly Sanistream or Darlly Silverstream filter?

Darlly Sanistream filters are designed to take a DL815 SpaPod inside. The refillable adjustable-dose pod is designed to hold chlorine or bromine tablets to continually dose the hot tub water. 

Darlly Silverstream filters are impregnated using silver ion technology offering antimicrobial protection for the filter and bather. This process gives the filter a premium finish with increased filter life, a cleaner filter, no mould growth, fewer odours and fewer cleaning times.

As we can see, there are several options available when choosing replacement filters. Consider your needs and what you want your filter to do for you. Remember, the high quality filter can be the most efficient at delivering high quality water as well as being the most cost effective and sensible purchase.

If you have any suggestions for future Filter Care topics or you would like more information, please do not to get in touch. We are more than happy to help. 

Happy Hot Tubbing
The Darlly Team

Filters are filters right? They all look the same so they will all filter the water and do the same job won’t they? 

Some brands are a little more expensive and some brands are cheaper. 

I’m trying to spend less and save the £££’s so why should I spend more money when I can get a cheaper filter?

This all sounds very attractive, and a good idea at the moment, with people tightening their financial belts, but in reality, does it make sense or is it false economy?

Generally, in life, we know that quality pays in the long run. The old adage, buy quality buy once, buy cheap buy twice applies to many products and services that we choose to invest our hard-earned cash into.

Let us take a moment to look at the filters in our hot tub, what they do for us and how they look after us whilst we are spending time relaxing and chilling out in our hot tubs. Finding out a little more about the tough life of a filter will help us to understand the benefits, efficiency, longer service life and the financial advantages of a quality filter. 

Enjoyment of the hot tub experience is most definitely enhanced by clear clean water.

Dirty or contaminated water is pumped through the filter which collects any dirt and debris from the flow, the dirt is trapped within the filter and the filtered water is returned to the hot tub.

Without a quality filter, the water would soon become contaminated with contaminants from the environment (dust, leaves, insects etc) and from the hot tub users (Sunscreen, tanning products, make-up, deodorant, body oils, dirt, hair etc).

Without efficient filtration, these contaminants would soon build up to a critical level in the water. If left unaddressed, the bathing water can become cloudy and algae growth is a possibility. This can upset the balance of the water and chemical usage increases in trying to deal with the problem, which in turn hastens water saturation where the chemicals cease to be effective. As a result, the water can then become damaging to the hot tub mechanicals and/or affect the surface feel of the hot tub moulding.

High quality filters help to maintain high water quality for your enjoyment and piece of mind. 

To maintain the desired high level of filtration, the filters require regular maintenance. The involves removing the existing filters and replacing with clean ones. The removed filters should be thoroughly cleaned using filter cleaning fluid. Just a quick hose down is not sufficient to clean them. The filter should 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.

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, followed by Darlly Filter Cartridge Cleaner (SC796).

The filters should 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.

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.

The effectiveness of the filters can be seen by the amount of contamination trapped in the pleats of the fabric. Darlly’s high-quality robust filters are designed to withstand repeated cleaning cycles to ensure a long service life. Low cost alternatives may not trap contaminants in the same efficient manner or withstand as many cleaning cycles whilst still maintaining filter integrity and filtration efficiency required to maintain the water quality for you to enjoy.

So, back to the original question ‘Filters are filters, right?’ If your filters have a longer lifespan, you need to replace them less often. Fewer filters, fewer ££’s spent…

Higher quality filtration results in higher water quality to enjoy.

Would you want to sit in anything else?  

Quality filters can work out less expensive over time with the added benefit of enjoying higher quality water. 

Higher quality water usually results in fewer expensive chemical treatments too, thus saving money on chemicals. 

Also remember the environmental aspect, fewer filters and chemicals is kinder to our wonderful planet. A win-win here!

In addition to the range of standard filters, Darlly also manufacture Darlly Silverstream filters in which the filter media is impregnated with silver ion particles which help to reduce bacteria both suspended in the water and also collected by the filter. 

To view our range of filters click here.

If you have any suggestions for Filter Care topics that you would like us to cover, please do not hesitate to get in touch, we will see what we can do to help .

Happy Hot Tubbing!

The Darlly Team

When searching for replacement hot tub filters, if you do not have the part number of the quality Darlly filters required, use our quick-to-use comprehensive ‘Find your filter’ helper pages in our online catalogue. By using measurements and by matching the thread type pictures, you should be able to find the quality filter your hot tub deserves.

You can use the dimensions that you have to help get to the required filter. How do you measure a filter? Easy! Follow our easy-to-use guide below showing how to measure the relevant dimensions and identify the thread type, if any. All measurements are in cm.

External diameter

This is the measurement across the filter from edge to edge. This example is 12cm.

Length

Measure the length of the filter but do not include the handle or thread.

Internal / Inside diameter

Thread and fitting types

There are number of different types of fitting and thread types available. Filters can have male and female threads which can be coarse or fine, and possibly tapered.

Photo shows male threads, fine on the left hand side and coarse on the right hand side.

Measure the thread diameter. This is the outer edges of the thread for male thread. For a female thread, measure the inner diameter.

The Fine Thread (MPT) has from 6 – 8 fine twists (Pleatco ends P4 or F2M) whereas the Coarse Thread (SAE) will have as little as only 3 thicker threads (Pleatco ends P3 or F2S). 

Male thread diameter measurement

Female thread diameter measurement

You now have all the dimensions that you will need to help identify your filter.

Just two more items to note now, nearly there!  

What is the original colour of the actual filter fabric? If it is white, it is a normal filter. 

If it is blue, it is probably a Silverstream Antibacterial filter. 

The last item relates to the top of the filter. Does it have a removeable twist-and-pull lid? 

If yes, this will be a Sanistream filter designed to take an in-line dosing pod such as the Darlly Sanistream DL815 SpaPod (suitable for chlorine or bromine tablets) or a Darlly DL816 AquaSPArkle Pod which is ready-filled with sufficient bromine tablets to last you up to a month. 

You should now have all the information you need to identify your filter on the Darlly ‘Find your filter’ pages in the online catalogue.

All genuine Darlly filters have the part number moulded on the end cap (eg “60401”)

Also the label on the outer wrapper will have all details. (Please keep this for next time …..! )

Pleatco and Unicel will also sometimes have the part number on the end cap. Our brochure and website www.darlly.eu contain all of the part numbers to help you. 

However, should you be without any part number after following the identification guide above and using our ‘Find a Filter’ guide using your measurements and brand identities, simply call us on +44 (0)1952 – 580500 we would be delighted to help you. 

If you have any suggestions for hot tub / spa topics or subjects that you would like to read about in our filter care section please get in touch and we will be more than happy to help 

Happy Hot Tubbing!  

Let’s start with Inline sanitization / dosing. This is a method of water treatment that takes place in the actual pumped water flow usually in the filter circuit. 

It is a low maintenance method of adding chlorine or bromine to the water, usually in the form of tablets enclosed in a small pod. The pod is located inside the hot tub filter and is adjustable to allow the dosage to be tailored to the particular application.  

Darlly Sanistream® filters

Darlly Europe’s revolutionary Sanistream® Direct filtration system is a new and unique technology which combines the world’s finest hot tub filters with a safe, convenient and effective sanitiser dispenser to give an integrated spa water treatment system. Sanistream® is suitable for domestic hot tubs and it also allows compliance with Section 76 of HSG282 regulations for hot tubs installed in holiday let units. 

DL 815 SpaPod 

The SpaPod is designed for use in Darlly Sanistream® filters. The SpaPod simply twist clicks into place on the bottom of the Darlly SaniStream filter lid. The Pod is a watertight canister pod capable of holding 5-6 chlorine or bromine tablets with a controllable flow output. The tablets should last, with normal operation, 2-3 weeks. 

Easy to use, safer sanitation and cost effective. SpaPod does not come with any Chlorine or Bromine, simply add your choice when necessary. 

SC800 Nature 2 

Nature2 SPA is perfect for spa owners looking for an eco-friendly, low maintenance alternative to heavy chlorine or bromine to keep their spa clean and free of harmful bacteria and viruses. Nature2 SPA uses an EPA-approved mineral bed technology to effectively kill bacteria safely and effortlessly.

DL 816 AquaSPArkle Pod 

For use in Darlly Sanistream® filters, the AquSPArkle Bromine Pod (Chlorine Pod following shortly) is a larger version of the SpaPod but comes ready filled with enough Bromine Tablets to last you up to a month. 

(Available in packs of 3)

There are three possible ways to use the AquaSPArkle pod:- 

a) Use in a built-in propriety hot tub dosing system or frame.

b) Use with a Darlly Sanistream open-top filter or open-top filters fitted with a centre support to retain the pod.

c) Use with a Darlly Sanistream handle-top filter that allows the pod to easily twist and click into place.

It takes a while for the bromine tablets to begin to dissolve so it may be appropriate to first shock treat to immediately establish chlorine and bromine residuals. Add the appropriate amount of shock treatment as per the product label dosing instructions. Always test your hot tub water prior to use and maintain bromine levels between 4 to 6 mg/l.

Well, the time has come to change the filters in your hot tub and for the life of you, you just can’t remember the part number of the filter. There isn’t a number on the filter, you didn’t retain the packaging or the label from the last time and you don’t know how to identify them. Relax! You’ve come to the right place.

Our up-to-date online catalogue lists our complete range of filters with the dimensions and thread type or fitting.

To help us identify your filter, let us get some information together to help us find your replacement.

 We can use some or all of the following :- dimensions, fitting, manufacturers numbers, thread type (if any), hot tub manufacturer, brand etc. Does it have a closed top, a handle, open top? 

To get the dimensions, check the guide below for help how to measure the filter.

There are a couple of ways to find the filter you need now, both from the home page of our website Darlly.eu Hover above the FILTERS  dropdown then select the type of filter you are searching for.

The ‘Find your filter’ helper is on the left hand side now. Scroll down here to select any relevant details to search for your filter. If this doesn’t find your exact filter, take a look inside our latest online brochure.

Open the latest filter brochure from the home page on the darllyfilters.co.uk/brochure website. Scroll down to the ‘Find Your Filter’ pages then search with the information you have to identify your filter. 

If you have your hot tub brand, you can use this to narrow the search.

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 

When searching for replacement hot tub filters, if you do not have the part number of the quality Darlly filters required, use our quick-to-use comprehensive ‘Find your filter’ helper pages in our online catalogue. By using measurements and by matching the thread type pictures, you should be able to find the quality Darlly filter you and your hot tub deserve.

You can use the dimensions that you have to help get to the required filter. How do you measure a filter? Easy! Follow our easy-to-use guide below showing how to measure the relevant dimensions and identify the thread type, if any. All measurements are in cm.

How to measure External diameter for a filter

This is the measurement across the filter from edge to edge. This example is 12cm.

How to measure hot tub filter Length

Measure the length of the filter but do not include the handle or thread.

How to measure internal/Inside diameter for hot tub filter

Different hot tub filter Thread and fitting types (bottom of filter)

There are number of different types of fitting and thread types available. Filters can have male and female threads which can be coarse or fine, and possibly tapered.

Photo shows male threads, fine on the left hand side and coarse on the right hand side.

Measure the thread diameter. This is the inner edges of the hole of the male thread. For a female thread, measure the inner diameter.

The Fine Thread (MPT) has from 6 – 8 fine twists (Pleatco ends P4 or F2M) whereas the Coarse Thread (SAE) will have as little as only 3 thicker threads (Pleatco ends P3 or F2S). 

Hot Tub Filter Male thread diameter measurement

Hot Tub Filter Female thread diameter measurement

Tops-From left to right- open (Hole), closed top, handle, removable lid handle

Now identify the top of your filter. Match it against one of the four main types shown in the photo to identify the type of top. 

If you know the name of your hot tub manufacturer, this can help too.

Now that we have this information, we can now delve into the Darlly website or online brochure ‘Find Your Filter’ pages. Nearly there!

There are a couple of ways to find the filter you need now, both from the home page of our website Darlly.eu (Hover above the FILTERS  dropdown then select the type of filter you are searching for)

The ‘Find your filter’ helper is on the left hand side now. Scroll down here to select any relevant details to search for your filter. If this doesn’t find your exact filter, take a look inside our latest online brochure.

Open the latest filter brochure from the home page on the Darlly.eu website. Scroll down to the ‘Find Your Filter’ pages then search with the information you have to identify your filter. 

If you have your hot tub brand, you can use this to narrow the search.

The main identification chart will enable you to identify the exact filter you have using the top, bottom, length and diameter measurements of your existing filter.

If you also have the filter manufacturers part number, you can cross check this with the part numbers listed against the appropriate Darlly filter.

To find your local Darlly filter stockist, click on ‘Stockist’ on the homepage and either enter address or zoom in on the map.

All genuine Darlly filters have the part number printed on the end cap (eg “60401”)

Also the label on the wrapper will have all details. (Please keep safe this for your next filter change) Pleatco and Unicel will also sometimes have the part number on the end cap. Our brochure and website www.darlly.eu contain all of the part numbers to help you. 

However, should you be without any part number after following the identification guide above and using our ‘Find a Filter’ guide using your measurements and brand identities, simply call us on +44 (0)1952 – 580500 we would be delighted to help you. 

Happy Hot Tubbing! 

The Darlly Team

Enjoyment of the hot tub experience is most definitely enhanced by clear clean water.

Knowing common contaminants and how they can enter the water can help us to understand the reasoning behind the need for high quality filtration and water care.

The way filters work is quite simple. Dirty or contaminated water is pumped through the filter which then collects dirt, body oils and debris from the flow, the dirt is trapped within the filter and the filtered water is returned to the hot tub.

Without a filter, the water would soon become contaminated with contaminants from the environment (dust, leaves, insects etc) and from the hot tub users (Sunscreen, tanning products, make-up, deodorant, body oils, dirt, hair etc).

Without efficient filtration, these contaminants would soon build up to a critical level in the water. If left unaddressed, the bathing water can become cloudy and algae growth is a possibility. This can upset the balance of the water and chemical usage increases in trying to deal with the problem, which in turn hastens water saturation where the chemicals cease to be effective. As a result, the water can then become damaging to the hot tub mechanicals and/or affect the surface feel of the hot tub moulding.

In addition to the range of standard filters, Darlly also manufacture Darlly Silverstream filters in which the filter media is impregnated with silver ion particles which help to reduce bacteria both suspended in the water and also collected by the filter. 

To view our range of filters click here.

We are adding new topics regularly to our Filter Care pages so remember to drop by to read more articles about how to care for your hot tub filters.

Happy Hot Tubbing! 

The Darlly Team