When should you replace Hot Tub Filters?
When to replace hot tub filters
Treat yourself and your hot tub pumps with new filters this spring!
Start the year as you mean to go on, enjoying crystal clear water with high quality Darlly filters.
When did you last replace your hot tub filters?
End of last year? Beginning of last year? Earlier? What condition are they in now, and more to the point, are they still capable of efficiently filtering out the contaminants in the water to give you the most relaxing and enjoyable bathing experience?
Enjoyment of the hot tub experience is most definitely enhanced by clear clean water.
Protecting the hot tub pumps
Your expensive hot tub pumps will also benefit from the protection offered by regularly maintained high quality filters. Contaminants and debris present in the water will be efficiently removed from the flow reducing the possibility of damage being caused to the pumps. Dirt and debris as well as an abnormal pH level can have a detrimental effect on the life expectancy of the pumps.
Hot tub without a filter
Without an efficient filter, the water would soon become contaminated with debris from the environment (dust, leaves, insects etc) and contaminants from the hot tub users such as 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 to the point 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.
Darlly Filters
In addition to the range of standard filters, Darlly also manufacture Darlly Sanistream in-line dosing filters that can add bromine of chorine directly into the flow.
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.
Follow the link to view the Darlly range of quality filters for your hot tub.
Find My Filter
If you aren’t sure of which filter you need, grab your filter dimensions, note the top and bottom fitting then head to our easy-to-use Filter Finder for help.
https://filterfinder.darlly.eu/filter
If you have any questions or a topic you would like us to cover, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help!
Happy Hot Tubbing!
The Darlly Team
How to prepare my hot tub and filters for use after winter
At last! The rain has stopped, the chilly breeze has gone to bother someone else, and there is a hint of blue sky and sunshine. If you haven’t already, it probably won’t be long before you mind starts thinking about moving the dead leaves onto the compost heap, dusting off the hot tub, and enjoying the warmth of the water. Let’s get outdoors again and enjoy the space!
Let’s start with the hot tub.
Safety first! Ensure that the electrical supply is safe, sound, undamaged and in perfect working order! Seek expert help and advice if required.
Next, flush the hot tub pipelines through with a garden hosepipe. It is a good idea to let the first few minutes of hosepipe water to flow onto the garden (or elsewhere) to minimise the possibility of having any bacteria that may have accumulated in the hosepipe being put into the hot tub.
Clean the inside of the hot tub shell with a clean cloth, and ONLY use cleaning materials as recommended by the spa manufacturer designed specifically for use in hot tubs. Never use regular kitchen or bathroom cleaning products.
With a suitable wet and dry vac, vacuum the pipework, jets, blowers, and heaters to remove any debris, dirt, and cobwebs.
It is a good idea to remove the jets and check to make sure they are clean. Especially the area behind the jets.
Before filling the hot tub, don’t forget to replace the drain plugs from the pump to stop leaking. Also, check any compression fittings are also correctly fitted again.
Fill the hot tub with water through the skimmer or filter area, ensuring that the hose does not sit in the water (there should always be a gap between the end of the hose and the surface of the water to conform with WRAS Water Regulations).
Add chlorine (or bromine) to the filter area as the water is filling and add more chlorine (or bromine) while the hot tub continues to fill with water (but NEVER mix these two neat chemicals!). Depending on the water pressure and the volume of water needed for the hot tub, this could typically take anywhere between 1 – 3 hours, but the hot tub should never be left unattended for any length of time in case of any issues arising.
All the time the hot tub is filling, check for any water leaks on the ground and inside the cabinet. Some hot tubs may require the pump to be bled, using the key on the wet end of the pump prior to starting the circulation.
The water should be heated to the desired temperature and should be tested for sanitiser level (chlorine or bromine), pH and alkalinity, and appropriate chemicals added to bring these parameters into line with industry standards.
Filters next. What did you do with your existing filters at the end of last season? Were they all cleaned, dried, and stored away in a clean environment in preparation for this season or do they need replacing? Read our Filter Care topics for more information on Darlly quality filters.
If you are planning to use your existing filters, don’t forget to take this opportunity to give them a thorough inspection to check the integrity of the filter material for splits, rips, tears, or holes and for any dirt or debris hiding deep inside the pleats.
Have you considered using Darlly Sanistream filters if you don’t already enjoy the benefits?
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. This system uses the DL815 SpaPod in combination with a Sanistream filter.
The SpaPod works with Darlly Sanistream® filters. The SpaPod simply twist clicks into place on the bottom of the Darlly SaniStream filter lid. This watertight canister is 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.
Your hot tub is now ready to use all year round, so relax and enjoy your surroundings!
Don’t forget your Darlly Duck to help keep your hot tub clean!
You may prefer to seek the help of a professional company to undertake the re-commissioning of your hot tub. BISHTA has a list of members that will be able to assist you, visit www.bishta.co.uk
Happy Hot Tubbing!
The Darlly Team
Remember if you need any help finding your Pool or Hot Tub Filter visit here filterfinder.darlly.eu
Are all hot tub filters similar quality and equally efficient?
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
How do I change my hot tub filters?
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
How To Measure a Hot Tub Filter?
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
How do you know when a hot tub filter needs changing?
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