Does my hot tub use filter? All hot tubs have and need filters because If they didn’t, the water would soon become so dirty with contamination. Meaning that it would become completely uninviting to bathe in and also unsafe. 

It may be that your hot tub water is not very inviting and you are now looking for a solution to your hot tub’s yacky water….

Why is the water dirty in my hot tub?

There can be numerous reasons why the water is not crystal clear. Does the control panel show a flow error message? If so, it could be that the filters that you don’t know about in your hot tub are severely contaminated and nearly completely blocked.

If you don’t have a flow error message, it could be that there aren’t actually any filters in the filter housing, and the dirty unfiltered water is just being pumped back into the hot tub which is not ideal is it? 

Why does a hot tub need filters?

Efficient and effective filters are not only an important necessity to help maintain high quality water for the bathers. The filters also help to keep the unseen plumbing and pipework clean and protect the expensive pumps.

We obviously need to do something about this poor water quality, so where do we find this filter housing?

Where are the filters located in my hot tub?

The filter housing is usually located inside the tub just below the waterline. There is usually a recess in the hot tub where the water flows into the filter housing, usually through a basket type device called a filter basket or skimmer basket.

This is designed to catch and stop any larger items being sucked down and causing damage to the filters, or even the pumps.

The filters are usually located below the skimmer basket, but before we start removing the lift-off panels or the skimmer basket, ensure that the hot tub is switched off for safety.

Take a look under the skimmer basket into the filter housing. Hopefully you should find one or maybe two filters there.

Where can I find information on how to clean hot tub filters?

Visit our Filter Care page to read about cleaning your filters. If you require replacement filters, head to our Filter Finder to help identify the quality Darlly filters you need.

For help and information about caring for your hot tub filters, follow the link to the Filter Care page on our website where you will find a wide range of easy-read topics about filters and hot tubs to help you enjoy crystal clear water in your hot tub.

If you have any questions about hot tub filters or suggestions for Filter Care topics, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help and would love to hear from you.

Happy Hot Tubbing!

The Darlly Team

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.

https://darlly.eu/filters

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

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

We all want to save a few pounds here and there don’t we? How about prolonging the life of your hot tub filters? By carefully cleaning your quality Darlly filters with the Darlly Cyclone Filter Cleaner (SC785), it is possible to extend the service life of the filters considerably.

Your hot tub should have two sets of filters, one set in the hot tub and the second set stored clean and dry ready for the next filter change.

When it is time to change the filters in your hot tub, instead of discarding the removed filters and replacing with new, have you considered cleaning the filters properly for re-use?

If you are enjoying the high-quality filtration benefits of using quality Darlly filters, your pocket can also benefit. Darlly filters are tough, durable, and can be cleaned time after time.

To clean a filter, simply add some cleaning fluid into the top of the Darlly Cyclone Filter Cleaner, connect to the garden hose (attachment included). Use the trigger to spray the water/cleaner mix into the filter using the brush to remove the unwanted debris. Once the cleaning fluid had been used up, leave the filter to stand for at least 1-2 hours (or 10 minutes with Instant Cartridge Cleaner). Then use just plain water with the brush to remove any remaining dirt. Allow the filters to dry completely before storing away in a dry place until your next filter change.

The Cyclone Filter Cleaner is compatible with all pleated spa filters except disposable filters.

Remember, quality pays, it doesn’t cost you!

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.