Hot Tub Filter Repair and Maintenance page 4

4. Remove the Old Filter Even without water, the old filter may be heavy, so you may want to disassemble it for removal. Unclamp the lid from the base, and take the parts out separately. Save any useful parts. Old, but still working, valves, gauges, air relief valves, lids, lid O-rings, cartridges, and other components make great emergency hot tubre parts.

5. Assemble the New Filter After you remove it from the box, make sure all the pieces are there—cartridge, pressure gauge, lid clamp, and air relief valve. Most new filters come with instructions, and it really pays to read these. While the unit is out in the open and easy to access, screw into place the appropriately sized MIP fittings (11A- or 2-inch; 40- or 50-centimeter), after applying a liberal coating of Teflon tape or pipe dope. Some manufacturers include their preference for tape or pipe dope right in the box. Most cartridge filters have threaded openings in a plastic base. Be careful not to overtighten you'll crack the material you're screwing the MIPs into. If your old filter had unions, unscrew the entire assembly from the old filter and screw it into the new one.

6. Set Up the New Filter Put the new unit in the location by the pump, and figure out the necessary plumbing between the pump and the filter; between the filter and the heater; and between the filter and the waste (if appropriate). Some creativity and planning here will save many service headaches later. Basically, you want to avoid as many elbows as possible, and you want to leave enough room between the pump, filter, heater, and pipes for service access. Remember, you'll have to clean this filter someday. Can you easily access the lid? Will water flowing out of the tank as you clean it flood the pump? Can you access the backwash valve and outlet as needed?

7. Plumb the New Filter Someone once said, "There never seems to be enough time to do it right, but there's always enough time to do it over when it leaks!" Avoid excess angles in the plumbing, which can restrict flow rates.