Filter Maintenance Full GuideUpdated 2 hours ago

Clean filters are the single most important thing you can do to keep your chiller running well. They protect the pump, maintain flow rate, and keep your water clear for longer between changes. This guide covers every Vital+ chiller. Find your unit in the table below, then follow the steps for the filter types it uses.

At a glance: which filter, which unit, how often

Frequencies are a guide. Higher-frequency use, multiple users, or warmer conditions mean cleaning and replacing more often.

Filter types explained

Your chiller uses one or more of these. Knowing which is which makes the routine simple.

• Internal mesh filter — a reusable mesh screen that catches the larger debris. It's rinsed, never replaced.
• 20-micron cartridge filter — a replaceable cartridge that captures fine particles like skin cells and dirt. This is the one you swap out on a schedule.
• Integrated ozone / sediment filtration — built into the X2, Acrylic, and Ultra Max. It works automatically and needs no hands-on maintenance.
• Paper filter (Ultra Ice only) — a pleated paper element cleaned regularly and replaced when dirty.
• Dust net (Ultra Ice only) — an external mesh over the unit's vents that needs occasional cleaning to protect airflow.

Step-by-step

Rinsing the internal mesh filter (X2, Acrylic, Ultra Max — weekly)

1. Power off the chiller at the wall.
2. Remove the mesh filter from its housing.
3. Rinse thoroughly under running water until clear of debris.
4. Refit, making sure it's seated correctly before powering back on.

Replacing the 20-micron cartridge (X2, Acrylic, Ultra Max every 2–3 weeks; X1 every 6 weeks)

1. Power off the chiller at the wall.
2. Unscrew the filter housing and remove the old cartridge.
3. Let the water naturally rise to the top of the filter housing (eliminating air pockets).
4. Insert the new cartridge, ensuring it's seated correctly.
5. Screw the housing back on hand-tight (with the wrench provided) and power on.

Cleaning the paper filter (Ultra Ice 2HP — every 4 weeks)

1. Switch the RCD off first before doing anything else.
2. Remove the paper filter from the unit.
3. Clean thoroughly; replace it entirely if it's dirty or worn rather than just rinsing.
4. Refit and restore power.

Cleaning the dust net (Ultra Ice 2HP — every 3 months)

1. Power off the unit.
2. Remove the external dust net from the vents.
3. Clear it of dust and debris, then refit.

Signs something's off

Filters are usually the cause when performance drops. Watch for:

• Weaker cooling — often a clogged cartridge or mesh restricting flow
• A water-flow warning on the panel — most commonly a blocked filter; check it before anything else
• An E2 error — most often a blocked filter cup or the filter cup is the blockage

If cleaning or replacing the filter doesn't resolve it, head to Troubleshooting — start with Chiller Error Codes or Chiller Isn't Cooling.

Tips & extras

• Buy cartridges in advance so you're never running a dirty filter waiting on a delivery. Replacement filter packs are available in Chillers & Accessories.
• Always power off before removing any filter it protects the pump and keeps it simple.
• Clean filters extend the time between full water changes. For that side of care, see Water Care Maintenance.