FAQ and Troubleshooting for Coldstream FTO+ Filters

FAQ and Troubleshooting for Coldstream FTO+ Filters

Do Coldstream FTO+ filters alkalize water? 

No. The Coldstream FTO+ filters purify water but they do not alkalize it.
To alkalize your water and improve its quality, we recommend to pair the system with other water enhancement products, such as the MAYU Mineral Drops or the Vitalizer Plus. 

What is the total filtration capacity of my gravity-fed system when using Coldstream FTO+ filters? 

Every Coldstream FTO+ filter has a filtration lifespan of 1,500 liters. 
To find out the total filtration capacity of your system, you simply need to multiply the number of filters installed by 1,500 liters.  
For example: 
  1. 1 filter = 1,500 liters total lifespan of system. 
  1. 2 filters = 3,000 liters total lifespan of system. 
  1. 3 filters = 4,500 liters total lifespan of system. 
  1. 4 filters = 6,000 liters total lifespan of system. 

How to know when to replace my filters? 

Based on your water consumption, the simplest way to estimate when to replace your Coldstream FTO+ filters is to count how many times you completely fill your system each week.
Here’s how to do it:
  1. Note how many times per week you fully fill your reservoir.
  2. Multiply that number by the capacity of your reservoir (in liters).
  3. This will give you an estimate of your weekly water usage.
  4. Then divide 3,000 liters (the total capacity of two FTO+ filters) or 6,000 liters (the total capacity of four FTO+ filters)  by your weekly usage to find out how many weeks your filters will last.
A good rule of thumb:  if you consume an average of 8 liters per day, you will need to replace both FTO+ filters after about once a year.
That said, don’t worry if your estimate isn’t exact — the filters are tested up to 3,000 liters each, which is double the recommended usage. Your FTO+ will still filter your water even after 1,500 liters, but the performance will start to decline.

How to store my Coldstream FTO+ filters? 

For storage, the Coldstream FTO+ filters can be fully dried out for several days, then:
  1. placed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for short-term storage,
  2. or in a paper bag (that can breathe) for long-term storage.

Can I filter water from a well? 

You can absolutely use the Coldstream FTO+ filters with your well water. The filters are designed for deep filtration: bacteria, viruses, pesticides, heavy metals, chemical residues, etc. 

Can I filter sea (salt) water through my Coldstream FTO+ filters?

No. Coldstream FTO+ filters do not remove minerals from water.  Furthermore, the concentration of salt in seawater will ruin the filters.

Can I filter water from my salt-based water softener?

If you use a salt-based water softener to reduce the problems associated with hard water in your home, just as with sea water, Coldstream FTO+ filters will not remove salt present in the treated water.  If you want to eliminate salt from your drinking water, you must either:
  1. Use your Coldstream FTO+ water filter with water taken on the water line BEFORE the softener, or
  2. Change your water softener for a salt-less system, or
  3. Use a membrane treatment filtration system after the softener to remove the salt.

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