Kinetico Plus Deluxe VX Filter & Membrane Replacement Intervals?

[MFMauceri]

I have a Kinetico Plus Deluxe VX unit that came with my house. It wasn't working. I replaced the filters (orange and purple) and some leaky flow valves and the system is working. The orange filter is easy because it controls the water meter, and the system shuts down when it's kicked. How does one know the intervals to change the other (pre) filter and the center cartridge "membrane." The nearest Kinetco dealer is 60 mi's away, and the parts (dealer-supplied) and labor costs are steep.

Does anyone know the correct intervals to change the filters? Kinetico is very proprietary with their information as that's their business model, but $120 to change a screw-in filter blows the other perceived benefits of Kinetico out the window. Sure, dealers who install and repair systems are entitled to make a fair mark-up, but not to change a filter that takes about 30 seconds because they're not available to the general public.

Thoughts?

[Korymcn]

How is the water quality in your area? This plays a big role in how often you would need to change the filters. Once the flow rate slows that could be a sign to change it. It wouldn't hurt to check the filter every 6 months- 1 year.

[pawaterguy]

I have a Kinetico Plus Deluxe VX unit that came with my house. It wasn't working. I replaced the filters (orange and purple) and some leaky flow valves and the system is working. The orange filter is easy because it controls the water meter, and the system shuts down when it's kicked. How does one know the intervals to change the other (pre) filter and the center cartridge "membrane." The nearest Kinetco dealer is 60 mi's away, and the parts (dealer-supplied) and labor costs are steep.

Does anyone know the correct intervals to change the filters? Kinetico is very proprietary with their information as that's their business model, but $120 to change a screw-in filter blows the other perceived benefits of Kinetico out the window. Sure, dealers who install and repair systems are entitled to make a fair mark-up, but not to change a filter that takes about 30 seconds because they're not available to the general public.

Thoughts?

Once a year or every 500 hundred gallons (when the unit shuts down/slows flow) is the filter change interval. Both pre and post filters get changed here. When the TDS climbs out of the range we want to see (90 percent reduction vs what's going in) you change the membrane. On average, maybe between 5 and ten years. Could be sooner if you're not softening or have things like lots of iron, manganese, etc. A yearly TDS test when changing filters will help determine it. Also, there is more to be done than just change the fitlers. If a dealer is coming out they better be sanitzing the unit while changing the filters. Most people aren't comfortable doing this themselves. And, as a passing piece of info...always fill the prefilter before putting it on. The KRO hates air. Air getting into the module (the part where the lines tie into the storage tank) causes many a failure on that part.

[MFMauceri]

Got it. Thanks!