Customer Services

Manual

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PURCHASE
AND WELCOME TO THE VIVOBLU FAMILY!

Congratulations on your purchase of the Vivoblu CORE Family™ 0.1 Micron Water Filtration System!  You have just joined our worldwide family of adventure seekers, savvy preppers and global trekkers who have all made the same smart choice.  We believe the CORE Family™ water filtation system is the best-performing, longest-lasting, most versatile gravity water filter on the market.  And if you’re reading this, then you must think so too.  To get the most out of your shiny new purchase and to make sure you’re using it safely, please read through this manual before assembling and using the CORE Family™ filter system.  We promise there are some great tips in here in addition to all the warnings and other stuff we have to say.  If there’s anything in this manual that you don’t understand or if you have any questions that aren’t answered here or online, please call us at 1-866-VIVOBLU.  We’re friendly, and we love to hear about the adventures you’re taking with your CORE Family™ water filter.

Happy trails and happy hydration from all of us at Vivoblu!

 

Vivoblu CORE Family™ Instruction Manual

 

⚠ Read this entire manual before assembling or using your CORE Family™ 0.1 Micron Water Filtration System and follow all instructions carefully.

 

PARTS LIST

  1. CORE Shield
  2. CORE Base
  3. CORE Quick-Swap Filter Cartridge
  4. Shield Tether
  5. Long Tube (40”)
  6. Short Tube (20”)
  7. Main Tap (with 2 Washers & EZ-Turn Wingnut)
  8. Second Tap (with 2 Washers & Hex Nut)
  9. Ziploc Poly Storage Bag

 

CONFIGURATIONS & INSTALLATION

Your CORE Family™ filter can be configured and used in many ways, from direct suction or simple siphoning to continuous use as a stacked double-bucket home system.  Instructions for a double-bucket configuration are included on the back of your product packaging.  Visit www.vivobluservices.com/manual to watch videos and tutorials about all the configurations, uses, and installation methods.  If you prefer old-fashioned text instructions, there’s a printed Quick-Start Guide included in your packaging.

 

INTENDED USE

Use the CORE Family™ 0.1 Micron Water Filtration System properly in accordance with the instructions provided in this manual.  When used properly, this product is designed to reduce the levels of bacteria and protozoan cysts commonly found in fresh water sources to make it safer for drinking.  It is intended for use only with fresh water sources and when treated water is unavailable.  This product meets the US Environmental Protection Agency’s microbiological water purifier standards for reduction of bacteria (99.9999% Klebsiella terrigena) and protozoan cysts (99.9% Giardia and Cryptosporidium).

DEFINITIONS:

  • “Fresh water” means untreated water such as rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.
  • “Filtered water” means potable drinking water
  • “Treated water” means treated tap water or chemically disinfected water, or boiled disinfected water

 

DISCLAIMER

Vivoblu Inc, its related companies and affiliated entities shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or as a result of the use of CORE Family™ 0.1 Micron Water Filtration System or any Vivoblu product or accessory for any purpose.  Utilizing untreated water sources is inherently dangerous, and you do solely at your own risk.  By using CORE Family™ or any Vivoblu product you tacitly accept and agree to the terms and conditions of the safety instructions contained herein and this disclaimer.

 

⚠ WARNINGS ⚠

YOU ARE SOLEY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF THOSE IN YOUR CARE.  ALWAYS USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT WHEN CHOOSING WATER SOURCES AND DRINKING WATER FROM ANY SOURCE INCLUDING FROM A FILTERED SOURCE.

There are inherent hazards associated with the utilization of untreated water sources and the use of water filters. Drinking or utilizing untreated water in any way can expose you to harmful microorganisms and increase your risk of diseases or gastrointestinal illness. Using this product improperly may increase your risk of exposure to harmful microorganisms and may increase your risk of gastrointestinal illness. To reduce your chances of becoming sick, carefully follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and educate yourself on untreated water safety.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  1. Your CORE Family™ water filtration system is designed for use with freshwater sources. Never use the CORE Family™ water filtration system to filter seawater or brackish water or chemically contaminated water such as water from mining operations, mining tailing ponds, or near large agricultural operations. The CORE Family™ water filtration system does not make drinkable water from these water sources and does not remove chemicals and radioactive materials or particles smaller than .1 µm.
  2. The CORE Family™ water filtration systemdoes not remove all viruses.  If there is any risk of viruses in the water, use an EPA registered disinfectant such as Aquatabs® tablets in combination with your Vivoblu CORE Family™ water filter.   Follow all instructions for proper use of disinfectant tablets and wait the appropriate treatment time or boil your water for at least one minute in a rolling boil prior to consumption.
  3. Do not freeze the filter membranes while wet or use the filter in freezing conditions. Freezing the filter membranes can lead to breakage, allowing microorganisms to bypass the filter, resulting in illness.
  4. Improper or unsecured connections of tubing to the filter base or wingnut could cause fluid leakage and result in illness. Ensure all connections are tight and secure before use.
  5. The CORE Family™ is designed to be cleaned without the use of any tools. To clean, swish or rinse in water only.  Do not attempt to clean the filter membranes directly using your fingers or any tools whatsoever. Release dirt and debris from the filter membranes using the approved Smart-Clean™ cleaning method only. Do not use any tool or object to scrape or poke the filter membranes. Doing so could result in damage or breakage to the filter membranes, compromising or damaging the filter, which could allow harmful microorganisms to bypass the filter, leading to illness.
  6. Do not allow freshwater to contaminate the parts designed for clean water output, such as the tap nozzles or the terminal ends of the tubes. If the parts of the CORE Family™ water filter that are designed to dispense clean water have accidentally been exposed or dropped into a contaminated water source, completely disinfect these parts before using again. If the CORE Family™ filter itself becomes contaminated, stop using and perform the procedure for long-term storage disinfection.
  7. Drinking directly from the output hose can introduce contamination to the tubing. After using CORE Family™ in this manner, disinfect all parts exposed to contamination before using again or sharing with others.
  8. One of the unique features of the CORE Family™ filter is its Quick-Swap™ filter cartridge, which allows quick and easy replacement of the internal caged filter element. The Quick-Swap™ cartridge is therefore designed to be easily removable by unscrewing it from the CORE base.  Do not unscrew or loosen the Quick-Swap™ cartridge until you are ready to replace it.  A loose cartridge could allow leakage of water into the system causing contamination.  Always keep the cartridge hand-tightened to the base while using the filter and check the tightness of the connection periodically to ensure it is secure.
  9. Do not filter any substance or liquid other than freshwater through your CORE Family™ filter or the filter membranes may become damaged or contaminated.
  10. Before long-term storage, disinfect the filter cartridge thoroughly to prevent growth of mold, mildew and bacteria which could cause illness. See long-term storage instructions. Do not use dishwasher or microwave to disinfect the filter cartridge or any of the filter parts. Doing so could damage or melt the parts.
  11. Always seek the best freshwater source available. Extend your filter lifespan by using the Smart-Clean™ cleaning method regularly. See Tips.

 

⚠ Failure to follow all warnings and safety instructions may result in exposure to harmful microorganisms and illness.⚠

 

⚠ REQUIRED WARNINGS ⚠

The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65) requires this warning regarding potential cancer and reproductive harm. See www.P65warnings.ca.gov.

 

CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING

If you use unfamiliar or untreated water sources while traveling, camping, backpacking, or in a disaster or emergency scenario, you run the risk of illness ranging from mild diarrhea to more serious illnesses caused by protozoan cysts, viruses and bacteria. The microorganisms that cause these diseases are not only found in water but can often be found in the food and drinks you consume. Even the local water supply may be contaminated. To minimize the risk of contracting illnesses, we suggest that you consult with your physician state health department or travel clinic prior to your departure on any travel. While you are traveling, make sure that prepared food is thoroughly cooked according to instructions. Select non-cooked foods fruits nuts and vegetables that have intact shells or skins.  Wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly and often, or use hand sanitizer, especially before you eat or prepare food. Encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently when traveling in a group. Microorganisms can spread to others from the gear of one group member not sanitizing their hands properly. Do not share personal items such as water bottles or bite valves. Filter all drinking water with your CORE Family™ according to the instructions in this manual, including water used for washing your face, brushing teeth and washing your hands.

 

INITIAL USE & PRIMING YOUR FILTER

Before using your CORE Family™ filter for the first time, read this manual and all safety instructions.

New and dried filters will need to be primed prior to use first use.  After assembling your filter in the desired configuration with all tubes, taps and required containers, follow these steps to prime your filter:

  1. Fill the source water container with fresh water.
  2. Remove the top shield from the base, and swish your filter vigorously in the water to perform a “cleaning” procedure. Replace top shield.
  3. Hold filter on bottom of bucket or container. If using directly in water source such as stream, hold filter under the water. Turn slightly in different directions to release any trapped air.  **Dry filters are full of air, which will cause them to float until they begin filtering water.
  4. If configured with a tap, open the tap completely to allow water flow. Continue holding the filter at the bottom of the container until water begins to flow rapidly.  This usually takes about 60 seconds but can sometimes take up to 5 minutes.  If flow does not begin naturally, you can expedite priming by applying suction directly to the outflow tube or tap to initiate flow.  If using in a siphon or direct-drinking configuration, suck on the outflow tube until flow initiates.
  5. Discard the first liter of filtered water. This water will have a sour stale taste resulting from long-term filter storage.

 

CLEANING YOUR FILTER

Your CORE Family™ filter system was designed with Smart-Clean™ technology to provide the safest, easiest, and fastest cleaning method of any filter on earth.  You don’t need filtered water or any tools because no backwashing is required.

  1. Lift the filter out of the water source, leaving any/all other parts and tubing connected to your filter and container. NO TUBING NEEDS TO BE DISCONNECTED FOR FILTER CLEANING.
  2. Twist off the outer top shield from the bottom base. The integrated tether keeps this part from being set aside and lost.
  3. Swish the caged filter core in water (using the unfiltered water source is just fine) vigorously for about 20 seconds or until the membranes become visibly clean.
  4. Twist top shield onto base.
  5. Drop filter back into water source to continue filtering.

**You may also clean your filter by rinsing it under a faucet or hose.  However, this method is not as effective as swishing.  Vigorous swishing of the filter in a water source creates greater turbulence around the membranes, helping to dislodge more of the particulate matter clogging the membrane surfaces.

 

DISINFECTING FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE 

If you will not be using your CORE Family™ for an extended period, disinfect the system according to the following steps for long-term storage to prevent microbiological growth:

  1. Perform a normal cleaning by swishing the filter in water until the membranes appear clean.
  2. With your filter system assembled in a bucket, clean the bucket(s) of your one or two-bucket system with ordinary dish soap and filtered or treated water. If using filter without buckets, clean a separate container large enough for submerging your filter.  Discard water and rinse until you do not see soap suds.
  3. Fill the source bucket or container with at least 5L of filtered or treated water and add four drops of ordinary household bleach or another approved disinfectant tablet.
  4. Run your filter according to normal use instructions, allowing the entire 5L+ of water to run through the filter system to disinfect all the parts of your filter system.
  5. Disassemble all parts of your system and allow the parts to air dry in a clean environment.
  6. Reassemble the system parts as desired and store inside the original resealable plastic packaging. Store away from sunlight, UV exposure, or freezing conditions.
  7. When you are ready to use your filter again, remove from the packaging and follow the procedure for priming and initial use. Discard first liter of water to remove any stale taste resulting from long term storage.

 

REPLACING THE Quick-Swap™ FILTER CARTRIDGE

For optimum filter performance, replace the Quick-Swap™ filter cartridge after 2 years or 30,000 liters of water, or if the water flow from your filter has slowed or stopped and cleaning does not restore the flow.  To replace the Quick-Swap Cartridge, disinfect system per instructions for long-term storage.  Unscrew the Quick-Swap cartridge from the CORE Base and screw in a new cartridge until hand-tight.  Do not overtighten.  Replace your entire CORE Family™ system if any key components have become damaged.

 

FAQ & TIPS

How long can I store my new CORE Family™ product before using it?  If stored new in its original packaging away from direct UV exposure or water, the CORE Family™ has an unlimited shelf life, making it a great emergency-preparedness item to keep on hand.

What kind of water sources should I use?  To extend the life of your CORE Family™ filter, always use the best available freshwater source. If possible, avoid still water, or water in areas of heavy human or animal use.  Never use seawater, brackish water, or source water near agricultural or mining operations.

How long can I expect my filter to work?  The CORE Family™ is designed to last many years of recreational use and up to 3 years of continuous household use when used properly under normal conditions.  The lifespan of the CORE Family™ filter and the internal Quick-Swap™ cartridge depends on water quality and the frequency of cleaning.  You’ll know you need a new cartridge when desired flow rate is no longer restored through the normal cleaning process. This means enough of your filter pores have become permanently clogged to reduce water flow.

How often should I clean my filter?   Your filter needs cleaning when you notice the flow rate has diminished, but cleaning more regularly will help to prevent the clogging that leads to reduced flow.  Cleaning frequency depends largely upon water quality, but a good rule of thumb is to clean your filter at once per day if using continuously. If using intermittently during a trip or adventure, always clean your filter after each use and before you store the filter wet.  When using CORE Family™ with buckets or containers continuously for an extended period of time, you should also perform the long-term storage cleaning process at least once every 30 days to prevent microbiological growth in the system and in your containers.

How does Vivoblu’s Smart-Clean system work without backwashing? If you’ve owned a portable water filter in the past, chances are you’ve had to backwash. It’s the process of forcing clean water back through the filter system the wrong way to clean the membranes from inside out, and it’s no bueno. Why? 1. It’s an annoying and cumbersome process. 2. It requires carrying an extra tool like a syringe, which has to be kept completely clean. 3. It requires completely disinfected filtered water.  4.  The pressure created while backwashing can also rupture the membranes.  5. Forcing water backwards through your filter the wrong way creates a major risk of contamination.  6. You’ll never know how clean or dirty your filter is, because old-school enclosed designs hide the filter membranes.  7. Even if it works, backwashing only dislodges particles at pores, but does not clean the entire surface of the filter membranes.   We could go on and on, but the point is, there’s a better way.  Vivoblu’s Smart-Clean system allows the entire filter core to be cleaned with no tools, in any water source, using the turbulence created by swishing the filter core in water.  The open design allows you to easily see that your filter core is clean, and most importantly water is NEVER forced backwards through the system, so you don’t need to worry about introducing contamination into your filter.

Should I keep my filter wet or dry between uses?  If using continuously or frequently (a week or less between uses), keep your CORE Family™ filter wet!  When kept wet, the CORE Family™ will immediately begin to filter water again when put back into use.  If using in a bucket system, leave an inch or so of water in the bucket to keep the filter wet between bucket cycles.  If using in a hanging bag or water bladder, leave the filter in the bag or bladder and seal it with a small amount of water so the filter does not dry out.  If using without containers, keep the filter wet in its original product pouch or any resealable bag/container.  If you aren’t going to be using your filter for more than a week, perform the long-term cleaning process and store your filter dry until next use.

What happens if I let a dirty filter dry out?  If you allow your filter to completely dry out between uses without properly cleaning it beforehand, it is likely that sediment, minerals and other substances in the water will dry and “cake” on your filter membranes.  This undesirable coating can make re-priming your filter take longer and may reduce the flow of your filter until these substances are dissolved and cleaned away from the filter membranes.

My filter dried out, and now I’m having trouble restarting it. What can I do?  If you allow your filter to dry completely without having performed the proper cleaning, you may experience difficulty re-priming your filter or you may experience reduced flow when using your filter again.  These issues may even occur after storing your filter properly for long periods, especially if the filtered water used for cleaning has high “hardness”.  If you experience these issues, use the following steps to restore your filter to normal operation.

  1. Perform a normal filter cleaning by removing the top shield and swishing the caged filter core vigorously for 20-60 seconds in the water to help loosen any mineralization or sediment layer on the fibers. Hold the filter under the water with the tap open for up to 3 minutes or until you see flow beginning.
  2. If flow does not fully restore within 5 minutes of filtering, repeat step 1 an additional time, and filter for another 5 mins.
  3. If flow still hasn’t fully restored, apply suction on the end of the outflow tube to initiate full flow.
  4. If flow is still sluggish, your filter will need to be treated to remove mineralization.
  5. Mix ½ cup household vinegar with 1 – 2L of very warm filter water in a Ziploc bag or container large enough to fit your filter core. Remove the Quick-Swap Filter core from the shield and base.  Seal the caged filter core in the bag and shake (or swish in container) for 60 seconds, then keep your cartridge submerged in the solution for one hour or longer.  This vinegar solution will help dissolve any mineralization that is blocking the pores of your filter membranes.
  6. Remove cartridge from solution, reassemble system, and perform normal priming procedure. Full flow should restore within 5-10 min of normal operation.

How do I maximize flow rate?  Flow rate is highly dependent on head pressure, which is a function of water height above the outflow point (the height between the top of the source water and the place you’re drawing the filtered water from).  Flow rate can be maximized in two ways.  1. Increasing the amount of water in the top bucket/container will add height to the water column, creating additional head pressure on the filter.  2. Increasing the distance in height between the water surface in the top container and the outflow point of the water will also increase flow rate.  This can be done by moving the top bucket (the container with the foul water and the filter) to a higher surface and using the entire length of the long tube for drawing water.  For instance, if you are using a two-bucket system, this can be accomplished by placing the top bucket on a table and the bottom bucket near the floor so the long tube just reaches the bottom bucket. If using a water bladder, it can be accomplished by hanging the bladder at eye-level and drawing from the bottom of the 40” long tube.

My filter flow seems slower than normal. Can I fix this?  Reduced flow can be caused by a number of factors, including high altitude (lower pressure at higher altitudes reduces flow), crimped tubes, dirty filters, and more. Follow the steps below, checking for restored flow after each step:

  1. Clean the CORE Family™ by swishing vigorously in the water until membranes are visibly clean.
  2. Check all tubes to ensure that they are not being pinched or crimped in any way.
  3. Check the taps to ensure that the valves are positioned in the fully open positions.
  4. Eliminate any potential vacuum effect, which can be caused when air cannot enter the top or bottom bucket due to airtight seals around lids and tubing entry holes. This can be alleviated by loosening lids or drilling a small air-hole in the lid or near top of bucket.
  5. Eliminate any trapped air in the filter by holding the filter body underwater while turning it in different directions to release air bubbles.
  6. Manually apply suction to the end of the outflow tube to overcome any hidden airlocks in the system.

What’s the difference between the two taps? Are they interchangeable? One of your taps (the Main Tap) has a barbed nozzle output while the other tap (Second Tap) does not.  The nozzle allows a tube to be connected to the Main Tap, which is necessary for certain configurations or for increasing flow rate. Both taps can be used with the blue wingnut, which allows them to be connected to the filter, but only the Main tap can accept an outflow tube. In a two-bucket system, the Main Tap must be on the top bucket, and Second Tap on bottom.

What’s the deal with that weird-looking wingnut?  We love this little invention!  We combined a washer, nut, and a connection nozzle into one part, and we gave it wings to make it easy to turn by hand with no tools. This custom wingnut secures the tap to a container while also allowing a tubing connection between tap and filter.

What’s the purpose of having a tube between the filter and the wingnut/tap?   This tube allows you to lift the filter body out of the water for cleaning.  This allows you to clean your filter quickly and safely without ever disconnecting it from the system.

Why does the CORE Family filter reside inside the water container instead of outside (hanging from a tube) like my old enclosed filter? First, inside is safer. A filter hanging on the outside of a bag or bucket is more exposed to damage, accidental contamination or loss (ever meet a curious toddler?). Second, the CORE Family has an open design to allow for easy inspection and no-tool cleaning.  The open design allows the filter to sit in the water source itself, allowing water to flow into the filter from all sides rather than just a single entry point, increasing flow rate and prolonging life expectancy.

What’s the purpose of the tether between the top shield and bottom base? The tether helps to prevent accidental loss of the top shield during cleaning.  Because watching your top shield float away down the river is just a bummer.

Uhoh, I broke my tether and lost my top shield. Can I keep using my CORE Family without them?  Yes, but be careful and replace your CORE Family when you can.  The top shield is there to protect the hollow fiber membranes from rocks, sticks, and other potential damage during filtering. It also keeps it protected while bouncing around in your backpack or suitcase. So using your filter without the top shield increases your risk of damage. Use extra caution if doing so and inspect your filter core regularly to ensure there are no broken or damaged fibers.

 

LIMITED WARRANTY

One-year limited warranty on CORE Family™

Your core family is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty lasts one year from the date of purchase of your CORE Family™ water filter. All implied warranties under state law are also limited to one years from the date of purchase. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. In the event of a defect in material or workmanship within the one-year warranty, Vivoblu. will either repair or replace or refund the purchase price of your core family filter at Vivoblu’s sole discretion.

This warranty does not cover any damage caused by product misuse, abuse or failure to follow instructions provided herein for proper use, maintenance, cleaning or storage. This warranty also does not cover, and expressly excludes coverage for, any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the purchase, use or performance of the product. Some state laws do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply.

 

The CORE Family™ 0.1 Micron Water Filtration System is a product of Vivoblu Inc.

Designed and Developed in the USA

Manufactured in China

EPA # 101367-CO-1