LIFESAVER Systems FAQs
What does a LIFESAVER water filter remove?
The ultrafiltration technology within LIFESAVER products removes microbiological contamination from water. We filter out to a minimum 99.99% of Viruses (Log 4), 99.9999% of Bacteria (Log 6) and 99.9% of Cysts (Log 3)
What size are the pores in a LIFESAVER water filter?
Membrane manufacturers cannot specify an exact uniform pore size across all of their membranes due to variance which occurs in membrane production. It is for this reason that Icon Lifesaver does not quote a specific figure. Icon Lifesaver can guarantee that the membranes used in our products have a spread of pore sizes that ensure Icon Lifesaver meet an adaption of NSF Protocol 231 based on recommendations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Log reduction represents an acceptable range of microbiological pathogen removal, we believe this to be the most accurate and relevant measurement of water filtration effectiveness.
How does LIFESAVER technology work?
LIFESAVER products are sealed units that are pressurized by using a hand pump. The pressure forces water through the pores of the filter and out through the exit nozzle leaving microbiological contamination behind.
How can I fill a LIFESAVER product with water?
You can scoop water using a LIFESAVER product from any fresh water source including lakes, rivers, streams and ponds. Be careful not to contaminate the tap of the LIFESAVER cube or jerrycan with dirty water. Keep the snap-shut lid of the LIFESAVER bottle closed when submerging in dirty water to keep the nozzle clean. Alternatively, water can be poured into a LIFESAVER product from a tap, hose, pitcher, bucket, rainwater harvesting system or from any other container suitable for holding water.
How long does water take to start flowing from a LIFESAVER product?
After primed, water will flow instantly from a LIFESAVER product.
Is there a restriction on the temperature that the products can be used in?
Yes, the minimum operating temperature is >0°C/32°F and the maximum operating temperature is 50°C/122°F.
What is the shelf life of a LIFESAVER filter?
The hollow fiber membranes used in all of our filters need to remain hydrated to retain their structure. During the manufacturing process, the membranes are coated with food grade glycerine to hydrate them (It is the glycerine that is rinsed off in the priming process). The glycerine will hydrate the membrane for approximately 3 years. If stored longer than 3 years the membranes may dry out, causing the membrane pores to close and the system to shut down.
What is the shelf life of a LIFESAVER filter (Heat sealed in aluminum barrier foil)?
An aluminum barrier foil, heat sealed cartridge provides the lowest moisture transition rate available. This protection means that if sealed in the condition it was purchased the shelf life of the product can be extended up to 10 years from the date of manufacture.
What is the shelf life of an activated carbon filter?
In its original polythene wrapping, the activated carbon filter can be stored for up to 3 years from the date of manufacture. Carbon is a natural absorbent and once exposed (unwrapped) it will start working and will last approximately 2 months.
What is the shelf life of an activated carbon filter (Heat sealed in aluminum barrier foil)?
An aluminum barrier foil, heat sealed carbon filter provides the lowest moisture transition rate available. This protection means that if sealed in the condition it was purchased the shelf life of the product can be extended up to 10 years from the date of manufacture. On opening of the foil wrapped packaging, the activated carbon filter can be stored for a further 3 years if sealed in the zip lock foil bag it was supplied in.
How should I store a LIFESAVER product?
Once primed, keep the membranes of the filter hydrated by storing at least 1 inch/2.5 cm of water in the LIFESAVER product at all times. Keep the product sealed with the pump and tap in place. Do not allow the membranes to dry out.
How should I store activated carbon filter(s)?
Store any spare activated carbon filters in the foil zip lock bag provided. You can use an airtight container or plastic bag. This will preserve their shelf life for up to 3 years (dependent on the quality of the container/bag being fully air-tight).
Is there a restriction on the temperature that the products can be stored in (unopened)?
Yes, unused the minimum storage temperature is -10°C/14°F and the maximum storage temperature is 50°C/122°F.
LONG-TERM STORAGE: ONE MONTH OR MORE
Is there a restriction on the temperature that the products can be stored in (unopened)?
Yes, unused the minimum storage temperature is -10°C/14°F and the maximum storage temperature is 50°C/122°F.
I'm not planning to use my LIFESAVER for a period of one month or more, how should I store it?
Remove the activated carbon filter from your LIFESAVER product and clean as per the cleaning instructions, detailed in the product instruction manual. Release pressure from the product by unscrewing the pump slowly until you hear a hissing sound. Hold on to the pump firmly whilst unscrewing. Store at least 1 inch/ 2.5 cm of water in the product at all times. After pressure is released screw the pump back into place. Ensure the pump and tap are sealed. Store in a cool environment away from direct sunlight.
I haven't used my LIFESAVER for a period of one month and more, what should I do before re-using it?
Clean your LIFESAVER product before re-use, refer to the product instruction manual for cleaning instructions. Fit a new activated carbon filter before re-use; refer to the product instruction manual for guidance.
Can I use a LIFESAVER product in frozen conditions?
Yes, as long as water does not freeze inside the product. The minimum operating temperature is >0 oC / 32 oF.
Can I use a LIFESAVER product in hot conditions?
Yes, however, do not leave the LIFESAVER product in direct sunlight for long periods of time. The maximum operating temperature is 50 oc/122 oF.
How should I transport my LIFESAVER whilst flying?
Firstly release pressure from the LIFESAVER product, unscrew the pump slowly until you hear a hissing sound. Hold on to the pump firmly whilst unscrewing. Drain off any water and re-seal ensuring the pump is screwed back in place. Pack securely in the hold or within hand luggage to protect the product from the impact. Pour 1 inch/2.5cm of water into the vessel when the destination is reached.
How long will my LIFESAVER water filter last?
In ideal conditions, the cartridge will process the number of liters specified. As an example, a 4000-liter cartridge in the LIFESAVER bottle 4000UF will last approximately 3 years and 7 months. This is based on the user filtering 3 litres per day; as per the WHO guidelines for drinking and water recommendations. These are approximate life spans based on the cartridge being kept hydrated as per the storage instructions and well maintained as per the maintenance and care instructions.
Does the life span of a LIFESAVER product depend upon the cleanliness of the water that goes in?
Yes. Particularly turbid water can reduce the life of the filter. Over time water that contains visible mud and debris will form a layer on the surface of the cartridge. Periodic cleaning of your filter will maximise the life of your LIFESAVER product.
How will I know when the LIFESAVER filter needs replacing?
As the cartridge reaches the end of its life, a greater number of pumps are required to induce water flow. There will come a point at which despite the recommended maximum number of pumps water does not flow. Before you install a new cartridge, check the level of water in the product, as water level becomes low, the flow rate can reduce. Clean the product as the cartridge may be covered in dirt and debris. Refer to the product instruction manual for clean instructions.
Will a 4000UF cartridge fit into a 6000UF bottle and vice versa?
Yes, you can install a 1500UF or 4000UF cartridge into a 6000UF bottle shell and vice versa. Likewise, you can fit a jerrycan shell with either a 10000UF cartridge or a 20000UF cartridge and vice versa.
WHAT DOES THE LIFESAVER CARTRIDGE NOT REMOVE?
- Saltwater: The LIFESAVER cartridge will remove all microbiological contamination from seawater, but will not remove the salt. This is because salt is in solution/dissolved within the water and LIFESAVER technology only filters out suspended particles only.
- Brackish water: Brackish water is a mix of seawater and fresh water. LIFESAVER technology is not suitable for filtering brackish water, as the salt exists in solution within the water. LIFESAVER technology only removes particles in suspension within the water.
- Grey water: Grey water is waste from baths, sinks, washing machines and other kitchen appliances and contains soap and detergents that are in solution within water, LIFESAVER technology cannot filter out soaps and detergents because it cannot remove particles in solution.
- Urine: LIFESAVER technology will remove microbiological contamination from urine, however as there is a certain amount of salt in urine the resulting water will contain a level of salt, which LIFESAVER technology cannot remove. We suggest that you could potentially filter urine up to four times before the salt levels become dangerous. It is recommended that you seek alternative freshwater sources before using the LIFESAVER water filter in this way.
- Coffee and wine: LIFESAVER products will not turn coffee or wine into water.
- Chemicals - Chlorine, pesticides and heavy metals: Chemicals mix with water, meaning that they are dissolvable and appear in solution within the water. The LIFESAVER ultra-filtration cartridge only removes particles in suspension in water, not particles in solution. However, you can use the optional activated carbon filter which removes chlorine, taste, smell and odor.
- Microcystin: LIFESAVER technology is able to filter out the microcystin bacteria but not the toxins and chemicals that the bacteria secretes in water.
What is an activated carbon filter?
An activated carbon filter removes chlorine, taste, smell and odor.
What is the lifespan of an activated carbon filter?
A bottle activated carbon filter will process approximately 250 liters of water. A cube activated carbon filter will process approximately 100 liters of water. A jerrycan activated carbon filter will process approximately 500 liters of water.
Will the LIFESAVER water filter work without the addition of an activated carbon filter?
Yes. The activated carbon filter is an optional extra. The LIFESAVER water filter will continue to remove all microbiological contamination with or without the activated carbon filter in place.
How do I know when I need to change the activated carbon filter?
Other than keeping track of usage, you may find that water from your LIFESAVER is less palatable after time. Unlike the hollow fiber membranes filter, the carbon will carry on working past its expiry. We recommend you keep track of approximately how many litres of water have been produced from the LIFESAVER product.
Can I use my LIFESAVER product to store or carry dirty water?
Yes. That's what they are designed for! Once water is cleaned there is a risk of recontamination. With LIFESAVER you filter water when you need to drink it.
What is FAILSAFE technology?
FAILSAFE technology is an automatic indicator of when the cartridge in the filter needs replacing. When the service life of the cartridge has been fulfilled, the pores in the membranes will become blocked by contaminants. The filter will stop passing water. This takes away the guesswork of knowing whether your cartridge is still effectively filtering water.
How can I be sure that the cartridge needs replacing?
Operate the product as per the product instruction manual, with the recommended maximum water level and the recommended maximum number of pumps. If no water is being dispensed from the LIFESAVER product, the cartridge has expired.
What is the warranty on LIFESAVER products?
The product comes with a 2-year international warranty from the date of purchase, against defects in materials and workmanship. Should your product prove defective within 2 years from the date of purchase you should return it to the retailer that you originally purchased it from? Icon Lifesaver will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace the damaged item(s). You should ensure that you retain your proof of purchase showing the date on which you purchased your LIFESAVER product. Without it we are unable to offer warranty assistance. This International Limited Warranty does not affect your statutory legal rights. The warranty is non-transferable and does not apply to second-hand purchases.
What are the dry weights of each product?
LIFESAVER bottle inc. cartridge: 0.635kg / 22oz
LIFESAVER jerrycan inc. cartridge: 3.9kg / 137oz
LIFESAVER cube inc. cartridge: 1.2kg / 42 oz
LIFESAVER C2 inc. cartridge: 75kg / 2645 oz
How much water can you store in each product?
LIFESAVER bottle: 750ml / 1.6 US pints / 25.3 US oz
LIFESAVER jerrycan: 18.5L / 39.09 US pints / 625.44 US oz
LIFESAVER cube: 5L / 8.75 US pints / 168 US oz
LIFESAVER C2: 750L / 1302 US pints / 26,396 US oz
What kind of plastic is used in the shell of LIFESAVER products?
All plastics used in the production of LIFESAVER products are food grade and BPA and BPS free.