FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL PERFORMANCE & SAFETY

Yes. Our antibacterial filtration products use advanced Hollow Fiber Membrane (HFM) technology to physically block and remove 99.99999% of bacteria from the water supply. This includes Legionella, NTM (Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria), E. coli, and other harmful microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Unlike chemical treatments, HFM technology works by mechanical filtration, meaning bacteria and pathogens cannot pass through the microscopic pores of the membrane. This ensures consistent, reliable protection at all times.

Hollow Fiber Membranes contain millions of tiny tube-like fibers with pores small enough to block bacteria and protozoa while still allowing clean water to pass through at high flow rates.

Key advantages include:

  • No chemicals or additives
  • Immediate protection (no “activation time”)
  • Consistent performance over the life of the filter
  • Proven effectiveness in medical and laboratory environments

Our filters remove:

  • 99.99999% of bacteria (including Legionella, NTM, E. coli)
  • Waterborne pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia
  • Particulate matter larger than the membrane pore size

Please note: These filters are designed to remove microbiological contaminants, not dissolved chemicals, salts, or heavy metals.

WATER PRESSURE & FLOW

In good-quality mains water, you may notice a slight reduction in flow, which is normal for any high-performance filtration system.

However:

  • The shower experience remains strong and comfortable
  • Many users report better spray patterns
  • Reduced water usage can lead to lower energy costs, especially for hot water

Our product design optimises flow to maintain excellent performance even in high-demand domestic systems.

As the filter captures bacteria and sediment, these particles accumulate on the membrane surface. This is known as progressive loading and is a sign the filter is doing its job.

In areas with:

  • High sediment levels
  • Poor water quality
  • Older pipework

…the filter may block more quickly and require more frequent replacement.

FILTER LIFESPAN & MAINTENANCE

Filter lifespan depends on water quality and usage, but typical capacities are:

  • SS-1 / SS-2: up to 5,000 litres
  • SS-2 Plus: up to 10,000 litres
  • SS-3: up to 20,000 litres

In normal household use, this can equate to several months of protection.

High sediment levels will cause the filter to clog more quickly. This does not reduce filtration effectiveness, but it does reduce flow, signalling that the filter is reaching the end of its service life.

In such cases:

  • Filter replacement may be required sooner
  • Performance remains safe until flow becomes noticeably restricted

No. The Hollow Fiber Membrane creates a physical barrier that prevents bacteria from passing through or colonising downstream. There are no chemical media that degrade or lose effectiveness over time.

Not at all. Filter replacement is:

  • Quick
  • Tool-free
  • Designed for non-technical users

Clear instructions are provided with every product.

LEGIONELLA & HEALTH QUESTIONS

No. Legionnaires’ disease is contracted only by inhaling contaminated water droplets (aerosols) into the lungs.

Handling the shower head or filter:

  • Does not create aerosols
  • Does not pose a health risk

That’s not a problem. If the system hasn’t been used for an extended period:

  • Run water through the filter for at least one minute before use
  • Normal protection is immediately restored

INSTALLATION & COMPATIBILITY

Yes. Our Shower Safe products use standard universal fittings compatible with:

  • Virtually all domestic shower heads
  • Most commercial installations

No specialist plumbing is required.

Yes. Our filtration systems are suitable for:

  • Homes
  • Hotels
  • Care homes
  • Hospitals
  • Gyms and leisure facilities

They are particularly effective where Legionella risk management is required.

TESTING, CERTIFICATION & GUARANTEE

Our products have been independently tested and validated by leading scientific institutions and accredited laboratories.

Certification reports and test data are available:

  • On the product pages
  • Under the “Info” section of the website

Yes. SafeWaterProducts.com guarantees that when:

  • Products are installed correctly
  • Filters are replaced according to guidelines

…the system will remove 99.99999% of bacteria, including Legionella, NTM, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia.

PRICING & VALUE

We design and manufacture our products directly and do not rely on costly intermediaries or agents. This allows us to offer:

  • Professional-grade filtration
  • At a fair and transparent price
  • Without compromising safety or performance

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

No. The filtration process is:

  • Entirely mechanical
  • Chemical-free
  • Power-free

Protection is continuous and automatic whenever water flows.

Our filters are ideal for:

  • Families
  • Elderly or immunocompromised individuals
  • Property managers
  • Healthcare and hospitality providers
  • Anyone concerned about waterborne bacteria

SEDIMENT & POOR WATER QUALITY

Important Information for High-Risk Regions

Certain regions experience higher levels of sediment, pipe corrosion, scale, or fluctuating water quality. While our Hollow Fiber Membrane (HFM) filtration systems remain fully effective at blocking bacteria, these conditions can affect filter lifespan and flow rate. This section explains what to expect and how to achieve the best performance in challenging water conditions.

Poor or challenging water quality may include:

  • High sediment levels (sand, silt, rust particles)
  • Old or corroded pipework
  • Intermittent water supply
  • High turbidity (cloudy water)
  • Construction or infrastructure disturbance nearby
  • Rural or remote water supplies

These conditions are more common in older buildings, rural areas, coastal regions, and some international locations.

Hollow Fiber Membrane filters work by physically trapping particles and bacteria on the surface of the membrane.

When sediment levels are high:

  • The filter captures sediment as well as bacteria
  • The membrane surface loads more quickly
  • Flow rate reduces sooner than in clean water areas

This is a normal and expected outcome and confirms that the filter is actively protecting the user.

No.
Even in poor water conditions:

  • The 99.99999% bacterial removal performance remains unchanged
  • Filtration effectiveness is maintained until the filter is fully blocked
  • Reduced flow is an early warning indicator, not a safety failure

The filter does not “let bacteria through” as it becomes loaded.

Sediment particles are often:

  • Much larger than bacteria
  • Present in significantly higher volumes

As a result, the filter may reach its flow-reduction threshold sooner in high-risk areas compared to regions with clean, treated mains water.

Common indicators include:

  • Noticeable reduction in water flow
  • Slower shower fill or spray
  • Longer time to achieve desired pressure

There is no need for testing equipment — flow reduction is the built-in service indicator.

The filter will gradually slow, not suddenly fail.
This gives users ample time to:

  • Continue safe use at reduced flow
  • Arrange a replacement at their convenience

Complete blockage is extremely rare under normal domestic use.

In high-risk regions:

  • Filters may need replacing more frequently than the stated litre capacity
  • Lifespan may be reduced depending on sediment concentration
  • Heavy usage combined with poor water quality accelerates loading

For these regions, we recommend:

  • Monitoring flow regularly
  • Keeping a spare replacement filter available

Yes. In extreme sediment conditions:

  • A coarse pre-filter can extend the life of the antibacterial filter
  • Larger particles are captured before reaching the HFM membrane
  • Overall system efficiency is improved

This is especially beneficial in:

  • Rural supplies
  • Construction zones
  • Older commercial buildings

No.
Sediment does not damage the membrane — it simply occupies surface area.

The filter:

  • Does not degrade
  • Does not release trapped contaminants
  • Maintains structural integrity throughout its service life

Yes.
Reduced flow indicates the filter is nearing replacement, not that protection has failed.

Until the filter is fully blocked:

  • Bacterial protection remains fully active
  • Water remains microbiologically safe

We recommend:

  • Running water through the system for 1–2 minutes on first installation
  • This flushes loose sediment from the pipework
  • Ensures optimal starting performance

Extra attention is recommended for:

  • Healthcare facilities
  • Care homes
  • Hotels and gyms
  • Properties with stored water systems
  • Regions with known Legionella risks

In these environments, proactive filter management is strongly advised.

SUMMARY: KEY POINTS FOR HIGH-RISK REGIONS

  • Sediment reduces filter lifespan, not filtration effectiveness
  • Flow reduction is a normal and helpful indicator
  • Bacterial protection remains constant
  • More frequent filter changes may be required
  • Pre-filtration can improve performance in extreme cases

SWP International
Headquarters near Ghent
Belgium

Belgium +32 (0) 474 123 258

info@safewaterproducts.com

ABOUT US

We are an internationally successful, technically innovative, legionella filter company with headquarters in Belgium. Our core business is the development, production and distribution of specialist legionella filter water filtration products to combat bacteria, such as Legionella, and other harmful pathogens found in water.

It is our aim to increase our global distribution network to cover as many countries as possible and to become one of the leading companies in legionella filters.

OUR LEGIONELLA FILTERS

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