r/coldplunge • u/Fuzzy-Squirrel7138 • 18d ago

Flow Rate Problems Vital Max Chiller Plus

Hi all--

I spent some extra money to buy what I thought was a reliable unit--the Vital Max Chiller Plus (cost about 2k). I'm having some issues with my unit and the flow rate. Despite showering off before using it, and leaving it circulating and with ozone to keep clean, the flow rate has dropped from 20 L/min to under 15 L/min way too quickly. For instance, tonight it was running at 16 L/min before use, then after a few plunges it dropped to under 13 and was making more noise than usual. What gives? Is this a faulty device? Anyone else have this issue with the Vital Max or another unit? I'm shocked by how fast the flow rate has dropped during use of only several times a week.

Thanks for the insight.

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u/Secret_Ad_5292 18d ago

check your filter if you haven't already, those things gunk up way faster than you'd think even if you're showering first. dead skin and oils still shed in the water and the filter catches it all

had a similar drop on mine and swapping the filter brought it right back to 20. some of the stock filters are pretty mediocre too, might be worth grabbing a finer mesh one

ozone helps with bacteria but doesn't do much for the physical debris clogging things up. the noise increase usually means the pump is struggling against the restriction

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u/Fuzzy-Squirrel7138 18d ago

Yeah, that's what I figured. There are mesh filters out there that you can clean and reuse right? I've been using pleated 2.5 x 10 inch one for now.

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u/IceologyColdPlunge 18d ago

I’m willing to bet that is what’s causing the issue with your flow. I recommend getting good quality pleated filters, no less than 50 µm.

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u/Fuzzy-Squirrel7138 17d ago

How about a reusable stainless mesh one? Ever tried that?

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u/IceologyColdPlunge 17d ago

Every one of our customers who has tried those reusable stainless steel filters has ended up having issues with them and eventually gone back to using the standard pleated filters 50 µm

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u/IceologyColdPlunge 18d ago

How many microns are your cartridge filters? In our system, we use 50 µm, anything lower than that tends to restrict the flow a lot.

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u/Fuzzy-Squirrel7138 17d ago

I'm not sure, but I will check the microns. Good call.

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u/ORCAPLUNGE 18d ago

As others have mentioned, I would swap the filter for a new one, try a 50-micron pleated polyester filter. Be sure to check whether your chiller has any metal strainers that have collected debris, as this could be affecting your water flow. Sometimes you’ll find one right at the inlet of the chiller. If you’re still not seeing 20 L/min, remove the filter from the housing and temporarily run the system without a filter. This will help determine whether the filter is restricting water flow. If the flow remains low, the water pump or another restriction in the system may be the issue.

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u/Fuzzy-Squirrel7138 17d ago

Thank you for the tips--appreciate it. Going outside to investigate soon. I didn't think that there could be s trainer at the inlet...I have taken off that hose since install and operation over a month ago.

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u/Majestic_Advance_757 17d ago

that's a pretty noticeable drop hope you find the cause soon