The cost of a water filtration system for commercial ice makers may be a lot, but will reduce your expenses over time. However, the benefit of having a filter will pay off in dividends, through service and maintenance savings down the road. Properly sized water filter systems provide more than just particle reduction, they also reduce chlorine taste and odor, and most importantly reduce scale. Scale build up is the number one reason commercial ice machines break down.

Scale build up on ice thickness probes, water level probes, and valves causes break downs. Ice maker components are harmed by scale, because it causes a level of resistance, which causes the board to misread. In addition, scale build up within valves will cause them to stick or leak. An ice machine water filter using the chemical siliphos, will reduce scale and help prevent service issues.

Did you know that on average it can take up to 4 hours to properly clean a dirty ice machine? Ice machines with water filters make them easier to clean and reduce the frequency of cleanings needed. The money you would be paying a service technician for 4 hours of labor, is savings in your pocket.

What other benefits does a filter provide?

Many ice maker filters will also reduce particulates in the water, which can be known to clog valves. Chlorine taste and odor reduction are also a benefit, depending on the water quality in your area. Better tasting ice will also make the beverages you serve taste better, increasing customer satisfaction and ultimately sales.

What water filters are available for commercial ice machines?

All commercial ice maker water filters have one thing in common, siliphos. Siliphos is the active ingredient found within water filters that causes minerals in water to be suspended. This allows the minerals to be filtered and reduce the scale accumulation within your ice maker. However, it’s important to choose a water filter system that provides enough capacity to meet your ice production needs.

Most ice maker water filters come in 3 different sizes. The most common water filter will have a 10,000 gallon capacity to treat ice makers with production up to 600 lb per day. Next there is a 20,000 gallon capacity cartridge, that will provide filtration for 600-1000 lb per day production machines. The largest ice makers, producing 1000 -2400 lb of ice per day require a 40,000 gallon capacity cartridge, with larger amounts of the chemical siliphos.

Under sizing your filter system can be just as bad as not having one. The chemical siliphos is water activated, so a properly sized system will require a change out, on average, once every 6 months. However, in areas with poor quality water, increased frequency may be needed. If a filter clogs sooner than every 6 months, you know it’s doing it’s job and keeping the scum out of your ice machine.