VS100 installation sequence
The VivaSpring VS100 is a two-piece system: the filter housing (with Vitamin C cartridge inside) connects to the shower arm, and the showerhead connects to the filter housing outlet. (1) Remove the existing showerhead. (2) Apply Teflon tape to the shower arm threads. (3) Thread the VS100 filter housing clockwise onto the arm -- hand-tighten plus a quarter-turn with a wrench (cloth-protected). (4) Apply Teflon tape to the filter housing outlet threads. (5) Thread the included showerhead onto the housing outlet clockwise -- hand-tighten plus a quarter-turn. (6) Turn on the water and perform the first-use flush.
Vitamin C cartridge -- pre-installation note
Verify the Vitamin C cartridge is correctly seated in the filter housing before installation. Unscrew the filter housing cap (counterclockwise) and confirm the cartridge is flush with the housing walls -- an unseated cartridge allows bypass water that does not pass through the filtration media. The cartridge should seat with a light click or resistance at the bottom of the housing. Replace the cap finger-tight plus a quarter-turn. Do not over-tighten -- the cap cracking is the most common installation error with cartridge housing designs.
First-use flush
Run the shower at full flow for 2 minutes before first use. The first 30-60 seconds may run with a faint yellow tint -- this is normal ascorbic acid dissolution residue from the initial wetting of the cartridge. The water is safe; the tint clears within 1-2 minutes. If the tint does not clear within 3 minutes, the cartridge may not be correctly seated -- shut off water, re-seat the cartridge, and restart the flush.
VS100-FR cartridge replacement
Replace the VS100-FR cartridge every 2-4 months (approximately 9,000 liters / 2,400 gallons): (1) Shut off the shower water supply valve. (2) Unscrew the showerhead from the filter housing. (3) Unscrew the filter housing cap counterclockwise. (4) Pull out the spent cartridge (it will be white or yellow and depleted of ascorbic acid crystals -- a spent cartridge feels lighter than a new one). (5) Insert the new VS100-FR cartridge. (6) Replace and tighten the housing cap. (7) Reattach the showerhead. (8) Run a 2-minute flush. Total time: 5-7 minutes per replacement.