AquaticLife 540292 Smart Buddie Booster Pump User Guide

AquaticLife 540292 Smart Buddie Booster Pump

Installation

Thank you for purchasing an Aquatic Life Smart Buddie Booster Pump. When maintained properly, this unit will provide years of service.

OVERVIEW

Booster pumps are used to increase the water pressure against the membrane and increase the efficiency of the reverse osmosis (RO) unit. The Smart Buddie Booster Pump does more than just increase water pressure though, it also flushes the membrane to prolong its life and shuts off the pump when the filtered water line is shut off. There are additional features to the Smart Buddie, so please review this entire guide to understand the benefits and requirements.

WARNING: Designed for RESIDENTIAL use only. The pump is sized to work with 50 to 100 GPD RO & RO/DI units only. Your failure to follow any attached instructions and operating parameters will lead to the product’s failure and VOID your warranty.

WHAT’S UNDER THE HOOD?
The Smart Buddie Booster Pump is much more than a pump. Inside is a series of solenoids valves and pressure sensors working together to control the pump and water flow.

• If the Smart Buddie senses no supply of water, it will shut off the pump.
• If the Smart Buddie senses more than 35 PSI on the filtered line, it will turn off the pump and close the water supply solenoid.
• Once every 24 hours of operation or when powered on, the pump will re-route water and flush the membrane for you. When this happens, you will see no filtered water and all wastewater flowing. Flushing will last 20-30 seconds.
• The low voltage transformer inside the housing powers the 24V pump for up to 3,000 hours of operation.
• When there is no power to the Smart Buddie, the solenoids are all in the closed position, meaning no water can flow. This is an important safety feature in the event of a power outage when the unit is operating.

NOTE: Smart Buddie Booster Pumps purchased outside of North America may utilize an external 24V transformer.

DESIGNED FOR USE WITH 50 TO 100 GPD MEMBRANES
RO Membranes are not all the same. Some are rated at 50, 60, 75, 100, or more gallons per day. In addition, they can have different efficiency ratings—referred to as rejection rates. What all TFC membranes have in common is that they are comprised of a special material rolled around a core. The amount of material determines how much water can flow through the membrane in a specific period. The more material, the more water can be produced with the same amount of water pressure. This is why the price of a 100 GPD membrane is more than a 50 GPD membrane. Built into the Smart Buddie Booster Pump is a 300 cc flow restrictor on the waste/ concentrate line. This restricts water from flowing out the waste line and helps create pressure on the membrane. Now envision pushing the same volume of water through each of the different membranes above. The water will flow easiest through the 100 GPD because there is more material. However, this also means that less waste or concentrated TDS water is produced per gallon of filtered water. Where did the TDS go? The additional TDS was concentrated into the waste stream of water and flowed out through the wastewater line. With a 50, 75, or 100 GPD membrane, you will see about a 1:1 to 1:2 filtered/waste ratio. You will get a little more wastewater with the 50 GPD membrane and a little less wastewater with the 100 GPD membrane. Keep in mind, less wastewater = more concentrated TDS wastewater, which could mean shorter membrane life. What happens if you use the Smart Buddie with your 180 or 200 GPD RO unit? You will produce lots of filtered water and very little wastewater. Remember, the larger the membrane the more material that the water can flow through all at once. While this seems ideal at first, the membranes may need to be replaced often. Therefore, the Smart Buddie pump is ideal for RO membranes between 50 and 100 GPD.

WHEN USING A MECHANICAL FLOAT VALVE, YOU NEED A TIMER
The Smart Buddie senses back pressure when you shut off the filtered water line and the entire pump shuts off. Many people use a mechanical float valve when filling their container or aquarium sump. However, when the water in the sump is moving around, the float tends to bob up and down. This causes multiple issues with the Smart Buddie Booster Pump.

• The pump life is shortened from constantly turning on and off and wearing out the high-pressure switch.
• Because of repeated TDS creep, higher TDS water will flow out the RO unit and can deplete DI resin quickly.

To use a mechanical float with the Smart Buddie, a simple wall plug timer should be used. Set the timer to allow the pump to operate only once a day. This will allow the pump to operate long enough to fill the container until the float shuts the water off and then power off the pump until the next day. This means there is only TDS creep once and the pump is not cycling on and off multiple times.

USING THE PRESS FITTINGS

1. Remove the blue clip from the press-fitting.
2. Cut tubing evenly and not at an angle.
3. Mark the tubing 5/8″ from the cut end. Push the tubing into the fitting. You will hit the first stop. The tubing is still not secured properly. Push the tubing a second time until it reaches the 5/8″ mark.
4. Pull back on the tubing to ensure it is secure.
5. Replace the blue clip back onto the fitting.

NOTE: To remove a piece of tubing, remove the blue clip, then press down and hold the collar while pulling out tubing.
NOTE: Pinched tubing will not seal properly. Cut the tubing with the included razor blade to prevent pinching. When inserting the tubing, you will feel a two-click insert to verify the tubing is inserted the full 5/8″ into the press-fitting.

90-DEGREE ELBOWS
If you are using this pump with the Aquatic Life Twist-In 75 or 100 GPD RO/DI system, you will need to install these 90° elbows. We have included six elbows that fit between the pivoting heads. These elbows DO NOT require the locking blue clips

The elbows may also be used on the front of the Smart Buddie to help reduce the profile of the tubing exiting the housing.

TUBING
Cut the tubing as needed to connect the various components. Use the razor blade to ensure a clean, even cut.

INSTALLATION DIAGRAMS

Use the diagram that matches your model of RO or RO/DI unit needing a connection to the Smart Buddie Booster Pump. For illustration purposes, we have color-coded the tubing to easily follow the water path.

• Blue Tubing = Filtered
• Red Tubing = Waste
• Yellow Tubing = Supply

IMPORTANT: DO NOT use the following components when plumbing the Smart Buddie to your RO or RO/DI unit:

1. Plumbed to 50 or 100 GPD RO Buddie®

   • Additional Purchase Considerations
     • RO Buddie 50 GPD – Item #540016
     • RO Buddie 100 GPD – Item #540017
     • Float Valve Kit – Item #500300
     • Wall Timer

2. Plumbed to 50 or 100 GPD RO Buddie® & Sediment Pre-Filter

   • Additional Purchase Considerations
     • RO Buddie 50 GPD – Item #540016
     • RO Buddie 100 GPD – Item #540017
     • 10″ Clear Canister – Item #540507
     • Float Valve Kit – Item #500300
     • Wall Timer

3. Plumbed to 50 or 100 GPD RO Buddie® & Carbon Plus Chloramine Filter

   • Additional Purchase Considerations
     • RO Buddie 50 GPD – Item #540016
     • RO Buddie 100 GPD – Item #540017
     • Classic Carbon Plus Filter – Item #540695
     • Float Valve Kit – Item #500300
     • Wall Timer

4. Plumbed to 50 GPD RO Buddie + DI

   • Additional Purchase Considerations
     • RO Buddie + DI 50 GPD – Item #540019
     • Float Valve Kit – Item #500300
     • Wall Timer

5. Plumbed to 75 or 100 GPD Twist-In RO/DI Unit

   • Additional Purchase Considerations
     • 75 GPD TI RO/DI Unit – Item #540346
     • 100 GPD TI RO/DI Unit – Item #540371
     • Float Valve Kit – Item #500300
     • Wall Timer

6. Plumbed to 75 or 100 GPD Twist-In RO/DI Unit & Sediment Pre-Filter

   • Additional Purchase Considerations
     • 75 GPD TI RO/DI Unit – Item #540346
     • 100 GPD TI RO/DI Unit – Item #540371
     • 10″ Clear Canister – Item #540507
     • Float Valve Kit – Item #500300
     • Wall Timer

7. Plumbed to 75 or 100 GPD Twist-In RO/DI Unit & Carbon Plus Chloramine Filter

   • Additional Purchase Considerations
     • 75 GPD TI RO/DI Unit – Item #540346
     • 100 GPD TI RO/DI Unit – Item #540371
     • Classic Carbon Plus Filter – Item #540695
     • Float Valve Kit – Item #500300
     • Wall Time

8. Plumbed to Aquatic Life Classic 100 GPD RO/DI Unit

Additional Purchase Considerations

• Classic 4-Stage RO/DI
• Float Valve Kit
• Wall Timer Item #540326 Item #500300

Step1: Remove all pre-plumbed tubing on the Classic 4-Stage unit, except for the “Y” fitting and tubing connected to the pressure gauge.

STEP 2: Connect faucet water supply line to press fitting labeled SUPPLY on Classic unit.

STEP3: Connect water exiting the clear middle canister to port 5 on Smart Buddie.

STEP4: Connect port 6 on Smart Buddie to the “Y” fitting.

STEP 5:  Connect the single end of the “Y” fitting to the port on the Membrane Cap.

STEP6: Connect the tubing to the RO Membrane port WITHOUT the gray ring. The other end is connected to port 3 on the Smart Buddie. Connect another piece of tubing to port 4. This is the wastewater line that can go to the drain

STEP7: Connect the tubing to the RO Membrane port WITH the gray ring. The other end of the tubing connects to the back side of the DI Resin canister.

STEP8: Connect the fitting on the front of the deionization canister to port 1. Connect another piece of tubing to port 2. This is your RO/DI filtered water.

• Plumbed to any 50-100 GPD RO/DI Unit
  The Smart Buddie Booster Pump can be plumbed to virtually any 50 to 100 GPD RO or RO/DI unit. Use this easy flow process for connecting the Smart Buddie to your system.

• Pressure gauge connection

Additional Purchase Considerations
Pressure Gauge – Item #9000903

A pressure gauge is a good way to monitor the stability of the system. When plumbed correctly, the gauge should read 85+ PSI, but may vary slightly for each setup. It is important to note the pressure when all cartridges are new.

DECREASE IN PRESSURE – Sediment and/or carbon cartridges should be examined and possibly replaced.

INCREASE IN PRESSURE -Membrane may need to be replaced. When installing, the gauge should always be located in the line that connects Port #6 and the membrane supply. For traditional RO and RO/DI units, this will be the press fitting on the membrane cap. For the Aquatic Life Twist-In unit, this will be the third pivoting head from the left.

Pressure Gauge connection using standard RO or RO/DI Unit

• Pressure gauge connection

Pressure Gauge connection using Aquatic Life Twist-In Unit

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

Place the Smart Buddie Booster Pump on a stable surface and always create a drip loop to the electrical outlet

NOTE: The Smart Buddie accepts universal voltage input; including 110 and 220V. The power plug is designed for 110 outlets.

POWER ON INDICATOR
When plugged into a power outlet, a blue light will illuminate on the top of the Smart Buddie to indicate the unit is powered on and operating.

NOTE: ‘Operating’ means the pump is running, and all sensors and solenoids are functioning.

OPERATION

The Smart Buddie Booster Pump is designed for residential applications. The unit performs the following functions when operating:

• Flushing the Membran Flushing
  the membrane is critical to obtaining peak performance from a RO unit. Flushing clears debris build-up on the membrane, thereby prolonging the membrane life. The Smart Buddie flushes the membrane for 20-30 seconds every 24 hours (and when the unit is powered on). After flushing, filtered water production will begin.

• Low-Pressure Switch
  The built-in low-pressure switch will disconnect power if the source water pressure is between 4.35 and 7.25 PSI. Shutting off the source water when the pressure is low will prolong the life of the pressure pump.

• High-Pressure Switch
  Many RO unit installations connect to storage containers that use float valves or pressure canisters that create pressure on the filtered water line. When the containers are full, back pressure on the filtered water line is created. The built-in high-pressure switch will disconnect power if the filtered water supply line pressure is between 33.35 and 36.25 PSI, preventing water flow to the membrane.

• Pressure Pump
  The pressure pump increases incoming water pressure to 80 – 90 PSI. This higher pressure increases the effectiveness of the RO unit.

UNIT MAINTENANCE

Periodically inspect the unit and all tubing connections for signs of wear and leaks. Use a clean damp cloth to clean the outside of the unit housing.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Unit won’t power on

1. Check that the unit is plugged into a live outlet and the blue power indicator light is illuminated.
2. Check that the supply water is turned on. The pump will not operate if no water is detected.

The unit constantly turns on and off

1.  Check that the float valve is sealing properly.
2. Install an on/off valve on the filtered water line. With the valve closed, the pump should shut off.

Tubing shakes and vibrates

1.  This is normal during operation. The pressure gauge hasn’t changed
2. The pressure gauge won’t change if it is connected to the supply line going into the sediment cartridge. When using a pressure gauge, it should be installed on the supply line going into the membrane.

Pressure has decreased

1. The sediment and/or carbon are plugged and do not allow enough water to flow to the pump.

Can’t remove plugs

1. Remove the blue clip, press down, and hold the collar while removing the plug at the same time.

My new unit appears used

1. Each unit is water tested prior to shipping. It is common to remove the shipping plugs and discover water inside the unit.

Model# 540292
1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Aquatic Life warrants that this Booster Pump shall be free from defective electrical components and leaks or cracks due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase. If a defect is shown, Aquatic Life will, at Aquatic Life’s sole discretion, either repair or replace the product without charge. No cash refunds will be made. This warranty is provided solely to the original consumer purchaser of the product and may not be transferred or assigned. This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, lack of reasonable care, failure to follow safety and installation instructions. This warranty will not be effective unless and until the Aquatic Life product is shown to have been used in accordance with the safety and installation instructions accompanying the product and for Residential Use Only.

WARRANTY VOID IF CONNECTED TO ANYTHING OTHER THAN AN RO OR RO/DI UNIT RATED BETWEEN 50 AND 100 GPD TOTAL MEMBRANE OUTPUT. THIS CONSTITUTES AQUATIC LIFE’S ENTIRE WARRANTY AND AQUATIC LIFE MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT. AQUATIC LIFE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF AQUATIC LIFE CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, ALL SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. AQUATIC LIFE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. AQUATIC LIFE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL ALLEGED DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF MARINE LIFE, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or exclusions or limitations on the duration of implied warranties or conditions, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary by state or province. Aquatic Life shall not have any obligations under this warranty unless the owner notifies Aquatic Life in writing of any alleged defect(s) within 30 days of discovery of the defect(s). Any notice to Aquatic Life must be delivered by United States or electronic mail to the following address: U.S. Mail: Aquatic Life, 9710 Klingerman St., S El Monte, CA 91733 or electronic mail: customersupport@aquaticlife. com. Aquatic Life shall be allowed a reasonable period of time to investigate any warranty claim and to perform any testing Aquatic Life deems necessary to determine the cause of the defect. This warranty shall be interpreted under the laws of the State of California.

Lifetime Products, LLC9710 Klingerman St. | S. El Monte, CA 91733
customersupport@aquaticlife.com
www.aquaticlife.com

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