Really enjoyed your review of both of these water filtration systems. We bought the Blu Tech and installed it 5/30/23 but as of today (8/9/23, our water flow was rather low and the first two filter were orange/brown with the third on being white and not needing replacement. I did not expect to have to replace the first two quite yet but I did and that showed big improvement on the water flow. Thanks again as your review really reassured me that we made the right decision. Plus, storing it underneath somewhere in a heated area is really smart.
I use the RV Water Filter Systems 2 stage filter system for my couples Travel Trailer and put it in a 30 gal. trash can and put it in my pass-thru, so if any drips, I don’t flood the pass thru. It works great. I also got the Blu Tech Off-grid MRX system with a battery powered pump ($699) for my Truck Camper when I go hunting and fishing. I can actually filter water from any source, be it creek, pond, stream, river or lake. They claim I can filter sewer water. Though I am not incline to try that. Great video! Thanks for the follow up. p.s. The RV Water Filter System is a little cheaper.
Thanks Ray. I agree with you smaller is better. I have a one stage 5 micron system under my kitchen sink which has served us well. The issue I’m having is hardness of the water both in Arizona and in Ontario. I believe my tankless water heater died prematurely due to hard water. My rig is only 6 years old. I just bought a on the go water softener so hopefully that will help.
Ray, i really enjoy your videos/tests. Seems to me the Clearsource is doing a better job. BluTech start 3.2 gpm/ end 2.4gpm or a 25% drop in flow rate. The CS Start was 8.4 gpm/end 2.6 gpm of about 69% drop in flow rate. Seems the CS is filtering more “debris” out and “clogging” the filters more. Clogging being a good thing as the debris is stopped at the filters. Is my thinking correct?
Hard to say, as my tests could have been more scientific. :) Didn't use the exact same water sources. I could have had one or more really bad loads of water (lots of sediments)that plugged the Clearsource.
Thanks for the comparison, it was interesting how much the Clearsource flow rate diminished. I'm guessing you began with new filters in each for the original test? Have you considered a water softener for all the hard water areas you travel to?
Yes the filters were brand new. For me I don't need a water softener for the half of the year I spend on Vancouver Island as the water is very soft. Snow melt and rain water fed lake reservoirs are mostly the sources here. So I put up with hard water the 4-5 months I'm in the desert versus having the extra softener equipment on board and maintaining it. If I was always in hard water areas I likely would consider a softener. So far I haven't had any issues other than needing to flush the water heater a few times a year and occasionally give the tank a vinegar soak. I think the 6 months spend on very soft water helps as well. Cheers, Ray
I'm sorry, I know Blu-Tec is giving "youtubers in general" awesome financial incentives to push their product, but why would anyone want to carry something with hard to find filters? I can get 10 inch filters at any big box store... I have the ClearSource and even if Blu Tec offered to pay me to switch and offered free filters for life I'd still say no. That being said, I encourage everyone to buy / use what works best for them!
Actually, I can make more promoting Clearsource since sales are generally much higher due to what you're saying. I just try to let people know the pros and cons of the products as I see them and how they have worked in for me. People can then make up their own mind which works best for their use case and whether they need to have easily available filters from the hardware store or the size and weight is more important. For me I don't need any filtration for the half of the year I spend on Vancouver Island as the water is very good. I trust it having drank it out of the tap pretty well my whole life So for the 6 months I travel and boondock one set should do the trick. Cheers, Ray
Hey, Mike, that is not even a valid point. Both Clearsource and BluTech have prioperatary filters that you CAN NOT find at any "local" store. Sure, you can buy some cheap 10" filter, but then what is the point of buying a $$$ system to protect yourself. However, both companies sell their filters on Amazon, so the answer to this is this are both equal.
Look at the size between the two filter sets. Camp ground water is at best city water and at worst well water. While well water is better tasting, TDS and Hardness are often very high. Filter size is the key to reducing pressure drop, larger filters are better and last longer, 180 day replacement (Clear Source) vs 90 day (Blue Tech). Larger filters last longer in poor water quality situations. Next is the pressure drop across the 3/8’s hose. Nice connectors but when coupled with small easy to plug filters you have increased pressure drop. Spend your dollars at Clear Source and forget Blue Tech.
Agreed, unless size and weight are important factors to you and you have a use case where flow rate isn't a big deal. Both systems work well and have good build quality but have different pros and cons as I see them due to the physical size. For most RV park users Clearsource looks like a better bet but for many off grid users especially those in smaller rigs Blu Tech may be the better choice. Cheers, Ray
Hi..Informative....We winter in SW Texas and Arizona..Water quality poor and hard. Does this system remove enough that you don't get the scale buildup on everything? Thanks
Systems like these don't do much as far as removing dissolved solids in the water that cause hard water. See here where I tested th-cam.com/video/rZfjzNyVLYs/w-d-xo.html For that you need some sort of water softener system or RO filter as seen in this video here th-cam.com/video/Jmq2F7pKsR4/w-d-xo.html and here th-cam.com/video/Sa4xWqoqTdA/w-d-xo.html Cheers, Ray
I don't see them claiming to but Clearsource claims the sediment filter removes rust and its basically the same filter 5 micron that is used in the Blu Tech so it should. btw Clearsource now has a compact water filter system. I'm in the process of testing it. www.loveyourrv.com/clearsource-ultra-mini-water-filter-review/
I believe The Clearsource Ultra Mini was only recently launched as a new product last month. This video is 5 months old. At that time, there was no Clearsource Ultra Mini to mention.
True enough, can get 5 gallons for a buck or 2 from the machines. Used to do that. But sure is nice to not have to acquire and carry bottled water. Like most things you pay for convenience. One less chore.
I watched your video and after a couple of months, I'm very disappointed with this purchase. I brought it to Texas for the winter and getting a 9.0 TDS reading which is unsafe for consumption. It cost a ridiculous amount of money for a poor quality filtration system.
Filters like these aren't designed to remove dissolved solids since they are in the water at a molecular level. I tested that in this video www.loveyourrv.com/testing-rv-water-supply-for-total-dissolved-solids/ If you are in a place with water that provides unsafe TDS levels, it's best to use a Reverse Osmosis system for the drinking water. Something like this www.loveyourrv.com/simpure-countertop-ro-uv-water-filter-purifier-review/ More info on TDS in this article - theberkey.com/blogs/water-filter/purified-water-and-tds-readings Cheers, Ray
Of course, you can always DIY cheaper if you're not including labor costs and not building as nice of hardware. But I wouldn't call them a scam. It's a free market out there. The stuff of this build quality costs money always has. I bet it would take quite a few hours to duplicate the design.
I would say you have demonstrated three things you did not mention, First, a larger filter canister will allow a higher volume of water per minute. Second your amounts at the end showing 2.6 for the ClearSource shows you are filtering more particles than the Blu Tech. Finally, the 2.6 ClearSource and the Blu Tech are long past the time to change the filters. A slower GPM demonstrates you need to replace the filters sooner than the 2.6 shown.
Good points, thanks. I've learned that Blu Tech has come out with a new 10" filter design but is smaller and lighter than the Clearsource so may review that this winter. Also I had a chance to review the small 5" Clearsource Mini this last winter - www.loveyourrv.com/clearsource-ultra-mini-water-filter-review/ Cheers, Ray
I too have the clear source ultra. But am Considering the Blu tech for the same reason - weight. I had room to mount the clear source ultra and Pro Aqua water softener in my fifth wheel basement. But switching to the Blu tech filter and water softener products would save over 50 lbs and give me more room. Good to know that the flow rates are similar. Thanks for another great review.
Thanks for the updated review. I am in the process of deciding on which one i would like and you make good points for both. I am leaning towards the clear source for my needs.
Reached out to Blu by Amazon question and direct to "customer service" about adapters for indoor plumbing. They never responded. I spent $400 with their competition.
Try the website. They have a Chat function there goblutech.com/ Maybe that will work. They have sent out a warning to me that there have been Amazon sellers counterfeiting their products. Sounds like you may have come across one.
I went through the BluTech website chat and they were really nasty to deal with. I went with ClearSource. The weight and size are a pain but the clean water, better flow rate, and longer lasting filters. I just went and tossed 40 pounds of unused kitchen gear and shoes!
*Link to LYRV water filtration-related videos* - www.loveyourrv.com/?s=water+filter
*Product Links*
Clearsource Amazon - amzn.to/41QEYXK
Blu Tech Amazon - amzn.to/41KyKIy
Blu Tech Website - goblutech.com/?ref=qytoidcq
Really enjoyed your review of both of these water filtration systems. We bought the Blu Tech and installed it 5/30/23 but as of today (8/9/23, our water flow was rather low and the first two filter were orange/brown with the third on being white and not needing replacement. I did not expect to have to replace the first two quite yet but I did and that showed big improvement on the water flow. Thanks again as your review really reassured me that we made the right decision. Plus, storing it underneath somewhere in a heated area is really smart.
Hey, Ray and Ann. We always appreciate your reviews on products. You never know about the water your getting. Always best to be double cautious.
I use the RV Water Filter Systems 2 stage filter system for my couples Travel Trailer and put it in a 30 gal. trash can and put it in my pass-thru, so if any drips, I don’t flood the pass thru. It works great. I also got the Blu Tech Off-grid MRX system with a battery powered pump ($699) for my Truck Camper when I go hunting and fishing. I can actually filter water from any source, be it creek, pond, stream, river or lake. They claim I can filter sewer water. Though I am not incline to try that. Great video! Thanks for the follow up. p.s. The RV Water Filter System is a little cheaper.
Thanks Ray. I agree with you smaller is better. I have a one stage 5 micron system under my kitchen sink which has served us well. The issue I’m having is hardness of the water both in Arizona and in Ontario. I believe my tankless water heater died prematurely due to hard water. My rig is only 6 years old. I just bought a on the go water softener so hopefully that will help.
Blu tech sells a water softener as well
Thanks for your videos. You do a good job with them.
Invaluable hands on experience.
Ray, i really enjoy your videos/tests. Seems to me the Clearsource is doing a better job. BluTech start 3.2 gpm/ end 2.4gpm or a 25% drop in flow rate. The CS Start was 8.4 gpm/end 2.6 gpm of about 69% drop in flow rate. Seems the CS is filtering more “debris” out and “clogging” the filters more. Clogging being a good thing as the debris is stopped at the filters. Is my thinking correct?
Hard to say, as my tests could have been more scientific. :) Didn't use the exact same water sources. I could have had one or more really bad loads of water (lots of sediments)that plugged the Clearsource.
Thanks for the comparison, it was interesting how much the Clearsource flow rate diminished. I'm guessing you began with new filters in each for the original test? Have you considered a water softener for all the hard water areas you travel to?
Yes the filters were brand new. For me I don't need a water softener for the half of the year I spend on Vancouver Island as the water is very soft. Snow melt and rain water fed lake reservoirs are mostly the sources here.
So I put up with hard water the 4-5 months I'm in the desert versus having the extra softener equipment on board and maintaining it. If I was always in hard water areas I likely would consider a softener. So far I haven't had any issues other than needing to flush the water heater a few times a year and occasionally give the tank a vinegar soak. I think the 6 months spend on very soft water helps as well. Cheers, Ray
I'm sorry, I know Blu-Tec is giving "youtubers in general" awesome financial incentives to push their product, but why would anyone want to carry something with hard to find filters? I can get 10 inch filters at any big box store... I have the ClearSource and even if Blu Tec offered to pay me to switch and offered free filters for life I'd still say no. That being said, I encourage everyone to buy / use what works best for them!
Actually, I can make more promoting Clearsource since sales are generally much higher due to what you're saying. I just try to let people know the pros and cons of the products as I see them and how they have worked in for me. People can then make up their own mind which works best for their use case and whether they need to have easily available filters from the hardware store or the size and weight is more important.
For me I don't need any filtration for the half of the year I spend on Vancouver Island as the water is very good. I trust it having drank it out of the tap pretty well my whole life So for the 6 months I travel and boondock one set should do the trick. Cheers, Ray
Hey, Mike, that is not even a valid point. Both Clearsource and BluTech have prioperatary filters that you CAN NOT find at any "local" store. Sure, you can buy some cheap 10" filter, but then what is the point of buying a $$$ system to protect yourself.
However, both companies sell their filters on Amazon, so the answer to this is this are both equal.
Shill
Look at the size between the two filter sets. Camp ground water is at best city water and at worst well water. While well water is better tasting, TDS and Hardness are often very high. Filter size is the key to reducing pressure drop, larger filters are better and last longer, 180 day replacement (Clear Source) vs 90 day (Blue Tech). Larger filters last longer in poor water quality situations. Next is the pressure drop across the 3/8’s hose. Nice connectors but when coupled with small easy to plug filters you have increased pressure drop. Spend your dollars at Clear Source and forget Blue Tech.
Agreed, unless size and weight are important factors to you and you have a use case where flow rate isn't a big deal. Both systems work well and have good build quality but have different pros and cons as I see them due to the physical size. For most RV park users Clearsource looks like a better bet but for many off grid users especially those in smaller rigs Blu Tech may be the better choice. Cheers, Ray
Hi..Informative....We winter in SW Texas and Arizona..Water quality poor and hard. Does this system remove enough that you don't get the scale buildup on everything? Thanks
Systems like these don't do much as far as removing dissolved solids in the water that cause hard water. See here where I tested th-cam.com/video/rZfjzNyVLYs/w-d-xo.html For that you need some sort of water softener system or RO filter as seen in this video here th-cam.com/video/Jmq2F7pKsR4/w-d-xo.html and here th-cam.com/video/Sa4xWqoqTdA/w-d-xo.html Cheers, Ray
Does the Blu Tech filter out rust like the Clearsource does?
I don't see them claiming to but Clearsource claims the sediment filter removes rust and its basically the same filter 5 micron that is used in the Blu Tech so it should. btw Clearsource now has a compact water filter system. I'm in the process of testing it. www.loveyourrv.com/clearsource-ultra-mini-water-filter-review/
CLEARSOURCE MAKES THE ULTRA MINI.
Every person reviewing never mentions that.
I believe The Clearsource Ultra Mini was only recently launched as a new product last month. This video is 5 months old. At that time, there was no Clearsource Ultra Mini to mention.
Still would be cheaper to use bottle water for cooking and drinking.
True enough, can get 5 gallons for a buck or 2 from the machines. Used to do that. But sure is nice to not have to acquire and carry bottled water. Like most things you pay for convenience. One less chore.
I watched your video and after a couple of months, I'm very disappointed with this purchase. I brought it to Texas for the winter and getting a 9.0 TDS reading which is unsafe for consumption. It cost a ridiculous amount of money for a poor quality filtration system.
Filters like these aren't designed to remove dissolved solids since they are in the water at a molecular level. I tested that in this video www.loveyourrv.com/testing-rv-water-supply-for-total-dissolved-solids/ If you are in a place with water that provides unsafe TDS levels, it's best to use a Reverse Osmosis system for the drinking water. Something like this www.loveyourrv.com/simpure-countertop-ro-uv-water-filter-purifier-review/
More info on TDS in this article - theberkey.com/blogs/water-filter/purified-water-and-tds-readings
Cheers, Ray
Both those filters are a scam
Build your own for way less.
Of course, you can always DIY cheaper if you're not including labor costs and not building as nice of hardware. But I wouldn't call them a scam. It's a free market out there. The stuff of this build quality costs money always has. I bet it would take quite a few hours to duplicate the design.
I would say you have demonstrated three things you did not mention, First, a larger filter canister will allow a higher volume of water per minute. Second your amounts at the end showing 2.6 for the ClearSource shows you are filtering more particles than the Blu Tech. Finally, the 2.6 ClearSource and the Blu Tech are long past the time to change the filters. A slower GPM demonstrates you need to replace the filters sooner than the 2.6 shown.
Good points, thanks. I've learned that Blu Tech has come out with a new 10" filter design but is smaller and lighter than the Clearsource so may review that this winter. Also I had a chance to review the small 5" Clearsource Mini this last winter - www.loveyourrv.com/clearsource-ultra-mini-water-filter-review/ Cheers, Ray
@@LoveYourRV Thanks for doing all of this. It helps.
Don & Honey
I too have the clear source ultra. But am Considering the Blu tech for the same reason - weight. I had room to mount the clear source ultra and Pro Aqua water softener in my fifth wheel basement. But switching to the Blu tech filter and water softener products would save over 50 lbs and give me more room. Good to know that the flow rates are similar. Thanks for another great review.
You're welcome. :)
Thanks for the updated review. I am in the process of deciding on which one i would like and you make good points for both. I am leaning towards the clear source for my needs.
You're welcome. :)
Reached out to Blu by Amazon question and direct to "customer service" about adapters for indoor plumbing. They never responded. I spent $400 with their competition.
Try the website. They have a Chat function there goblutech.com/ Maybe that will work. They have sent out a warning to me that there have been Amazon sellers counterfeiting their products. Sounds like you may have come across one.
I went through the BluTech website chat and they were really nasty to deal with. I went with ClearSource. The weight and size are a pain but the clean water, better flow rate, and longer lasting filters. I just went and tossed 40 pounds of unused kitchen gear and shoes!
Thx Rey
Way to many product reviews.
Check out the travel category www.loveyourrv.com/travel-blog-post-archive/ or tips www.loveyourrv.com/rv-tips-and-tricks-archive/
I have the Clearsource and I really like it.