Eco Systems Splash 25

[NorthPacific]

Well we live and learn. After purchasing a new boat to us we had a Shengen european trip of 90 days. taken with the greek experience we planned to return the next year and do a Shengen Shuffle to extend our stay.

Unfortunately I had another bout of the dreaded "C" and we could only return after I had recuperated to a point where my doctor bought into the idea of a relaxing cruise in the greek islands was a great idea. So it was July by the time we arrived back at our boat.

We had decided that we would upgrade our new beauty in a few ways that would allow for extended cruising. So new solar panels, added a 200amp LP4 battery and also a water maker.

It took me a while 5 weeks to get everything installed. Very hot and I had to be careful with my recuperation. But eventually off we went to Turkey which is close by our home port in Greece.

We had lots of electrical power and I was very pleased with the addition.
Less so with my purchase of The Eco System Splash 25.

I thought I had done my due diligence and bought the product as it was simple, 12 volt and produced an adequate, for us water supply. It also came with a 2 year 1500 hour warranty. SO AFTER PAYING $5500 I had it delivered to the Marina to await my arrival.

It is a simple device. Water strainer, filter, pump and the membrane housing that produces the water. What could go wrong.

The operating instructions followed to a tee. Set up. Start up, flushing after every use we used it sparingly as Turkey is insanely crowed with boats we did not use in crowed anchorages. When we ran out of time after returning to Greece we pickled the unit as per instructions. When we returned the following year we followed the instructions and in fact went through the cleanse process twice. We where surprised to find the product water production was down. At first we thought that this was due to the very warm water in the MED this year.

However talking to other cruisers with different brands we found that they were not suffering the same problems.

So we contacted the Maker, Eco Systems and after running tests and answering numerous questions supplying video and still photos we were informed that the pump had failed.

Far from offering a replacement I was told that the pump is considered a "Consumable" like the filters. I was told that it was not under warranty as such and that I should purchase another for 350 Euros.

When I explained that this was not acceptable eventually the CEO of Eco Systems contacted me informing me that I should expect seals and pumps to fail after hard use of 150 hours!

What would you do next?

[Be Free Sailor]

Originally Posted by NorthPacific

Well we live and learn. After purchasing a new boat to us we had a Shengen european trip of 90 days. taken with the greek experience we planned to return the next year and do a Shengen Shuffle to extend our stay.

Unfortunately I had another bout of the dreaded "C" and we could only return after I had recuperated to a point where my doctor bought into the idea of a relaxing cruise in the greek islands was a great idea. So it was July by the time we arrived back at our boat.

We had decided that we would upgrade our new beauty in a few ways that would allow for extended cruising. So new solar panels, added a 200amp LP4 battery and also a water maker.

It took me a while 5 weeks to get everything installed. Very hot and I had to be careful with my recuperation. But eventually off we went to Turkey which is close by our home port in Greece.

We had lots of electrical power and I was very pleased with the addition.
Less so with my purchase of The Eco System Splash 25.

I thought I had done my due diligence and bought the product as it was simple, 12 volt and produced an adequate, for us water supply. It also came with a 2 year 1500 hour warranty. SO AFTER PAYING $5500 I had it delivered to the Marina to await my arrival.

It is a simple device. Water strainer, filter, pump and the membrane housing that produces the water. What could go wrong.

The operating instructions followed to a tee. Set up. Start up, flushing after every use we used it sparingly as Turkey is insanely crowed with boats we did not use in crowed anchorages. When we ran out of time after returning to Greece we pickled the unit as per instructions. When we returned the following year we followed the instructions and in fact went through the cleanse process twice. We where surprised to find the product water production was down. At first we thought that this was due to the very warm water in the MED this year.

However talking to other cruisers with different brands we found that they were not suffering the same problems.

So we contacted the Maker, Eco Systems and after running tests and answering numerous questions supplying video and still photos we were informed that the pump had failed.

Far from offering a replacement I was told that the pump is considered a "Consumable" like the filters. I was told that it was not under warranty as such and that I should purchase another for 350 Euros.

When I explained that this was not acceptable eventually the CEO of Eco Systems contacted me informing me that I should expect seals and pumps to fail after hard use of 150 hours!

What would you do next?

I have owned two Ecosistems Splash 25, and the 2nd one experienced low product water flow after a period of non use. I had a spare pump (similar to PROCON pumps, which are used in agricultural field spray systems) and tried to install this and ran some tests, after the manufacturer suggested the pump was at fault. It turned out not to be the problem, and changed nothing. Actually the ERD (basically the whole Watermaker unit) had to be shipped back to Ecosistems in Spain for repairs. I believe it had a sticking valve, which was causing the clark pump to malfunction.
Everything was handled with help from the dealer, and I had technical communication directly with Ecosistems in Spain.

Are you sure the pump is not supplying the needed flowrate? I believe the ERD of the Ecosistems has a 10 or 13% recovery rate, so you should be able to measure the flow of the feed pump to around 250-300 liter per hour. Just disconnect it from the ERD and turn on the pump, and see if you get the expected flow. I dont think the pump is at fault. Rotary vane positive displacement pumps, such as PROCON pumps are very durable, and will normally last for years. You have a (clean) strainer filter before the pump, and you have a 3/4" dedicated though hull right?

On my new boat I have purchased a different brand Watermaker, Italian made. I changed brands mostly because I wanted higher output, and I got a 60 liter per hour for the same price as the 25 liter per hour Ecosistems unit.
But I think Ecosistems makes a nice simple unit, which should last for years, so dont give up on it OK.

Are you 100% sure the membrane is not fouled?

You have a unit which is still under warranty, and I would suggest to confirm the warranty with Ecosystem, and suggest if they would receive the unit back for repairs at no cost for you. Shipping costs probably you need to cover.
Maybe they have not realized your unit is still under warranty?

Wish you all the best and hope you find a solution together with Ecosistems

PS. Try blocking the brine discharge (by bending or clamping the pipe) and allow pressure to build up to just below the red on the low pressure gauge, then release quickly and see what happens...
Try this a couple of times (got this tip initially from the Ecosistems dealer)

PPS. I still have a spare SPLASH 25 pump, let me know if interested.

[NorthPacific]

Did reply. Then it was eaten.

Thanks for the reply. Eco system know it is under the warranty period. They claim this only covers manufactured faults. After 150 hours which they consider hard use I am out of luck.

I am on the hard now but wil try to see if I can get a result in the spring. I have been reluctant to tear apart as I stupidly thought it was under warranty.

Thanks for your input. May take you up on the pump in the spring.