Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions.
Water Quality and Health
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, depending on the incoming water quality, the chlorine concentration that Sensiblue adds stays well within WHO guidelines for safe drinking water which keeps your water safe.
Can I taste the chlorine?
No. The S4 produces 0.2–0.45 mg/L free available chlorine, which is just below the taste threshold of 0.5–1.0 mg/L.
Can I smell the chlorine?
When your water is clean: no. However, if your water contains organic material such as biofilm, sweat or dissolved organics, you may notice a chlorine-like smell. This is actually a good sign — it means the system is working. As the chlorine gradually removes existing biofilm from your plumbing, the smell will reduce over time.
Can I tast the salt?
No. The Sensiblue uses approximately 1 kg of salt per 50,000 litres of water, adding on average just 20 mg/L of NaCl. The WHO guideline for sodium chloride in drinking water is 500 mg/L — so Sensiblue stays well below that threshold.
Does my water taste salty after installation?
No. If you notice a salty taste right after installation, trapped air (water hammer) may be pushing salt water out. This is solved by installing a water hammer arrestor — a simple, inexpensive fix described in the manual. Under normal operation, salt is undetectable.
Does it soften my water or remove calcium?
No. The Sensiblue is a disinfection device, not a water softener. It does not remove calcium, magnesium or other minerals from your water. If you need water softening, install a separate softener upstream of the Sensiblue.
Does it remove chemicals or particles?
No. Sensiblue is a disinfection system — it eliminates bacteria and viruses but does not filter out particles, heavy metals, or chemical contaminants. If your water source contains sediment or particles, we recommend installing a microfilter (minimum 5 µm) before the Sensiblue. For improved taste, combine with a carbon filter. Sensiblue and filtration complement each other: filtration cleans, Sensiblue protects.
Does it remove legionella?
Yes. The free available chlorine produced by the S4 is effective against legionella, bacteria, viruses and biofilm. It also prevents regrowth in your plumbing.
Does Sensiblue affect my hair or skin while showering?
No. Sensiblue produces ultra-low active chlorine between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/L — that's the same range the WHO recommends for safe drinking water. For comparison, many municipal water supplies and swimming pools operate at significantly higher chlorine levels (1–3 mg/L). At Sensiblue's concentration, there is no noticeable effect on hair, skin, or nails.
Is it safe for babies and pets?
Yes. Sensiblue produces chlorine at 0.2–0.4 mg/L, which is within WHO drinking water guidelines. This is the same standard applied to municipal tap water worldwide. It's safe for infants, children, pregnant women, and animals.
Installation and Compatibility
Can I install it myself?
Yes. Sensiblue connects inline to your water supply with a standard 3/4" thread. If you're comfortable connecting a washing machine or dishwasher, you can install Sensiblue. No electrician needed — there's no power connection. Installation typically takes under 30 minutes. For commercial or complex setups or where local legislation requires, we recommend a licensed plumber.
Where should I install Sensiblue?
At the point of entry — your main water inlet. This way one unit protects every tap, shower, and appliance. If you have other water treatment devices (filters, softeners), Sensiblue should always be the last step before the point of use.
Can I install it on hot water pipes?
No. Always install Sensiblue on the cold water (entry) side, before your water heater. The disinfected water then flows through your boiler and protects your entire hot and cold water system. This will keep warm water lines clean.
What water pressure does Sensiblue need?
Sensiblue works from as low as 0.4 bar (4 metres of water pressure) and 4 litres per minutes. It handles flow rates up to 16 litres per minute. Suitable for most household and commercial water systems.
How big is the Sensiblue? Will it fit under my sink?
Sensiblue S4 comes in two sizes: Medium (1,1KG salt container) and Large (2,4KG salt container). Both mount on a wall bracket and need clearance below for salt container replacement. Dimensions are compact enough for under-sink, utility room, or basement installation.
Can I use it for my whole house?
Yes. One unit handles up to two simultaneous showers (1.000L/hr). For larger setups, install units in parallel or series.
Can I use Sensiblue with stored water (tanks, rainwater)?
Yes, but if water has been stored for over one week, we strongly recommend running it through Sensiblue again before use. For rainwater or borehole sources, a pre-filter (minimum 5 µm) is recommended before the Sensiblue.
Does it work on boats, campers or RVs?
Yes. Sensiblue connects inline to any water supply with 3/4" threading and needs no electricity. It's well suited for mobile applications like boats, RVs, and off-grid setups — as long as minimum water pressure (0.4 bar) is met.
Operation and Maintenance
Does the Sensblue S4 need electricity?
No. It is powered entirely by water flow through a built-in turbine. Minimum 0,4 bar pressure and 4 liters per minute water flow is required.
What salt do I need?
Pure sodium chloride tablets (>6 mm, >99.5% NaCl) conforming to EN 973 Type A (EU). Available as water softener salt in most supermarkets.
How often do I need to refill the salt?
The Medium version disinfects approximately 55 000 litres per refill. For an average household, that’s 6 to 12 months of use. You'd need 1,1 KG of salt for a full refill.
What happens if the salt runs out?
Nothing harmful. Water continues to flow normally through your tap — Sensiblue simply stops disinfecting. The LED indicator on top turns red when it's time to refill. One fill lasts approximately 55,000 litres, which is six months to a year for a typical household. You refill with standard water softener salt, available at any supermarket.
Does it need regular maintenance?
Minimal. Check the salt level and LED colour every two weeks or every 5,000 litres. A full system check is recommended after 300,000 litres or 3 years (whichever comes first), then yearly. No filters to replace, no parts to service under normal use.
Energy Savings
Does it help save energy?
Yes. By replacing thermal disinfection (60°C+) with electrochemical disinfection, you can lower your hot water temperature to 45°C or less. This saves 12–50% on hot water energy costs depending on your heating system.
Certification and Warranty
Is it certified?
Yes. Sensiblue is certified for use in 21+ EU countries. The technology has been independently tested by KWR Water Research Institute (the Netherlands' leading water research body) and produces disinfection by-products 10–50× below the strictest EU limits.
What is the warranty?
7 years, 700,000 litres, or 70,000 start/stop cycles — whichever comes first. An industry first. Covers non-wearing parts. Requires proper installation and maintenance per the manual.