How-To Prime Filters Using the Automatic Filter Primer

Instructions for priming the BOROUX Filters using the Automatic Filter Primer.

What's in the box

  1. Automatic Filter Primer
  2. Charging cable
  3. Quick Start Guide

Features of the Automatic Filter Primer

  1. Battery charge indicator
  2. On button
  3. USB-C charging port
  4. Hook for securing pump to chamber
  5. Priming start button
  6. Countdown timer
  7. Sound feedback
  8. Water Outlet
  9. Water Level Indicator

Charging the battery

  1. Plug the charging cable into the USB-C port.
  2. Connect to a wall adapter.
  3. Wait until the battery indicator turns green.
  4. When charging is complete, replace the cover over the USB-C port.

How to prime the Foundation™ Filters using the Automatic Filter Primer

Follow the instructions below to prime the BOROUX Foundation™ Black Filters using the Automatic Filter Primer.

Step 1

  1. Remove from packaging and place on a towel.
  2. Remove wing nut but leave washer in place.

Step 2

  1. Rotate until snug (do not over-tighten!).
  2. Hand tighten only.

Step 3

  1. Place primer & filter in the lower chamber and hook it securely.
  2. Fill with water to the indicated level.
  3. Press “On” Press “Prime” to start.
  4. Primer turns off automatically.

Note: Do not fully submerge the primer since it is not water proof.

Step 4

  1. Remove the filter.
  2. Check the washer (reattach if needed).
  3. Repeat for all filters.

If the priming water isn’t clear, re-prime the filter.

Storing Foundation Filters

(If Unused for Over a Week)

  1. Attach filter to primer and run a cycle to drain water.
  2. Place filters on a paper towel in a shaded area.
  3. Do not use soap to clean filters.

How to prime the Proactive™ Fluoride Filters using the Automatic Filter Primer

Follow the instructions below to prime the BOROUX Proactive™ Fluoride Filter using the Automatic Filter Primer.

Step 1

Gather all the items provided inside the fluoride filters box.

  1. Sealing Washers (2)
  2. Blue Priming Washer
  3. Blue Threaded Priming Adapter
  4. Proactive™ Fluoride Filters (2)

Step 2

  1. Thread the priming adapter into the Proactive™ Fluoride Filter. Hand tighten only.
  2. Align the pins on the washer with the slots in the filter cap. At the same time, align the hex in the washer with the hex on the priming adapter.

Step 3

  1. Place primer & filter in the lower chamber and hook it securely.
  2. Fill with water to the indicated level.
  3. Press “On” Press “Prime” to start.
  4. Primer turns off automatically.

Note: Do not fully submerge the primer since it is not water proof.

Step 4

  1. Remove the washer and priming adapter.
  2. Repeat for all Proactive™ Fluoride Filters.

Storing Fluoride Filters

(If Unused for Over a Week)

  1. Attach to primer, drain water, let dry.
  2. Place filters on a paper towel in a shaded area.

Storing the Primer

  1. Hold over a sink.
  2. Press “on” then press “Prime” to drain excess water.
  3. Press “Prime” again to turn off.
  4. Store in a dry place.

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 

  1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 
  2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. 

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. 

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception (which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on), the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: 

  • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver 
  • This device is intended for intermittent use only. Use the device when radio or television interference is not an issue. 

Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. 

Responsible Party: 

James Enterprise Inc. 1981 Aspen Circle, Pueblo, CO 81006 Phone: 1-800-350-4170

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the filters have to be primed?

Priming the BOROUX filters is necessary for proper function. This procedure is what activates the carbon and breaks the surface tension, so that the contaminants get trapped, and the water gets through. The filter is made of very dense material and priming forces water through the material so that it’s entirely saturated. This is a crucial initial step for using the filters. 

The media that the BOROUX filter is made of has a micropore structure. These micropores are miniscule which can create tiny pockets of air. Along with the high surface tension of the filter material, without being primed first, water cannot pass through those air bubbles. Priming uses water pressure to force water through those micropores so that when water is passing through only using gravity, it can. If the filters are not primed, the flow can be extremely slow, if not completely nonexistent.

What if I don’t see beads of water on my filter when priming?

Each filter is unique, some filters shows lots of water beads, others do not. As long as the filter is fully saturated, they are primed. Running water through the filter for 1-2 minutes fully saturates the filter.

How do I know if the filters are primed?

The buoyancy test can determine if the filters are fully primed.

  1. Fill the lower chamber or another large container with water
  2. Place the filters in this container with the stems up.
  3. If it sinks (or slightly floats), the filter is primed and ready to install in your system!
  4. If the filter bobs back up quickly, prime again.
How many filters can I prime per battery charge?

On a full charge, you can prime a minimum of 10 filters before needing to recharge the primer.
It takes approximately 90 seconds to fully prime one filter.

Is the Automatic Filter Primer compatible with my Berkey filters?

Yes. The Automatic Filter Primer is compatible with Black Berkey Filters as well as BOROUX Foundation and Proactive Fluoride Filters (adapter included with fluoride filters).

What do the different light indicators on the Automatic Filter Primer mean?

The light on your Automatic Filter Primer helps you quickly understand the current battery status. Here's what each light color and behavior means:

  • Solid Green: Fully charged and ready to use
  • Blinking Green: Currently charging
  • Blinking Red: Battery level is below 25% — charge soon
  • Solid Red / No Light / Blank: Battery is critically low or depleted — needs to be charged immediately

If you're unsure whether the pump is working correctly, we recommend fully charging it and checking the light again.

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