Yes, You Can Drink Plain Water Out of a Cirkul Bottle

According to a UK poll, 43% of adults find plain water "boring", which is exactly what the Cirkul system is designed to combat. However, for those moments when you simply want unflavored hydration, you can drink plain water out of a Cirkul bottle just as easily as with any standard reusable bottle.

Quick Summary

You can drink plain water from a Cirkul bottle by setting the flavor dial to 'X', which completely turns off the flavor cartridge, giving you unflavored hydration.

Key Points

• Dial to 'X': The easiest way to get plain water is by turning the flavor dial on your Cirkul lid to the 'X' setting, which shuts off the flavor flow.

• No Cartridge Required: You can drink plain water even if there is no flavor cartridge inserted into the lid.

• Empty Sip Use: An empty flavor cartridge can also be left in the lid and set to 'X' for a convenient plain water experience.

• Specialty Filters: Cirkul offers a dedicated 'Flow Filter' that can be used in the lid for filtered, unflavored water.

• No Residual Flavor: After switching to the 'X' setting, a few sips may have residual flavor, but it will quickly clear to pure, plain water.

• Instant Switching: The flavor dial allows for instant transitions between flavored and unflavored water, offering maximum versatility.

How to Drink Plain Water from a Cirkul: The Flavor Dial Method

The primary and most convenient method for drinking plain water from your Cirkul bottle is to use the integrated flavor dial on the lid. The dial allows for instant customization of your drinking experience, letting you switch from flavored water to unflavored water and back again with a simple twist. The key is to find the 'X' setting, which signifies that no flavor is being released from the cartridge.

Step-by-Step Guide for Flavorless Hydration

1. Prepare your bottle: Fill your Cirkul bottle with fresh drinking water, just as you normally would.
2. Secure the lid: Screw the Cirkul lid and flavor cartridge firmly into place on the bottle.
3. Locate the dial: Identify the flavor dial on the top of the lid. It has numbered settings, typically from 1 to 9, and an 'X'.
4. Twist to the 'X': Rotate the flavor dial counter-clockwise until it clicks into the 'X' position. This closes the opening that draws flavor from the cartridge.
5. Enjoy plain water: With the dial on 'X', tip the bottle up and drink. For the first one or two sips after a flavored session, there might be some residual flavor, but this will quickly flush out, leaving you with completely plain water.

Alternative Methods for Unflavored Use

Beyond using the flavor dial, there are other ways to ensure you only get plain water from your Cirkul bottle.

Use No Flavor Cartridge

This is the most straightforward alternative. The Cirkul bottle functions perfectly well as a standard water bottle even without a flavor cartridge inserted. Simply leave the slot for the cartridge empty, fill your bottle with water, and drink. This method is ideal if you've run out of sips or prefer a minimalist approach.

Utilize an Empty Cartridge

Another option is to use an empty sip cartridge. Once a flavor pack has been completely used, you can leave the empty cartridge screwed into the lid. With the dial set to 'X', this ensures no flavor will enter your water. Some users have found this provides a slightly better seal than using no cartridge at all.

Install a Cirkul Filter

For those who want to ensure their water is filtered as well as unflavored, Cirkul offers a dedicated Flow Filter. The filter is a flavorless cartridge that sits in the lid and removes chlorine from tap water, offering a clean, unflavored taste with each sip. This is a great choice for improving the quality of your plain water.

Comparison: Cirkul Plain Water Method vs. Regular Water Bottle

Feature	Cirkul Plain Water Method	Regular Reusable Water Bottle
Switching Flavors	Instantaneous switching by turning a dial from 'X' to a numbered setting.	Requires manual mixing of powder, drops, or changing bottles.
Convenience	Offers seamless transition between flavored and plain water using a single bottle.	Separate products needed for flavored and unflavored water.
Cost	Ongoing cost for flavor cartridges, even if occasionally set to 'X'.	Lower initial cost, zero ongoing cost for plain water.
Flexibility	Highly adaptable for different tastes and hydration needs throughout the day.	Limited to one flavor per bottle unless you wash it out.
Initial Setup	Easy setup with the provided lid and bottle.	No special setup needed, just fill and go.

Making the Most of Your Hydration

Using your Cirkul bottle for plain water and flavored drinks offers unparalleled flexibility. It can help you stay hydrated by making water more appealing, but you are never locked into one option. If you are looking to consume fewer sugary drinks, the ability to switch to plain water provides a helpful stepping stone. The system works as a tool to promote better hydration habits, regardless of whether you are enjoying a flavored sip or simply drinking pure, unflavored water.

Conclusion

Yes, you can absolutely drink plain water out of a Cirkul. The most reliable method is to simply turn the flavor dial on your sip cartridge to the 'X' setting, which shuts off the flavor flow entirely. For times when you don't have a cartridge, the bottle works just like any other reusable water bottle. Other options include using an empty cartridge or installing a special Cirkul Flow Filter for cleaner-tasting, unflavored water. This flexibility makes Cirkul an effective tool for staying hydrated, whether you're in the mood for flavor or not. The convenience of switching with a single bottle helps people maintain their hydration goals without feeling restricted.

How Your Cirkul Works for Plain Water

At the core of the system is the patented flavor dial. Water flows up through the bottle's straw and passes over a small opening on the cartridge. The dial controls how wide this opening is. When you turn the dial to 'X', the opening is fully closed, preventing any concentrated flavor from mixing with the water stream. The water bypasses the cartridge and reaches your mouth as pure, unflavored water. When you increase the dial setting, the opening widens, allowing more flavor to mix in and create a stronger taste.

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Taking Care of Your Cirkul

Remember to properly clean your Cirkul bottle, especially when switching between flavored and unflavored water. Cirkul bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the lids and cartridges should be hand washed with warm soapy water. Regular cleaning ensures that any leftover flavor residue is removed, guaranteeing a true plain water taste when you want it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a cartridge in the lid to drink plain water?

No, the bottle works perfectly fine as a regular water bottle without a cartridge inserted. You can simply leave the cartridge slot empty to drink plain water.

How do I turn the flavor off on my Cirkul bottle?

To turn the flavor off, simply twist the flavor dial on the lid to the 'X' position. This stops the flow of concentrate from the flavor cartridge, giving you plain water.

Can I use an empty flavor cartridge for plain water?

Yes, you can leave an empty cartridge in the lid and set the dial to 'X' to act as a placeholder for drinking plain water. This ensures you still have the lid fully assembled.

Will my water have a residual taste after turning the flavor off?

It might have a faint residual flavor for the first few sips as the remaining flavored water is flushed out, but it will quickly become completely flavorless.

Is there a specific filter for plain water?

Yes, Cirkul sells a Flow Filter cartridge specifically designed to filter water and remove chlorine without adding any flavor. It's an alternative to using the flavor sips.

Can I switch between plain and flavored water?

Yes, the flavor dial is designed for instant switching. You can easily go from plain water (X setting) to flavored (1-9 setting) and back again with a simple twist.

Does plain water from a Cirkul still count towards my daily intake?

Yes, just as with a regular bottle, drinking plain water from a Cirkul counts towards your daily hydration goals and provides the necessary fluid intake.

Does the Cirkul Flow Filter add flavor to my water?

No, the Cirkul Flow Filter is designed to enhance the water's taste by removing chlorine without adding any flavor. It is used specifically for unflavored water.