The Scotsman AP2-P is an Aqua Patrol Plus water filter for Scotsman ice machines, built as a double system for cubers up to 650 lb (295 kg) and flakers, nuggets and nugget dispensers up to 1,200 lb (544 kg). It inhibits scale and filters the water feeding the ice machine for owners and facility managers running commercial Scotsman ice machines.
This guide covers Scotsman AP2-P system installation for a first-time setup, with an estimated install time of 15–30 minutes. Keep the cartridges on schedule with our APRC1-P filter replacement guide, because an expired cartridge stops filtering and lowers water quality.
Safety & Preparation
Check that the ice machine's production rating falls within the AP2-P's limits: cubers up to 650 lb (295 kg) and flakers, nuggets and nugget dispensers up to 1,200 lb (544 kg). Also confirm that the system's maximum flow of 4.2 gpm suits the machine.
⚠️ Supply & Operating Limits
Choose the Mounting Location
The unit measures 16.6" W x 5.5" D x 19.26" H, and its shipping weight is about 11 lb. Pick a secure mounting spot that fits those dimensions, and find the shutoff for the supply line before work begins.
AP2-P dimensions, with the inlet and outlet positions for planning the mounting space
Before mounting, make sure the supply line and the ice machine line can both reach their connections. The connection order is covered in Step-by-Step Installation.
🚰 Inlet
3/4" MNPT. Connects to the water supply line.
🧊 Outlet
3/4" FNPT. Connects to the line running to the ice machine.
Have Everything Ready
🧰 Materials
Included with the system:
You will also need:
⚠️ Safety Precautions
Step-by-Step Installation
Common Installation Mistakes
Check for these mistakes during a Scotsman AP2-P system installation. Red cards mark what to never do, and amber cards mark mistakes that are preventable and can be fixed.
Do not run the system outside its pressure and temperature ranges. Check the site against the limits in Safety & Preparation before starting up.
The AP2-P is a two-position system, so never run it with one cartridge. Install both, following step 4 of Step-by-Step Installation.
Never order a cartridge made for a different Scotsman system line. The AP2-P takes the Aqua Patrol Plus APRC1-P.
A cartridge that is not fully seated in the manifold can leak or sit loose. Shut off the water and reseat it following step 4 of Step-by-Step Installation.
Skipping the flush leaves air and carbon particles in the line. If it was missed, run it now using the guidance in What to Expect After Installation.
If a cartridge will not seat or remove easily, stop and ask a licensed plumber or authorized Scotsman service technician for help.
What to Expect After Installation
The last task in a Scotsman Aqua Patrol Plus water filter system installation is the flush from step 6 of Step-by-Step Installation. Run water through the system for several minutes to clear trapped air and loose carbon particles.
When the flush is done, compare the system with the two columns below:
✅ Normal During & After the Flush
🔎 Worth a Second Look
🟢 Ready for use: flow is steady, the manifold and connections are dry, and the water is clear.
If you see anything in the right-hand column, recheck the cartridge seating and confirm the supply valve is fully open. If the problem continues, bring in a licensed plumber or authorized Scotsman service technician.
Record the install date to start the schedule in When to Replace Your Filter Cartridge.
Official Product Resources
The Scotsman spec sheet lists the AP2-P's dimensions, flow rate, operating limits, ice machine sizing, and certifications.
When to Replace Your Filter Cartridge
Replace the cartridges typically every 6 months, or sooner if flow drops noticeably, depending on usage and water quality. Replace both cartridges together. Use these three checks to set the schedule:
The usual interval, based on usage and water quality.
Replace sooner when flow drops noticeably.
Heavier ice production and poorer incoming water shorten the interval.
To stay on schedule without tracking dates, the filter subscription is a set-it-and-forget-it option. It ships the APRC1-P 1-pack every 6 months and saves 10%. The quantity is not set automatically, so select 2 when you subscribe to cover both cartridges.
The replacement cartridge is the Scotsman APRC1-P, which is compatible with the AP2-P and sold in 1-packs and 6-packs. To replace the cartridges, shut off the water, remove both used cartridges, and seat the new ones in the manifold. Then flush the system as described in What to Expect After Installation.
🔎 More from Scotsman: Browse the full Scotsman collection, including ice machines, water filter systems, and replacement cartridges.
How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Filter
Scale protection depends on a current cartridge, so these habits help keep the system in good working order:
- Log every replacement — record each date and check it against the schedule in When to Replace Your Filter Cartridge.
- Inspect the system periodically — look for leaks or reduced flow.
- Stay within the rated limits — keep pressure and temperature inside the ranges in Safety & Preparation.
- Keep the unit accessible — leave clear access for inspection.
- Use only genuine cartridges — install genuine Scotsman cartridges at every replacement.
- Avoid unsafe water — do not run the system on unsafe or unknown-quality water without the disinfection noted in Safety & Preparation.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
How many cartridges does the AP2-P use, and which one should I order?
The AP2-P uses two cartridges. Order the Scotsman APRC1-P Aqua Patrol Plus replacement cartridge, sold in 1-packs and 6-packs. Pack options are in When to Replace Your Filter Cartridge.
Which ice machines does the AP2-P suit?
The AP2-P is a double system for cubers up to 650 lb and flakers, nuggets and nugget dispensers up to 1,200 lb. Fit checks are in Safety & Preparation.
Do cartridges for other Scotsman system lines fit the AP2-P?
No. Order the Aqua Patrol Plus APRC1-P for the AP2-P. Scotsman lists SSM Plus cartridges under separate part numbers.
What should I do about a leak after installation?
Shut off the water supply, then check that the connections are tight and the inlet and outlet are not reversed. For a leak at the manifold, reseat the cartridge before opening the supply again. More causes are in Common Installation Mistakes.
Why is flow slow after installation?
A partly closed supply valve, a cartridge that is not fully seated, or air left in the line can slow flow. Open the valve fully, recheck the cartridges, and finish the flush. The flush is covered in What to Expect After Installation.
Are air or black carbon specks normal during startup?
Yes. Air and loose carbon particles are normal during the startup flush and should clear as the water runs. If they continue, follow the checks in What to Expect After Installation.
How often should the cartridges be replaced?
Replace both cartridges typically every 6 months, or sooner if flow drops noticeably, depending on usage and water quality. Replacement options are in When to Replace Your Filter Cartridge.
What should I do if a cartridge is hard to remove?
Stop and ask a licensed plumber or authorized Scotsman service technician for help rather than forcing it.
Can the AP2-P be used on water of unknown quality?
Not without adequate disinfection before or after the unit. Do not use it on microbiologically unsafe water without that disinfection. The full notice is in Safety & Preparation.
What is the maximum flow of the AP2-P?
The maximum system flow is 4.2 gpm.
Product & Replacement Options
These related products cover ongoing needs, from open-box cartridges to a larger system. You can also browse the full Scotsman collection:
One Aqua Patrol Plus replacement cartridge as an open-box listing. The AP2-P uses two per replacement.
View Product →Six cartridges as an open-box listing for stocking ahead. The cartridges are unused, but the packaging may show wear, and open-box orders are not returnable.
View Product →For larger cubers. The triple system suits cubers over 1,300 lb, with a maximum flow of 6.3 gpm.
View Product →🧊 Shop Scotsman Ice Machines & Water Filters
Never Run Out of Replacement Cartridges
Auto-delivery is the easy way to keep the APRC1-P on hand, with shipments every 6 months and 10% savings.
Conclusion
Installing the AP2-P takes six steps, covered in Step-by-Step Installation. With the water off, mount the unit, connect the inlet and outlet, and install both cartridges. Then open the supply fully, check for leaks, and flush the system before the ice machine goes into service.
Once the system is running, record the install date and follow the schedule in When to Replace Your Filter Cartridge. When the cartridges are due, our APRC1-P filter replacement guide covers the procedure.