Hi, I'm Qvan Rov. I live in New York. Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips asked me to share my experience as a homeowner on Iron Filter with the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter (Whole House Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Filter) I purchased. This is how my adventures played out. I hope this helps you in your decision.
My Water Quality Nightmare: What Led Me to This Solution
Let me paint you a picture of my water situation before this filter entered my life. Living in New York, I thought municipal water would be reliable and clean. Boy, was I wrong about the quality that actually came out of my taps.
The first red flag hit me during my morning coffee ritual. That metallic, chemical taste wasn't just ruining my expensive Colombian beans – it was making every glass of water an unpleasant experience. My wife started buying bottled water for drinking, and our monthly grocery bill showed it.
But the taste was just the beginning. Our white laundry started developing this dingy, yellowish tint that no amount of bleach could fix. The shower experience became frustrating too – that strong chlorine smell made me feel like I was washing in a swimming pool rather than enjoying a relaxing shower.
What really pushed me over the edge was discovering what fluoride and chlorine were potentially doing to our family's health long-term.
I spent weeks researching water contaminants and their effects. The EPA allows certain levels of chemicals in municipal water, but "allowable" doesn't necessarily mean "optimal" for daily consumption. Fluoride, while added for dental health, can accumulate in the body. Chlorine, essential for killing bacteria in the distribution system, creates byproducts that nobody talks about.
My research revealed that our municipal water contained chloramine (chlorine ammonia), which is even more persistent than regular chlorine. Standard carbon filters barely touch chloramine, and I needed something more sophisticated.
The Hunt for the Right Filtration Technology
My journey into water filtration felt overwhelming at first. The market is flooded with options, each claiming to be the ultimate solution. I needed to cut through the marketing noise and understand the actual science behind different filtration methods.
Basic carbon filters were clearly insufficient for my needs. They handle chlorine reasonably well but struggle with fluoride and chloramine. Reverse osmosis systems seemed excessive – they remove everything, including beneficial minerals, and waste tremendous amounts of water.
That's when I discovered catalytic carbon technology. Unlike regular activated carbon, catalytic carbon can break down chloramine into chlorine and ammonia, then remove both components. This was exactly what I needed for our chloramine-treated municipal water.
But fluoride removal required a different approach entirely. Most filtration media can't touch fluoride because it's such a small molecule. Bone char carbon, however, has a unique affinity for fluoride removal that dates back centuries.
The SoftPro system combining catalytic carbon with bone char carbon seemed like the perfect marriage of technologies.
I compared this approach against other whole-house options: salt-based systems (overkill for our hardness levels), UV sterilizers (unnecessary with municipal water), and multi-stage systems (overly complex and expensive). The SoftPro unit offered targeted treatment for my specific contaminants without removing beneficial minerals or wasting water.
The 1.5 cubic foot capacity caught my attention too. For our household of four, this size promised adequate contact time for thorough filtration without creating pressure drops during peak usage.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The delivery arrived earlier than expected, which was a pleasant surprise. The packaging showed attention to detail – everything was securely wrapped and organized logically.
Opening the main box revealed a substantial fiberglass tank that immediately conveyed quality. At roughly 54 inches tall and 10 inches in diameter, this wasn't some under-sink gadget – it was serious filtration equipment. The weight surprised me; even empty, this tank felt robust and durable.
The control head (Fleck 5600SXT) looked more sophisticated than I anticipated. Digital display, multiple programming options, and solid construction gave me confidence in long-term reliability. This wasn't a basic timer system but a demand-initiated regeneration controller.
All the necessary fittings and connections were included: bypass valve, mounting bracket, drain line fittings, and detailed plumbing schematics. The installation manual was comprehensive without being overwhelming – clear diagrams and step-by-step procedures.
One thing that impressed me was the media specification sheet. Instead of vague marketing claims, SoftPro provided exact details about the catalytic carbon and bone char blend, contact times, and expected performance parameters.
Installation Experience and Setup Process
I'll be honest – I considered professional installation initially. However, the manual made the process seem manageable for someone with basic plumbing skills, and I wanted to understand every component of my system.
The pre-installation preparation took longer than the actual installation. I needed to locate the main water line, plan the bypass configuration, and ensure adequate space for the tank Fluoride Filter and future maintenance. The basement location I chose provided easy access to power, drain, and the main water line.
Cutting into the main water line felt intimidating, but the bypass valve design made sense once I studied the flow diagram. The hardest part was ensuring perfectly straight cuts for the compression fittings – measure twice, cut once became my mantra.
The tank positioning required some trial and error. While the footprint is compact, you need clearance above for accessing the control head and space around the tank for connecting inlet/outlet lines. I ended up relocating it twice before finding the optimal position.
Programming the control head was surprisingly straightforward. The default settings worked for most applications, but I adjusted the regeneration frequency based on our water usage patterns and local water quality. The manual explained each setting's purpose, not just how to change it.
The first startup sequence ran flawlessly – no leaks, proper pressure throughout the house, and the system immediately began processing water.
Total installation time: about 6 hours, including planning, preparation, and triple-checking every connection. A professional could probably complete it in 2-3 hours, but taking my time ensured I understood every aspect of the system.
Performance Results and Water Quality Transformation
The improvement in water quality wasn't subtle – it was dramatically obvious within 24 hours of installation. That first morning cup of coffee tasted like coffee should taste, without the underlying metallic notes that had become our unfortunate normal.
I tested the water quality before and after installation using TDS meters and chlorine test strips. Pre-filter measurements showed 0.8 ppm chlorine and various dissolved solids typical of our municipal supply. Post-filter results consistently showed undetectable chlorine levels and significantly reduced chemical taste and odor.
The fluoride removal was harder to measure at home, but the absence of that slightly bitter aftertaste confirmed the bone char carbon was doing its job. Professional testing three months post-installation showed fluoride levels reduced from 0.7 ppm to less than 0.1 ppm.
But the real proof came from unexpected sources.
Our laundry stopped developing that dingy discoloration. Whites stayed white, and colored fabrics maintained their vibrancy longer. I hadn't realized how much the chemical content was affecting our clothes until it stopped happening.
Showering became pleasant again – no more chlorine smell, and both my wife and I noticed our skin felt less dry after showers. Hair seemed softer too, though that might be partially psychological.
The most surprising benefit was ice cubes. I never paid attention to ice cube taste before, but friends started commenting on how clean and pure our ice tasted compared to theirs. Small details like this reinforced that we'd made the right choice.
Flow rate remained excellent throughout the house. Even with simultaneous shower and dishwasher operation, pressure stayed consistent. The 1.5 cubic foot media volume provided adequate contact time without creating restrictions.
Long-Term Operation and Maintenance Reality
After eighteen months of operation, I can provide honest feedback about long-term ownership. The system has been remarkably consistent and low-maintenance, which wasn't something I expected from a complex filtration system.
The catalytic carbon and bone char media have a rated life of 3-5 years depending on water quality and usage. With our moderate hardness and typical municipal water contaminants, I'm expecting to replace the media around the 4-year mark. Current performance shows no degradation.
Monthly maintenance consists of checking the bypass valve position and ensuring the drain line remains clear. The control head displays service reminders and system status, making monitoring effortless.
The system regenerates automatically based on water usage, typically every 3-4 days in our household. Each regeneration cycle uses approximately 40 gallons of water and takes about 90 minutes. We rarely notice it happening since it usually occurs during low-usage periods.
One minor issue emerged around month 12 – the drain line developed a slight restriction that caused extended regeneration times.
The problem was easily resolved by flushing the drain line and checking for any sediment buildup. This wasn't a system failure but rather normal maintenance that any mechanical system requires.
Operating costs remain minimal. Electricity usage is negligible – just the control head electronics. Water usage for regeneration averages about 120 gallons monthly, which translates to roughly $3-4 in additional water costs.
The media replacement will be the first significant maintenance expense, estimated around $300-400 for both catalytic carbon and bone char carbon. Compared to ongoing bottled water purchases or health concerns from untreated water, this cost seems reasonable.
Cost Analysis and Value Assessment
Let's talk numbers, because any major home improvement decision ultimately comes down to cost versus benefit analysis. The initial investment in this system was significant – approximately $1,200 for the complete setup including media, tank, and control head.
However, the ongoing savings became apparent quickly. We were spending roughly $40 monthly on bottled water for drinking and cooking. That expense disappeared immediately, creating $480 annual savings right away.
Less obvious but equally real were the extended appliance life benefits. Our coffee maker, which previously required descaling monthly due to mineral and chemical buildup, now runs three months between cleanings. The dishwasher operates more efficiently, and glassware comes out spot-free without rinse aid.
Laundry detergent usage decreased noticeably. Without chlorine and fluoride interfering with soap effectiveness, we use about 25% less detergent per load. Small savings individually, but they accumulate over time.
The biggest value proposition isn't financial – it's health and quality of life.
Knowing that our drinking water, cooking water, and bathing water are free from chlorine byproducts and excess fluoride provides peace of mind that's difficult to quantify. Better-tasting food and beverages, more comfortable showers, and cleaner laundry are daily quality improvements.
Comparing this investment to alternatives puts it in perspective: a whole-house reverse osmosis system would cost 3-4 times more and waste significant water. Point-of-use filters would require multiple units and ongoing cartridge replacements that quickly exceed this system's operating costs.
The property value consideration is worth mentioning too. Whole-house water treatment systems are increasingly desirable features for homebuyers, particularly in areas with known water quality issues.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
After extensive real-world testing, I can confidently recommend the SoftPro Whole House Upflow Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Filter for homeowners dealing with chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride issues in their municipal water supply.
This system excels in several key areas: effective contaminant removal, reliable operation, reasonable maintenance requirements, and excellent customer support from SoftPro. The combination of catalytic carbon and bone char carbon targets specific contaminants without over-treating the water or wasting resources.
Who should consider this system?
Homeowners with municipal water containing chlorine, chloramine, or fluoride will see immediate benefits. If you're currently buying bottled water for taste reasons, or if you've noticed chlorine odors in your shower water, this system addresses those concerns effectively.
Families concerned about long-term fluoride exposure will appreciate the bone char carbon's removal capabilities. The catalytic carbon handles chloramine better than standard carbon filters, making it ideal for areas where municipalities use chloramine for disinfection.
However, this system isn't the right solution for everyone. If your water has high iron content, bacterial contamination, or extreme hardness, you'll need different or additional treatment methods. The SoftPro unit focuses on chemical contaminant removal rather than broad water conditioning.
Would I purchase this system again? Absolutely.
The consistent performance, reliable operation, and noticeable quality improvements justify the investment completely. Eighteen months of ownership have reinforced my initial positive impression and demonstrated that this system delivers on its promises.
For homeowners seeking targeted treatment of chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride without the complexity and waste of reverse osmosis, the SoftPro Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Filter represents an excellent balance of effectiveness, efficiency, and value.