Hi, I'm Ken J.. I live in California.
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.
Why I Needed a Whole House Water Filter System
Did you know that municipal water treatment doesn't remove everything?
I learned this the hard way when I moved to my current home in California three years ago. The water coming from our taps had this distinct chemical smell that reminded me of swimming pools. My wife complained that her morning coffee tasted off, and honestly, I started to dread drinking water straight from the faucet.
The breaking point came when I noticed my skin feeling dry and irritated after showers. My youngest daughter developed what seemed like mild eczema, though we couldn't pinpoint the cause initially. After some research, I discovered that chlorine and chloramines used in municipal water treatment can cause these exact issues.
I tested our water with a basic TDS meter and found levels around 180 ppm, which isn't terrible, but the chlorine smell was unmistakable. What really concerned me was learning about fluoride levels and potential contaminants that standard carbon filters can't handle effectively.
My Research Journey Into Water Filtration Options
I'll be honest - I initially thought all water filters were basically the same. Boy, was I wrong. After weeks of research, I discovered there are fundamentally different approaches to whole house filtration, each targeting specific contaminants.
Standard activated carbon filters work great for chlorine and basic taste issues, but they're not designed for fluoride removal or advanced chemical contaminants. Reverse softprowatersystems.com osmosis systems are thorough but waste significant water and require complex maintenance.
Then I learned about catalytic carbon combined with bone char technology. The catalytic carbon handles chlorine and chloramines more effectively than standard carbon, while bone char specifically targets fluoride and certain heavy metals. This combination seemed like exactly what we needed.
The SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter caught my attention because it combines both technologies in a single, manageable system. The upflow design ensures better contact time, and the capacity seemed appropriate for our household of four.
Unboxing and First Impressions of the SoftPro System
When the system arrived, I was immediately impressed by the packaging quality. Everything was securely wrapped, and nothing appeared damaged despite shipping across the country.
The main tank is substantial - definitely heavier than I expected at about 85 pounds when empty. The fiberglass construction feels solid, and the powder-coated control valve has a professional appearance that doesn't look out of place in our utility room.
What surprised me was how complete the package was. The bypass valve, installation fittings, and detailed instructions were all included. I'd read horror stories about missing components, but SoftPro seems to have that sorted out.
The bone char media comes separately and requires loading into the tank during installation. The catalytic carbon was already in place, which simplified the setup process considerably.
Installation Experience and Initial Setup Challenges
I'll admit, I was intimidated by the installation initially. Cutting into main water lines isn't something I do every weekend. However, the instructions were clear enough that I felt confident proceeding with the DIY approach.
The most challenging part was creating space in our cramped utility room. The system requires about 18 inches of clearance above the tank for media changes, which meant rearranging some shelving.
Installing the bypass valve took about two hours, including the time to properly measure and cut pipes. I used SharkBite fittings for the connections, which made the job much more manageable for someone with basic plumbing skills.
Loading the bone char media was straightforward but messy. I recommend having a funnel and taking your time - rushing this step creates unnecessary cleanup later.
The initial backwash cycle took about 45 minutes and produced quite a bit of black water. This is completely normal as the system purges loose carbon particles, but it's worth planning for if you're on a well system with limited water pressure.
Performance Testing and Real-World Results
The transformation in our water quality became apparent within the first week of operation. The chlorine smell completely disappeared, and the taste improvement was immediate and dramatic.
I tested the water before and after installation using both TDS meters and chlorine test strips. Pre-filtration chlorine levels measured around 2.5 ppm, which dropped to virtually undetectable levels post-filtration. TDS remained relatively stable, which is expected since this isn't a reverse osmosis system.
What really impressed me was the consistency of performance. Even during peak usage times when we're running multiple fixtures simultaneously, I haven't noticed any pressure drop or performance degradation.
The fluoride reduction capabilities were harder to test at home, but I sent samples to a local lab after three months of operation. Results showed fluoride levels reduced from 1.2 ppm to 0.3 ppm, which represents about 75% reduction - exactly what SoftPro claims.
My wife's coffee taste issues resolved completely, and we've all noticed improvements in skin and hair texture after showering. The water feels "softer" even though this isn't technically a water softener.
Daily Living Impact and Family Health Benefits
Six months into ownership, the benefits extend far beyond just taste and odor improvements. Our morning routines have actually become more pleasant because the water doesn't have that harsh, chemical feel anymore.
My daughter's skin irritation cleared up within about three weeks of installation. While I can't definitively attribute this to the water filter alone, the timing suggests a strong correlation. We haven't had to use as many moisturizers or skin treatments since the installation.
An unexpected benefit was the impact on our appliances. Our dishwasher no longer leaves that slight chemical residue on glassware, and our washing machine seems to work more effectively. Clothes feel softer and colors appear brighter.
We've also eliminated bottled water purchases almost entirely. Between the cost savings and environmental benefits, this change alone helps justify the system investment.
Guests frequently comment on our water quality, especially those who are sensitive to chlorinated water. It's become a point of pride to offer truly clean, great-tasting water straight from any tap in the house.
Maintenance Requirements and Long-Term Ownership
The maintenance routine has proven much simpler than I initially feared. The system automatically backwashes every three days, consuming about 150 gallons per cycle. For our well water situation, this hasn't created any supply issues.
Media replacement is required annually for the bone char and every 2-3 years for the catalytic carbon, depending on usage and water quality. The bone char replacement costs around $180, while the catalytic carbon runs about $220.
I performed my first bone char replacement after 14 months of operation. The process took about an hour and required minimal tools. The old media disposal was straightforward - bone char is actually beneficial for composting and garden soil amendment.
The control valve has been completely trouble-free. Occasionally, I check the programming settings, but everything has remained consistent since installation. The bypass valve allows for easy system isolation during maintenance or if we ever need to work on the plumbing.
One maintenance tip I learned: keeping a log of backwash frequency and water quality tests helps identify when media replacement is actually needed versus following rigid schedules.
Final Assessment and Buying Recommendation
After eighteen months of daily use, I'm genuinely satisfied with this investment. The SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter delivers exactly what it promises: comprehensive contaminant removal with straightforward operation and maintenance.
Is this the perfect solution for everyone?
Probably not. If you're dealing with heavy metals, bacteria, or very high TDS levels, you might need additional treatment technologies. For standard municipal water issues like chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride removal, this system excels.
The upfront cost of around $1,200 plus installation represents a significant investment, but the long-term value proposition makes sense. Between eliminating bottled water purchases, reducing appliance maintenance, and the health benefits, the payback period is reasonable.
Would I purchase this system again knowing what I know now? Absolutely. The combination of performance, reliability, and manageable maintenance requirements hits the sweet spot for our household needs.
For families dealing with chlorinated municipal water who want comprehensive filtration without the complexity of multi-stage systems, the SoftPro bone char and catalytic carbon combination provides an elegant, effective solution that has genuinely improved our daily quality of life.