Hi, I'm he. I live in Raleigh.
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.
Looking back at my water quality journey, I never imagined I'd become someone who gets excited about filtration systems. But here I am, eight months after installing the SoftPro Whole House Upflow Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Water Filter, genuinely enthusiastic about sharing what this system has done for my household. If you're dealing with water quality issues that affect everything from your morning coffee to your family's health, this detailed account of my real-world experience might help you make an informed decision.
The transformation has been remarkable—from initially dreading the taste of our tap water to actually preferring it over bottled water. But this journey wasn't without its learning curves, unexpected discoveries, and honest challenges that I'll share transparently throughout this review.
The Water Quality Problems That Drove Me to Action
Before diving into the solution, let me paint a clear picture of what drove me to invest in a whole house filtration system. Living in Raleigh, our municipal water meets safety standards, but that doesn't mean it tastes great or feels comfortable on your skin.
The most obvious issue was the overwhelming chlorine smell and taste. Every morning, filling my coffee maker felt like preparing a chemistry experiment. The chlorine odor would hit you the moment water started flowing from any faucet. My wife started buying bottled water for drinking, which was adding up to nearly $40 monthly just for basic hydration needs.
But the problems went deeper than taste and smell. I noticed that our white clothes were developing a dingy, yellowish tint over time, despite using quality detergents. My skin felt dry and irritated after showers, especially during winter months. The chlorine was clearly affecting more than just taste—it was impacting our daily comfort and household maintenance.
What really concerned me was learning about the potential long-term health implications. Municipal water treatment uses chlorine to eliminate harmful bacteria, which is essential for safety. However, chlorine can form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes when it reacts with organic matter. These compounds have been linked to various health concerns in long-term exposure studies.
Additionally, I discovered that our water contained fluoride levels around 0.8 PPM—within EPA guidelines but higher than I preferred for my family's daily consumption. While fluoride in toothpaste serves a purpose, consuming it in every glass of water, every cup of coffee, and every meal preparation felt excessive to me.
I tried pitcher filters initially, but they couldn't keep up with our household's water usage. We'd go through three or four filters monthly, and they only addressed drinking water—not the chlorine affecting our skin, clothes, and household appliances. Plus, waiting for water to filter drop by drop became frustrating when trying to fill larger containers.
The final straw came when I calculated the annual cost of bottled water, replacement pitcher filters, and the premature replacement of clothes and linens affected by chlorine. Was I essentially paying twice for water—once through my utility bill and again through all these workarounds?
That's when I started researching whole house filtration systems seriously.
Research Phase: Understanding My Options
My research process took about six weeks of evenings and weekends, diving deep into water treatment technologies. I wanted to understand not just what products were available, but how different filtration methods actually worked and which would address my specific concerns most effectively.
The first thing I learned was that not all carbon filters are created equal. Standard activated carbon works well for chlorine removal but has limitations with fluoride and certain other contaminants. Bone char carbon, derived from animal bones processed at high temperatures, has unique properties that make it effective for both chlorine and fluoride reduction.
I discovered that catalytic carbon takes filtration a step further. Unlike regular activated carbon, catalytic carbon can break down chloramines—a disinfectant that's increasingly used by water utilities because it's more stable than chlorine. Many basic carbon filters struggle with chloramines, but catalytic carbon can handle both chlorine and chloramines effectively.
The upflow design caught my attention because it offers several advantages over traditional downflow systems. Water enters at the bottom and flows upward through the media, which allows for better contact time and more efficient use of the entire filter bed. This design also helps prevent channeling, where water might find the path of least resistance and bypass portions of the filtration media.
I compared this approach to other whole house options like reverse osmosis systems, UV sterilizers, and standard carbon blocks. Reverse osmosis removes virtually everything but requires significant water pressure, generates wastewater, and removes beneficial minerals. UV systems excel at killing microorganisms but don't address chemical contaminants or improve taste. Standard carbon blocks work for chlorine but often can't handle the flow rates needed for whole house applications.
Certification standards became crucial in my evaluation. I looked for Have a peek at this website NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for aesthetic effects (taste, odor, chlorine) and NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for health effects (specific contaminant reduction). The SoftPro system carried these certifications, providing independent verification of its performance claims.
Capacity considerations were equally important. I needed a system that could handle our household's peak flow demands—simultaneous showers, dishwasher operation, and laundry—without creating pressure drops or bypassing filtration during high-usage periods. The sizing calculations involved considering not just daily water usage but peak flow rates during busy morning and evening hours.
After analyzing installation requirements, ongoing costs, maintenance demands, and performance specifications across multiple systems, the SoftPro Whole House Upflow Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Filter emerged as the best fit for my specific needs and budget constraints.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The system arrived in two carefully packaged boxes—one containing the fiberglass tank and control head, the other with the filtration media and installation hardware. I appreciated the protective packaging, especially around the control valve, which appeared to be the most delicate component.
My first impression was the substantial build quality. The fiberglass tank felt robust and well-constructed, measuring 10 inches in diameter and 54 inches in height. At about 45 pounds empty, it had a solid, durable feel that suggested it would handle years of service without issues.
The control head featured a clear, intuitive interface with LED indicators for system status, service reminders, and operational modes. Unlike some complex systems with confusing programming, this unit used straightforward controls that made sense even before reading the manual thoroughly.
I was impressed with the comprehensive installation kit. It included all necessary fittings, bypass valve assembly, drain line connector, and even the specific tools needed for initial setup. Having everything included meant no last-minute trips to the hardware store during installation.
The filtration media came pre-measured in sealed containers—a mixture of catalytic carbon and bone char carbon optimized for the tank size. The media looked and felt like high-quality materials, not the dusty, inconsistent carbon I'd seen in some cheaper systems.
Documentation quality exceeded my expectations. The installation manual provided clear diagrams, step-by-step procedures, and troubleshooting guidance. More importantly, it explained the "why" behind each step, helping me understand the system's operation rather than just following blind instructions.
One thoughtful detail was the inclusion of water testing supplies for initial baseline measurements and post-installation verification. This allowed me to document the actual improvements rather than relying solely on subjective impressions.
Installation Experience and Initial Setup
I chose to install the system myself, partly to save money but mainly because I wanted to understand every aspect of how it worked. The installation took a full Saturday, though someone with more plumbing experience could probably complete it in 4-5 hours.
The most challenging aspect was selecting the optimal location. The system needed to be after the main water shutoff but before any branch lines, with adequate clearance for the tank height and access for future maintenance. I ultimately chose a spot in my basement utility room, about 8 feet from where the main line enters the house.
Installing the bypass valve required cutting into the main water line—definitely the most nerve-wracking part of the project. I rented a professional pipe cutter to ensure clean, square cuts and took my time measuring twice before cutting once. The included fittings matched perfectly, and the connections sealed properly on the first attempt.
Loading the filtration media required following a specific layering sequence. The instructions emphasized the importance of adding media slowly to prevent damage to the internal distributor tube. I took my time with this step, as proper media distribution affects long-term performance.
The initial backwash cycle was fascinating to observe. The system automatically purged installation debris, settled the media bed, and classified the different carbon types for optimal filtration efficiency. The first few minutes produced notably discolored water as manufacturing dust and fine particles were flushed out.
Programming the control head involved setting household size, water usage patterns, and regeneration preferences. The system uses time-based backwashing rather than volume-based, which simplifies programming but requires realistic usage estimates for optimal efficiency.
After completing installation and initial cycling, I tested the system with multiple fixtures to verify proper flow rates and pressure consistency. Would the system maintain adequate pressure during peak usage times?
Even with shower, dishwasher, and washing machine running simultaneously, pressure remained strong and consistent throughout the house.
Deep Dive: System Performance and Technology
The catalytic carbon component represents the most advanced aspect of this filtration system. Unlike standard activated carbon that primarily relies on physical adsorption, catalytic carbon promotes chemical reactions that break down contaminants at the molecular level.
For chlorine removal, I measured incoming levels at 1.8 PPM using a digital chlorine meter. After one week of system operation, post-filtration levels consistently tested below 0.1 PPM—essentially undetectable. The improvement was immediately noticeable in taste, with the harsh chemical bite completely eliminated from our drinking water.
Chloramine reduction proved equally impressive. Our municipal utility periodically switches between chlorine and chloramine disinfection, and I've tested the system's performance with both. Chloramines typically require longer contact time for removal, but the upflow design provides sufficient residence time for effective catalytic breakdown.
The bone char carbon component targets fluoride through a different mechanism—adsorption and ion exchange. Pre-installation fluoride levels measured 0.8 PPM, while post-filtration levels dropped to approximately 0.2 PPM. This represents about 75% reduction, bringing levels closer to what I preferred for daily consumption.
Flow rate performance has consistently met specifications. The system is rated for 12 GPM maximum flow, and I've tested it extensively under various demand scenarios. During peak usage periods—morning showers combined with kitchen and laundry use—flow rates remained strong without any noticeable pressure drops.
The upflow design provides several operational advantages I've observed over time. Traditional downflow systems can develop channels where water bypasses portions of the media bed. Upflow operation keeps the media bed expanded and active, ensuring water contacts filtration materials throughout the entire tank volume.
Backwash efficiency has impressed me during routine maintenance observations. The system uses an automated backwash cycle that lifts and scrubs the media bed, removing accumulated particles and refreshing the carbon surface area. I can observe the backwash water clarity improving throughout the cycle, indicating effective cleaning.
Temperature stability performs well within normal household ranges. I've tested performance during winter months when incoming water temperatures drop to around 45°F and summer periods when it reaches 75°F. Filtration efficiency remained consistent across this temperature range.
The system's ability to handle pH variations has been noteworthy. Our municipal water pH fluctuates between 7.2 and 8.1 depending on seasonal treatment adjustments, but post-filtration water maintains consistent taste and odor characteristics regardless of these variations.
Real-World Daily Living Impact
The transformation in our daily water experience has been remarkable and extends far beyond what I initially expected. The most immediate change was in drinking water quality—we completely stopped buying bottled water within two weeks of installation.
Coffee and tea preparation improved dramatically. The absence of chlorine allows the natural flavors to come through without chemical interference. My wife, who's particular about her morning coffee, noticed the difference immediately and commented that it tastes similar to the premium filtered water we used to purchase.
Cooking benefits became apparent when preparing foods that use significant amounts of water. Pasta, rice, and soup broths have cleaner, more natural flavors. I never realized how much the chlorine was affecting food taste until it was completely removed.
Shower and bathing experiences improved substantially. The dry, irritated skin I experienced during winter months virtually disappeared. My wife reported that her hair feels softer and more manageable without the harsh chemicals. We've reduced our use of moisturizers and conditioners because they're simply not needed as much.
Laundry results showed gradual but noticeable improvements. White clothes maintain their brightness longer, and colors appear more vibrant over time. The dingy, yellowed appearance that gradually affected our linens hasn't returned since installation. We've also reduced fabric softener usage because clothes feel naturally softer.
Houseplants have responded positively to the filtered water. Plants that previously showed signs of stress from chlorinated water now display healthier growth and more vibrant foliage. This was an unexpected benefit that became apparent after several months of use.
Guest reactions have been consistently positive. Several visitors have commented on the clean taste of our water and asked about our filtration system. One friend, who's sensitive to chlorine, specifically mentioned how much better our water tastes compared to other homes in the area.
Appliance performance has shown subtle but measurable improvements. Our dishwasher produces cleaner, spot-free results without additional rinse aids. The coffee maker requires descaling less frequently, suggesting reduced mineral buildup from better overall water quality.
Operational Costs and Long-Term Efficiency
Understanding the true cost of ownership was crucial to my purchase decision, and I've carefully tracked expenses throughout my ownership period. The initial investment of $1,247 for the complete system represented a significant upfront cost, but the ongoing operational expenses have been quite reasonable.
The system uses approximately 45 gallons of water during each backwash cycle, which occurs every 3-4 days depending on usage. At our local water rates of $3.42 per 1,000 gallons, this represents about $0.15 per backwash cycle, or roughly $15 annually in additional water costs.
Electricity consumption is minimal, as the control head only operates during programming and backwash cycles. I estimate less than $8 annually in additional electrical costs, making the total utility impact about $23 per year.
Media replacement represents the primary ongoing expense. The catalytic and bone char carbon media should be replaced every 4-6 years depending on usage and incoming water quality. Replacement media costs approximately $185 for both types, resulting in an annual media cost of about $35-45.
I've calculated significant savings in areas I hadn't fully considered during my initial research. Eliminating bottled water purchases saves approximately $480 annually. Reduced use of moisturizers, conditioners, and fabric softeners adds another $60-80 in annual savings. Less frequent coffee maker descaling and longer-lasting linens provide additional value that's harder to quantify precisely.
When I factor in the money saved against operational costs, the system essentially pays for itself within 2.5 years. After that point, it provides net positive value while continuing to improve our daily water quality experience.
Compared to alternatives like under-sink reverse osmosis systems (which only filter drinking water) or whole house reverse osmosis (which costs 3-4 times more), this system provides excellent value for comprehensive water treatment.
The warranty coverage provides additional peace of mind. The tank and control head carry 10-year warranties, while the control valve has a 5-year warranty. This coverage demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in build quality and helps protect the investment.
Maintenance Experience and System Reliability
Regular maintenance has proven straightforward and less time-consuming than I anticipated. The automated backwash cycles handle the primary cleaning requirements, but I perform monthly visual inspections to verify proper operation and check for any signs of wear or leaks.
Every three months, I test water quality using simple test strips to monitor chlorine removal efficiency and overall system performance. These tests have consistently shown excellent results, giving me confidence that the system continues operating at peak effectiveness.
The control head displays service reminders and system status through LED indicators, making it easy to stay on top of maintenance requirements. When the media replacement indicator activates (based on calculated usage), I'll know it's time to refresh the filtration materials.
I've experienced no significant issues during my ownership period. The system operates quietly, with backwash cycles producing only minimal noise that's not disruptive even when occurring during evening hours. The automated operation means I rarely need to think about the system—it simply works consistently in the background.
Seasonal performance has remained stable through both summer and winter months. I was concerned about potential freezing issues during cold spells, but the basement installation location maintains adequate temperatures even during extended cold periods.
The bypass valve system allows me to temporarily bypass filtration if needed for maintenance or emergencies. I've tested this feature several times and found it works smoothly, providing flexibility for various situations without disrupting household water supply.
Customer support interactions have been positive during my few contacts with SoftPro. Technical questions were answered knowledgeably, and they provided helpful guidance for optimizing system performance based on my specific water conditions and usage patterns.
Looking back at eight months of ownership, would I make the same decision again?
Absolutely. The combination of improved water quality, health benefits, cost savings, and overall convenience has exceeded my expectations and justified the investment completely.