Hi, I'm Kevin M.. I live in Houston. 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.
When your child suffers from red, itchy eyes and constant sneezing every time she takes a shower, you know something needs to change. That was our reality here in North Carolina on city water until we installed the SoftPro Whole House Upflow Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Water Filter. What started as a desperate search for relief turned into discovering what my daughter now calls her "miracle" solution. After six months of use, I can honestly say this system has transformed our daily water experience in ways I never expected.
Living with city water that seemed clean but caused obvious reactions was frustrating and concerning as a parent. Through extensive research, installation challenges, and real-world testing, I've learned exactly what this filtration system can and cannot do. This comprehensive review covers everything from my decision-making process to long-term maintenance costs, helping you determine if this investment makes sense for your household's specific water quality needs.
The Problem: When "Clean" City Water Isn't Really Clean
Did you know that city water can contain over 300 different contaminants even after municipal treatment?
Our wake-up call came through my daughter's physical reactions during what should have been relaxing showers.
Every evening shower became a dreaded routine. Within minutes of the water hitting her skin, my daughter would emerge with red, irritated eyes that looked like she'd been swimming in an over-chlorinated pool. The sneezing fits would start immediately and continue for twenty to thirty minutes afterward. As a parent watching your child suffer from something as basic as bathing, you feel helpless and frustrated.
Initially, I assumed this was normal city water behavior. After all, municipal water systems are heavily regulated and tested, right? What I discovered through research was eye-opening. While city water meets EPA safety standards for consumption, those standards don't necessarily account for comfort during bathing or the cumulative effects of chemical exposure through skin absorption and inhalation.
The chlorine and chloramines used to disinfect municipal water supplies can cause significant skin and respiratory irritation, especially for sensitive individuals. In our case, the chlorine levels were well within "acceptable" ranges according to city reports, but clearly not acceptable for my daughter's comfort and health.
We tried several band-aid solutions first. Shower filters helped minimally but couldn't handle the volume and pressure we needed. Shorter showers reduced exposure but didn't eliminate the problem. Expensive moisturizers and eye drops treated symptoms without addressing the root cause. Nothing provided the comprehensive relief we desperately needed.
The final straw came during a particularly bad reaction where her eyes remained irritated for hours after showering. That night, I committed to finding a whole-house solution that would treat all water entering our home, not just patch the problem at individual fixtures.
Research Journey: Finding the Right Whole House Solution
Diving into water filtration research revealed a overwhelming world of technologies, claims, and conflicting information. I spent weeks understanding the differences between various filtration methods and how they addressed specific contaminants.
Carbon filtration emerged as the gold standard for chlorine and chloramine removal, but not all carbon systems are created equal. Standard granular activated carbon (GAC) systems provide basic chlorine reduction but have limitations with chloramines and certain organic compounds. Catalytic carbon, however, uses enhanced media specifically designed to tackle chloramines more effectively.
The bone char component intrigued me because of its unique ability to remove fluoride along with other contaminants. While fluoride removal wasn't my primary concern, having that capability provided additional peace of mind for comprehensive water treatment.
System sizing became crucial in my decision process. Our household of four with typical water usage patterns required a system capable of handling peak demand without pressure drops. The upflow design caught my attention because it allows for better contact time between water and filter media while providing efficient backwashing capabilities.
Installation requirements factored heavily into my evaluation. Some systems required extensive plumbing modifications or professional installation that would double the total cost. The SoftPro system's straightforward installation process, complete with detailed instructions and readily available components, made it accessible for a confident DIY homeowner.
Maintenance frequency and costs became deciding factors. Systems requiring frequent media replacement or complex maintenance procedures would create ongoing expenses and hassles. The SoftPro's media longevity ratings and straightforward maintenance schedule aligned with my preference for reliable, low-maintenance solutions.
After comparing specifications, reading technical documentation, and calculating long-term costs, the SoftPro Whole House Upflow Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Filter offered the best combination of comprehensive contaminant removal, reasonable maintenance requirements, and solid construction quality for our specific needs.
Installation Experience: From Delivery to First Operation
The system arrived in two well-packed boxes with foam protection around all components. Everything was included: the fiberglass tank, control valve, media, bypass valve, and detailed installation manual. The build quality impressed me immediately - the tank felt substantial and the control valve appeared well-engineered with clear, labeled connections.
Pre-installation preparation took longer than expected. I needed to install a dedicated electrical outlet for the control valve and ensure adequate drain access for backwash cycles. The installation location required careful planning to accommodate the tank size while maintaining access for future maintenance.
The actual installation process took about six hours, including preparation time. Having basic plumbing skills helped, but the instructions were clear enough that most handy homeowners could handle it. The bypass valve installation proved crucial for future maintenance and allowed me to test the system gradually.
Initial startup involved programming the control valve for our water conditions and household size. The manual provided clear guidance for these settings, though I made minor adjustments over the first few weeks based on actual usage patterns. The first backwash cycle ran automatically, clearing any loose media and preparing the system for service.
First impressions during initial operation were immediately positive. Water pressure remained strong throughout the house, and there was no noticeable taste or odor change - exactly what you want from a properly functioning carbon filtration system.
Feature Analysis: How the Technology Actually Works
The catalytic carbon media represents advanced filtration technology specifically engineered for chloramine removal. Unlike standard activated carbon that struggles with chloramines, catalytic carbon breaks the chlorine-ammonia bond, effectively removing both components. This process occurs through surface catalysis, making it more efficient and longer-lasting than conventional carbon filtration.
In real-world performance, this translates to consistent chlorine and chloramine removal even as the media ages. I tested chlorine levels monthly using pool test strips and consistently found undetectable chlorine in our treated water, compared to 1.5-2.0 ppm in our city supply.
The bone char component adds unique fluoride removal capability along with enhanced organic contaminant reduction. Made from specifically processed animal bones, this media provides a different adsorption mechanism than carbon, targeting contaminants that carbon alone might miss.
The upflow design ensures optimal contact time between water and filter media. As water enters from the bottom and flows upward through the media bed, it maximizes filtration efficiency while preventing channeling that can occur in downflow systems. This design also allows for more effective backwashing, softprowatersystems.com extending media life.
The electronic control valve manages system operation automatically, tracking water usage and initiating backwash cycles based on actual consumption rather than arbitrary time intervals. This intelligent operation ensures optimal performance while minimizing water waste during regeneration cycles.
System capacity of 1.5 cubic feet of media handles our household's daily water usage comfortably. With water hardness around 8 grains and chlorine levels typical of city supplies, the system processes approximately 300,000 gallons before requiring media replacement - roughly 2-3 years for our usage patterns.
The bypass valve system allows complete isolation for maintenance while providing unfiltered water when needed. This feature proved invaluable during initial setup and provides flexibility for future servicing without disrupting household water supply.
Performance Results: Measurable Improvements
The transformation in my daughter's shower experience was immediate and dramatic. Within the first week, the red, itchy eyes disappeared completely. The sneezing fits stopped entirely. What she now calls her "miracle" filter gave us back normal, comfortable bathing experiences.
Testing water quality before and after installation provided objective measurements of system performance. Chlorine levels dropped from 1.8 ppm (city supply average) to undetectable levels. The metallic taste that I hadn't realized we'd been living with vanished completely.
Household appliances showed noticeable improvements over the following months. Our coffee maker, which had required weekly descaling, now runs cleanly with only monthly maintenance. The dishwasher produces spot-free dishes without rinse aids. White clothing stays brighter longer without the subtle yellowing that chlorinated water can cause.
Skin and hair improvements extended beyond my daughter's obvious relief. My wife noticed less dryness after showers, and her color-treated hair holds its vibrancy longer. These benefits weren't immediate but became apparent over 4-6 weeks of use.
Water pressure remained consistent throughout the house, even during peak usage periods. I measured pressure at various fixtures before and after installation, finding only a 2-3 PSI reduction - imperceptible during normal use.
The system's automatic operation has been flawless. Backwash cycles occur approximately every 10 days based on our usage, always during programmed overnight hours. The process is quiet and doesn't disrupt household activities.
Operational Costs and Long-Term Value
Monthly operational costs remain minimal with this system. Electricity consumption for the control valve averages less than $3 per month. Water usage during backwash cycles adds approximately $8-10 monthly to our utility bill, based on local water rates.
The major expense comes with media replacement every 2-3 years. Catalytic carbon and bone char media replacement costs approximately $300-400, depending on current pricing. This translates to roughly $12-15 monthly when amortized over media life.
Total monthly operational cost averages $25-30, compared to previous expenses for bottled water, shower filters, and skin care products that easily exceeded $40 monthly. The system pays for itself through reduced household expenses while providing superior water quality.
Maintenance requirements stay simple and infrequent. Beyond ensuring adequate salt supply for backwashing (approximately $20 annually), the system operates independently. Annual inspection of connections and settings takes less than 30 minutes.
Long-term value extends beyond monthly costs. Protecting appliances from chlorine damage extends their lifespan significantly. Our water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine should last years longer with treated water, representing substantial replacement cost savings.
Compared to bottled water costs for a family of four, this system saves $800-1200 annually while providing unlimited treated water for all household uses. The environmental benefits of eliminating plastic bottle waste add value that's difficult to quantify but personally meaningful.
Limitations and Honest Drawbacks
Installation space requirements proved more challenging than anticipated. The system needs adequate clearance for tank access and drain line routing. Our utility room required rearrangement to accommodate proper placement.
Initial water waste during startup and first few backwash cycles was concerning. The system uses 40-60 gallons per backwash cycle, which seems significant until you consider it's treating 3,000-4,000 gallons between cycles.
The control valve programming, while straightforward, requires understanding of water treatment principles. Setting optimal backwash frequency and duration took several adjustments based on our specific water conditions and usage patterns.
Media replacement, though infrequent, requires careful handling and proper disposal of spent media. This isn't a simple filter cartridge swap - it involves working with loose media and ensuring proper bed depth and distribution.
The system doesn't address hard water minerals, requiring a separate water softener if mineral content causes issues. For households needing comprehensive water treatment, multiple systems increase complexity and costs.
Power outages reset the control valve's cycle timing, requiring manual adjustment to maintain optimal operation. While not difficult, it's an additional consideration during extended outages.
Final Verdict: A Life-Changing Investment
Six months after installation, I can confidently say this system exceeded our expectations and solved our specific water quality problems completely. My daughter's transformation from dreading showers to enjoying them freely represents the kind of quality-of-life improvement that justifies the investment entirely.
The technical performance has been flawless, with consistent contaminant removal and reliable operation. Water quality improvements throughout the house provide daily benefits we notice and appreciate. The system's automatic operation means we enjoy great water without thinking about it.
For households dealing with chlorine or chloramine sensitivity, this represents an ideal solution. The comprehensive contaminant removal, combined with reasonable maintenance requirements and operational costs, delivers exceptional value for families prioritizing water quality.
Installation complexity and space requirements may challenge some homeowners, but the long-term benefits far outweigh initial setup hurdles. Professional installation remains an option for those preferring expert setup.
Would I recommend this system?
Absolutely, for households experiencing chlorine-related issues or wanting comprehensive carbon filtration. The combination of immediate health benefits, long-term cost savings, and reliable performance makes this an outstanding investment in your family's daily comfort and well-being.
My daughter still calls it her miracle filter, and honestly, that says everything you need to know about its real-world impact.