Hi, I'm Mike W.. I live in Colorado. 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.
Did you know that over 70% of public water systems add fluoride to drinking water, yet many homeowners are completely unaware of what's actually flowing through their taps?
I certainly didn't realize the extent of chemical treatment in my municipal water until I started experiencing some concerning issues that led me down a rabbit hole of water quality research.
Living in Colorado, I always assumed our mountain water was pristine. Boy, was I wrong.
My journey with the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter began eight months ago when I noticed my family was experiencing dry skin, brittle hair, and an odd metallic taste in our drinking water. My wife started complaining about how our morning coffee tasted "off," and even our houseplants seemed to struggle despite regular watering.
After some investigation, I discovered our municipal water contained not just chlorine for disinfection, but also fluoride levels that were making me uncomfortable for long-term consumption. The chlorine smell was particularly noticeable when running hot water for showers, and I began connecting the dots between our water quality and the health issues we were experiencing.
The Problem That Started Everything
Let me paint you a picture of what we were dealing with before installing this system. Every morning, the first thing that hit me when I walked into the kitchen was the distinct smell of chlorine. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was definitely noticeable – like a faint swimming pool odor that had taken residence in our home.
The taste was even more concerning. Our tap water had this chemical aftertaste that lingered, making it unpalatable for drinking straight. We found ourselves buying bottled water constantly, which was not only expensive but also environmentally irresponsible. I calculated we were spending roughly $80 per month on bottled water alone.
But the real wake-up call came when I tested our water.
Using a basic TDS meter and some test strips I ordered online, I discovered our municipal water contained:
- Chlorine levels at 2.1 ppm (parts per million)Fluoride at 0.8 ppmTotal dissolved solids around 180 ppmA pH of 7.8, which seemed fine
While these levels fall within EPA guidelines, I wasn't comfortable with my family consuming these chemicals daily. The chlorine was clearly affecting our skin and hair, and the fluoride concerned me given recent studies I'd read about potential health implications with long-term exposure.
I tried several band-aid solutions first. We purchased a countertop filter pitcher, which helped with taste but was inconvenient and didn't address shower water. I installed a basic carbon filter under the kitchen sink, which improved drinking water but left the rest of the house untreated.
What I really needed was a comprehensive, whole-house solution that could tackle both fluoride and chlorine effectively.
Why I Chose the SoftPro System
After weeks of research, I narrowed my options down to three different whole-house filtration approaches: traditional activated carbon systems, reverse osmosis units, and catalytic carbon with bone char combinations.
The reverse osmosis route was immediately eliminated due to the massive water waste – some systems waste 3-4 gallons for every gallon of clean water produced. With Colorado's water conservation concerns, this felt irresponsible.
Standard activated carbon systems were tempting due to their lower cost, but my research indicated they weren't particularly effective at fluoride removal. Most could handle chlorine and some organic compounds, but fluoride requires specialized media.
That's where the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter caught my attention.
This system combines catalytic carbon with bone char, creating a dual-action filtration approach. The catalytic carbon handles chlorine, chloramines, and organic compounds through an oxidation process that's more efficient than standard carbon. The bone char specifically targets fluoride through adsorption.
What sealed the deal for me were several key factors:
Proven Technology: Bone char has been used for water purification for centuries and is recognized by the EPA as an effective fluoride removal method. The catalytic carbon technology is NSF-certified for chlorine removal.
Flow Rate Capacity: The system is rated for 15 GPM (gallons per minute), which meant it could handle our household's peak demand without pressure drops during simultaneous usage.
Longevity: The filter media is designed to last 3-5 years depending on usage and water conditions, making it more cost-effective than constantly replacing smaller filters.
Whole-House Coverage: Unlike point-of-use systems, this would treat all water entering our home – drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry.
Installation Experience and First Impressions
The SoftPro system arrived in a heavy-duty cardboard box that immediately conveyed quality. The unit itself is substantial – measuring approximately 54 inches tall and 13 inches in diameter. The blue fiberglass tank feels solid and well-constructed, with a professional-grade control valve mounted on top.
I opted for professional installation, which cost an additional $450, but I felt it was worth it given the plumbing modifications required. The technician needed to install a bypass valve system and connect the unit to both incoming water line and a drain for backwashing.
The installation took about 3 hours and required:
- Cutting into the main water line after the pressure tankInstalling shut-off valves and bypass capabilityRunning a drain line to our utility sinkMounting the control head and programming initial settingsPressure testing all connections
One thing that impressed me was the quality of the control valve. It's a Fleck 5600SXT, which I learned is considered the gold standard in water treatment controls. The LCD display shows current operating mode, time until next regeneration, and gallons processed.
After installation, the technician walked me through the programming and explained the backwash cycle. The system automatically backwashes every 3 days to prevent channeling and maintain filtration efficiency. Each backwash uses approximately 150 gallons of water and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
The initial startup revealed immediate improvements.
Within hours of activation, the chlorine smell in our kitchen was completely gone. The first glass of water I drank was noticeably different – clean, crisp, and free of any chemical aftertaste.
Performance Testing and Real Results
Being naturally skeptical, I wanted to verify the system's effectiveness with actual testing rather than relying on subjective impressions. I purchased a more comprehensive water testing kit and conducted before-and-after measurements over the first month.
Here's what the numbers showed:
Chlorine Removal:
Pre-filtration: 2.1 ppm
Post-filtration: 0.0 ppm (undetectable)
Reduction: 100%
Fluoride Reduction:
Pre-filtration: 0.8 ppm
Post-filtration: 0.1 ppm
Reduction: 87.5%
Total Dissolved Solids:
Pre-filtration: 180 ppm
Post-filtration: 165 ppm
Reduction: 8.3% (minimal change, which is expected)
The chlorine removal was complete and immediate, which aligned with my taste and smell observations. The fluoride reduction was significant, though not 100% – something the manufacturer clearly states in their literature.
What impressed me most was the consistency of these results over time.
I've retested monthly for the past eight months, and the performance has remained stable. The chlorine removal stays at undetectable levels, and fluoride consistently tests between 0.1-0.2 ppm.
The system processes our household water usage of approximately 300 gallons per day without any noticeable pressure drop. Even during peak usage times – like when someone's showering while the dishwasher and washing machine are running – water pressure throughout the house remains strong.
Daily Living Improvements We've Noticed
Beyond the measurable water quality improvements, the real-world benefits have been substantial and honestly exceeded my expectations.
Skin and Hair Health:
Within two weeks, my wife and I both noticed our skin felt less dry and tight after showers. The constant need for moisturizer decreased significantly. Our hair felt softer and more manageable, and the brittle texture we'd attributed to "Colorado dry air" improved noticeably.
Taste and Cooking Quality:
Coffee and tea taste dramatically better – the subtle flavors that were previously masked by chlorine now come through clearly. Cooking with the filtered water has improved the taste of soups, pasta, and even ice cubes. We've completely eliminated bottled water purchases, saving approximately $80 monthly.
Appliance Protection:
Our dishwasher no longer leaves white spots on glassware, and I've noticed less mineral buildup in our coffee maker and tea kettle. While this system isn't a water softener, the removal of chlorine has reduced the harsh chemical interaction with our existing minerals.
Household Plant Health:
This was an unexpected benefit – our houseplants are thriving. The chlorine in municipal water can be https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/whole-house-upflow-catalytic-bone-char-carbon-water-filter harmful to plants, and removing it has resulted in healthier growth and fewer brown leaf tips.
Laundry Improvements:
Clothes feel softer and colors appear more vibrant. The absence of chlorine has reduced fabric degradation, and we've been able to reduce the amount of fabric softener we use.
Operational Costs and Maintenance Reality
Let me be transparent about the ongoing costs, because this is where many homeowners get surprised after installation.
Electricity Usage:
The control valve uses minimal electricity – essentially just enough to power the timer and valve operations. I estimate it adds less than $5 monthly to our electric bill.
Water Usage for Backwashing:
The system backwashes every 3 days, using approximately 150 gallons per cycle. At our local water rates of $0.004 per gallon, this adds about $7 monthly to our water bill.
Filter Media Replacement:
This is the major ongoing expense. The catalytic carbon and bone char media need replacement every 3-5 years, depending on usage and water conditions. The media replacement cost is approximately $350-400, which works out to roughly $8-12 monthly if you amortize it.
Total Monthly Operating Cost: Approximately $20-24
Compare this to our previous $80 monthly bottled water expense, and the system pays for itself while providing superior coverage for our entire home.
Maintenance Requirements:
Beyond the automatic backwashing, the system requires minimal attention. I check the control panel monthly to ensure it's operating normally and verify the timer settings haven't shifted. The manufacturer recommends annual water testing to monitor performance, which I've incorporated into my routine.
One aspect that took adjustment was planning around backwash cycles. The system automatically initiates backwashing at 2:00 AM by default, which works well for our schedule. However, if we have guests or unusual water usage patterns, I can manually trigger a backwash cycle during convenient times.
Honest Drawbacks and Limitations
No product is perfect, and after eight months of ownership, I've identified several limitations worth discussing honestly.
Space Requirements:
The system is large and requires dedicated space in your utility area. At 54 inches tall, it needs adequate ceiling clearance, and you need nearby access to plumbing and electrical connections. This could be challenging in homes with limited utility space.
Initial Water Waste:
During the first week after installation, the system required several additional backwash cycles to fully condition the media. This resulted in higher than normal water usage initially.
Fluoride Removal Limitations:
While the system removes 85-90% of fluoride, it's not 100%. If you're seeking complete fluoride elimination, you'd need a more aggressive treatment like reverse osmosis at the point of use.
Installation Complexity:
This isn't a DIY-friendly installation for most homeowners. Professional installation is essentially required unless you have significant plumbing experience, adding $400-600 to the initial cost.
Backwash Noise:
During the backwash cycle, the system makes noticeable water flow noise. It's not extremely loud, but it's audible if your utility area is near living spaces. The 2:00 AM default timing helps minimize this issue.
Performance Monitoring:
Unlike some systems with built-in water quality monitoring, this system relies on external testing to verify performance. You need to be proactive about periodic testing to ensure everything is working correctly.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
After eight months of daily use, the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter has exceeded my expectations and transformed our home's water quality in ways I didn't anticipate.
The system excels at its primary mission: removing chlorine and significantly reducing fluoride throughout our entire home. The taste and odor improvements were immediate and dramatic. The health benefits for skin and hair have been consistent and noticeable.
From a value perspective, the math works: eliminating $80 monthly bottled water costs while providing superior whole-house coverage justifies the investment. The operational costs are reasonable, and the 3-5 year media life keeps ongoing expenses manageable.
I would strongly recommend this system if you:
- Have municipal water with noticeable chlorine taste/odorAre concerned about fluoride levels in your drinking waterWant whole-house treatment rather than point-of-use solutionsHave adequate utility space for the systemAre comfortable with professional installation costsDon't mind minimal ongoing maintenance requirements
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need 100% fluoride removal (reverse osmosis might be better)Have severe space constraints in your utility areaAre primarily concerned with hardness minerals (you need a softener)Want a completely maintenance-free solutionAre on a tight budget for both initial and ongoing costs
Looking back, I'm confident I made the right choice for our family's needs.
The water quality improvements have been substantial and consistent. The health benefits were unexpected bonuses that have improved our daily quality of life. While the initial investment was significant, the ongoing value and peace of mind make it worthwhile.
If you're dealing with similar water quality concerns and have been researching whole-house filtration options, I'd encourage you to seriously consider the SoftPro system. Just ensure you budget for professional installation and understand the ongoing operational costs.
The transformation in our water quality has been remarkable, and I can't imagine going back to untreated municipal water. Sometimes the best investments are the ones that improve your daily life in ways you didn't expect – and this system has definitely delivered on that promise.