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 my daughter started experiencing red, itchy eyes and uncontrollable sneezing every time she showered, I knew our city water was the culprit. Living in North Carolina, we're on municipal water that meets federal standards, but meeting standards and being optimal for sensitive individuals are two completely different things. After installing the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter, my daughter is completely fine now. She literally calls it "a miracle" – and honestly, watching her transformation from misery to relief has been incredible to witness.
What started as a desperate search for relief became an 8-month journey of discovering just how much our water quality was affecting our entire household. This comprehensive review covers everything from my initial research frustrations to the long-term performance results that convinced me this investment was worth every penny.
The Problem That Changed Everything
Let me paint you a picture of our daily reality before this filter system. Every morning, my daughter would emerge from her shower looking like she'd been crying – red, irritated eyes that she couldn't stop rubbing. The sneezing fits that followed were so severe that I initially thought she was developing some kind of respiratory condition.
Have you ever watched your child suffer from something you couldn't immediately identify or fix?
It's heartbreaking and frustrating in equal measure.
Our municipal water in North Carolina carries the typical cocktail of treatment chemicals – chlorine for disinfection, fluoride for dental health, and various other additives that help it pass safety standards. The problem isn't that these chemicals are inherently dangerous at the levels used; it's that some people are simply more sensitive to them than others. My daughter, apparently, was one of those sensitive individuals.
The chlorine levels in our water typically range between 1.0 to 4.0 parts per million (ppm), which is well within EPA guidelines. But when you're dealing with a child who reacts to even trace amounts, those "safe" levels become problematic. The chlorine wasn't just affecting her during showers – I started noticing that our drinking water had a distinct chemical taste, and our coffee never quite tasted right either.
Did you know that chlorine can remain active in your water system long after it leaves the treatment plant?
This residual chlorine continues its disinfecting work but also continues to potentially irritate sensitive individuals.
Beyond the immediate health symptoms, I began researching the long-term implications of continuous exposure to fluoride and chlorine. While the scientific community continues debating optimal exposure levels, I discovered that bone char carbon filtration offers a unique approach to removing both fluoride and chlorine simultaneously – something most standard carbon filters cannot accomplish.
The fluoride removal aspect particularly interested me because achieving this typically requires specialized alumina-based systems that are expensive and often require professional maintenance. Bone char carbon, derived from animal bones that have been carbonized at high temperatures, creates a porous structure that can adsorb both fluoride ions and chlorine compounds through different mechanisms.
Research Phase: Understanding My Options
Once I identified that our water treatment chemicals were likely causing my daughter's symptoms, I dove deep into researching filtration solutions. The sheer number of options was overwhelming – from simple pitcher filters to complex multi-stage systems that cost thousands of dollars.
My initial research focused on understanding the difference between standard activated carbon and catalytic carbon. Standard carbon excels at removing chlorine and organic compounds but struggles with fluoride. Catalytic carbon, which is carbon treated with specific materials to enhance its properties, offers superior chlorine removal and can handle chloramines – a chlorine compound that many municipal systems now use because it's more stable than free chlorine.
What exactly makes bone char carbon different from regular activated carbon?
The key lies in its unique structure and composition.
Bone char carbon contains calcium phosphate in addition to carbon, creating a filter media that can remove fluoride through ion exchange while simultaneously removing chlorine through adsorption. This dual-action capability meant I wouldn't need separate systems for different contaminants.
I spent weeks comparing flow rates, capacity ratings, and maintenance requirements. Most whole-house systems I researched required flow rates between 8-12 gallons per minute (GPM) to serve a typical household effectively. The SoftPro system claimed to handle up to 12 GPM while maintaining optimal contact time for both fluoride and chlorine removal.
The certification aspect was crucial in my decision-making process. I looked for systems tested to NSF/ANSI standards, particularly Standard 42 for chlorine removal and Standard 53 for health effects contaminants. While bone char carbon systems often don't carry traditional certifications due to the specialized nature of the media, the performance data and third-party testing results I found were compelling.
Installation requirements also factored heavily into my research. https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/whole-house-upflow-catalytic-bone-char-carbon-water-filter Some systems required professional installation, electrical connections for backwashing, and drain line access. The SoftPro system's upflow design appealed to me because it's naturally self-cleaning and doesn't require electricity or complex drain connections.
Why I Chose the SoftPro Catalytic Bone Char System
After comparing dozens of filtration options, several factors made the SoftPro system stand out from the competition. The combination of catalytic carbon and bone char carbon in a single filter vessel offered the comprehensive contaminant removal I needed without the complexity of multi-stage systems.
The upflow design particularly impressed me during my research. Unlike downflow systems where water enters at the top and travels down through the media, upflow systems introduce water at the bottom and push it upward through the carbon bed. This creates better media utilization, prevents channeling, and provides natural backwashing action that helps maintain the filter's effectiveness over time.
Have you ever wondered why contact time matters so much in water filtration?
It's because different contaminants require different amounts of time in contact with the filter media to be effectively removed.
Fluoride removal, in particular, requires adequate contact time for the ion exchange process to occur. The SoftPro system's design ensures that water spends sufficient time in contact with the bone char carbon, even at higher flow rates. During peak demand periods – like morning showers combined with dishwasher operation – maintaining this contact time becomes critical.
The sizing calculation was straightforward but important. With a household of four and typical daily water usage around 300 gallons, I needed a system that could handle peak flow demands without pressure drops while maintaining filtration effectiveness. The SoftPro system's 1.5 cubic feet of media provided the capacity I needed with room for future expansion.
Cost considerations played a significant role in my final decision. While the initial investment was substantial – around $1,200 for the complete system – the long-term operational costs were reasonable. The filter media typically lasts 3-5 years depending on water usage and contaminant levels, making the cost per gallon treated very competitive with other whole-house solutions.
The manufacturer's reputation and customer service track record also influenced my choice. SoftPro has been in the water treatment industry for over two decades, and their technical support team answered my pre-purchase questions thoroughly and professionally.
Installation Experience and First Impressions
When the SoftPro system arrived, I was immediately impressed by the packaging quality and completeness. Everything needed for installation was included – the filter vessel, media, installation fittings, and comprehensive instructions. The 10-inch diameter vessel felt substantial and well-constructed, with thick walls and quality fittings that suggested long-term durability.
The installation process took me approximately 4 hours, working alone and taking my time to ensure everything was done correctly. The main water line connection required cutting into the existing plumbing and installing bypass valves, which I accomplished with basic plumbing tools and skills. The upflow design simplified the installation significantly since no drain line or electrical connections were required.
What surprised me most about the installation process?
How straightforward the plumbing connections were, even for someone with limited plumbing experience.
Pre-filtration preparation involved flushing the new plumbing connections and testing for leaks before introducing the system. The initial startup procedure required slowly filling the vessel and allowing air to escape, then running water through the system for about 20 minutes to remove any carbon fines and activate the media.
The first water test was revealing. Before installation, I measured our municipal water at 2.8 ppm chlorine and 0.7 ppm fluoride using test strips. Immediately after startup, chlorine levels dropped to undetectable levels, while fluoride reduction took several days of use to reach optimal levels as the bone char carbon activated fully.
Physical installation considerations included the space requirements – the 48-inch tall vessel needed adequate clearance for future media replacement – and weight distribution on the basement floor. When fully loaded with media and water, the system weighs approximately 200 pounds, so proper foundation support was essential.
The bypass valve configuration allowed me to compare treated and untreated water side by side during the initial weeks. The difference in taste and odor was immediately noticeable, even before the fluoride levels stabilized at their final reduced levels.
Performance Results After 8 Months of Use
The transformation in my daughter's shower experience was immediate and dramatic. Within three days of installation, the eye irritation completely disappeared. The sneezing fits that had plagued her for months stopped entirely. She genuinely refers to the system as "miraculous," and watching her enjoy her showers again has been worth the entire investment.
But how do the actual water quality numbers compare to the manufacturer's claims?
I've been testing monthly to track long-term performance trends.
Chlorine removal has remained consistently excellent throughout the 8-month period. Test results show undetectable chlorine levels (below 0.1 ppm) even during periods of higher municipal chlorine dosing, such as after heavy rains when treatment plants increase disinfection levels. The catalytic carbon component continues performing at peak efficiency.
Fluoride reduction took longer to optimize but has stabilized at impressive levels. Starting fluoride levels of 0.7 ppm have been consistently reduced to 0.2-0.3 ppm – a reduction of approximately 60-70%. While not complete fluoride removal, this reduction brought our water well below levels that typically cause sensitivity reactions.
Flow rate performance has exceeded expectations. Even during peak demand periods – simultaneous showers, dishwasher operation, and laundry – I measure 10-12 GPM flow rates with minimal pressure drop. The upflow design's self-cleaning action appears to prevent the media compaction that can reduce flow rates in downflow systems.
Water taste and odor improvements have been dramatic and sustained. The chemical taste that characterized our municipal water has been completely eliminated. Coffee tastes noticeably better, and drinking water has a clean, neutral taste that encourages increased consumption.
Unexpected benefits have emerged over time. Our dishwasher operates more efficiently without chlorine interference, and glassware comes out clearer without the slight cloudiness that chlorine can cause. Laundry seems brighter, and colors appear more vibrant without chlorine's bleaching effects.
Seasonal variations in municipal water treatment haven't affected the system's performance. During summer months when chlorine levels typically increase, the filtration effectiveness remained consistent. Winter periods with lower chlorine dosing haven't revealed any performance degradation or media breakthrough.
Real-World Daily Living Impact
The most significant impact has been on my daughter's daily routine and overall comfort. Showers that were once dreaded experiences filled with discomfort have become normal, enjoyable parts of her day. The psychological relief of not anticipating irritation has been as important as the physical improvement.
Household cleaning routines have subtly improved across multiple areas. Without chlorine's drying effects, skin and hair feel softer for all family members. My wife mentioned that her hair color treatments last longer and fade more evenly without chlorine interference. These weren't benefits I researched or expected, but they've added value to the investment.
Have you ever noticed how water quality affects your morning coffee ritual?
The difference in coffee taste was one of the first improvements I noticed and continues to be a daily reminder of the system's effectiveness.
Cooking applications have benefited significantly. Pasta water boils cleaner without chlorine's chemical odor. Bread-making results have improved because chlorine can interfere with yeast activity. Ice cubes taste neutral and don't contribute off-flavors to beverages.
Guests and visitors have commented on the water quality without prompting. Several have asked about our filtration system after noticing the taste difference. One plumber working on an unrelated project mentioned that our water "tastes like spring water" compared to typical city water.
Pet behavior changes have been subtle but noticeable. Our cat drinks more water from the tap and shows less preference for bottled water we previously provided. Dogs seem more willing to drink from their bowls filled with filtered water.
Gardening applications have shown interesting results. Plants watered with the filtered water show slightly better growth and color, likely due to reduced chlorine interference with beneficial soil microorganisms. While not a primary reason for the purchase, it's a pleasant additional benefit.
Maintenance Experience and Long-Term Costs
Eight months of ownership has provided solid insight into the system's maintenance requirements and ongoing costs. The upflow design's self-cleaning action has eliminated the need for manual backwashing or complex maintenance procedures that characterize many whole-house systems.
Routine maintenance consists primarily of monitoring filter performance through periodic water testing and visual inspection of the system components. I check for leaks, verify proper flow rates, and test chlorine levels monthly using simple test strips that cost approximately $15 for a six-month supply.
What maintenance tasks have proven more challenging than expected?
Honestly, the maintenance has been easier than anticipated, with no significant challenges encountered.
Filter media replacement is projected for the 3-5 year timeframe based on our usage patterns and water quality. The replacement cost for the catalytic and bone char carbon media is approximately $400-500, making the annual operating cost very reasonable for whole-house filtration. This compares favorably to other systems requiring more frequent filter changes or professional service.
No performance degradation has been observed over the 8-month period. Flow rates remain consistent, and contaminant removal effectiveness hasn't declined. The bone char carbon typically improves its fluoride removal capability over the first few months of use as the media conditions and optimizes.
System monitoring is straightforward with simple test methods. Chlorine testing with strips provides immediate results, while fluoride testing requires either professional lab analysis or more expensive test kits. I've opted for quarterly professional testing to track fluoride levels accurately.
Seasonal maintenance considerations are minimal due to the system's design. Winter freeze protection isn't required in our climate, and summer high-usage periods haven't stressed the system beyond its design capacity. The stable performance across different seasons suggests good long-term reliability.
Manufacturer support has been excellent when I've had questions about optimization or testing procedures. Technical support staff are knowledgeable about the specific characteristics of bone char carbon and provided helpful guidance for maximizing system performance.
Final Assessment: Worth Every Penny
After 8 months of daily use, the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter has exceeded my expectations in virtually every measurable way. The immediate relief it provided for my daughter's sensitivity reactions was worth the entire investment, but the broader water quality improvements have benefited our entire household.
The combination of catalytic carbon and bone char carbon in a single, elegantly designed system provides comprehensive contaminant removal without the complexity of multi-stage filtration. Performance has been consistent, maintenance minimal, and the long-term cost structure reasonable for the level of water quality improvement achieved.
Would I make the same purchase decision knowing what I know now?
Absolutely, and I'd probably make it sooner.
The system excels in several key areas: immediate and sustained chlorine removal, significant fluoride reduction, excellent flow rate maintenance, minimal maintenance requirements, and broad water quality improvements that extend beyond the target contaminants. These benefits have created value that extends throughout our daily lives.
Perfect applications for this system include households with chlorine or fluoride sensitivities, families seeking comprehensive water quality improvement, homes on municipal water systems with high treatment chemical levels, and situations where whole-house filtration is preferred over point-of-use solutions.
Alternative solutions might be better for households primarily concerned with sediment or specific contaminants not addressed by carbon filtration, situations requiring complete fluoride elimination rather than reduction, or budget-constrained scenarios where point-of-use filtration might provide adequate results.
The SoftPro system represents a sophisticated approach to whole-house water treatment that delivers real-world results. My daughter's transformation from daily discomfort to calling it "a miracle" tells the story better than any technical specification. Eight months later, that miracle continues delivering every single day.
For families dealing with similar water quality challenges, this system provides an effective, reliable solution that improves daily life in ways both measured and unexpected. The investment has proven worthwhile through consistent performance, health benefits, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family's water is optimally treated.