Hi, I'm Shawn M. I live in Ohio.
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.
The Water Quality Nightmare That Changed Everything
Three months ago, I was dealing with what I can only describe as a water quality disaster. Living in rural Ohio, our well water had become increasingly problematic over the past year.
The chlorine taste was overwhelming – so strong that my morning coffee tasted like I was drinking pool water. My wife refused to cook with it, and we'd started buying bottled water just for drinking.
But the taste was just the beginning. I noticed our white clothes were developing yellowish stains, and my shower glass had a film that no amount of scrubbing could remove. The worst part was discovering that our area's municipal water treatment was adding fluoride at levels that concerned me, especially with two young kids in the house.
What was I supposed to do when the water coming into my home felt unsafe for my family?
I'd tried pitcher filters, but filling them constantly for a family of four was exhausting. Point-of-use filters helped at the kitchen sink, but did nothing for showers, laundry, or the rest of our water usage. I needed a whole-house solution that could handle multiple contaminants simultaneously.
After researching water quality issues in our area, I learned that our well water contained iron levels around 2.3 PPM, fluoride at 1.8 PPM, and chlorine compounds from recent municipal treatment changes. The iron was causing the staining, fluoride was my health concern, and chlorine was destroying the taste of everything.
Why I Chose the SoftPro Catalytic Bone Char System
My research journey lasted about six weeks. I contacted three local water treatment companies, read dozens of product reviews, and even had our water professionally tested.
Most whole-house filters I found addressed only one or two contaminants. Carbon filters handled chlorine but not fluoride. Iron filters tackled iron but left chemical tastes. I needed something that could handle the complete picture.
That's when I discovered the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter. The combination of catalytic carbon and bone char carbon intrigued me because it promised comprehensive contaminant removal in a single system.
The catalytic carbon component uses a specially treated carbon that can break down chloramines and chlorine through catalytic destruction, not just adsorption. This means longer filter life and more complete removal.
The bone char carbon portion specifically targets fluoride – something regular carbon can't effectively remove. Bone char has a unique crystalline structure that attracts and holds fluoride ions.
What sealed the deal were three factors: the upflow design that prevents channeling and extends filter life, the built-in bypass valve for maintenance convenience, and the insulation sleeve that came included to prevent condensation in my basement installation.
Could one system really handle iron, chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride effectively?
The specifications looked promising. The system is rated for 6 GPM flow rate with a 1.5 cubic foot media capacity. For our household of four with moderate water usage, the manufacturer estimated 3-5 year filter life depending on contaminant levels.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The system arrived in two weeks via freight delivery. I was impressed immediately by the packaging quality – everything was wrapped and protected professionally.
The main tank is a 10" x 54" mineral tank with a Fleck 5600SXT control valve. The build quality felt substantial – not like the lightweight plastic systems I'd seen at big box stores.
Opening the box revealed the complete system: the main tank pre-loaded with media, control valve already installed, bypass valve assembly, insulation sleeve, and comprehensive installation manual. The inclusion of the bypass valve surprised me since many competitors charge extra for this essential component.
The control valve is digital with clear programming instructions. Unlike mechanical timers, this electronic head allows for precise control of backwash cycles and monitoring of water usage.
The insulation sleeve fit perfectly around the tank. Living in Ohio with humid summers, I appreciated this detail that would prevent my basement from developing condensation issues.
Installation Experience and Setup Process
I chose professional installation through SoftPro's network, and I'm glad I did. The installer arrived exactly on time and immediately assessed my basement setup.
My existing plumbing required minor modifications to accommodate the system. The installer cut into the main water line after the pressure tank but before any branch lines – exactly where a whole-house system should be positioned.
The upflow design requires specific plumbing connections. Unlike downflow systems, water enters at the bottom of the tank, flows up through the media, and exits at the top. This prevents media compaction and ensures even distribution throughout the filter bed.
Installation took about 3 hours total, including leak testing and system programming. The installer programmed the control valve based on our water test results: backwash every 7 days, 12-minute backwash cycle, 5-minute rinse.
Would the upflow design really make a difference in filter performance and longevity?
The installer explained that upflow prevents channeling – areas where water finds the path of least resistance through the media. This ensures every gallon contacts the maximum amount of filter media for optimal contaminant removal.
Before leaving, he tested the system operation, walked me through the control panel, and provided maintenance instructions. The bypass valve made it easy to isolate the system if needed while maintaining water flow to the house.
Performance Results After Three Months of Use
The transformation in our water quality was immediate and dramatic. Within 24 hours, the chlorine taste and odor were completely eliminated.
I tested the water using TDS meters and chlorine test strips. Pre-filtration chlorine levels measured 2.1 PPM. Post-filtration showed zero detectable chlorine – the catalytic carbon was performing exactly as promised.
The iron removal exceeded my expectations. Our 2.3 PPM iron level dropped to undetectable levels. The yellowish staining on clothes stopped immediately, and existing stains began fading with regular washing.
Fluoride removal was harder to measure at home, but I sent samples to a certified lab after one month. Results showed fluoride reduction from 1.8 PPM to 0.3 PPM – an 83% reduction that brought levels well below my target threshold.
But what about the practical, everyday improvements I could actually notice?
Coffee tastes incredible now – no chemical aftertaste whatsoever. My wife started cooking with tap water again instead of bottled water. Showers feel different too; my skin doesn't feel as dry, and the shower glass stays cleaner longer.
The most surprising improvement was in our dishwasher performance. Spots on glassware disappeared, and I reduced rinse aid usage by half. Apparently, the iron and chlorine were interfering with proper cleaning.
Flow rate through the system maintains excellent pressure. I measured 45 PSI at fixtures during normal use – only a 3 PSI drop from municipal pressure. Even during peak usage with shower and dishwasher running simultaneously, pressure remained adequate.
Operating Costs and Maintenance Reality
One aspect I researched heavily was long-term operating costs. The SoftPro system uses no electricity except during the brief backwash cycle, so ongoing electrical costs are minimal.
Water usage during backwash cycles averages about 80 gallons per week. At our local water rates, this adds roughly $12 per month to our water bill.
The media replacement schedule depends on water quality and usage. With our contaminant levels and family size, SoftPro estimates 4-5 years before media replacement. Replacement cost for both catalytic carbon and bone char media runs about $400 including shipping.
Breaking down the economics: system cost $1,847, installation $350, annual operating costs about $180. Compare this to our previous bottled water expenses of $85 monthly, and the system pays for itself in under two years.
What about the maintenance tasks I needed to handle myself?
Monthly maintenance involves checking the control valve display and ensuring proper backwash cycles. The digital readout shows days until next backwash and total gallons processed since installation.
Every six months, I test water quality using simple test strips to verify continued performance. So far, chlorine and iron levels remain undetectable.
The system is remarkably low-maintenance compared to other options I considered. No salt additions like water softeners, no UV bulb replacements like sterilizers, no frequent cartridge changes like multi-stage systems.
Real-World Impact on Daily Living
Beyond the technical improvements, this system transformed our household's relationship with water. We stopped buying bottled water entirely – a savings of about $85 monthly and significant reduction in plastic waste.
Cooking improved dramatically. Rice doesn't have an off-taste anymore. Ice cubes are crystal clear instead of cloudy. My wife enjoys cooking again without worrying about water quality affecting recipes.
Laundry results impressed me most. White clothes stay white, and colors appear more vibrant. I reduced detergent usage by about 25% because the softened, clean water requires less soap for effective cleaning.
Personal care benefits surprised me. My scalp feels less irritated after showers, and my skin doesn't feel as tight and dry. My wife noticed her hair feels softer and more manageable.
But what about visitors – could they notice the difference?
Multiple guests have commented on our water quality without prompting. My brother-in-law, who's particular about coffee, noticed immediately and asked what we'd changed. Our neighbor requested information about the system after tasting our tap water.
The most telling feedback came from a plumber who serviced our water heater. He commented that our tank showed minimal sediment buildup compared to typical homes in the area – evidence that the iron filtration was protecting our appliances.
Seasonal variations haven't affected performance. Through Ohio's winter freeze-thaw cycles and spring runoff periods, water quality has remained consistently excellent.
Final Verdict and Honest Assessment
After three months of daily use, I'm genuinely impressed with the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter. It solved every water quality issue we faced while being surprisingly low-maintenance.
The combination of catalytic carbon and bone char carbon delivers comprehensive contaminant removal that single-media systems can't match. The upflow design appears to be extending filter life as promised – no performance degradation yet.
Build quality exceeds my expectations. The Fleck control valve operates quietly and reliably. The tank construction feels durable, and all components show no signs of wear or corrosion.
Value proposition is excellent when considering long-term costs. Eliminating bottled water purchases alone justifies a significant portion of the investment. Adding appliance protection and improved quality of life makes this a https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/whole-house-upflow-catalytic-bone-char-carbon-water-filter clear winner.
Would I purchase this system again knowing what I know now?
Absolutely. The peace of mind knowing my family has clean, safe water from every tap in the house is invaluable. The taste improvement alone would justify the cost, but getting comprehensive contaminant removal in a single, low-maintenance system exceeds my expectations.
This system is perfect for homeowners dealing with multiple water quality issues who want a comprehensive solution. If you're facing iron staining, chlorine taste, fluoride concerns, or combination contaminant problems, the SoftPro catalytic bone char system deserves serious consideration.
The included bypass valve, insulation sleeve, and professional installation support demonstrate attention to real-world installation needs. For rural homeowners or anyone seeking whole-house water treatment, this system delivers professional-grade performance at a reasonable price point.