Hi, I'm Paul P.. I live in Michigan.
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 the average American household consumes thousands of gallons of water monthly, yet most of us have no idea what's actually flowing through our taps?
I certainly didn't until my family started experiencing issues that made me question our water quality. What started as a simple concern about taste quickly evolved into a comprehensive investigation that led me to invest in the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter system.
After eight months of daily use, I'm ready to share the complete truth about this whole house filtration system – the impressive results, the unexpected challenges, and whether it's worth the investment for families dealing with municipal water quality issues.
The Water Quality Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
Living in Michigan, I always assumed our municipal water was fine. Sure, it had a slight chlorine smell occasionally, but nothing that seemed concerning.
That changed last spring when my wife mentioned our coffee tasted "off" and my teenage daughter complained about her skin feeling dry after showers. Initially, I dismissed these as minor inconveniences, but the complaints became consistent.
The real wake-up call came during a plumbing inspection when our technician pointed out mineral buildup in our water heater and suggested we test our water quality. The results were eye-opening: our municipal water contained 2.3 ppm of fluoride, 1.8 ppm of chlorine, and trace amounts of chloramines that I hadn't even known to look for.
While these levels fall within EPA guidelines, I learned that prolonged exposure to these chemicals can affect taste, odor, and potentially impact sensitive skin. More concerning was discovering that standard carbon filters can't effectively remove fluoride – a fact that eliminated most of the filtration options I'd initially considered.
The financial impact was becoming noticeable too. We were spending approximately $40 monthly on bottled water for drinking and cooking, plus dealing with increased soap and shampoo usage due to the harsh water effects. My wife had started buying expensive skin moisturizers to combat the dryness, adding another $25 monthly to our household budget.
Research Journey: Why Standard Filters Weren't Enough
My initial research focused on typical whole house carbon filters, assuming they'd solve our chlorine and taste issues. However, digging deeper into water chemistry revealed that fluoride removal requires specialized media that most residential systems don't include.
I spent weeks researching different filtration technologies: reverse osmosis, activated alumina, and bone char carbon. Reverse osmosis seemed overkill for whole house applications and would require significant plumbing modifications. Activated alumina filters had mixed reviews regarding effectiveness and required frequent monitoring.
Bone char carbon emerged as the most promising solution. This natural filtration media, derived from animal bones processed at high temperatures, creates a unique porous structure that can adsorb fluoride, chlorine, and chloramines simultaneously. Unlike synthetic alternatives, bone char maintains its effectiveness across a wider pH range and doesn't require electricity or additional chemicals.
The SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter caught my attention because it combines catalytic carbon with bone char carbon in a single system. The catalytic carbon handles chlorine and chloramines through a chemical reaction rather than simple adsorption, which extends the filter life. The bone char specifically targets fluoride while providing additional chlorine removal capacity.
What sealed the decision was the system's capacity: rated for 600,000 gallons or approximately 6 years for a family of four. This translated to roughly $0.08 per 100 gallons of filtered water – significantly less than bottled water and competitive with basic carbon filtration that wouldn't address fluoride.
The upflow design was another deciding factor. Traditional downflow filters can create channeling where water finds the easiest path through the media, reducing contact time and effectiveness. Upflow systems ensure more uniform contact with the filtration media, maximizing removal efficiency.
Unboxing and First Impressions: Quality You Can See
The SoftPro system arrived in professional packaging that immediately conveyed quality. The main tank, a 10" x 54" fiberglass vessel, felt substantial – much heavier than I expected at approximately 45 pounds empty.
The included components impressed me: stainless steel distributors, high-grade control valve, and detailed installation hardware. Everything had a commercial feel rather than the lightweight plastic components I'd seen in budget systems.
The instruction manual was comprehensive, with clear diagrams and step-by-step photos. SoftPro included a pre-installation checklist that helped me verify my plumbing compatibility and gather necessary tools before starting.
One pleasant surprise was the media packaging. Both the catalytic carbon and bone char arrived in sealed, moisture-resistant bags with clear labeling indicating the specific grade and mesh size. This attention to detail suggested quality control throughout their supply chain.
The control valve, a Fleck 5600SXT, is a well-respected component in the water treatment industry. Its electronic controls and LCD display gave me confidence in the system's reliability and ease of operation.
Installation Experience: Easier Than Expected
I opted for professional installation despite the comprehensive DIY instructions. My plumber estimated 4-6 hours for the complete installation, including the bypass valve and pre-filter connection.
The installation process required creating a bypass loop in my main water line, installing the system in my basement utility room, and connecting the drain line for periodic backwashing. My plumber appreciated the quality of the included fittings and noted that the Fleck valve is "installer-friendly" compared to some proprietary systems.
The most time-consuming aspect was the initial media preparation. The bone char requires extensive rinsing to remove fine particles, and we spent nearly an hour flushing the system until the water ran completely clear. This step is crucial for preventing cloudy water during initial operation.
System startup involved programming the control valve with our water hardness level, household size, and regeneration preferences. The digital interface made this straightforward, with prompts guiding us through each setting.
The first water flow revealed an immediate difference in chlorine odor – the swimming pool smell disappeared instantly. Initial taste testing showed noticeable improvement, though my plumber explained that optimal performance would develop over the first few weeks as the media settled and achieved full activation.
Performance Testing: Measuring the Difference
I invested in a comprehensive water testing kit to track the system's performance objectively. Pre-installation readings showed 2.3 ppm fluoride, 1.8 ppm chlorine, and detectable chloramines.
After two weeks of operation, post-filtration tests revealed fluoride reduced to 0.3 ppm, chlorine eliminated to non-detectable levels, and chloramines completely removed. These results exceeded my expectations and aligned with SoftPro's performance specifications.
The taste transformation was remarkable. Our coffee improved dramatically – the bitter, chemical aftertaste disappeared, revealing the coffee's natural flavors. Cooking with filtered water produced noticeably better results, particularly with bread baking where chlorine can interfere with yeast activity.
Ice cubes became crystal clear instead of the slightly cloudy appearance we'd grown accustomed to. Even simple water consumption became more pleasant, encouraging our family to drink more water and reduce our reliance on flavored beverages.
Flow rate performance impressed me. Even with the upflow design requiring pressure to push water up through the media bed, I measured no noticeable pressure drop at our fixtures. Shower pressure remained strong, and running multiple water outlets simultaneously didn't create any flow restrictions.
I conducted quarterly testing throughout my first year of ownership. Results remained consistent: fluoride levels stayed below 0.5 ppm, and chlorine remained undetectable. The system maintained its effectiveness without any decline in performance.
Real-World Impact: Beyond Just Better Water
The most noticeable changes appeared within the first month. SoftPro Fluoride Filter My daughter stopped complaining about dry skin after showers, and her eczema flare-ups became less frequent. While I can't attribute this entirely to water quality, the timing suggests a connection.
Our laundry improved significantly. Clothes felt softer, and colors appeared brighter without the dulling effect of chlorine. We reduced our fabric softener usage by half while achieving better results.
The kitchen transformation exceeded expectations. Pasta water no longer had any chemical taste, vegetables retained their natural flavors better, and even simple tasks like washing fruits and vegetables felt more thorough with clean, chemical-free water.
Our monthly expenses shifted favorably. We eliminated the $40 bottled water budget and reduced soap and shampoo consumption by approximately 25%. The harsh chemicals that previously stripped natural oils from skin and hair were gone, allowing personal care products to work more effectively.
Guests consistently commented on our water quality during visits. Several neighbors noticed the difference when drinking coffee or tea at our house, leading to conversations about water filtration that I never anticipated having.
Appliance performance improved as well. Our dishwasher produces spot-free glassware without rinse aids, and our coffee maker hasn't developed the mineral scaling that previously required monthly cleaning cycles.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
The SoftPro system requires minimal hands-on maintenance. The automatic backwash cycle runs weekly, consuming approximately 150 gallons of water over 90 minutes. I scheduled this for Tuesday nights when our household water usage is lowest.
Media replacement occurs approximately every 6 years under normal usage conditions. SoftPro provides clear guidelines for calculating replacement timing based on water usage and quality. For our family of four using roughly 100 gallons daily, we're tracking toward the 6-year estimate.
The digital control valve displays service reminders and system diagnostics. I check these monthly during routine basement inspections, though the system has operated flawlessly without intervention.
Salt or chemical additions aren't required – a significant advantage over some filtration systems. The catalytic carbon and bone char operate through physical and chemical adsorption without consuming additives.
Annual professional service isn't mandatory, but I schedule a yearly inspection with my plumber to verify connections, test system pressure, and confirm proper operation. This costs approximately $150 and provides peace of mind about long-term reliability.
The system's durability has impressed me. After eight months of continuous operation, all components appear new with no signs of wear, corrosion, or degradation.
Investment Analysis: Worth Every Penny
The SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter represented a significant upfront investment at $1,847 plus $350 for professional installation. However, analyzing the costs against benefits reveals compelling value.
Our eliminated expenses include $40 monthly for bottled water ($480 annually) and approximately $150 yearly in reduced personal care product consumption. We're saving roughly $630 annually in direct costs.
The system's 6-year media life means replacement costs of approximately $400 every six years, or $67 annually. Adding annual service visits at $150, our total operating costs average $217 yearly.
Net annual savings of $413 provide a return on investment, while the intangible benefits – better health, improved appliance life, enhanced cooking results – add value that's difficult to quantify but clearly meaningful.
Comparing alternatives reinforces this value proposition. Point-of-use reverse osmosis systems cost $300-600 but only filter kitchen sink water. Whole house RO systems exceed $3,000 and require extensive maintenance. Basic carbon filters cost less initially but can't remove fluoride, negating their value for our specific needs.
The 10-year warranty on major components and SoftPro's established reputation provide confidence in long-term value protection. Many customers report 15 years of reliable operation from similar systems.
Final Verdict: A Game-Changing Investment
After eight months of ownership, the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter has exceeded my expectations in every meaningful way. The combination of immediate taste and odor improvement, noticeable health benefits, and long-term cost savings creates compelling value.
This system excels for families dealing with municipal water containing fluoride, chlorine, or chloramines who want comprehensive whole house filtration.
The upflow design, quality components, and proven filtration media deliver professional-grade results for residential applications.
The investment makes particular sense for households spending significant money on bottled water, experiencing skin or hair issues related to water quality, or noticing taste problems that affect cooking and drinking enjoyment.
However, families with private wells or water sources without fluoride might find less expensive carbon filtration adequate.
The bone char component specifically targets fluoride removal, so its value diminishes if fluoride isn't present in your water supply.
Installation complexity requires either DIY plumbing skills or professional installation costs. Renters or those in temporary housing situations might prefer point-of-use solutions despite their limitations.
Looking back, I wish I'd installed this system sooner. The daily quality of life improvements – better tasting water, improved skin and hair health, enhanced cooking results – have become aspects of home life I now take for granted but would immediately miss.
For families ready to invest in comprehensive water quality improvement, the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter delivers exceptional performance, proven reliability, and long-term value that justifies its premium price point.
The transformation from questionable municipal water to clean, chemical-free water throughout our entire home has been remarkable. Eight months later, I'm confident this ranks among the best home improvements we've made.