How to Choose the Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter for Your Home

So, you’re thinking about getting an under-sink reverse osmosis system for your home to improve your drinking water? Smart move. An RO system removes contaminants like lead, chlorine, and bacteria to give you purified water straight from the tap. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? This article will walk you through the different types of reverse osmosis filters, what to consider based on your needs, and how to select a high-quality system that will give you peace of mind every time you pour a glass of water. By the end, you’ll feel confident finding an RO system that fits your lifestyle and budget. Let’s dive in and get your home’s water filtration upgraded and optimized.

What Is Reverse Osmosis and How Does It Work?

Reverse osmosis is a water filtration process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules and larger particles from drinking water. How does it work?

  • A reverse osmosis system uses water pressure to push tap water through tiny pores in the membrane. The pores are sized to allow water molecules to pass through but block the contaminants.
  • The contaminants are flushed down the drain while the purified water is stored in a tank for drinking and cooking. The result is clean, great-tasting water for your whole home.
  • Reverse osmosis removes up to 99% of contaminants like lead, chlorine, bacteria, and dissolved solids. An alkaline filter can then be added to remineralize the water and raise the pH, resulting in more neutral, balanced water.
  • For most homes, an under-sink or countertop reverse osmosis system is perfect and easy to install. Larger systems are also available for commercial buildings. With a quality filter and regular filter changes, a reverse osmosis system can provide your family with bottled water quality right from your tap for years to come.

Isn’t it time you started enjoying the benefits of reverse osmosis filtration? Your body and wallet will thank you!

Types of Reverse Osmosis Systems: Standard vs Alkaline

When it comes to reverse osmosis systems, you have two main options: standard RO filters or alkaline RO filters.

  • Standard RO systems are the most common and affordable. They remove contaminants like heavy metals, microbes, and sediments to improve your water quality and taste. The downside is they also strip out some beneficial minerals.
  • Alkaline RO systems add calcium carbonate and other minerals back to the water after filtration. This helps raise the pH and gives the water an alkaline quality. Some people believe alkaline water provides certain health benefits, though the research is mixed. Alkaline systems do tend to cost a bit more, however.

For many homeowners, a standard RO system should work great and provide clean, contaminant-free water for drinking and cooking. If you want the purported benefits of alkaline water, though, an alkaline RO system may be worth the investment. The choice comes down to your needs, priorities and budget.

Reasons to add an Alkaline Filter to Your Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

Improved Taste

An alkaline filter can improve the taste of your reverse osmosis water by remineralizing it. RO systems remove impurities but also strip out beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium that affect taste. An alkaline filter adds these minerals back in, resulting in crisp, refreshing water that tastes naturally balanced.

Healthier Water

Alkaline, remineralized water may be better for you. Calcium and magnesium are essential for your health, important for bone, nerve, and muscle function. Drinking remineralized RO water helps ensure you get adequate amounts of these minerals. Some studies also show alkaline water may help neutralize acid in your body, boost metabolism, and slow aging.

Eco-Friendly

Using an alkaline filter with your RO system reduces waste. RO filters flush several gallons of water down the drain for every gallon filtered. An alkaline filter allows you to remineralize and reuse some of this wastewater instead of sending it all down the drain. You’ll save thousands of gallons of water each year, which is good for the environment and can lower your utility bills.

While reverse osmosis removes impurities, an alkaline filter puts back in what’s good – minerals that improve taste, health, and sustainability. For the freshest, most eco-friendly water, combining these two technologies is the perfect solution. Your body and the planet will thank you.

Top Factors to Consider When Buying a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

When choosing a reverse osmosis system for your home, several factors should influence your decision.

Filtration Stages

The more filtration stages, the cleaner your water will be. A good RO system has at least 4 stages:

  1. Sediment pre-filter removes particles
  2. Carbon pre-filter reduces chemicals and odors
  3. RO membrane removes ions and larger molecules
  4. Carbon post-filter polishes taste

Permeate Pump

A permeate pump reduces water waste by up to 80% compared to standard RO systems without a pump. This means less water is flushed down the drain during the filtration process. For eco-friendly homeowners, a permeate pump is ideal.

Tank Size

RO tanks store the filtered water. Larger tanks, like 4 to 6 gallons, produce more filtered water so you have plenty on hand when you need it. But they also take up more space. For most homes, a 3 to 4 gallon tank is a good size.

Faucet Styles

RO systems come with either a separate dedicated faucet for the filtered water or an adapter that attaches to your existing sink faucet. If counter space is limited, an adapter may be better. Dedicated faucets can have more flow and often look more stylish.

Optional UV Light

For the highest quality water, choose a system with an UV light which kills bacteria and other microorganisms. UV light is ideal if your tap water is from a private well.

Considering these factors will help you find an RO system perfect for your home and needs. Clean, great-tasting water is within your reach!

At the end of the day, choosing a system that removes the contaminants you care about, fits your space, and is in your budget will ensure you end up with clean, great-tasting water for years to come. Once installed, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without an RO system. Your water will taste so fresh and pure you’ll be tempted to drink straight from the tap. But don’t do that—no one wants to see you do that. Enjoy your new system and bottoms up to better health and hydration!

Contact EcoWater Systems today for your FREE water test to learn how a Reverse Osmosis System can help perfect your water!

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If you’ve noticed one indication, several, or are simply concerned with the quality of your water, our EcoWater professionals are qualified to perform an easy and comprehensive in-home water analysis to recommend the right solution for you.

Whether it is hard water treatment or a remedy for another water issue, stop worrying about “what’s in my water” and take action so you can get back to enjoying your water.

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