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Message
Looking at a whole house water filtration system
Posted on 5/31/24 at 6:38 am
Posted on 5/31/24 at 6:38 am
We had a company come out yesterday and give us a quote on a whole house filtration system. We are in Sarasota Florida and the county water is hard and sucks. House is new and want to get a system installed.
Sales guy quoted us on two systems. A water softening system outside that works on the main water feed coming to the house and a RO system under the counter in the kitchen that has a faucet that puts out RO water for drinking and cooking.
The water softener part is a large module that used some kind of pebbles to soften the water. It regenerates the pebbles using salt every few weeks itself. 15 year warranty on the mechanical stuff, 5 years on the electronics. 4K installed
The inside part is a RO system with multiple filters that go under the sink. Filters must be changed once a year. $1500 installed.
I have two more companies coming out next week to give us quotes but from what I can tell, that is about the going price for our area.
Anyone done anything like this that could give some recommendations.
Sales guy quoted us on two systems. A water softening system outside that works on the main water feed coming to the house and a RO system under the counter in the kitchen that has a faucet that puts out RO water for drinking and cooking.
The water softener part is a large module that used some kind of pebbles to soften the water. It regenerates the pebbles using salt every few weeks itself. 15 year warranty on the mechanical stuff, 5 years on the electronics. 4K installed
The inside part is a RO system with multiple filters that go under the sink. Filters must be changed once a year. $1500 installed.
I have two more companies coming out next week to give us quotes but from what I can tell, that is about the going price for our area.
Anyone done anything like this that could give some recommendations.
10
Posted on 5/31/24 at 6:57 am to LanierSpots
quote:
The water softener part is a large module that used some kind of pebbles to soften the water. It regenerates the pebbles using salt every few weeks itself. 15 year warranty on the mechanical stuff, 5 years on the electronics. 4K installed
Is there any annual "maintenance" on this type of system?
quote:
The inside part is a RO system with multiple filters that go under the sink. Filters must be changed once a year. $1500 installed.
I'd look into what the filter cost is on this system - I've seen some systems where replacement filters can easily cost several hundred dollars.
Posted on 5/31/24 at 7:18 am to LanierSpots
I have the AquaSana million gallon system here in Louisiana. Works well. I change the filters quarterly. There’s a major difference in having the water filtered through it. Chlorine content and magnesium flakes are gone. I think the cost was roughly $800 for the plumber to install it, and I can’t remember how much the system was but I think roughly $1000. Wouldn’t live without it where I am.
Posted on 5/31/24 at 7:46 am to Ziggy
quote:
Is there any annual "maintenance" on this type of system?
This system doesnt use filters. It has a tank that has pebbles in it that does the work. Every couple of weeks in the middle of the night, it uses salt to purge the tank and regenerate the pebbles. There are no filters to replace and the tank/pebbles much be replaced in around 12-15 years. That cost right now is around 1K to replace. we have to add salt to the system a few times per year
quote:
I'd look into what the filter cost is on this system - I've seen some systems where replacement filters can easily cost several hundred dollars.
Yea, it also uses a mineral filter. All the filters to be replaced is around $200 and that happens about once a year. They are not propriatory filters so can be bought at a lot of places...
This post was edited on 5/31/24 at 7:51 am
Posted on 5/31/24 at 7:52 am to LanierSpots
This was discussed earlier this month. May serve useful. Here is the thread. Sidicous' thread
Posted on 5/31/24 at 7:52 am to BengalBlood81
quote:
Wouldn’t live without it where I am.
Florida water is shite as well. My wife has been complaining since we moved here . Some of the women told her that it would be better for her hair if we got the water softened so that was all it took to put her on board.
I agree I want the system. I do want to get some other options so we know we are getting what we pay for but it seems that a bunch of people in our new subdivision have used this system and are happy with it
Posted on 5/31/24 at 7:56 am to LanierSpots
Two different systems indeed. The question back to you is, do you want some mega pure drinking water, or a system that makes all of your water less hard?
I'm from LA but lived in the midwest for many years where water softeners are almost a must because of the hard water. I purchased one and installed myself over a weekend and it did make a big difference though, the water is no where near the same here in Louisiana and IMO it isnt needed. Not sure how Sarasota could be much different. Fun note: make sure this system isn't connected to your garden faucets. Soft water is NOT good for grass/plants.
A buddy of mine has the RO system as well and I've really wanted to get around to installing one of those.
I'm from LA but lived in the midwest for many years where water softeners are almost a must because of the hard water. I purchased one and installed myself over a weekend and it did make a big difference though, the water is no where near the same here in Louisiana and IMO it isnt needed. Not sure how Sarasota could be much different. Fun note: make sure this system isn't connected to your garden faucets. Soft water is NOT good for grass/plants.
A buddy of mine has the RO system as well and I've really wanted to get around to installing one of those.
Posted on 5/31/24 at 8:49 am to bigrunner
This is the water softener they are quoting me on. It will be outside where my main feed comes to the house. They are giving me a $500 price reduction so its 4K total installed
CFWS1Drop Cabinet
$4,495.00
Captain Filtration Drop Cabinet model Water Conditioner with Catalytic. This system has a 12"x30" fiberglass mineral tank with a poly vinyl liner. It has a 5 button electronic demand 1" control valve. We will fill it with 10% crosslinked resin that is chlorine resistant and catalytic carbon to remove the chemicals and hardness.
Water softeners remove the harsh chemicals in your water that produce scale and build up.
- Cuts soap usage
- Soap rinses better in the shower
- Clothes last longer when laundering
- Protects appliances
-Helps prevent dry skin
CFWS1Drop Cabinet
$4,495.00
Captain Filtration Drop Cabinet model Water Conditioner with Catalytic. This system has a 12"x30" fiberglass mineral tank with a poly vinyl liner. It has a 5 button electronic demand 1" control valve. We will fill it with 10% crosslinked resin that is chlorine resistant and catalytic carbon to remove the chemicals and hardness.
Water softeners remove the harsh chemicals in your water that produce scale and build up.
- Cuts soap usage
- Soap rinses better in the shower
- Clothes last longer when laundering
- Protects appliances
-Helps prevent dry skin
Posted on 5/31/24 at 9:37 am to LanierSpots
sounds about right.
our last house had the salt-bucket version where you grab pellet salt at tractor supply or walmart 2 or 3x a year but the current house has a RO system that doesn't use salt and looks like a giant scuba tank; it does a backwash ever so often and apparently is rated for about 12-15 years before you have to swap out the tank.
fwiw, both our new coffee machine and dishwasher came with litmus strips to test the water hardness and program that into the appliance; it was 4 squares and ours was at 2 which i think when you program in just sets the internal clock on descaling a bit longer on them. they try to make it seem fancier than it is
eta almost forgot; our water is great. no smell and crystal clear; i just fill up my water from whatever tap is closest. the 'greasy' feeling of soft water making it feel like you still have soap on your body goes away after a couple of months of using it; you don't even remember what it felt like before. that was the only thing i had to get used to.
our last house had the salt-bucket version where you grab pellet salt at tractor supply or walmart 2 or 3x a year but the current house has a RO system that doesn't use salt and looks like a giant scuba tank; it does a backwash ever so often and apparently is rated for about 12-15 years before you have to swap out the tank.
fwiw, both our new coffee machine and dishwasher came with litmus strips to test the water hardness and program that into the appliance; it was 4 squares and ours was at 2 which i think when you program in just sets the internal clock on descaling a bit longer on them. they try to make it seem fancier than it is
eta almost forgot; our water is great. no smell and crystal clear; i just fill up my water from whatever tap is closest. the 'greasy' feeling of soft water making it feel like you still have soap on your body goes away after a couple of months of using it; you don't even remember what it felt like before. that was the only thing i had to get used to.
This post was edited on 5/31/24 at 9:39 am
Posted on 5/31/24 at 10:17 am to CAD703X
quote:
eta almost forgot; our water is great. no smell and crystal clear; i just fill up my water from whatever tap is closest. the 'greasy' feeling of soft water making it feel like you still have soap on your body goes away after a couple of months of using it; you don't even remember what it felt like before. that was the only thing i had to get used to.
Thanks. That is almost word for word what we heard from a few of our neighbors.
quote:
both our new coffee machine and dishwasher came with litmus strips to test the water hardness and program that into the appliance;
I dont think our new diswasher has that. And I am pretty sure that our original Kureg that is over 20 years old doesnt.
Posted on 5/31/24 at 10:25 am to LanierSpots
quote:
I dont think our new diswasher has that. And I am pretty sure that our original Kureg that is over 20 years old doesnt.
this is only because we just did a kitchen reno so all the appliances are new. i'm guessing its something that started fairly recently.
Posted on 6/1/24 at 8:47 am to LanierSpots
We purchased this system. A little more cost effective if you’re trying to save some dollars. We mainly had sediment issues so I purchased this one and added a spin down filter before the filter system. It’s been great for us. Paid a plumber $1,500 to install
Express Ultimate Protection
Spin Down Filter
Express Ultimate Protection
Spin Down Filter
Posted on 6/1/24 at 11:41 am to LanierSpots
I installed an ispring 3 stage with spin down pre filter for our house. We have sediment issues in our area. I can't speak highly enough about it.
Filters are about 120 for a set and last 6-8 months. The sediment filter looks like a clay block when I replace it.
All in for less than $1100. If you are handy, you can buy all the tools and fittings to pipe it in with pex (use 1" pipe). Tools and materials were about 200. Way better than paying a plumber the 2k I was quoted.
Filters are about 120 for a set and last 6-8 months. The sediment filter looks like a clay block when I replace it.
All in for less than $1100. If you are handy, you can buy all the tools and fittings to pipe it in with pex (use 1" pipe). Tools and materials were about 200. Way better than paying a plumber the 2k I was quoted.
Posted on 6/1/24 at 2:29 pm to baseballmind1212
I lived in Largo for 35 years. I was stunned to feel smell and taste the difference when I went whole house filtration.
May as well take a dip in the Gulf instead of shower or drink the water.
May as well take a dip in the Gulf instead of shower or drink the water.
Posted on 3/17/26 at 6:21 pm to baseballmind1212
How do you like the Expess 3 Stage system? Installed one today in place of the broken salt system
Softener.
I know it’s not a softer but I can always add one in line if needed. I was told the three stage system will
Improve the taste smell feel and eliminate the coloration and scaling.
First time using this so time will tell
Softener.
I know it’s not a softer but I can always add one in line if needed. I was told the three stage system will
Improve the taste smell feel and eliminate the coloration and scaling.
First time using this so time will tell
This post was edited on 3/17/26 at 6:40 pm
Posted on 3/17/26 at 7:17 pm to baseballmind1212
I also did the I-spring 3 stage system. You can choose you filters. I installed an in-line sediment filter before the manifold with a 1/4 turn dump on the bottom. We love it.
I also did a reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink.
I installed both systems and am sure anyone with the correct tools could do it as well.
For good measure, I also did a titanium anode rod for the water heater. Might be overkill, but the water quality has been superb.
I also did a reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink.
I installed both systems and am sure anyone with the correct tools could do it as well.
For good measure, I also did a titanium anode rod for the water heater. Might be overkill, but the water quality has been superb.
Posted on 3/18/26 at 5:28 am to LanierSpots
I’m not going to suggest I’m a biologist or doctor, but hard water doesn’t mean the water is shite. If you like distilled water/ soft water without minerals that’s fine. Most of Florida and the gulf coast the water is spring water out of the ground, with high mineral content that is generally good for you. “It tastes bad” and “feels bad on my skin” is from the minerals, that again are generally natural and good for you.
You want plane distilled water and hate the taste of natural minerals, all good.
I just hate when people say “the water is shite”, that’s not true at all.
You want plane distilled water and hate the taste of natural minerals, all good.
I just hate when people say “the water is shite”, that’s not true at all.
Posted on 3/18/26 at 8:05 am to baldona
Our well water is not shite. Had a smell but we were used to it. Its hard water which is ok. The water softener took care of that hard water and prevented the orange coloring if the water is run too long. Example: running a trickle over night during a freeze will turn sink orange. Faucet fittings over time get funky with this sediment as well. Build up is biggest concern followed by a cleaner feeling water
Water softener broke and instead of replacing it, we went with 3 stage filtration system. Can always add a softener back to it if desired.
Will the water be better for us? Maybe
Took a shower and noticed no smell. Usually has a mineral smell. Not too strong but noticeable due to the volume of water in a tight space
Ran a trickle of water over night onto a sponge. No coloration so that's good.
Water softener broke and instead of replacing it, we went with 3 stage filtration system. Can always add a softener back to it if desired.
Will the water be better for us? Maybe
Took a shower and noticed no smell. Usually has a mineral smell. Not too strong but noticeable due to the volume of water in a tight space
Ran a trickle of water over night onto a sponge. No coloration so that's good.
Posted on 3/18/26 at 8:42 am to LanierSpots
I've lived with water so hard it scales appliances a month after they've been installed, and water so soft it smells like sulphureous rotten eggs.
The water softener is the magic. I paid $1500 installed 10 years ago, so your price isn't unreasonable. It usually hinges on how much plumbing work they have to do. Mine were easy, the line entered the house where there was space in the garage, etc.
The RO under the sink is a waste of money. Your family will still get water from the fridge dispenser. You'll fill the coffee pot with it you say? Get a Brita pitcher.
The water softener is the magic. I paid $1500 installed 10 years ago, so your price isn't unreasonable. It usually hinges on how much plumbing work they have to do. Mine were easy, the line entered the house where there was space in the garage, etc.
The RO under the sink is a waste of money. Your family will still get water from the fridge dispenser. You'll fill the coffee pot with it you say? Get a Brita pitcher.
Posted on 3/18/26 at 9:09 am to LanierSpots
A softener and a filter are two different things. I have a carbon filtration system. Sits on the outside of the house where the main supply comes in. It's about the size of an oxygen bottle you see on the welding trucks and has an electrical control box on the top that you can program to back wash the system. Mine is set to once a week. Works great.
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