SoftPro Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Filter Review_2

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Hi, I'm Shawn M. I live in Ohio.

Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips asked me to share my experience as a homeowner 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.

Eighteen months ago, I was dealing with water issues that were driving me absolutely crazy. The chlorine smell hit you the moment you walked into our bathroom, and I was genuinely concerned about what my family was drinking and bathing in every single day. After months of research and comparing different whole house filtration systems, I decided on the SoftPro Whole House Upflow Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Water Filter. Looking back now, it's honestly one of the best home improvements I've ever made.

What drove me to finally take action?

The breaking point came when my wife started getting skin irritation after showers, and our morning coffee tasted like we were brewing it with pool water. I realized we needed a comprehensive solution that could handle multiple contaminants, not just a basic carbon filter.

The Water Problems That Were Ruining Our Daily Life

Before diving into my experience with this filter system, let me paint a picture of what we were dealing with. Our municipal water supply in Ohio isn't terrible compared to some places, but it definitely had issues that were affecting our quality of life.

The chlorine levels were consistently high – I could smell it the moment I turned on any faucet. **Did you know that chlorine, while necessary for municipal disinfection, can form harmful byproducts when it reacts with organic matter?**

These trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are regulated by the EPA, but I wasn't comfortable with any level in our drinking water.

Beyond the chlorine, I was concerned about fluoride levels. Our city adds fluoride for dental health, but I wanted the choice of whether my family consumed it. The CDC recommends 0.7 mg/L in drinking water, but our levels were testing at 1.2 mg/L – higher than I was comfortable with long-term.

Then there were the taste and odor issues. Our water had this persistent chemical aftertaste that made drinking plain water unpleasant. I found myself buying bottled water constantly, which was expensive and environmentally wasteful. The irony wasn't lost on me that I was paying for municipal water and then buying more water because the municipal stuff wasn't pleasant to drink.

The final straw was realizing that standard carbon filters wouldn't address fluoride, and reverse osmosis systems waste too much water and remove beneficial minerals. I needed something more sophisticated – which led me to research catalytic carbon and bone char filtration technologies.

Why I Chose This Specific Filtration Technology

After spending weeks researching different filtration methods, I became fascinated by the science behind catalytic carbon and bone char filtration. Most people think all carbon filters are the same, but that's far from the truth.

Regular activated carbon works through adsorption – contaminants stick to the carbon's surface. It's effective for chlorine and some organic compounds, but it has limitations. Catalytic carbon, on the other hand, actually converts chloramines and hydrogen sulfide through a chemical reaction rather than just grabbing onto them.

**What really sold me on this particular system was the bone char component.**

Bone char has been used for water purification for centuries, and it's uniquely effective at removing fluoride through a combination of adsorption and ion exchange. The hydroxyapatite in bone char has a natural affinity for fluoride ions.

The SoftPro system combines both technologies in an upflow design. Unlike downflow systems where water pushes through the media from top to bottom, upflow allows for better contact time and prevents channeling. The media bed expands during operation, ensuring water contacts more surface area.

I also appreciated that this wasn't just a "black box" system. SoftPro provided detailed specifications about the catalytic carbon mesh size, bone char particle distribution, and flow rate calculations. The system is designed to handle 7 GPM at peak flow while maintaining 0.5 minutes of contact time – the sweet spot for effective contaminant removal.

The bypass valve integration was another deciding factor. If I ever needed to bypass the filter for maintenance or testing, I wouldn't need additional plumbing work.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When the system arrived, I was immediately impressed by the packaging quality. Everything was double-boxed with foam protection, and nothing shifted during shipping. SoftPro clearly takes care to ensure their products arrive in perfect condition.

The main filter tank is substantial – 10 inches in diameter and 35 inches tall when you include the control head. The fiberglass construction feels solid without being excessively heavy. At about 45 pounds empty, it's manageable for one person to position, but you'll definitely want help during installation.

**What surprised me was the attention to detail in the components.**

The control head is a genuine Fleck 5600SXT – not some generic knockoff. This is the same valve used in commercial applications, with a digital display and easy programming interface. The bypass valve is built right into the head, which eliminates the need for additional hardware.

The insulation sleeve was a nice touch that I hadn't expected. It's a simple foam wrap, but it prevents condensation in humid conditions and provides some temperature buffering. In my basement installation, this has completely eliminated any moisture issues.

All the connection fittings were included – 1-inch NPT connections for the inlet and outlet, plus a 1/2-inch drain line connection. The digital timer uses a 9-volt battery backup, so power outages don't mess up the regeneration schedule.

The documentation was thorough without being overwhelming. The installation manual included clear diagrams for different plumbing configurations, and the programming guide walked through each setting with explanations of what they do.

Installation Experience and Challenges

Water Score

I decided to tackle the installation myself, though I had my plumber on standby if things went sideways. The location planning was crucial – the system needs to be after your pressure tank (if you have one) but before any water treatment equipment.

In my setup, I installed it right after our main water line enters the basement, before it splits to the water heater. This ensures all water entering our home gets filtered, including cold and hot water lines.

**The most challenging part was making room for the bypass connections.**

The system requires about 6 inches of clearance on either side for the plumbing connections. I had to relocate a few storage items in my utility room, but it wasn't a major issue.

Cutting into the main water line was nerve-wracking, even though I've done plumbing work before. I used a pipe cutter for clean cuts and added union connections on both sides of the filter. This makes future maintenance much easier if I ever need to remove the system.

The electrical connection for the control head was straightforward – just a standard 110V outlet. The system draws minimal power, only cycling during regeneration or backwash cycles.

Programming the control head took about 20 minutes. You set your water hardness level (even though this isn't a softener, it uses this for regeneration timing), time of day, and regeneration frequency. I started with the recommended settings and adjusted based on our water usage patterns.

The initial startup and first regeneration cycle took about 45 minutes. The system runs through backwash, rinse, and service cycles automatically. The only unusual thing was slight cloudiness in the water for the first few hours – normal as residual carbon dust cleared from the system.

Total installation time was about 4 hours, including planning and cleanup. A professional could probably do it in 2-3 hours, but I enjoyed understanding every aspect of the system.

Performance Testing and Real Results

Water Score

I'm a bit of a data nerd, so I tested our water quality before and after installation using both home fluoride filter benefits for health test kits and professional lab analysis. The results were impressive across the board.

**Chlorine removal was immediate and complete.**

Our pre-filter chlorine levels averaged 2.8 mg/L – typical for municipal water. Post-filter readings were consistently below 0.1 mg/L, which is essentially undetectable. The chlorine smell disappeared entirely within hours of installation.

Fluoride reduction took a bit longer to stabilize but ultimately exceeded my expectations. Initial fluoride levels were 1.2 mg/L, and after two weeks of operation, post-filter levels stabilized at 0.2 mg/L. That's an 83% reduction, bringing us well below the EPA's maximum recommendation.

The taste and odor improvement was dramatic and immediate. Our water now tastes clean and neutral – no chemical aftertaste, no residual odors. My wife, who's sensitive to water taste, noticed the difference within the first day.

I also tested for chloramines, which some municipalities use instead of chlorine. Our system occasionally switches between chlorine and chloramine treatment, and the catalytic carbon handled both effectively. Chloramine levels dropped from 3.1 mg/L to undetectable.

**One unexpected benefit was the reduction in organic compounds.**

While I didn't test for every possible contaminant, the system removed most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect taste. Our water now tests similar to high-quality bottled water.

Flow rate testing showed minimal pressure drop. At normal usage (2-3 GPM), there's essentially no difference. Even during peak demand – shower running while the dishwasher fills – I measured only a 2 PSI pressure reduction.

The system regenerates every 7 days based on our household's water usage. During regeneration, it uses about 65 gallons of water over 45 minutes. While this seems like a lot, it's actually quite efficient compared to ion exchange systems.

Daily Living Impact and Family Benefits

The real test of any whole house system isn't lab results – it's how it affects your daily life. Eighteen months later, the improvements are still noticeable every single day.

**My wife's skin irritation completely disappeared within two weeks.**

She'd been dealing with dry, itchy skin after showers for months. We'd tried different soaps, moisturizers, even a shower filter, but nothing helped consistently. Once we eliminated the chlorine and chloramines from our entire water supply, the irritation stopped entirely.

Our morning coffee routine became enjoyable again. I'm particular about coffee, and the chemical taste was ruining even high-quality beans. Now the water tastes neutral, letting the coffee flavors come through naturally. We've actually started drinking more plain water throughout the day.

Cleaning became easier in unexpected ways. Without chlorine constantly present, our cleaning products work more effectively. Chlorine can interfere with soap chemistry, so dishes, laundry, and general cleaning all improved slightly.

**The kids noticed the difference immediately.**

They stopped complaining about the "pool water" taste and actually drink tap water now instead of asking for juice or other beverages. As a parent, getting them to drink more plain water is a huge win.

Our houseplants are thriving. I hadn't connected their struggles to our water quality, but removing chlorine and fluoride made a noticeable difference in their health and growth rate.

Guests consistently comment on our water quality. Several friends have asked what system we use, and two neighbors have installed similar systems based on our recommendation.

The peace of mind factor can't be overstated. Knowing that our family's daily water consumption is free from chemicals and excess fluoride has eliminated a constant low-level worry I didn't even realize I was carrying.

Operating Costs and Maintenance Reality

One concern I had before purchasing was the long-term operating costs. After 18 months of operation, I can provide realistic numbers for anyone considering this investment.

**The system regenerates weekly using about 65 gallons of water per cycle.**

At our local water rates ($3.50 per 1,000 gallons), that's roughly $12 per year in additional water costs. The electrical consumption is minimal – maybe $8-10 annually.

The major expense is eventual media replacement. SoftPro rates their catalytic carbon and bone char media for 5-7 years of typical residential use. Replacement media costs approximately $180-220 depending on where you purchase it. That works out to about $30-40 per year in amortized media costs.

I maintain a simple log of regeneration cycles and any maintenance performed. The system tracks cycle counts automatically, so monitoring is straightforward. Every few months, I check the bypass valve operation and inspect connections for any signs of leakage.

**Compared to buying bottled water, the economics are compelling.**

We were spending $40-50 monthly on bottled water for drinking and cooking. The filter system pays for itself in reduced bottled water costs alone, not counting the convenience and environmental benefits.

Salt-free operation means no ongoing chemical purchases, storage, or handling. Traditional water softeners require 40-pound salt bags every few weeks. Not having to haul salt bags is a small but appreciated benefit.

Professional service isn't required for normal operation, though I'd recommend having a water treatment professional check the system every 2-3 years. Most maintenance tasks – checking settings, cleaning the control head, testing water quality – are straightforward for homeowners.

The control head includes diagnostic capabilities that alert you to potential issues before they become problems. In 18 months, I've had zero service calls or unexpected maintenance needs.

Honest Assessment and Final Recommendation

After eighteen months of daily use, I can confidently say this system has exceeded my expectations in most areas while having a few minor limitations worth noting.

**The performance has been rock-solid consistent.**

Water quality improvements noticed in the first week have maintained throughout our ownership. No degradation in taste, odor, or contaminant removal effectiveness.

Installation was more straightforward than I anticipated, though it does require basic plumbing skills and tools. The included documentation and support resources made the process manageable for a moderately experienced DIYer.

Operating costs are reasonable and predictable. No surprise expenses or higher-than-expected consumption of water or electricity.

**Where it falls short of perfection:**

The system is fairly large and requires dedicated space in your utility area. If you have a small basement or limited utility room, measure carefully before ordering.

Weekly regeneration cycles mean you'll hear the system operating for 45 minutes once per week. It's not loud, but it's audible if your utility room is near living spaces.

The upfront cost is significant – this isn't a budget-level solution. However, when you factor in the comprehensive contaminant removal and long media life, the cost-per-gallon treated is quite reasonable.

**Would I purchase this system again?**

Absolutely. The combination of effective filtration, reliable operation, and reasonable maintenance requirements makes it an excellent whole-house solution.

**Who should consider this system:**

Families concerned about chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride in municipal water. Homeowners who want comprehensive filtration without the waste and complexity of whole-house reverse osmosis. Anyone dealing with taste and odor issues that basic carbon filtration hasn't resolved.

**Who might want alternatives:**

Households primarily concerned with sediment and basic chlorine removal might find simpler systems adequate. If your main issues are iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide from well water, specialized oxidation systems would be more appropriate.

The SoftPro Whole House Upflow Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Water Filter has genuinely improved our family's daily life while providing peace of mind about our water quality. It's a significant investment, but one that pays dividends in health, convenience, and water quality every single day.

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Pub: 18 Feb 2026 15:02 UTC

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