SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine SUPER Filter Review - Real Results

Hi, I'm Anthony Clarke. I live in Orlando.

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.

Did you know that municipal water treatment facilities add fluoride and chlorine compounds that can affect taste, odor, and even your family's long-term health?

I discovered this the hard way when my family started complaining about our water's chemical taste and my wife developed skin irritation from our supposedly "clean" city water. What started as a simple quest to improve our drinking water turned into an 18-month journey with the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine+ SUPER Filter that completely transformed our home's water quality.

The Problem That Started Everything

Living in a suburban area with municipal water, I thought our water quality was automatically safe and clean. Boy, was I wrong. The first red flag came when my 8-year-old daughter refused to drink tap water, claiming it "tasted like swimming pool water." Initially, I dismissed it as typical kid pickiness, but then I started paying attention.

Our municipal water report showed chlorine levels averaging 3.2 ppm and fluoride at 0.8 ppm – both within EPA guidelines but still noticeable to sensitive palates. The chlorine smell was particularly strong in the mornings, and I noticed it intensified during summer months when the treatment plant increased disinfection levels.

The real wake-up call came when my wife developed persistent dry skin and scalp irritation. Her dermatologist suggested chlorine sensitivity, pointing out that hot showers with chlorinated water can be particularly harsh on sensitive skin. We were spending nearly $40 monthly on bottled water for drinking and had to use expensive moisturizers to combat the skin issues.

I researched the science behind municipal water treatment and learned that while chlorine effectively kills harmful bacteria, it forms byproducts called trihalomethanes (THMs) that some studies link to health concerns. Fluoride, while beneficial for dental health in small amounts, can accumulate in the body over time. The taste and odor compounds created by these chemicals were affecting our quality of life daily.

Research Phase: Understanding My Options

I spent weeks researching whole house filtration systems, focusing on technologies that specifically target fluoride and chlorine removal. Standard activated carbon filters handle chlorine well but struggle with fluoride, which requires specialized media like bone char or activated alumina.

The SoftPro system caught my attention because it combines catalytic carbon with bone char carbon in a single unit. Catalytic carbon excels at chlorine and chloramine removal while the bone char specifically targets fluoride. This dual-media approach meant I wouldn't need separate systems for different contaminants.

I compared several technologies: reverse osmosis systems (too wasteful and slow for whole house), standard carbon filters (ineffective against fluoride), and KDF media systems (limited fluoride removal). The bone char technology stood out because it's naturally derived and doesn't require electricity or produce wastewater like RO systems.

The SoftPro unit's specifications impressed me: 20 GPM flow rate to maintain household pressure, 1.5 cubic feet of dual media, and NSF certified components. The upflow design ensures even media contact and extends filter life compared to downflow systems that can create channeling.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The SoftPro system arrived in a heavy, well-padded box weighing about 180 pounds. The fiberglass tank felt substantial – not the thin plastic I'd seen on cheaper units. The Clack control valve looked professional-grade with a clear digital display and robust construction.

Opening the components, I found detailed installation manuals, high-quality bypass valves, and all necessary fittings. The bone char media came pre-loaded, which saved time and mess during installation. I appreciated that SoftPro included premium brass fittings rather than plastic connections that might leak over time.

The tank dimensions (10" x 54") fit perfectly in my utility room with adequate clearance for maintenance. The control head's programming options were more sophisticated than I expected, allowing customization for different water conditions and usage patterns.

Installation Experience and Setup

I hired a local plumber for installation, which took about 4 hours and cost $320. The system required a dedicated 110V outlet and floor drain for backwashing – considerations I'd planned for during my research phase.

The plumber was impressed with the component quality, particularly the Clack valve's reputation for reliability. We installed it after my water meter but before the water heater to protect all household fixtures and appliances.

Initial startup involved programming the control head for my specific water conditions and household size. The system calculates optimal backwash frequency based on water usage and quality parameters. I set it for regeneration every 5 days initially, though this adjusted automatically based on actual consumption.

The first backwash cycle was fascinating to watch – the system automatically reverses flow direction, lifting and cleaning the media bed while flushing accumulated contaminants down the drain. This process takes about 45 minutes and uses approximately 80 gallons of water.

Performance Testing and Real-World Results

I tested our water before and after installation using home test kits and professional lab analysis. Pre-installation readings showed chlorine at 3.2 ppm and fluoride at 0.8 ppm. Twenty-four hours after startup, chlorine dropped to undetectable levels (<0.1 ppm) and fluoride reduced to 0.1 ppm – a 97% and 87.5% reduction respectively.

The taste difference was immediate and dramatic. That chemical, swimming pool flavor disappeared entirely, replaced by clean, neutral-tasting water that my daughter now drinks willingly. Coffee and tea taste noticeably better without chlorine's interference, and ice cubes no longer have that slight chemical smell.

Within two weeks, my wife's skin irritation began improving significantly. Her scalp itching stopped almost immediately, and the dry skin patches started healing. We eliminated the need for expensive moisturizing treatments and stopped buying bottled water entirely.

I measured water pressure throughout the house after installation and found minimal impact – about 2-3 PSI reduction from the 55 PSI municipal supply pressure. Even during peak usage times (morning showers while running dishwasher), water flow remained adequate for all fixtures.

The catalytic carbon also removed the occasional taste and odor issues we experienced during summer when the treatment plant increased chemical dosing. Our water now tastes consistent year-round regardless of seasonal treatment variations.

Daily Living Impact and Family Benefits

The improvement in our daily water experience exceeded my expectations. Drinking water tastes so clean that we actually consume more water now – my family's hydration habits improved noticeably. Cooking benefits tremendously; pasta water doesn't smell like chlorine, and vegetables retain their natural flavors without chemical interference.

Showering became more pleasant without the strong chlorine odor, especially in our master bathroom where the exhaust fan struggled to clear chemical smells. My wife's hair feels softer and more manageable – she attributes this to reduced chlorine exposure stripping natural oils.

Our houseplants thrived after we started using filtered water for watering. I hadn't realized chlorine was potentially stressing them until I saw improved growth and greener foliage within a month of installation.

Guests frequently comment on our water's taste, with several asking about our filtration system. My brother-in-law, who's particularly sensitive to chemical tastes, was amazed he could drink our tap water without detecting any off-flavors.

The peace of mind factor proved invaluable. Knowing we're reducing our family's long-term exposure to excess fluoride and chlorine byproducts feels responsible, especially with young children in the house.

Operating Costs and Maintenance Reality

The system operates automatically with minimal intervention required. Monthly electricity costs average about $8 for the control valve and occasional backwash cycles. Water usage for regeneration adds approximately $12 monthly to our utility bill based on local rates.

Media replacement represents the primary ongoing cost. The bone char and catalytic carbon should last 3-5 years depending on usage and incoming water quality. Replacement media costs approximately $180-220, which breaks down to $3-5 monthly when amortized over the media life.

Total operating costs average $25-30 monthly – significantly less than our previous bottled water purchases ($40) plus skin treatment products ($25). The system pays for itself through eliminated bottled water costs while providing whole-house benefits.

Maintenance involves occasional cleaning of the bypass valves and monitoring the digital display for any error codes. The Clack valve self-diagnoses most issues and alerts you to problems before they become serious. I perform a visual inspection quarterly but haven't encountered any problems requiring professional service.

Limitations and Honest Drawbacks

The system isn't perfect, and potential buyers should understand its limitations. The bone char media can initially release fine particles, requiring a thorough flushing period during startup. I ran water for about 30 minutes before using it for consumption.

Backwash cycles temporarily interrupt water supply to the house – typically not an issue unless someone's showering when regeneration starts. The programmable timer helps schedule these cycles during low-usage periods, but occasional conflicts happen.

The system requires dedicated space and proper drainage, which may not suit all home configurations. Installation costs can add $200-400 depending on local labor rates and any necessary plumbing modifications.

Media replacement, while infrequent, requires some physical effort or professional service. The media bags are heavy (40-50 pounds each), and the tank needs proper handling during service.

Fluoride removal isn't 100% – the system reduces levels significantly but doesn't eliminate fluoride entirely. Families seeking complete fluoride removal might need additional point-of-use RO systems for drinking water.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

After 18 months of ownership, I'm extremely satisfied with the SoftPro Fluoride & Chlorine+ SUPER Filter's performance. It solved our specific water quality issues while providing additional benefits I hadn't anticipated.

The system excels for families dealing with chlorine taste/odor issues and fluoride concerns in municipal water supplies. It's particularly valuable for households with sensitive skin conditions or children who refuse to drink chemically-treated tap water.

I'd recommend this system for homeowners who want whole-house protection without the complexity and waste of reverse osmosis systems. The dual-media approach effectively targets both chlorine and fluoride in a single, automated unit.

The investment pays for itself through eliminated bottled water costs and potential health benefits from reduced chemical exposure. Build quality appears excellent, and the automated operation requires minimal ongoing attention.

If I were purchasing again, I'd choose the same system. It delivers exactly what SoftPro promises: clean, chemical-free water throughout the house with professional-grade components and reliable operation. For families prioritizing water quality and long-term health, this system provides exceptional value and peace of mind.