Aquasana Review and its Biggest PROBLEM (Buyer BEWARE)
The Problem With Aquasana
Aquasana is one of the few water brands and manufacturers that is American owned. They produce everything from water softeners to filters. However, here are some issues you should be aware of before you buy from this brand:
Aquasana does NOT produce traditional salt-based water softeners only salt free conditioners. Salt free “softeners” are great because you don’t need to buy any salt and are much easier to maintain. However, these salt free softeners are not suitable for anyone with high levels of hard water. For that you will need a salt-based softener like this.
Officially, Aquasana currently only ship to the US and Canada. You may need to contact them directly to get shipping outside of these 2 countries.
You need to buy direct from Aquasana’s own website (NOT through third parties like Amazon, eBay, authorized dealers etc) in order qualify for the “90 Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee”, which comes in addition to the warranty of the specific product you purchase.
AQ-4601.55 | AQ-5300.55 |
3 stages of filtration | 3 stages of filtration |
$$ | $ |
Which is The Best Aquasana Whole House Water Softener?
There are 2 contenders:
- The Aquasana OptimH20
- The Aquasana Rhino
1. Aquasana EQ-AST-WH Whole House “Salt-Free” Softener + OptimH2O Filter + UV Filter
The EQ-AST-WH water softener from Aquasana prevents scale in your pipes and plumbing while also softening the water in the whole home.
Its biggest selling point is it is an eco-friendly softening system that does NOT use salt or harsh chemicals to soften water.
You can add this on to the OptimH20 whole house filter to get all your water treated in one go.
Here are some other Aquasana EQ-AST-WH specifications;
- This machine does not demineralize water because it works without harsh chemicals.
- It is a salt free unit meaning that it does not add excess salt waste into your water and environment.
- This unit has a dual tank system. This means it is ready to be hooked up to your whole house water filter system, standalone descaler or water softening system.
- You can use it’s salt free NAC (Nucleation Assisted Crystallization) technology to tackle hard water problems.
- The EQ-AST-WH is designed to protect your plumbing and pipes from things like limescale formation and corrosion. It achieves this by changing the structure of hard minerals. The result of this is that minerals are not able to bind together to form limescale buildup.
- The water conditioning part of this machine reduces the effects of scale as well as the excess iron in your water.
- Having a machine like this that reduces existing scale buildup helps to extend the life of your home appliances and pipes.
- The OptimH20 is by far one of the most powerful filters available today. They can treat chlorine, pharmaceuticals, mercury, lead and so much more.
2. Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House 10-Year Water Filter + Salt Free Softener (aka 1 Million Gallon Rhino)
This is a flagship Aquasana whole house filter system that has a 3-stage filtration process.
It uses a 5 micron pre-filter that effectively removes dust, microscopic dirt and particles.
Remember that this is only the “pre-filter” process after which it goes through a tank that contains a mixture of copper-zinc oxidation and crushed mineral stone.
This helps to reduce chlorine and balance the pH level of your water.
Here are some other key benefits of the EQ-1000;
- Aquasana EQ-1000 is designed so that it provides you with filtration for up to a million gallons of water which works out as around 10 years of use.
- It filters water through different stages with a pre-filter and main filter unit.
- The package includes everything you need for installation including the shut-off valve and required hardware kit.
- The Aquasana EQ-1000 does not use salt to filter water.
- Neither does it use electricity or operate with back-flushing.
Aquasana Whole House Water System Comparison Chart
OptimH2O Whole House Filter + Salt-Free Water Softener | Aquasana EQ-1000 (aka 1 Million Gallon Rhino) |
Does NOT require electricity. | Does NOT require electricity. |
Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water). | Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water). |
- Whole house filter + salt free softener. Filters: - Lead - Chlorine - Cysts - Chloramines - Pfos (Perfluorooctane sulfonate) and more. UV upgrade removes 99% bacteria, e.coli, giardia and cryptosporidium. | - Whole house filter + salt free softener. Filters: - Lead - Cysts - PFOA/PFOS - Chlorine - Chloramines and more. UV upgrade removes 99% bacteria, e.coli, giardia and cryptosporidium. |
Price: $$$$ Ships to US and CA. | Price: $$$ Ships to US and CA. |
Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link. | Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link. |
If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50 | If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50 |
Best Aquasana Sink Water Filters
Aquasana AQ-5300.55 Under Counter Water Filter (3-Stage)
Aquasana AQ-5300.55 is an under counter water filter that works with a 3 stage drinking water system that uses a 2-stage filter process.
As if this wasn’t enough it also has a an extra pre-filter that is designed to catch sediment and reduce clogging.
- Filtration capacity is 600 gallons.
- This water filter system uses the Claryum, which is a filtration technology that is NSF certified.
- Claryum technology removes up to 97% of chloramines and chlorine as well as things like pesticides, herbicides and lead.
- It has a visually appealing appearance with an all metal construction and brushed nickel faucet.
- One of the best things about the Aquasana AQ-5300.55 is it is DIY friendly. In fact, someone with basic DIY skills can easily install this under counter filter in under 1 hour.
AQ-4501.56 Premium Counter Water Filter by Aquasana
The AQ-4501.56 Aquasana counter filter removes bad odor, taste and contaminants from your water. However, it also retains healthy minerals that are naturally present in water.
- It use a filtration process that combines a sub-micron filtration, ion exchange and carbon filter. The result of this is both clean and healthy water full of minerals.
- You will only need to replace the filter cartridges after every 500 gallons of water has been filtered. This works out as a 6 month period for the average household.
- This unit is both easy to install and easy to replace filters.
Aquasana AQ-4601.55 Premium Under Counter Water Filter (3-Stage)
Aquasana AQ-4601.55 is similar to the other units and has all the same features. However, there are some key differences and they are:
- It has a 3 stage water filtration process.
- This under counter water filter unit also comes with a faucet tap.
- It has an easy installation process and you should not require a plumber to install it.
AQ-4601.55 | AQ-5300.55 |
3 stages of filtration | 3 stages of filtration |
$$ | $ |
Aquasana Shower Filter Reviews
Here are reviews of the top Aquasana shower filters:
AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter
The Aquasana AQ-4100 deluxe shower filters water through a 2 stage filtration process. Stage 1 involves the removal of chlorine and the balancing of pH levels. The pH level is both balanced and enhanced through the combined treatment of copper and zinc.
Water then goes through a coconut shell carbon during the second stage of filtration. This process also removes any synthetic substances and volatile organic compounds.
It is just as well because these are the very substances that can be vaporized and absorbed through the pores of your skin. Also, inhaling them can cause adverse side effects. This filtration method will also remove chlorine as well as other contaminants.
- It is very easy to install. The package includes a manual that instructs you through the simple installation process.
- Aquasana claims the AQ-4100 is able to reduce 91% of harmful synthetic chemicals in city water and chlorine. The result of this is a healthier showering experience that leads to softer skin and shinier hair.
- Filters last for up to 6 months before you need to replace them.
- The unit also includes a deluxe shower head.
- But you can also get the AQ-4100 shower filter WITHOUT the shower head. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will save money because both options are closely priced. But it’s a great option if you don’t need the extra shower head.
Aquasana AQ-4105 Shower Head Filter
The AQ-4105 is very similar to the AQ-4100 both in terms of its physical appearance and features.
What is the main difference? This model comes with a handheld wand.
- AQ-4105 makes use of a 2-stage filtration system. The first stage removes chlorine and balances the pH. While stage 2 filters the water with a coconut shell carbon filter.
- This filtration is able to do this because it includes a copper-zinc oxidation media (as well as the coconut shell carbon).
- After these two stages it will have reduced chlorine, synthetic chemicals, and balances pH level.
- Its filter cartridge will last about 6 months or filter around 10,000 gallons of water.
Aquasana Reviews – Shower Filter Comparison Chart
AQ-4105 | AQ-5300.55 |
10,000 (Gallons) | Gallons: 10,000 |
$$ | $ |
Aquasana Reviews – My Top Picks
Not only is Aquasana an industry leading American brand, it also has lots of positive customer reviews online.
It is a brand that provides good quality products and has a reputation for good customer care.
The good news is that Aquasana frequently run sales and promotions. However, if you visit their site and find the promotion to be less than 50% then you can try using the coupon code: AQGEEK50
This code could reduce your costs and qualifying purchases help fund this site to continue making all the content free.
Here are my favourite products from all my Aquasana reviews:
My top pick for a whole house softener is the Aquasana OptimH2O + Salt Free Filter
My top pick for Aquasana Shower Filter = Aquasana-AQ-4105
Top pick of Aquasana Under Counter Water Filter System = Aquasana AQ-4601.55
If you want to save money, the environment and avoid BPA contamination.
Then you might want to consider the Aquasana Clean Machine.
It removes 60 contaminants (including lead and viruses) in 60 seconds. It comes with filters, which are easy to replace.
Using something like this will save around 4800 bottles of water in a year.
OptimH2O Whole House Filter + Salt-Free Water Softener | Aquasana EQ-1000 (aka 1 Million Gallon Rhino) |
Does NOT require electricity. | Does NOT require electricity. |
Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water). | Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water). |
- Whole house filter + salt free softener. Filters: - Lead - Chlorine - Cysts - Chloramines - Pfos (Perfluorooctane sulfonate) and more. UV upgrade removes 99% bacteria, e.coli, giardia and cryptosporidium. | - Whole house filter + salt free softener. Filters: - Lead - Cysts - PFOA/PFOS - Chlorine - Chloramines and more. UV upgrade removes 99% bacteria, e.coli, giardia and cryptosporidium. |
Price: $$$$ Ships to US and CA. | Price: $$$ Ships to US and CA. |
Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link. | Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link. |
If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50 | If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50 |
Aquasana FAQ
Does Aquasana Really Work?
All Aquasana filters are certified to work and have the capacity to filter all the contaminants listed on their product profile. If this is not enough to convince you then you can read the hundreds of verified reviews online from happy customers. Aquasana filters also come with money-back guarantees if you are really unhappy.
Does Aquasana Filter Arsenic?
Aquasana’s Reverse Osmosis is capable of removing arsenic. It is NSF certified and tested to treat arsenic by over 97% from your drinking water.
What Does Aquasana Water Filter Remove?
All Aquasana water filter systems are NSF certified to remove lead (up to 99%) and 67 other contaminants such as chloramines, pesticides, industrial solvents, asbestos, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, mercury, pesticides, PFOS & PFOA and other VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Which is better Aquasana or Pelican?
Aquasana is better overall if you are looking for a salt free softener because this is what they specialise in. However, if you are looking for a salt based softener then consider getting something from SpringWell who offer a much better product and prices that are more competitive than Pelican.
Can You Drink Aquasana Water?
You can drink water filtered by Aquasana products especially their under sink OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum filter and their countertop water filter called The Clean Machine, which are both designed to produce drinking water. Both devices treat over 77 of the most common contaminants present in tap water such as chloramines, chlorine, and lead.
Does Aquasana Remove Fluoride?
The Aquasana under sink OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum System effectively treats fluoride by up to 95% as well as several additional contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, chlorine, arsenic, mercury, herbicides, asbestos, pesticides, chloramines (chlorine + ammonia disinfectant), lead, cadmium etc.