US Water Systems vs Springwell: Whole Home Water Filters COMPARISON
Clean and safe water devoid of contamination with heavy metals, industrial pollution, pesticides, and other toxic materials is a must for every home. For many households in North America, access to clean and safe water is still a challenge. Irrespective of the source (either municipal water systems or private wells) water quality issues are still affecting countless homes. The implication of this being that many of the water available in most households have negative health effects.
Whole home water filters are large-scale filtration systems designed to treat all of the water flowing into a residential property through a composite filter unit. Smaller water filters can easily provide an affordable short-term solution. However, effective water treatment can only really be achieved through whole home water filtration systems. Unlike water softeners which target hardness minerals alone, whole home filters remove a wide array of contaminants through multiple purification stages. By filtering both hot and cold supply lines, these systems ensure clean water usage for cooking, bathing, and all other daily uses.
There are many reputable brands that offer whole-home filtration solutions. However, the options can vary significantly in terms of the filtration technologies employed. As well as third-party verification of performance claims, flow rates after installation and more. This is why I have done a series of comparisons between different filtration options. Think Softpro vs Springwell, US Water Systems vs Aquasana, and more.
Today, I will also be dedicating this post to reviewing and comparing two leading companies–US Water Systems and Springwell. Both have developed loyal followings, but how do they truly stack up against one another? By exploring the filtration methods, features, testing practices and more of each system, my goal is to make your selection process easier. Let’s begin our comparison!
US Water Systems vs Springwell Whole Home Water Filters: A Comprehensive Overview
US Water Systems and Springwell have stood out as leading providers of whole home water filtration systems. They each boast over two decades of experience and dedication to water quality. As pioneers in the industry, both companies design advanced systems to make water clean. They also offer solutions to hard water issues and ensure that healthy water is possible for all homes and families through thoughtful engineering.
While US Water Systems and Springwell share a commitment to innovative technologies, there are also contrasts in their approaches worth considering. For one, US Water Systems creates specialized solutions tailored towards a wide range of water problems. Meanwhile, Springwell aims to deliver the most stringent whole home purification possible. They strive for competitive price points through their conviction that water quality should be accessible and affordable.
These differences in each brand’s priorities and objectives can help you as a homeowner to make informed choices matching your unique property’s source, budget, and desired results. Whether seeking optimized water-care through customized solutions or preferring simplified investment through industry-leading standards, US Water Systems and Springwell both uphold stringent testing and reliability standards. Their shared goal is ensuring households receive the clear benefits of softened, protected, and fresh-tasting water for the long run.
In this review, we’ll directly examine how US Water Systems and Springwell’s unique designs and value propositions compare. This way, you can determine which best serves your family and home. My aim is to simplify your decision by clarifying what matters most between highly reputable leaders in the whole home filtration market!
Key Considerations: US Water Systems and Springwell Whole House Water Filters
Water chemistry varies so widely across regions it’s wise choosing a whole home solution that best suits your needs. When comparing whole home water filter options, here are some key considerations to bear in mind:
Water Source Compatibility
It’s important for homeowners to understand whether a system can treat water from private wells. As well as surface sources like lakes/streams or just municipal water sources. Customization abilities also matter for addressing source-specific contaminants.
Filter Replacement Period
Operational costs over the long-term depend on how often filters need swapping. More frequent changes mean higher overall costs for filtration media.
Installation Complexity
Ease of DIY installation vs needing professional help impacts upfront hassle and costs. Consumers prefer plug-and-play simplicity over specialist configurations.
Lifecycle Costs
While initial equipment expenditure varies, the total costs over 5-10+ years depend greatly on replacement part schedules and expenses.
Flow Rates
Adequate flow is essential for multi-fixture homes to prevent pressure drops during simultaneous high-demand periods.
Durability
Higher quality components and construction ensure proper functionality for greater return on the long-term purification investment.
Maintenance Needs
The simplicity and frequency of maintenance like cleanings or disinfections factors into ongoing time commitment requirements. Also, there is replacement of pre-filters between 6 to 12 months based on incoming water quality.
Contaminant Coverage
Addressing a wide range of EPA and non-regulated contaminants gives comprehensive protection from an array of potential water issues.
Water testing
Whole home water filters that target chlorine are for people with city or municipal treated water. These sources use chlorine at minimum to treat water. Some city water also adds fluoride to the treated. In turn, many (rightly) want to filter out as fluoride has been shown to cause issues with thyroid function. Well water has no chlorine. Checking your municipal water test reports to see if you need a drinking water filter and which product to choose.
Here is a comparison table outlining US Water Systems and Springwell water filtration systems. This table is based on key considerations for homeowner evaluation:
US Water Systems vs Springwell Water Filtration Systems: Comparison Table
| Criteria | US Water Systems’ Bodyguard Whole Home Water Filter | Springwell’s Whole House Water Filter System |
|---|---|---|
| Water Source Compatibility | Private wells, surface water, municipalities. Customizable to source. | Private wells, surface water, municipalities. Customizable to source |
| Installation Complexity | Professional installation is often required for some models. Others allow for DIY installation. | Professional installation is often required. Specialized configuring |
| Lifecycle Costs | Higher upfront costs $1200 – 2500. Lower annual filter replacement costs $25-50. | Higher upfront costs $1000 – 2000Frequent $50-100 filter replacements |
| Maintenance Needs | Replace pre-filter every 6-18 months depending on use and incoming water quality. | Replace pre-filter and resin annually and regular cleaning and sanitation requirements. |
| Contaminant Coverage | 99% of 150+ contaminants | Addresses 90% of EPA regulated and unregulated chemicals through customization |
| Warranty Coverage | Lifetime warranty for mineral & resin tanks. 10 years on valves & electronics. | 10-year residential warranty on fiberglass and polyethylene tanks and valves |
| App Support | Web-based water testing and system monitoring via smartphone app. | Web-based water testing and system monitoring via smartphone app |
| Certifications | NSF Standard 42, 53, 401 for cyst, lead and mercury removal. | NSF Standard 42, 53, 401 for cyst, lead and mercury removal |
| Flow rates | Very fast – maintains 95%+ of initial pressure | Up to 15 gpm depending on model/configuration |
| Grain capacity | 10,000 grains | 25,000+ grains |
Do You NEED a Whole House Water Filter?
Its important to clarify a common misconception that whole home water filters are intended to make water safe for drinking. Whole home water filters help to reduce chlorine and some other contaminants. In turn, this makes showering and other non-drinking activities better.
Chlorine and chloramines are quite volatile and will off gas quickly. This is especially true in closed and poorly vented hot showers with the steam ensuring they hang around. This is why I always like to recommend getting a separate drinking water filter. For this, I will suggest that you check out my post on the best and worst drinking water filter taps to know what choices to aim for. .
A whole house water filter system might be overkill if you live in a small apartment with 1-2 people in the home. If this is your situation you might be better off getting an under sink reverse osmosis system.
For homeowners on city water systems, whole home water filters are commonly installed to improve the taste and smell of water as it comes into the home. However, well owners face issues with high iron or sulfur levels, which can result in rust-stained fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens from iron deposits, or a rotten egg smell from sulfur bacteria that often thrive on iron in the water.
Water filtration systems will help you safely remove heavy metals, rust, sand, dirt and debris from the water. Not only does the filter system effectively reduce chlorine odor and bad taste, it also reduces the damage to home appliances caused by bad water getting into your system via a water pipe. Ensure you read up on my post on best whole house water filters to know more!
Now, let’s deep dive into these two whole house water filters!
US Water Systems Whole Home Water Filter: What You Need to Know
For over two decades, US Water Systems has been on the frontlines protecting homes from waterborne hazards. Based in Indianapolis, their research developed multi-stage strategies still setting the standard today. Their philosophy is to offer solutions to all water problems from big cities to rural towns. Think everything from a single filter in a tiny home to a large-scale reverse osmosis system in a high-volume manufacturing plant.
US Water Systems boasts industry-best average 99% removal of 150+ contaminants tested. This far exceeds what many homeowners expect from a basic sink water filter or reverse osmosis system under the sink. Their kinetic KDF media and sediment pretreatment work together to eliminate toxins that could otherwise persist.
US Water Systems offers a comprehensive line of products to treat water throughout the entire home, from shower filters to countertop filters and more. They have several viable product options for addressing iron and sulfur concentrations which can result in a rotten egg smell, including the Flexx InFusion, Oxi-Gen, and Matrixx InFusion products. They have also become popular due to their focus on testing water filters and publishing independent verification of how effectively their systems reduce contaminants when installed properly.
US Water Systems Features Explained
The name of US Water Systems hasn’t stood out in the industry in filtration for over two decades by accident. Their attention to details and technology to treat even the toughest water sources has helped in achieving this. A closer look into the working principles of their systems will explain how.
Sediment Filtration
The Bodyguard Whole Home Water Filter operates using a sediment filter for filtration. The coarse 5-micron particulate screen sets the stage for downstream components. By catching rust particles and other large detritus absent from refined municipal supplies, it prevents clogs and extends the life of subsequent mechanisms. Replacements every 6-12 months based on use keeps everything flowing at peak efficiency.
Activated Carbon Blocks
Packed with billions of adsorptive sites, premium coconut shell-based carbon strings together to create an organic labyrinth. As water percolates through this maze, pesticides, VOCs, toxic byproducts and other chemicals-both man-made and naturally occurring-become trapped inside the porous matrix. After 6 months to a year of service depending on conditions, replacement of these workhorses keeps systems running optimally.
Kinetic Degradation Filters
This specialized media utilizes a chemical oxidation-reduction reaction driven by slight water movement to break down chlorine into its constituent salts. Furthermore, lead or other heavy metals passing prior elements find safe sequestration here. Lasting 12-18 months, consistent replacement maximizes reaping these health benefits every time you crack open a tap.
Independent Testing
Rigorous third party analyses by certified labs prove US Water Systems consistently reduces over 150 contaminants from source water to parts-per-billion levels-demonstrating each component’s maximum efficacy when used as a synchronized system working in harmony.
How Does the U.S. Water Systems Work?
If there’s one thing US Water Systems understands inside and out, it’s the complex process required to filter water down to pristine purity. In its Bodyguard Whole Home Water Filter, a multi-stage system is employed to get rid of a wide range of contaminants that affect the purity of household water.
First up is a robust particulate catcher–a 5-micron sediment filter protects downline mechanisms from grit, rust particles and other detritus that municipal pipes can deposit. After the initial trap, water flows through activated carbon blocks containing ultra-absorbent coconut carbon. This workhorse portion of the process extracts a wide array of chemicals that could alter taste or pose long-term risks if regularly consumed. Think pesticides, toxic disinfection byproducts, and more.
For the final polishing phase, the KDF media is deployed. This kinetic degradation fluidization process transforms chlorine into a neutral salt. Neutral salt that won’t irritate sensitive skin or escalate rusting inside home fixtures. Plus, traces of metals like lead that evade carbon can be further minimized here. Together, these filtration methods work synergistically and have been proven through testing to significantly reduce lead and VOCs. As well as a long list of other potential water pollutants when treated to max flow rates.
Decade upon decade of research and development has gone into optimizing this multi-pronged approach. Independent laboratory analyses prove the brand consistently attains extremely high removal rates of regulated and unregulated compounds down to parts-per-million. The result you get from it is water that goes down smooth, protects plumbing, and leaves you feeling refreshed with each glass!
Springwell Whole Home Water Filter: What You Need to Know
Springwell’s Whole House Water Filter System is a solution for removing harmful contaminants found in your city’s municipal water. Its system uses the highest quality catalytic carbon and certified kdf media to target and remove contaminants like chlorine, chloramine, PFOA, PFOS, pesticides, herbicides, haloacetic acids, and more. Plus, it also comes with the benefit of salt-free water softening with the Springwell Combo System.
Springwell employs a multi-stage filtration process to remove a wide spectrum of water contaminants through a single whole home unit. The ActivFlo filtration system features a 4-stage proprietary design that maximizes contact time between the filtration media and water, resulting in more effective contaminant removal than other systems.
Stage 1 pushes the water through a KDF media which removes harmful chemicals such as chlorine. It also addresses many of the contaminants found in municipal water. Stage 2 uses a catalytic carbon media to remove and reduce organic contaminants including chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, pesticides and herbicides to name a few. Stage 3 includes innovative design created to eliminate channeling while producing more contact time. In the final stage, sand, silt, clay, and other sediment are filtered through the 5 micron sediment filter.
Many homeowners with well water face common issues like high iron, sulfur, or fluoride levels that can affect the taste and smell of the water. The Springwell’s Well Water Filter & Softener is a viable option for addressing iron and sulfur concentrations which can result in a rotten egg smell, as it targets these two prevalent issues. It is one of the best iron water filters, making it a viable option for those with well water. For high fluoride levels, which can be problematic for dental and bone health, a drinking water filter is generally recommended over a separate whole home filter, as it is more practical and cost-effective.
Springwell Whole Home Water Filter Features Explained
Sediment Pre Filters
These frontline fighters entrap rust, dirt and other debris 5 microns or greater in size before they can penetrate deeper into the homefront pipes. Trapping sediment at the first sign of battle helps maintain optimal flow for downstream defenses, while reducing damage to sensitive plumbing infrastructure over the long-term. Replacing these filters every 6-12 months based on water quality helps maximize their protective capabilities.
Carbon and KDF Blocks
This formidable filtration duo relies on activated carbon to adsorb enemies like chlorine and chloramines through surface attraction. Simultaneously, KDF-85 powders strategically transform threatening toxins like mercury and lead into neutralized compounds no longer dangerous to humans. Together, they form a nearly impenetrable chemical blockade. With lifespans reaching 3-5 years when properly maintained, these dual-threat defenses prove highly effective and durable in combating contaminants.
Catalytic Carbon Filter
This final filter stage uses ammonia-reducing catalytic carbon to break down chlorine byproducts into harmless vapors before they reach your taps.
US Water Systems vs Springwell Whole House Water Filter: Which Is Better?
When comparing these two whole home filtration options, they seem quite similar at first glance. Both earn high marks for using multi-stage filtration strategies relying on sediment filtration, activated carbon and KDF media. They also publish independent test results showing the efficacy of their systems at reducing regulated and unregulated contaminants. So some deciding factors for your choice may be your water source, family size, long term budget, and priorities for contaminant removal.
The Springwell filter is well-suited for most city water users on a budget, with fewer expected filter changes keeping the long term cost lower than US WaterSystems. However, its carbon filtration alone may not meet the needs of households on wells containing heavy metals or other unique contaminants. Springwell’s ActivFlow system is also very effective in removing contaminants but may not remove as wide a range of contaminants as US Water Systems.
In conclusion, I’d recommend the US Water Systems for most city water users looking for the highest level of contaminant removal through customizable configurations. Its effectiveness with filtering impurities makes it a great investment even as it makes water safe for your whole family by eliminating 99% of contaminants. US Water Systems also has exceptional customer service alongside its rigorous third-party testing procedures, and dedication to innovation. This makes it the clear choice if you’re in the market for the best possible whole house water filtration system. By choosing US Water Systems, you can rest assured that you are investing in a system that will provide your family with safe, clean, and healthy water for years to come.
The Bottom Line on US Water Systems vs Springwell Whole Home Water Filters
Both brands are excellent whole home solutions from reputable manufacturers. For serious treatment needs or harder water, US Water Systems edges it with exceptional customer service, faster flows and replacing fewer filters long-term. So you can always trust Bodyguard Whole Home Water Filter to give you your desired results. But you won’t go wrong with either brand to be honest. Maintaining filters is key to maximizing each system’s full lifecycle value.
In summary, investing in a high-performance whole home water filtration system like US Water Systems or Springwell allows you to make clean water accessible from any faucet or shower in your house. Such an investment protects your family from potentially harmful contaminants. These include, but are not limited to, chlorine, chloramines, lead and more that may be present even in treated municipal water. Just be sure to properly maintain your system through regular filter replacements to ensure optimized performance.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! I am always happy to recommend the best whole-home filtration products to improve your wellness through optimal hydration. You can also check out some of my other reviews like Softpro vs Springwell and water conditioner vs water softener.
Please reach out if you need any other advice in selecting the ideal system or products for your needs!
Stay hydrated,
Shashank Varma (Mr Water Geek)
