Hi, I'm Petrick. 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.
The Water Problem That Started It All
Eight months ago, I was dealing with water that honestly made me question every glass I poured. Living in Orlando, I thought municipal water would be decent, but the chlorine smell hit you the moment you walked into the bathroom after someone showered. The taste wasn't much better – that distinct chemical aftertaste that made me reach for bottled water constantly.
What really pushed me over the edge?
My coffee started tasting off, and as someone who takes their morning brew seriously, that was the final straw. I noticed white film on my glassware, and my skin felt dry and itchy after showers. My wife mentioned her hair felt different too – more brittle and harder to manage.
I started researching and discovered our municipal water contained chlorine levels that, while safe according to standards, were affecting our daily quality of life. The fluoride content was also higher than I preferred for my family. I needed a comprehensive solution that would address multiple contaminants without breaking the bank on ongoing maintenance.
Why I Chose Catalytic Bone Char Carbon Technology
After weeks of research, I learned about the dual-action approach of catalytic carbon combined with bone char. Most standard carbon filters only address chlorine and some organics, but this system promised comprehensive contaminant removal including fluoride – something most whole house systems can't touch effectively.
The catalytic component works by converting chloramines and other stubborn contaminants into forms that regular carbon can then absorb. The bone char specifically targets fluoride through a process called hydroxide exchange, which I found fascinating once I understood the science behind it.
What made this system stand out was the upflow design.
Unlike traditional downflow systems that can create channeling and uneven contact time, the upflow configuration ensures water contacts the media more thoroughly. This means better filtration efficiency and longer media life – exactly what I wanted for a long-term investment.
The 1.5 cubic foot capacity meant it could handle my household's peak demand without pressure drops, and the backwash cycle only runs when needed based on actual usage, not just a timer. Smart engineering that translates to real operational savings.
Installation Experience and First Impressions
The system arrived in a substantial package that immediately impressed me with the build quality. The tank is constructed from high-grade fiberglass with a quality that feels like it'll last decades. The Fleck 5600SXT control head has a solid, commercial feel – not the plastic-y construction I've seen on cheaper units.
I opted for professional installation through a local plumber who was familiar with these systems. The installation took about three hours, including the bypass valve setup and initial programming. The unit requires a floor drain for backwashing, which we connected to my existing utility sink drain line.
The programming process was surprisingly straightforward.
The digital display walks you through each setting, and the manual provided clear guidance on calculating the proper backwash frequency based on our water usage and local water quality. We set it for a 7-day maximum cycle with usage-based regeneration.
First flush took about 20 minutes to clear any carbon fines, which is normal for any new carbon system. The water ran slightly gray initially but cleared completely once we followed the startup procedure.
Performance Testing and Real Results
I tested our water before installation using TDS and chlorine test strips, plus a fluoride test kit I ordered online. Our incoming water measured 0.8 ppm free chlorine, 1.2 ppm fluoride, and had a distinct chemical odor that registered even to visitors.
After 48 hours of operation, the transformation was remarkable. Chlorine levels dropped to undetectable on my test strips. The fluoride test showed reduction to approximately 0.3 ppm – not complete elimination, but a significant improvement that brought levels closer to what I was comfortable with for my family.
The taste difference was immediate and dramatic.
That metallic, chemical aftertaste completely disappeared. Water tastes clean and neutral – exactly what good water should taste like. My coffee improved noticeably, and my wife commented that ice water actually tasted refreshing again.
I also noticed that our soap lathers better now, and the white film on glassware gradually disappeared over the first few weeks. These weren't changes I expected, but they indicate the system is removing more than just the obvious contaminants.
Flow rate remains excellent throughout the house. Even with multiple fixtures running simultaneously, I haven't noticed any pressure reduction. The 1.5 cubic foot media bed provides plenty of contact time without restricting flow.
Daily Living Improvements After 8 Months
The most noticeable change is in our morning routines. Showers feel different – water feels softer on the skin, and the chlorine smell that used to linger in the bathroom is completely gone. My wife's hair stylist actually commented that her hair texture improved, likely from eliminating chlorine exposure.
Our coffee and tea taste dramatically better. I was skeptical that water could make such a difference, but side-by-side comparisons with bottled water show virtually no difference now. We've completely stopped buying bottled water for drinking, which saves approximately $40 monthly.
Cooking improvements were unexpected but welcome.
Pasta water doesn't have that chemical smell anymore, and vegetables retain their natural flavors better. Ice cubes are crystal clear instead of slightly cloudy, and they don't carry any off-tastes into drinks.
Dishwashing results improved too. Glassware comes out cleaner, and I use less rinse aid because there's less mineral interference. The white spotting that plagued our dark dishes has virtually eliminated.
Even our houseplants seem to appreciate the filtered water. The ones I water with kitchen tap water show better growth and fewer brown leaf tips compared to outdoor plants getting unfiltered water.
Operational Costs and Maintenance Reality
The system backwashes approximately every 10 days based on our family's usage patterns. Each cycle uses about 150 gallons and runs for 12 minutes during off-peak hours (I programmed it for 2:30 AM). At Orlando's water rates, that's roughly $1.20 per backwash cycle, or about $3.60 monthly in additional water costs.
Electricity consumption for the control valve is minimal – the digital display and valve operations add perhaps $2-3 to our monthly electric bill based on my calculations.
The media replacement schedule is the main ongoing cost consideration.
SoftPro recommends media replacement every 5-7 years depending on usage and incoming water quality. For our household size and local conditions, I'm budgeting for replacement around year 6. The media cost will be approximately $300-400, which breaks down to about $5-6 monthly when amortized.
Comparing this to our previous bottled water expenses ($40/month), plus the elimination of descaling products for appliances ($8/month), the system essentially pays for its operational costs through savings while providing superior convenience and performance.
No filter cartridges to remember or replace monthly. No storage space needed for bottled water. The maintenance is truly automated once properly programmed.
What Could Be Better - Honest Limitations
The initial investment is substantial – this isn't a budget-friendly solution for homeowners looking for basic improvement. The system, installation, and startup costs totaled approximately $2,100, which requires viewing it as a long-term infrastructure investment rather than a quick fix.
The floor space requirement is significant. The tank stands about 54 inches tall and needs clearance for service access. If you have a cramped utility room, this might not fit comfortably alongside other equipment.
The backwash cycle, while automated, does use a considerable amount of water.
During drought restrictions or for environmentally conscious homeowners, the 150-gallon regeneration cycle every 10 days Fluoride Filter might feel wasteful. There's no way around this with any backwashing system.
Programming the control head correctly requires reading the manual thoroughly. While not complicated, it's not intuitive either. Getting the regeneration frequency wrong initially can waste water or reduce filtration effectiveness.
The system doesn't address hardness minerals at all. If you have hard water issues, you'll need a separate softener or combination system. This is purely a chemical and contaminant removal solution.
Who This System Serves Best and My Final Verdict
After eight months of ownership, this system excels for households prioritizing comprehensive chemical removal without ongoing filter replacement hassles. If you're dealing with chlorine, chloramines, fluoride concerns, and want restaurant-quality water throughout your entire house, this delivers exceptional results.
Perfect for families who:
• Want whole-house chemical contaminant removal
• Prefer automated maintenance over monthly filter changes
• Have adequate space and budget for proper installation
• Value long-term cost effectiveness over low upfront costs
• Appreciate the environmental benefits of eliminating bottled water
The water quality improvement is dramatic and consistent. Taste, odor, and chemical concerns are effectively eliminated. The system operates reliably without constant attention, and the build quality suggests it'll provide decades of service.
Would I purchase this system again?**
Absolutely, without hesitation. The daily quality of life improvement, combined with long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, makes this one of the best home investments I've made. The water tastes cleaner and softer now, exactly as promised, and our entire family notices the difference every day.For homeowners ready to invest in permanent water quality improvement, this catalytic bone char carbon system delivers professional results with residential convenience. Eight months in, I'm completely satisfied with the performance and confident in recommending it to others facing similar water quality challenges.