A Complete Guide Of How To Choose The Aquasana Water Filters
Do you know how many harmful contaminants are in that glass of water on your desk? Contaminants in our tap water is a serious problem, though. From chlorine headaches after a shower to nasty stomach bugs that won’t go away, the effects of contaminated water are far-reaching. And frankly, they’re no fun.
The good news is that there’s a solution: a water filter!
Water filters remove or reduce harmful contaminants—like lead, mercury, heavy metals, VOCs, herbicides, pesticides, and the list goes on—from your tap water.
While there are numerous brands, models, and technologies on the market today, we’re going to focus on Aquasana-brand water filters today. Aquasana creates a variety of trusted products aimed at increasing the safety of our water, so you can be of sound mind that each of the products we cover is high-quality and well-designed for its purpose.
Pros and Cons of Using a Water Filter
Should you buy a water filter? What should you know before purchasing one?
If you’re on the fence about buying a water filter, skim through our list of pros and cons. This will help you decide if a water filter is right for you and your home.
Pros
Removes harmful bacteria and contaminants
The number-one reason to purchase a water filter is to ensure the water used in your home or business is safe to use. While most water supplies today are considered safe to drink, a few supplies still have varying amounts of harmful bacteria and contaminants that can make you sick. These include lead, parasites, heavy metals, and even pesticides.
Can make water taste, smell, and look better
In addition to making your water safe to drink or bathe in, a water filter can make your water taste, smell, and look better. Few things are as unappealing as a glass of water that smells ‘off’ or has little particles floating in it. Buy a water filter to ensure your drinking water is always fresh and clean.
Can ‘soften’ water
Hard water (or water that still has all of its natural minerals, especially in excess) may not be harmful to you, but it can take a toll on many of your home appliances. This is because it promotes buildup of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, which then causes lime scale—that unappealing layer of residue that sometimes appears on your sink or showerhead.
A water filter removes these minerals, thus softening the water. This ‘soft’ water is far less harmful to your appliances.
Cons
Filters must be replaced
To ensure your product continues working with optimal performance, it’s important to replace the filter frequently. It’s generally recommended to replace the filter every 6-12 months, depending on the size of your family and how much water you use. Needing to replace the filter so often can be both expensive and inconvenient, but it may be well worth the safety and peace of mind.
Removes beneficial minerals and bacteria
The ‘softening’ properties we mentioned earlier can also be a con. While having the minerals removed from water will make it less harmful to appliances, it also robs you of potential health benefits. Calcium and magnesium are both essential minerals that our bodies need to function well, and some studies have even suggested that drinking hard water can be good for your heart.
May take up counter or fridge space
Depending on the type of filter you opt for, it may take up some valuable counter or fridge space. If space is a concern for you, you can opt for smaller-sized filters or an under-the-sink filter that will take up less useable room.
How to Choose the Best Water Filter for You
A water filter is an important purchase, so you want to make sure the filter you buy has all of the features you need. To give you a better idea of what to look for in a water filter, we’ve compiled a brief overview of different factors you should consider.
Type
There are several types of water filtration systems on the market today, so it can be difficult knowing which type is best for you. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you out:
- Pitcher-style water filters are the most popular type, likely due to their ease-of-use and no-frills design. You simply fill the pitcher with water and place it in the fridge; the water is filtered as you pour, so you can rest assured that each glass will be tasty and safe to drink.
- Faucet-Mounted. A faucet-mounted water filter attaches to your sink faucet and filters the water as it runs. You can also find models that allow you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water.
- Faucet-Integrated. The downside to faucet-integrated filters is that they must be professionally installed. That said, they are far more convenient than many other versions due to being built-in.
- Countertop water filters are similar to the faucet-mounted ones. However, this type normally rests on the countertop while a filter connects to the faucet to provide filtrated water.
- Under-Sink. This type of filter is convenient in that it takes up no space on the countertop or in the fridge. However, it does take up quite a bit of room under the sink and often requires professional installation. This type of filter is great for those who need to filter a lot of water.
- Reverse Osmosis. While reverse osmosis systems are effective at filtrating water, they are the lease convenient option. They tend to waste more water than other systems, the filters must frequently be replaced, and they take up more room than some other models.
- Refrigerator filters are a popular water filtration method, with most refrigerators having one installed upon purchase. While you will need to replace the filter often (about every six months), it provides adequate filtration for safe and great-tasting water.
- Shower Head. Certain substances found in tap water, such as chlorine, can be harmful to your skin or hair. A shower head water filter can help eliminate this problem! You attach it between the shower head and arm, and from there it filters out the harmful contaminants.
- Whole House. Whole house water filtration systems are on the expensive side and require professional installation. However, this upfront cost is more than worth it. The system will filter all of your home’s tap water and you can purchase one that suits your exact filtration needs.
Filtration
Once you have a better idea of which type will best suit your needs, it’s time to figure out what kind of contaminants you need filtered and which filtration method you prefer.
The best way to determine which contaminants you need filtered is to have a sample of your water sent to a professional, EPA-certified lab to be tested. You can then search for water filters that treat the specific contaminants in your water (if there are any). Common contaminants include chlorine, lead, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. It’s important to note that there is no single water filter that can remove all contaminants. This is why you should know what kind of filtration you need beforehand.
Common filtration methods include carbon, KDF, charcoal, and UV.
Size / Capacity
Depending on the type of filter you purchase, size and capacity are important factors to consider.
- Size indicates how much space the filter will take up.
- Capacity indicates how much water it can filter before the filter needs changing.
If you have limited counter, under-the-sink, or fridge space, you should opt for a smaller-sized unit. On the other hand, you should opt for a larger one if you have plenty of space available.
Finally, the capacity you opt for should be determined by how many people are in your household and how much water is used each day.
Product Life / Warranty
Another key element to look for is how long (or for how many gallons) the water filter will last. When possible, purchase a water filter that promises a long product life. It’s also best to make sure the water filter comes with a good warranty.
Safety
Safety is paramount when it comes to your water filter. Faulty products or those without safety certifications can do more harm than good, making you or your loved ones sick.
It’s always best to only purchase water filters that are EPA- and UL-certified. These certifications mean that your water filter has been tested—and certified—for safety and quality.
Budget
Finally, you need to consider your budget when shopping for a water filter.
While most water filters can be purchased for under $50, certain types or models (such as whole house filtration systems) can cost upwards of $1000. Try to find a water filter that offers the most features at the best price for you.
The Best Aquasana Water Filters
That was a lot of information to cover, but now you’re ready to dive in and see what kind of water filters are available. We’ve hand-picked five of the best products on the market today, making sure to include a variety of products. By the time you finish reading our Aquasana reviews, you’ll be more than ready to make your purchase and enjoy clean, fresh water every day.
1. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System w/ Salt-Free Conditioner
This whole house water filter system has all the bells and whistles. It’s the natural choice if you need water filtration for your entire house and have a little extra money to spend on a top-notch product.
Using a carbon and KDF filtration method, it filters out 97% of the chlorine in your water and also reduces the amount of several other contaminants including lead, mercury, and VOCs. This system also makes use of a salt-free conditioner which keeps beneficial minerals in the water even after filtration.
While the upfront cost of this product is pretty high, it will be well worth it when you see how much money you save per gallon of filtered water compared to many other brands and models! In addition, it’s easy to maintain; you just need to replace its filters quarterly. With proper maintenance, this water filter can last you up to 10 years (or the first 1,000,000 gallons of filtered water)!
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone looking for an Aquasana water filter with supreme whole house filtration capabilities and a user-friendly design.
2. Aquasana AQ-5300+.55 3-Stage Max Flow Under Sink Water Filter
This powerful little water filter is evidence that top-notch water filtration doesn’t have to break the bank!
It makes use of a unique three-stage filtration process to rid your water of all kinds of contaminants, from lead to pesticides, asbestos, and chlorine. Each of its three filters targets a specific type of contaminant, and filters the water using a total of four targeting methods: activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion-exchange, and absolute sub-micron mechanical filtration. And it does all this while still leaving the water’s beneficial minerals behind! Your water will taste great, be totally safe to drink, and have some healthy minerals for you too.
You’ll also appreciate its no-hassle, easy-to-install design. The simple installation process will save you so much time, money, and quite possibly tears. Speaking of saving, its economical design will save you even more money in the long run, costing roughly 10 cents a gallon.
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone looking for an affordable water filter that provides top-notch filtration and features a user-friendly design.
3. Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis Under Sink Water Filter System
Using two filtration technologies in conjunction with remineralization technology, this no-fuss water filter removes fluoride and chlorine—as well as a wealth of other contaminants including lead and asbestos—from your water. In fact, this product boasts a contaminant-removal rate five times higher than that of other reverse osmosis systems. Its remineralization technology ensures that your water has all of those good minerals after filtration, so you can have safe and great-tasting water without sacrificing any potential health benefits.
This unit is simple to install and comes with all of the parts required to get it set up. Even simpler is its filter replacement, which can be done by simply twisting off the housing. Finally, you’ll love the different finish options for its faucet—pick your favorite and order today!
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone looking for a user-friendly water filter that uses forward-thinking, highly effective filtration technology.
4. Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System with Adjustable Showerhead
For a very affordable price, you can shower in total cleanliness with this shower water filter system!
This water filter removes chlorine—along with a range of other harmful contaminants—using a coconut shell carbon filtration system. In addition, it improves the PH levels of your shower water using copper and zinc to ensure the best shower possible shower experience. These features make it possible for your shower to make your skin and hair softer—not drier or itchier.
More good news for your ears: The water filter does not clog easily, thanks to the unit’s up-flow design. This design also maintains shower pressure while allowing the water more contact time with the filtration media. You can have this unit set up in no time using its simple four-step installation process.
Best of all, the shower head features multiple massage settings. So go ahead—indulge yourself!
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone looking for an affordable way to improve the quality of their shower water.
5. Aquasana Replacement Tank for 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter System
This whole house water filter replacement tank really gets down to business. Utilizing three different filtration methods as well as SCM technology, it’s capable of filtering out most chlorine and virtually all viruses from your water—without demineralizing it! This means that whether you’re showering or having a glass of water, the water you’re using is contaminant-free while still containing all of the good stuff water has to offer.
The unit also features an upflow design and dual tanks, which aid the system is preventing clogs and channeling. These design features also ensure that the water has sufficient contact time with the filtration media to filter out as much of the bad stuff as possible.
And with a whopping 10-year warranty, what do you have to lose? Experience better-tasting, virtually chlorine-free water today!
Who Should Buy It?
Anyone looking for an affordable replacement water filter with fantastic filtration and a smart design.
6. Sediment Pre-filters for Whole House Water Filter Systems
Whole house water filters are a popular option and for good reasons. This type of filter is perfect for those with a large house or big family, or those who want the convenience of having one system for all the tap water in their home.
Aquasana provides a variety of whole house water filter replacements. These include 10- and 20-inch pre-filter replacements, a 10-inch post-filter replacement, and Rhino replacement tanks. You can also find replacements for its OptimH20 filter and pre-filter, as well as UV replacements for its Rhino system. So whichever Aquasana whole house filtration system you opt for, know that a replacement product will be only a click away when the time comes!
Dedicated Filters
Of course, whole house systems aren’t for everyone. That’s why Aquasana boasts a large variety of water filtration systems, including:
- Under-Sink
- Countertop
- Shower
- Bottle
Whatever your water filtration needs—and whatever your budget—Aquasana has the perfect system for you. Each product also has readily available replacement parts to make every step of the process super-simple for you. See for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Which water filter is the best?
All water filters are not created equal. With so many brands and models out there, how do you narrow down your options? While brands such as ZeroWater, Aquagear, PUR, Brita, and Aquasana are well-known for their high-quality water filtration products, you cannot rely solely upon brand name to find a water filter you can trust.
The best water filter is one that meets—or exceeds—your water filtering needs. This comes down to several factors, which we’ll discuss later in this article.
Can water filters be dangerous?
Before installing a water filtration system or purchasing a water-purifying pitcher, it makes sense to research the safety of such products. Water filters are not inherently dangerous, though there are two things you should keep in mind:
1. Counterfeit water filters can be dangerous. While genuine water filters pose no serious health risks, counterfeit ones do. A counterfeit water filter is one that has been sold to you under a false label, brand name, etc. These often do not live up to their claims and fail to remove harmful bacteria and other contaminants from the water.
2. Water filters aren’t always a necessary investment. Unless your water supply has high levels of potentially harmful contaminants, you don’t need a water filter. Most of the bacteria and minerals found in tap water are not only harmless, but also beneficial. Using a water filter when you don’t need one will rob you of the added health benefits that safe tap water provides.
What makes a good water filter?
The most important feature in a good water filter is safety. This means it should remove all of the contaminants from your water that it claims to. Also make sure the product you purchase is NSF-certified; NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) is an independent company that tests food- and kitchen-related products for safety.
A good water filter will also meet your water filtration needs, be easy to use for its intended purpose, and be designed to last.
Is Aquasana a good brand for water filters?
Yes! Founded in 1997, Aquasana has dedicated its existence to creating the best possible water filters. It’s more than a matter of outdoing the competition—it’s a matter of values. Aquasana believes in the power of clean water to improve our daily lives and our health, so it never skimps on its products’ safety or user-friendliness.
When you purchase from Aquasana, there’s a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a whole house water filter or a filtration water bottle, you’re going to find just what you need!
Conclusion
Whether to purchase a water filter is a big decision. Which one to purchase is an even bigger decision. We hope that our article gave you some needed insight and gave you an idea of what’s available on the market. Take your time and narrow down your favorites—this is a purchase that will dictate the safety and flavor of your water. Any of the products on our list will provide you with peace of mind and some of the highest-quality tap water you’ve ever experienced.