Does your water smell like a swimming pool? That strong chlorine scent might be a turn-off, but it’s also a sign that your tap water contains chemicals used to keep it safe. While chlorine helps kill harmful germs, too much of it can dry out your skin and hair, and even affect the taste of your food and drinks. Many people want cleaner, fresher water throughout their entire home, not just at one faucet.
Choosing a whole house water filter for chlorine can feel overwhelming. There are so many different types, and it’s hard to know which one will work best for your family and your budget. You want a filter that effectively removes chlorine without causing other problems, and you need to be sure it’s a good investment. It’s a big decision for your home’s health and comfort.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about whole house water filters specifically for chlorine. By the end, you’ll understand how they work, what to look for when buying one, and how to pick the perfect system to give your entire home crystal-clear, chlorine-free water. Get ready to say goodbye to that chemical smell and hello to better-tasting, healthier water!
Our Top 5 Whole House Water Filter For Chlorine Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Whole House Water Filter For Chlorine Detailed Reviews
1. Whole House Water Filter System
Rating: 9.4/10
Say goodbye to worries about your home’s water! This Whole House Water Filter System, aptly named ‘Ultimate Protection Pro,’ offers a robust 3-stage purification process designed to tackle a wide range of common water contaminants. From heavy metals like lead and arsenic to everyday chemicals like chlorine and chloramine, this system aims to deliver cleaner, healthier water throughout your entire home. It’s engineered to reduce scale buildup, protecting your pipes and appliances, and even tackles emerging concerns like PFAs.
What We Like:
- Ultimate Protection: The system includes a top-tier spin down sediment filter that is 100% reusable, extending the life of other specialty filters by catching larger particles first.
- Improved Water Quality: You’ll enjoy a noticeable difference in taste and smell, making your tap water refreshing and clean. It’s great for drinking, cooking, and even showering.
- Comprehensive Filtration: It efficiently removes impurities, chlorine, and more, contributing to better skin, hair, and overall health. The quick-change cartridges make maintenance simple.
- Engineered for Durability: This system is built to last, providing up to 100,000 gallons of purified water. It features easy-to-change cartridges, a transparent sediment housing, and pressure gauges for easy monitoring.
- Hassle-Free Benefits: Enjoy consistent water pressure, chlorine-free showers, cleaner plumbing, and longer appliance life without producing wastewater.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Setup Complexity: While the cartridges are easy to change, the initial whole-house installation might require professional assistance for some homeowners.
- Filter Replacement Cost: While the sediment filter is reusable, the specialty filters will need replacement over time, which is an ongoing cost to consider.
Overall, the Ultimate Protection Pro system is a significant upgrade for any home seeking superior water quality and long-term protection for their plumbing and appliances.
2. iSpring Whole House Water Filter System
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of dealing with iron, manganese, and bad tasting water? The iSpring WGB32BM Whole House Water Filter System is here to help. This 3-stage system tackles common water problems, making your home’s water cleaner and safer for your family and appliances.
What We Like:
- Effectively reduces iron (up to 3.0 ppm) and manganese (up to 1.0 ppm) with a special 3rd stage filter.
- The catalytic media in the iron filter lasts longer than traditional options.
- Removes sediment, chlorine, rust, herbicides, and industrial solvents for cleaner water.
- Easy DIY installation with clear instructions and helpful videos.
- High-quality filters with a capacity of 100,000 gallons, lasting about a year for a family of four.
- Tested by a third party to meet NSF/ANSI standards.
- The system has a good flow rate of up to 15 GPM.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and lifetime free tech support from a US-based team.
- Keeps healthy minerals in your water, unlike RO systems that remove TDS.
What Could Be Improved:
- Does not reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
- Cartridges need to be unwrapped before use.
If you’re looking for a reliable whole house filter to improve your water quality and protect your home, the iSpring WGB32BM is a solid choice. It offers excellent filtration for common contaminants and comes with great customer support.
3. iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Rating: 8.7/10
The iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is designed to provide clean, fresh water to every faucet in your home. This system tackles common water impurities, improving both taste and the lifespan of your appliances.
What We Like:
- It uses a two-stage filtration process. The first stage removes dirt, sand, rust, and scale. The second stage removes chlorine, bad tastes, and odors.
- It filters out over 90% of chlorine and harmful VOCs like pesticides.
- The large filters can last up to a year or 50,000 gallons, which is great for a family of four.
- The 1-inch inlet and outlet allow for good water flow without losing too much pressure.
- It’s designed for easy DIY installation and filter changes, with a pressure release valve to help.
- This system keeps healthy minerals in your water, unlike some other types of filters.
- iSpring offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 1-year warranty, and lifetime customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- It does not remove Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
This system offers effective whole-house filtration and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for improving your home’s water quality and protecting your plumbing.
4. AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System – Whole Home Filtration for Well & City Water – Filters 96.9% of Chlorine Taste & Odor – 6 yr
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of that strong chlorine smell in your water? The AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System, model AO-WH-FILTER, is here to help! This system filters your water for the whole house, making it taste and smell better. It works for both well water and city water. You’ll notice a big difference from every tap in your home.
What We Like:
- It filters out 96.9% of chlorine, improving taste and odor for all your water uses.
- It can make your skin and hair feel less dry by reducing chlorine exposure.
- Cleaner air is a bonus, as less chlorine evaporates into your home.
- It’s great for families of four or more.
- The filter lasts a long time – 6 years or 600,000 gallons!
- Installation is designed for DIY, saving you money on a plumber.
- There’s no water waste or back flushing needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- This system does not soften water, so if you have hard water issues, you’ll need a separate softener.
- It doesn’t reduce TDS, sulfur, or iron, so it’s not a complete solution for all water problems.
- While DIY is possible, some extra tools might be needed for installation.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get better-tasting water throughout your home and improve your living environment, the AO Smith AO-WH-FILTER is a strong contender.
5. Waterdrop Whole House Water Filter System
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of worrying about the quality of your home’s water? The Waterdrop Whole House Water Filter System is here to help! This powerful system uses a 5-stage filtration process to tackle common water impurities, giving your family cleaner, better-tasting water right from every tap.
What We Like:
- Efficient Filtration: It effectively reduces things like lead, chlorine, rust, and bad odors and tastes, thanks to its PP and GAC filters. The natural coconut shell GAC filter really makes a difference in water taste.
- Longer Lifespan & Durability: You won’t have to change the filters too often, saving you money. Plus, the housing is made from safe, food-grade materials and can handle normal US water pressure without issues.
- Stable Water Flow: Enjoy a consistent and strong flow of clean water throughout your house. It’s built to last and handle water hammer, so you can rely on it.
- Easy DIY Installation: Setting it up yourself is straightforward with the included manual and wrench, making it a convenient option.
- Protects Your Appliances: By removing sediment and rust, this filter helps protect your pipes and water-using appliances from damage, extending their life.
What Could Be Improved:
- Filter Replacement Schedule: While the lifespan is good, remembering to replace both the PP and GAC filters at their different recommended intervals (3-6 months for PP, 6 months for GAC) might require a system.
- Teflon Tape Usage: The instruction about using Teflon tape correctly for installation is important; using too much could affect the copper parts.
Overall, the Waterdrop Whole House Water Filter System offers a robust solution for improving your home’s water quality. It’s a smart investment for healthier hydration and appliance longevity.
Choosing the Best Whole House Water Filter for Chlorine
Tired of that strong chlorine smell in your shower? Want healthier water for drinking and cooking? A whole house water filter can make a big difference. These systems treat all the water entering your home, from every faucet to every showerhead.
Why Filter Chlorine?
Chlorine is added to tap water to kill germs. But it can also dry out your skin and hair. It can also affect the taste and smell of your water. Some people worry about long-term health effects from drinking chlorinated water.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a whole house water filter, keep these important things in mind:
- Filtration Media: The most common and effective media for chlorine is Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). It acts like a sponge, trapping chlorine molecules. Catalytic carbon is even better for removing chloramines, which are sometimes used instead of chlorine.
- Flow Rate: This is how much water the filter can handle at once. You need a flow rate that matches your home’s needs. Too low a flow rate means water pressure will drop. Check the gallons per minute (GPM) rating.
- Filter Lifespan: How long will the filter last before you need to replace it? This is usually measured in gallons or months. Longer lifespan means less frequent replacement and lower overall cost.
- Bypass Valve: This lets you turn off the filter system without shutting off water to your whole house. It’s useful for maintenance or if you want to use unfiltered water for something specific.
- Connection Size: Make sure the filter fits your home’s plumbing. Common sizes are 3/4 inch or 1 inch.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a filter are crucial for its performance and durability.
- Activated Carbon: As mentioned, this is the main ingredient for chlorine removal. Look for high-quality activated carbon, often made from coconut shells or coal.
- Housing: The filter housing should be made of strong, food-grade plastic or stainless steel. These materials won’t rust or leach chemicals into your water.
- O-rings and Seals: Good quality rubber or silicone seals prevent leaks.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all filters are created equal. Here’s what can make a difference:
- Filter Capacity: A larger filter generally means more activated carbon, which can lead to better chlorine removal and a longer lifespan.
- Contact Time: The longer water stays in contact with the carbon, the more effective the chlorine removal. This is related to the filter’s design and flow rate.
- Pre-filtration: Some systems have a pre-filter that removes sediment before the water reaches the carbon. This protects the carbon filter and extends its life.
- Certifications: Look for filters certified by organizations like NSF International. NSF/ANSI Standard 42 is specifically for filters that reduce aesthetic effects like chlorine taste and odor.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Using a whole house water filter is usually straightforward.
- Installation: Most systems require professional installation. A plumber can ensure it’s connected correctly and safely.
- Maintenance: The main maintenance is replacing the filter cartridges. This is usually a simple process, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Benefits: Users often report softer skin, healthier hair, better-tasting drinking water, and water that’s safer for pets and plants.
- Who Needs It?: Anyone on municipal water systems that use chlorine or chloramines will benefit. If you’re sensitive to chlorine or want to improve your home’s overall water quality, this is a great investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do whole house water filters remove chlorine?
A: They use activated carbon, which traps chlorine molecules as water passes through it. This process is called adsorption.
Q: How often do I need to replace the filter cartridge?
A: This depends on the filter’s capacity and your water usage. Most filters need replacement every 6 to 12 months.
Q: Will a whole house filter reduce my water pressure?
A: A properly sized filter with a good flow rate should not significantly reduce water pressure. If you notice a big drop, the filter might be clogged or too small for your needs.
Q: Can I install a whole house filter myself?
A: While some DIY-savvy individuals can install them, it’s often recommended to hire a professional plumber to ensure correct installation and prevent leaks.
Q: Are there different types of chlorine filters?
A: Yes, the main types use Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Carbon Block filters. Catalytic carbon is also used for chloramines.
Q: How do I know what size filter I need?
A: You need to consider your home’s peak water usage and desired flow rate (GPM). A plumber can help you determine the right size.
Q: Will a whole house filter remove other contaminants besides chlorine?
A: Many carbon filters also remove other substances like VOCs, pesticides, and improve taste and odor. Some systems include additional stages for broader filtration.
Q: What is the difference between chlorine and chloramines?
A: Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia. They are often used because they last longer in the water system. Catalytic carbon is more effective at removing chloramines than regular activated carbon.
Q: How much does a whole house water filter cost?
A: The cost can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for basic systems to over a thousand for more advanced ones, not including installation.
Q: What are the benefits of filtered water for my appliances?
A: Removing chlorine can help prevent mineral buildup and corrosion in appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, potentially extending their lifespan.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.