How to Select the Perfect Iron Filter Type

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

SoftPro Water System Overview

QWT Company & Family Background

Quality Water Treatment, or QWT for short, has really got this water thing figured out.

Founded in 1990 by Craig, or as most folks know him, "The Water Guy," Phillips. He's on a mission to make water cleaner for all of us. Craig's shaking things up, challenging those tactics full of fear-mongering and overpriced solutions.

Meet the All-Stars:

• Craig Phillips (Founder & CEO): Craig’s like a water wizard, always cooking up new and budget-friendly ways to get the cleanest H2O. He’s all about straight shooting and making sure folks know why they need what they're getting.
  
  
• Jeremy Phillips (Sales Manager): Craig’s kid, Jeremy, uses brains and heart to match customers with the perfect SoftPro product after checking out what's really mucking up their water.
  
  
• Heather Phillips (Operations Manager): Heather, Craig’s daughter, ensures the ship runs smoothly with everything – from shipping to tech support – keeping things seamless for customers.
  
  

The Backbone:

• Family Vibes: It’s all in the family, which means you’re often dealing with folks who understand your concerns like it's their own.
  
  
• Putting People First: Clear prices, helpful info, and an ear always ready to listen.
  
  
• Big Reach, Cozy Feel: They cater to people all across America but make you feel like you’re just chatting with your next-door neighbor.
  
  

SoftPro Product Line Overview

Craig came up with SoftPro Water Systems because he knew there's a better, down-to-earth way to tackle water problems without emptying your wallet.

Let's get the lowdown on their top gear, which keeps both city water and well water users covered.

A. SoftPro Water Softeners

1. SoftPro ECO Water Softener

• Why it Rocks: Best bang for your buck if you’re new to water softening.
• The Gist: Perfect for those who want a dependable setup without breaking the bank.
• Great For: Whether you’re sipping city water or well water, this one’s for you.
• Ideal Users: First-timers who want solid value without cutting corners.
  
  

1. SoftPro Elite Water Softener

• Why it Rocks: Top-tier performance while being friendly on your salt and water bills.
• The Gist: Packed with rugged resin and smart settings.
• Great For: Tackling those hard water woes in both city and well water setups.
• Ideal Users: Homeowners who want a system that'll stand the test of time and usage.
  
  

1. SoftPro Smart Home+ Water Softener

• Why it Rocks: Hooks up with smart tech to keep track of your water world.
• The Gist: It’s like having a water watchdog – spotting leaks and funky water use.
• Great For: Tech lovers who want to keep an eye (or phone) on their water.
• Ideal Users: Folks who dig having control at their fingertips with alerts for anything out of the ordinary.
  
  

B. SoftPro Filtration Systems

1. SoftPro AIO Iron Master Whole House Iron Filter
   
   

• Why it Stands Out: It’s the champ for scrubbing iron from well water.
• The Gist: Uses air to zap iron, sulfur, and manganese from your H2O.
• Great For: Banishing bad tastes/odors and stopping rust before it makes a mess.
• Ideal Users: Anyone with well water plagued by iron or that rotten-egg stench.
  
  

1. SoftPro Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter
   
   

• Why it’s Hot: Fluoride freaks might find peace here, easing worries over possible side effects.
• The Gist: Puts fluoride, chlorine, and other city water baddies in their place.
• Ideal Users: Urban dwellers keen on keeping their water free of multiple troublemakers.
  
  

1. SoftPro Whole House Catalytic Carbon Filter
   
   

• Why it Works: Takes on nasty chemicals, leaving your water tastier and safer.
• The Gist: Uses special carbon to break down what regular carbon can’t.
• Ideal Users: Anyone wanting to ditch the gross stuff from their city or well water.
  
  

By staying on the cutting edge and genuinely caring, the Phillips family ensures that when you get a SoftPro System, you’re getting something special for your home.

Types of Iron Filter Systems

Choosing the best iron filter for your home pops the hood on having water that's not tainted with iron.

Knowing what types are out there makes picking the right one easier. We’re diving into two tried-and-true options: sediment filters and water softeners for clear water iron.

Sediment Filter Consideration

These guys do the heavy lifting for getting rid of particles, including certain kinds of iron. They're champs at tackling ferric iron, or that murky, reddish stuff in your water.

But, they’ve got a blind spot for clear water iron, or ferrous iron, which slips right through.

Counting on a sediment filter all alone isn’t the best plan, since ferric and ferrous iron are usually running mates in your water. You'd be better suited with a system that can both zap and trap iron at the same time.

Feature	Sediment Filters
Strength	Kicks out ferric iron (red water iron)
Weakness	Doesn’t nab ferrous iron (clear water iron)
Price	Under $50 for housing and filter, plus install

Water Softener for Clear Water Iron

Water softeners roll up their sleeves for ferrous iron, swapping out iron ions with sodium or potassium ions. They do well at scrubbing out clear water iron up to about 0.5 ppm.

Anything stronger than this might need a little sidekick action like iron-out salt to keep things running smooth.

They’re not the go-to for iron removal alone, but they play nice with other systems. Keep your water softener well-maintained to make sure it’s giving iron the boot.

Feature	Water Softeners
Strength	Takes out ferrous iron (clear water iron) up to 0.5 ppm
Weakness	Needs sidekick salts for higher iron
Upkeep	Needs regular checkups to stop media from getting clogged up

By sussing out the upsides and downsides of sediment filters and water softeners, you can zero in on the iron filter system that suits your home best.

Check what kind of iron—and how much—you're up against when you’re picking.

Choosing the Right Iron Filter

Picking the best iron filter is key when you're wrestling with pesky iron in your water. Let's chat about what you should keep in mind when hunting for the perfect iron filter.

Iron Filter Cartridges vs. Media

There are two main rides in the iron filtration park: iron filter cartridges and media-based systems. They each bring their own tricks to the table.

Iron Filter Cartridges:

• Easy Peasy: Swapping these suckers out is a breeze, and maintenance is as simple as pie.
  
  
• Install It Like a Pro: Easier than assembling a flat-pack bookshelf, they fit right into the usual filter housings.
  
  
• Gotta Keep Replacing: Not the heavyweight champion of iron removal, especially if your iron levels are through the roof. You might find yourself changing these out on the regular.
  
  

Iron Filter Media:

• Powerhouse: When you're dealing with media systems like those using manganese dioxide, you're in good hands. It’s all about turning soluble iron into that pesky insoluble stuff and flushing it out.
  
  
• Built to Last: These systems are the Energizer Bunny of iron removal, with a longer lifespan and mega solid performance.
  
  
• The Setup: Getting started might need a bit more elbow grease and know-how, but once it's rolling, it’s smooth sailing with less frequent media changes.
  
  

Feature	Iron Filter Cartridges	Iron Filter Media
Easy Operation	High	Medium
Install Effort	Low	Requires Skill
Maintenance Needs	Often	Every So Often
Iron Handling Power	Low to Medium	Top Dog

Air Over Media Systems Evaluation

Air Over Media (AOM) systems toss their hat in the ring as another player in the iron-busting game.

These machines stuff air into a tank full of media to boost the oxidation process, clearing iron, manganese, and sulfur right outta your water.

Why We Like Air Over Media:

• Iron-Punching Efficiency: By injecting air for a powerful oxidizing punch, AOM setups make sure those iron bits don’t stand a chance.
  
  
• No Chemicals Needed: Keep your household chemical-free with these systems – the air does all the work.
  
  
• Set It and Forget It: They often clean themselves (automatic backwashing, baby), so you won't need to step in often.
  
  

Getting It Up and Running:

• You'll probably want a pro to install it and make sure it's doing its thing.
• Locate it just right in your plumbing to get the best results.
  
  

Performance Check:

• Think of these as your go-to if your water's swimming in iron.
• Homes and businesses alike use them – they do the job wherever required.
  
  

Now that you know the ropes with iron filter cartridges, media systems, and Air Over Media options, pick what suits your water woes best.

Different setups shine in their own ways, so weigh what your water’s telling you and go for what fits.