Choosing the best whole house reverse osmosis (RO) system is essential if you’re looking for complete water purification for your entire home. Whole house RO systems are ideal for those who want to remove contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and even bacteria from all water sources in the house, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry water. However, they are more complex and expensive than point-of-use systems.
Here’s a guide to the best whole house reverse osmosis systems available, highlighting their key features and performance.
1. Crystal Clear Whole House RO System
Overview:
The Crystal Clear Whole House RO System is a high-capacity, commercial-grade system that provides comprehensive water filtration for homes with high water demand. It uses a multi-stage filtration process to ensure clean water throughout the home.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Can handle up to 3,000 gallons per day (GPD), making it ideal for large households.
- Multi-Stage Filtration: Includes pre-filters (sediment and carbon) to remove larger particles, chlorine, and organic contaminants before reaching the RO membrane.
- Advanced RO Membrane: Removes up to 99% of contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, nitrates, and bacteria.
- UV Sterilizer: Comes with a UV light for additional protection against bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
- Booster Pump: Enhances water pressure, ensuring optimal filtration efficiency.
Pros:
- Suitable for large homes with high water demands.
- Efficient removal of nearly all contaminants.
- Includes UV sterilizer for added safety.
- Long-lasting filters and membrane.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost.
- Requires professional installation and regular maintenance.
2. iSpring RCB3P Whole House RO System
Overview:
The iSpring RCB3P is a highly efficient and reliable whole house reverse osmosis system designed for medium to large homes. It offers advanced water filtration with a high daily output and comes with multiple features to ensure long-term reliability.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Filters up to 300 GPD, making it suitable for medium-sized households.
- 4-Stage Filtration: Includes a sediment filter, 2 carbon filters, and an RO membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals, and pesticides.
- Pressure Gauge: Comes with an integrated pressure gauge and booster pump to ensure proper water flow.
- Stainless Steel Frame: Offers durability and makes maintenance easier.
Pros:
- Affordable compared to larger RO systems.
- Compact design for easier installation.
- Highly effective at contaminant removal.
- Booster pump increases efficiency.
Cons:
- Limited flow rate for larger homes.
- Regular filter changes required for optimal performance.
3. Pentair Whole House RO System
Overview:
Pentair offers a premium whole house RO system designed for high water demand homes or light commercial use. It delivers highly purified water, perfect for large families or areas with heavily contaminated water.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Provides up to 1,500 GPD, making it suitable for large homes or small businesses.
- 5-Stage Filtration: Includes pre-filters (sediment, carbon, and GAC) before water reaches the RO membrane for thorough filtration.
- Advanced RO Membrane: Removes heavy metals, chemicals, and pathogens with an efficiency of over 99%.
- Storage Tank Included: Comes with a large storage tank to hold purified water, ensuring a consistent water supply.
- Durable Build: Designed for longevity with corrosion-resistant materials.
Pros:
- High water production rate.
- Comprehensive filtration system.
- Durable, long-lasting design.
- Ideal for large families or commercial applications.
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost.
- Professional installation required due to system complexity.
4. HydroTec Whole House Reverse Osmosis System
Overview:
The HydroTec Whole House RO System is known for its efficiency and customizable design. It can handle a variety of contaminants and is designed for homes with specific filtration needs, making it one of the most versatile systems on the market.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Offers up to 2,000 GPD of water filtration, making it perfect for large homes or commercial properties.
- Customizable Filtration Stages: Can be customized with additional UV light sterilizers, remineralizers, and carbon filters depending on your specific water needs.
- High-Efficiency RO Membrane: Removes up to 98% of total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Energy-Efficient Pump: Comes with a booster pump to optimize water flow and reduce wastewater.
Pros:
- Customizable filtration options.
- High water output for large homes.
- Highly efficient with minimal water waste.
- Can be tailored to address specific water quality issues.
Cons:
- Higher maintenance cost due to customization.
- Complex installation, requiring professional setup.
5. Puretec Industrial Whole House RO System
Overview:
The Puretec Industrial Whole House RO System is an advanced, industrial-grade system designed for large homes or properties with very high water demands. It offers one of the best performances in terms of contaminant removal and water quality.
Key Features:
- Flow Rate: Provides up to 10,000 GPD, making it suitable for large homes, estates, or even light commercial use.
- 7-Stage Filtration: Includes several pre-filters, carbon filters, and an advanced RO membrane for thorough contaminant removal.
- Digital Monitoring System: Equipped with a digital display to monitor water quality, filter life, and system performance.
- Automatic Flushing System: Helps to maintain the system and extend the life of the RO membrane by periodically flushing it to prevent scaling.
Pros:
- Extremely high output for large homes or estates.
- Comprehensive contaminant removal.
- Automatic flushing reduces maintenance.
- Long-lasting filters and membranes.
Cons:
- Very expensive and overpowered for smaller homes.
- Requires professional installation and ongoing maintenance.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Whole House RO System
1. Water Output (Flow Rate)
The flow rate of the system (in gallons per day, or GPD) is crucial for ensuring enough filtered water for your entire household. Systems like the Pentair or Crystal Clear are ideal for larger homes, while smaller systems like the iSpring might suit medium-sized households.
2. Contaminant Removal
Check for systems that effectively remove the contaminants in your water supply. All RO systems remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, and pathogens, but some may come with additional features like UV sterilization or carbon filters for specific contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, and VOCs.
3. Water Pressure
Reverse osmosis systems require sufficient water pressure to function efficiently. Some systems come with booster pumps to increase pressure, especially important if you have low water pressure.
4. Installation and Maintenance
Whole house RO systems require professional installation, especially in larger homes, and regular maintenance such as filter and membrane replacements. Be sure to consider ongoing costs and the complexity of maintenance before making your decision.
5. Cost
Whole house RO systems are more expensive than point-of-use systems, but the investment is often worth it for homes with serious water contamination issues. Prices can range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the system’s capacity and features.
Final Thoughts
For the best whole house reverse osmosis systems, the Crystal Clear and Pentair systems stand out for their high flow rates and comprehensive filtration. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the iSpring RCB3P is a great choice for medium-sized households. For large homes or light commercial use, systems like the HydroTec or Puretec Industrial offer extensive filtration capabilities with impressive water output.
Before making a final decision, evaluate your household’s water usage, the specific contaminants you need to remove, and the overall maintenance requirements to ensure the system fits your needs.