Chlorine is added to many city water supplies to destroy bacteria, but it typically imparts an acrid taste and odour. Removing chlorine is also essential to the health of your home — it prevents dry skin and hair and improves the taste of drinking water. The good news is that many technologies used in water filters are highly effective at eliminating chlorine. Indeed, activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters generally remove nearly all chlorine. Here, we compare the best filter types to help simplify your decision on the right home water filter.
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- Test your water first. The first step is knowing your chlorine level. Most city water is safe to drink by EPA standards (under 4ppm), but any chlorine can have odor or taste problems. You can easily determine whether you need pricier at-home water filters or if standard filters will suffice for your household’s water.
- Activated Carbon Filters. Carbon is also one of the most effective ways to filter water for chlorine. Granular activated carbon (GAC) or carbon block filters adsorb chlorine molecules, eliminating more than 99 percent of chlorine in tap water. Chemical tastes, odors, and many organic contaminants are also kept in check with the use of carbon filters. Carbon block cartridges are standard in pitchers, faucet filters, and reverse osmosis pre-filters. For instance, you find a premium carbon block cartridge that reduces chlorine, turbidity, bad taste and odors, and organic chemicals.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems. Most under-sink RO systems also require you to install a new dedicated one-inch hole (drilling a hole through the sink or countertop) and a larger space to accommodate the Swedish-designed faucet. This unique combination provides chlorine-free water at every faucet. Some water filters (like activated carbon ones and reverse osmosis systems) are exceptionally good at removing chlorine, as an APEC Water article explains. Most RO systems remove chlorine, as well as fluoride, heavy metals, and other contaminants. RO is suitable for drinking water, but be aware that regular RO systems are typically point of use (in the kitchen only), not whole house.
- KDF (Copper-Zinc) Filters. KDF media (copper-zinc alloy) operates through an electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction and converts free chlorine to a safe chloride. Kymera International notes that KDF-55 has the potential to eliminate 99% of free chlorine in water. KDF is frequently used in conjunction with carbon in filter cartridges or tanks. KDF is often used in high-end house water filtration systems in combination with carbon to further remove chlorine and stop bacterial growth. For instance, when it comes to whole home systems, many utilize catalytic carbon and KDF to eliminate chlorine taste and odor.
Best Filter Technologies for Chlorine
To recap, the best water filter technologies for chlorine removal include:
- Carbon Block Filters. These are physical filters that catch the chlorine on their charcoal surface. They are cheap and replaceable. Look for certified carbon block cartridges in home water filtration — they’ll remove about 99.9% of the chlorine.
- Catalytic Carbon + KDF. Catalytic (enhanced) carbon is particularly effective against chloramines and chlorinated compounds. When used in addition to KDF-55 media, it will add extra power to whole-house systems. And these systems can take on all of the chlorine that’s in your incoming line. According to Filterway, whole-house filters using catalytic carbon and KDF “remove chlorine taste and odor at the point of entry” at the home.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems. Most RO systems (tankless or tank) are multi-stage systems and come with carbon pre-filters. These systems eliminate chlorine before providing water to the RO membrane. RO and carbon produce super clean, chloramine-free drinking water. Many RO systems are NSF approved for the removal of chlorine.
- Point-of-Use Filters. Carbon/KDF-based media in cartridge filters (for refrigerators, faucets, pitchers, or under-sinks) are also effective. While they do not purify all of the water in the home, they guarantee you can grab chlorine-free water where you use it ( in the kitchen and fridge).
Most people find that whole-house water filtration using carbon/KDF is the most effective way to remove chlorine, as it covers every drop from every faucet. A good drinking water filter (carbon or RO) can help at the point of use, albeit very costly.
House Water Filter vs. Point-of-Use
When deciding between a whole-house system and a local filter, consider these factors:
- Coverage: Eliminate chlorine at the point of entry of your entire home with a water filtration system. So that comes to benefit bathing, laundry, and drinking water. On the other hand, a point-of-use filter (faucet, pitcher) just treats certain outlets.
- Maintenance: Whole-house filters can have larger cartridges or media tanks that may need to be replaced only every 6–12 months or longer. Smaller countertop or under-sink filters require more frequent replacement but cost less upfront.
- Flow Rate: Since carbon and KDF need time to come in contact with water, whole-house systems are built for adequate flow. Ensure your chosen whole-house water filter can handle the flow rate for your house without significantly reducing pressure.
- Cost: Although pricey upfront, this option requires the fewest filter replacements per gallon filtered and saves all appliances, including toilets and showers. The point-of-use filters are less expensive, but they can only serve a limited number of taps.
Why Wellness Water Company’s Whole-House Filter?
To take it a step further with chlorine, Wellness Water Company created the Whole House Water Filtration System. This whole-house water filter system features a food-grade stainless steel tank and 5 media stages. And there’s a dedicated “refiner” cycle that eliminates unsavory chlorine and chloramine tastes and odors. In simpler terms, it acts directly on chlorine, making the water taste clean and fresh.
Additional benefits of this home water filtration system:
- Pure, Mineral-Rich Water: Wellness is no longer a luxury; it is now affordable for users seeking the health benefits of mineral-rich water without breaking the bank. Our system adds more antioxidants to water than any other. You receive purified, delicious water that retains those beneficial electrolytes.
- Bacteria Inhibitor: Silver ions from silver particles eliminate bacterial growth, so you’re water remains fresh and sanitary without frequent media changes.
- Longevity & Warranty: Our filters are built to last with high-end materials, then tested in every single unit, and they come with a lifelong warranty! Their home water filter system comes with professional installation and 24/7 support.
You won’t have to worry about it leaching contaminants back into your fresh, clean water. In short, it’s intended as the “best whole house water filtration system” for those families who want absolutely no chlorine in every glass or their shower.
How to Choose Your Chlorine Filter
If you’re comparing filters, here are some active tips:
- Look for Certifications: NSF/ANSI 42 or 53 is best for chlorine/taste & odor reduction. This can be used as “runs” for independent verification of performance.
- Type of Media: You need activated carbon (from coal or coconut shell). Opt for all-in-one media (carbon + KDF) for extreme heavy-duty removal.
- Size: For whole house systems, large “Big Blue” type filters (4.5″ x 20″) or pressurized tank systems will last longer and perform better. A 3-or 4-stage under-sink RO or carbon filter is sufficient for drinking water only.
- Installation: Most house water filters will need to be plumbed into the main line. Don’t forget to account for installation. With Professional Installation included in the price, the system will perform flawlessly.
- Maintenance: Carbon cartridges should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation (generally every 6–12 months). Wellness Water’s systems come with filtered replacement management and quality check-ups.
Benefits of Chlorine-Free Water
Filtered water is healthier and more enjoyable. Here are the key benefits of removing chlorine with a quality home filter:
- Improved Taste & Odor: No more bleach-y smell or taste in tap water. Water tastes crisp and pure, making coffee and tea taste better.
- Softer Skin and Hair: Chlorine dries skin and removes natural oils from hair. Many customers report that their skin feels softer and their hair is healthier after installing a whole-house water filter system!
- Protect Appliances & Plumbing: Chlorine is a caustic substance. By removing it, you extend the life of your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. A filtered water heater or dishwasher will have a longer life.
- Peace of Mind: You will never have to worry if your filtration system is working or wearing out. From drinking glasses to the showers, your family is safe from chlorine and its byproducts.
A common observation of many Wellness Water customers is that chronic skin problems (eczema, rashes) often resolve when the chlorine is removed from their water. It’s because chlorine and chloramines are harsh on irritants. By purifying the water and filtering out these harsh chemicals, you can eliminate one of the common water foes that cause skin and eye irritation.
Act Now for Cleaner Water
If you’re thinking, “What’s the best water filter to remove chlorine?”, the solution is a whole-house system that combines activated carbon with KDF. Wellness Water Company’s whole-house water filter was purposely built for chlorine removal. It provides clean, fresh water from every faucet and shower.
Ready for chlorine-free water?
Do not settle for anything less than the best for your family’s water quality. Call Wellness Water Company now and receive a free water test or consultation. Our professionals will guide you to the ideal house water filter or even your home water filtration system! See the difference pure clean water makes — your skin, hair, and appliances will thank you!
Are you ready to experience the exceptional quality of your water? Contact us now and enjoy great-tasting water with nothing to lose. You’ll have the opportunity to live healthier today and every day with Wellness Water Company’s quality water filters!
