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How to choose the right reverse osmosis filters
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by: JoeAlexis
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With reportedly more than 2,000 toxic chemicals in the water that we drink, if you want clean water at home, you must find the right reverse osmosis system to help produce 'safe' purified water.
A reverse osmosis system is a water filtration system that uses high pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane in order to remove minerals, chemicals and toxins. Finding the right reverse osmosis system for cleaner water at home will require you to look at the effectiveness of each system.
Because there are so many types of water purification systems available, it is important to equip yourself with basic knowledge of their various designs and functions. For example there are two different types of membranes that a reverse osmosis filter system can be designed with. One is the CTA membrane or cellulose triacetate membrane, which is all natural and inexpensive. However, systems that use these membranes may require extra maintenance to prevent the cultivation of bacteria and this may result in a lower quality of purified water produced.
Cellulose triacetate membranes are also known as CTA membranes and are organic and cheaper than the FTC membranes, which are inorganic in nature. CTAs, however, tend to attract bacteria growth resulting in a lower quantity and quality of 'clean' water. To counteract this problem, regular disinfection must be performed. The CTA membrane performs best with chlorinated water.
FTC membranes, being inorganic in nature, are not as easily susceptible to the growth of bacteria. While these membranes are more expensive than CTA versions, they can easily be damaged by chlorine in water. A carbon pre-filter might be required as an add-on to the membrane in order to ensure its optimal performance in producing quality purified water.
Systems that don't require tanks tend to be more compact and take up less space as they don't require space to store their purified water. Unfortunately, this type of reverse osmosis system is more costly to purchase as well as maintain. In addition, they require a pressure of 40PSI in order to be effective. This might mean that you may have to purchase an additional pressure pump to be fitted to your water system.
If you're looking to finding the right reverse osmosis filter for cleaner water at home, you should also be aware of the disadvantages that accompany a water system. Apart from these systems costing a hefty amount and the purified water also expensively produced, the main drawback from using reverse osmosis is its removal almost all minerals from water, even trace minerals. As a result, supplements must also be taken to counteract the lack of vital minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium found in normal drinking water.
Drinking 'clean' water, purified by the reverse osmosis filter may not be as healthy as you might expect. This is because the water when 'cleaned' is virtually stripped of all mineral compounds - both good and bad. This means that if you are hydrating your body with purified water, you must also take supplements to replace the vital minerals that you should be receiving from normal drinking water.
If you are looking to use your purification system for a long term, choosing a reverse osmosis system for clean water at home will be an important step in your long-term investment. Your initial payout may be costly but if you take the time to choose the right system, you will be able to find a good quality unit without having to pay top dollar.
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Learn about the reverse osmosis process in greater details and find out what you need to look out for when purchasing a reverse osmosis filter. We can help you with just that. Understand the drawbacks before you invest in a unit.
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