Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are an effective way to remove contaminants and purify drinking water in homes. With the variety of systems available, it can be difficult to determine which type and size of RO system is best for your household's needs in the Tampa Bay area. Here's a guide on choosing the right reverse osmosis system based on your home's water quality, household size, and desired features.
Assessing Your Household's Water Quality
The first step is testing your tap water to identify any problematic contaminants. Common issues in Tampa Bay include:
Hard Water
Water hardness refers to high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals. Tampa Bay receives its water from the Floridan Aquifer, which produces very hard water. Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances. An AquaLux Water Softener reduces water hardness.
Chlorine
Water authorities add chlorine as a disinfectant, which can cause unpleasant tastes and odors. A retention tank and chlorine injection system can remove chlorine.
Contaminants
The aquifer water may contain heavy metals like iron, pesticides, bacteria, and other impurities requiring filtration. An RO system paired with a pre-filter like the AquaBlue Whole House Filter or AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter can remove these contaminants.
Determining the Right RO System Size
RO systems are sized based on the home's water usage, number of occupants, and number of water outlets. Key factors:
Household Size
Small household (1-2 people): Compact under sink or countertop systems filtering 2-5 gallons per day are adequate.
Medium household (3-5 people): Larger under sink or freestanding floor units filtering 5-15 gallons daily are recommended.
Large household (5+ people): Commercial grade, heavy-duty systems filtering 15+ gallons per day are ideal.
Number of Water Outlets
If you want filtered water from multiple taps, select a whole house system or a unit with an integrated permeate pump that can connect to additional taps.
Peak Usage
Households with high simultaneous water demands like multiple showers running may need an oversized system or accumulator tank to avoid water pressure drops.
Key Features to Look For
Filtration Stages
Multiple filtration stages allow an RO system to remove a broader range of contaminants:
Pre-Filters: Remove sediment, chlorine, and larger particles.
RO Membrane: Filters out dissolved solids and smaller particles.
Post-Filters: Polish water for purity and taste. A AquaGuard UV SYSTEM also kills bacteria.
Look for systems with 3-5 stages.
Efficiency Rating
The RO membrane's contaminant removal efficiency is measured by its rejection rating. Higher rejection ratings above 90% are best.
Flow Rate
This determines how quickly filtered water is produced. Higher flow rates (60-100 GPD) provide more gallons per day.
Automatic Shutoff
This stops water flow when the storage tank is full to prevent waste.
Permeate Pump
Integrated permeate pumps allow connecting the RO system to multiple taps.
Warranty
Reputable brands offer 1-5 year warranties on parts like filters and membranes.
Choosing the Best RO Unit Type for Your Home
There are several system types tailored to home needs:
Under Sink RO Systems
Compact systems mounted out of sight under the sink are ideal for small households. A compact AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System takes up little space while producing filtered water directly at the kitchen tap.
Countertop RO Systems
These systems sit conveniently on the counter for quick access but take up some space. Countertops units like the AquaRevive are easy to maintain with visible filtration components.
Whole House RO Systems
To filter all water outlets in a home, a HydroTech Pro Commercial Water Treatment System or WellFusion Well Water Treatment System provides whole home water purification. These large, powerful systems connect to the main water line.
Reverse Osmosis with Water Softener
For hard water, combining an RO system with a water softener like the AquaLux provides the ultimate water filtration and softening solution. The softener treats hardness issues first so the RO can operate optimally.
Commercial and Industrial RO Systems
Large operations like restaurants, offices, and manufacturing facilities require heavy-duty AquaPurity Industrial & Commercial RO Systems. These systems filter high volumes of water for constant use.
Additional Water Treatment Solutions for Common Tampa Bay Water Problems
Besides RO systems, Tampa Bay homeowners can also benefit from specialized solutions for issues like:
Iron removal with an AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter
Hydrogen sulfide gas reduction using an ozone generator like HydroClear Ozone Generator
Bacteria and fungus elimination with a AquaGuard UV SYSTEM
A certified water treatment specialist can recommend the right solution combinations to tackle your home's unique water challenges.
Schedule a Free Tampa Bay Water Test
The first step in choosing an RO system is testing your tap water to analyze your household's specific needs. Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers free water testing for Tampa Bay area homes.
Certified water experts will come to your home, inspect your water, and recommend the ideal purification solutions tailored to your requirements. Aqua-Wise provides affordable leasing options, discounts, and financing to help homeowners access premium water filtration without high upfront costs.
Get started by requesting your free water test for a customized solution to enjoy cleaner, healthier water throughout your home.
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