3 stage water filter vs. reverse osmosis

Clover Dane

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3 stage water filter vs. reverse osmosis

Both water filters and the RO systems are great for reducing different contaminants. But, they are different in their functioning. Therefore, we will tell you 3 stage water filter vs. reverse osmosis. By knowing all of their differences, you will make a better decision regarding the selection of filtration systems. Their advantages are significant for the ideal use at all times in your house.

Reverse osmosis systems

There are many other sources of getting pure outcomes. But, it gives more benefits that urge you to buy it. It can filter out all dissolved solids. In this way, the outcome becomes good in taste and without any odor. Although it eliminates all toxic substances, it never adds chemicals.

  • Effective at removing sodium

The salty water is with a considerable quantity of sodium in it. Check your source and if you have this issue, use this unit to remove it. As a result, you will enjoy the pure taste of drinking.

  • Effective at removing lead

If your source is through the tap, you have to use it for the removal of heavy metals. People think that there is no problem with the presence of metals. But, it is not true. The old infrastructure is a source of releasing lead into the water. It is the enemy of the brain’s normal development. Besides, it can remove all other metals, including mercury, nickel, etc.

  • Protection from microorganisms

The reverse membrane has numerous tight pores. The purpose of these pores is not to allow the entry of parasites. In this way, you will save yourself from any gastrointestinal problems. The purification results have no germ or virus.

The main task of this unit is to make the softening of water. This process needs the elimination of sodium as well as many other minerals. Thus, your appliances will never damage from the use of such purified results. It is safer to drink for all ages.

3-Stage Filter

It is one of the superior systems for the doing filtration. There are a lot of chances of the presence of pesticides, herbicides, other metals, etc. This unit will remove all contaminants and ensure the protection of your health.

  • Stage 1

The first stage includes the carbon filter. The main motive of this stage is the removal of chlorine. Besides chlorine, it also eradicates sediments.

  • Stage 2

The second stage is the purification process. When water moves from the carbon filter, there are no chances of entry of fluoride, lead, etc.

  • Stage 3

The last stage also has an efficient carbon filter. Thereby, the output is free from different contaminants. You will quickly know when to replace its Filter with the judging water’s quality. In addition, the transparent casing will help you with this issue. Moreover, it has the best flow rate. It is the opposite of the osmosis system. In this filtration system, the water moves from different filters and provides filtration results immediately.

One Filter can work for more than six months. In this way, this process is very cost-effective. You can use these clean filtered results in all your household tasks. Therefore, all appliances are with a longer lifespan. But, it is necessary to replace the filters on time to ensure good quality.

The presence of a carbon filter is suitable to produce an outcome that is free from taste & odor. This system can eliminate chlorine and iodine. On the other hand, the reverse process removes all impurities using a semi-permeable membrane. This system has different stages. And, every stage is great in their performance. There are some differences in both of these systems. You will easily get clean water in your house.

Filtration capability

The filtration system removes impurities. But, removing these impurities depends on the amount of using carbon filters. They can purify contaminants like lead & arsenic. It can also reduce the amount of fluoride.

The RO removes the small size of the contaminants. The reverse membrane is with tiny pores. Thus, it removes many contaminants and is different from the filtration process.

Table comparison 

 3 Stage Water FilterReverse Osmosis
Filter typeActivated carbon filtersReverse osmosis membrane
Flow rate3-5 gallons per minute36 GPD at 50 psi
CertificationsNSF and ANSINSF and ANSI
Warranty1 to 2 years limited warrantyOne year limited warranty 
Lifespan600 gallons or above than six monthsTwo to five years

Use 3-stage filters & reverse osmosis together.

The filtration process will remove different worst tastes & odors. In this case, it majorly reduces large particles. On the opposite side, the osmosis filter removes everything. If you use both of these systems together, you will get the best outcomes. The Filter eliminates larger particles, and the membrane will eradicate all small particles also.

Certain factors must consider. After considering, you can choose the best treatment system. These factors include the level of contaminants. Further, consider the prices within your budget. The last appropriate method is to test your water. In this way, you can select the best type of system for your daily use.

Is RO good for health?

RO is not too bad for health, but it does not provide many benefits. It is strong enough to remove all heavy metals and eliminate some traces of healthy components. If your water is too heavy metals, it is a good option to use. It ensures you will never intake toxic substances.

But, the removal of beneficial minerals is not too healthier for the body. It depends on the quality of tap supply that this unit should use. The filters will never reduce healthy components, so they are very beneficial.

Pros

The 3-stage filters are with fast flow rate. In this scenario, you will not need to wait for a longer duration. You will get 3 to 5 gallons per minute. It is a great option for large families also. The RO unit is with more capability for the purification results. It ensures your healthy drink of water.

Cons

The lifespan of 3-stage filters is less compared to other systems. After six months of continuous use, you have to change it for good results. The con of the reverse system is that it is a little difficult to use for some users. Many consumers claim that it is not easier to operate it.

Which system is right for you?

Both systems have their pros & cons. The only way to decide the system is to prioritize your choices. It includes our users’ way and what kinds of contaminants we want to eradicate.

Water tested

The testing is beneficial for every household. In this way, you will easily know what contaminants are present. Many of the suppliers give you the results of this test at least one time in one year. But, if you do not get this report, you will need to test the quality by yourself.

With the water test, you will enable to choose a system that can easily remove all contaminants. Thus, the filtration method is specific for removing all of them.

Consider using

Your using of the system is an important factor. If your priority is to drink only, RO is a good option. The reason is that it can take less space but provide a large quantity of fresh drinking output. On the other hand, you should use another filtration system if your need for consumption is larger. However, you can use both systems at a time.

FAQ

Is reverse osmosis or filtration better?

In the reverse system, there is the presence of a high-quality reverse membrane. This membrane block the way of passing salts and other pollutants that is not good for health. However, filtration uses activated carbon as a medium on the opposite side. This media removes impurities & contaminants.

Is it 3 stage RO?

One kind of this system is the 3 stage model. All the stages are with three different filters. They include sediment or carbon filter, but the membrane is a compulsory factor in this unit. The last stage contains this membrane.

Is reverse osmosis the same as filtering?

There is little difference in the functioning of both of these systems. The filters can remove only dirt or contaminants. But, sometimes, there are toxic chemicals in the water. The osmosis system has a membrane that enables to reduce them.

What does a 3 stage water filter remove?

The 3 stage filter has three amazing stages. These stages are with different filters. All of them ensure to provide the best results. They can remove chlorine, heavy metals, etc. In addition, it also removes numerous impurities.

Final thoughts

The commonest technology of filtration includes the system of water filters and RO. Both of them are powerful & effective. In particular, they are the best in doing the filtrations. But, there are differences in their removal of contaminants and installation process. Even they are with different maintenance costs. You will obtain purified results for daily use in the house.