Investing in an alkaline water filtration system can help you stay hydrated and fit by drinking the highest quality water. However, it is also important to note that, purchasing alkaline water is a significant investment in terms of both cost and ongoing maintenance.
Due to this reason, it is highly crucial for homeowners to thoroughly research and understand the factors before selecting a system.
In this Frizzlife blog, we will be discussing some of the most important things that you should do before purchasing an alkaline filtration system.
Also, read our blog post about Whether Alkaline Water is Good for Plants or Not?
Most Important Things to Know When Purchasing an Alkaline Water Filter
Here are some of the crucial things that you need to know before exploring the market for purchasing an alkaline filter.
1. Filter Type:
Do you know? There are numerous types of alkaline water filtration systems available, and each one is specialized in removing certain contaminants and has its own advantages and downsides.
So, when buying one, you should first decide what type will be suitable according to your house's water quality, needs, and even budget.
Common Type:
a) Reverse osmosis with Remineralization:
Most of you may already be aware of this type; since it is quite popular worldwide. A reverse osmosis alkaline filter makes use of a special semi-permeable membrane in order to remove a wide range of contaminants and impurities. Whereas the remineralizer will be used to add necessary minerals back to the filtered water.
b) Undersink filters:
The name already provides a clear idea. These are special alkaline filters designed to compact, so that they can easily sit beneath the kitchen sink without any hassle. Just like RO filters, these remove a wide range of contaminants and impurities, providing clean and safe water for kitchen and other household purposes.
c) Ion Exchange:
This is yet another type that you can consider going with. Ion exchange works by using resin beads to remove minerals and replace them with hydrogen ions, resulting in more acidic water. However, some additional should also be taken to raise water’s pH level.
d) Ionizers:
Finally, ionizers make use of special electric charges to separate the water into acidic and alkaline steams, allowing the production of the highest quality alkaline water.
2. Filter Quality/Certification:
After deciding about the filter type, the next thing you need to take care of is its quality or certification. This factor will decide whether your investment will be worth it or not.
It is recommended to look for a filtration that is certified by trustworthy organizations such as NSF. This certification shows that the systems are highly effective at removing contaminants and raising the pH level of the water.
Moreover, you can also consider testing the filtration system with a third party for filter validation or verification. However, going with this option will definitely increase the overall cost.
3. Water Flow Rate & Capacity:
The flow rate refers to the speed at which water is being filtered by the alkaline system. This is also an important factor, as everyone wants access to sufficient alkaline water whenever needed. A good flow rate becomes highly crucial if you have a large family.
In order to find information about water flow rate, read manufacturers' guidelines or user manuals. Remember, the rate is mentioned in Gallons per minute (GPM) or sometimes in liters per minute (LPM).
When it comes to water capacity, it refers to how much water an alkaline filter can easily without before it needs maintenance or replacement. Taking this into consideration will greatly help buyers in determining how they need to maintain filters.
An alkaline filter with high capacity usually works for a long time period without needing any maintenance. But make sure that it matches your household requirements.
4. Installation & Maintenance Cost:
When purchasing an alkaline filter, you should not only pay attention to its purchasing price. Instead, it is also necessary to estimate its installation and maintenance costs. Also keep this in mind that, the installation process of alkaline water filters varies depending on their filter type, from under-sink to whole house systems.
So, if you don’t have technical knowledge or experience, then you have to opt for hiring a professional, which will definitely cost you.
When it comes to maintenance, filters require regular care to work properly. People are required to replace or change filters with new ones; this will also increase the overall cost.
That’s why, it is recommended to pay attention to alkaline filter purchase price, installation, and maintenance requirements, and then make the final decision.
5. Pay Attention to Lifespan:
This is yet another factor that should be considered when purchasing an alkaline filter. The lifespan of an alkaline filter can vary depending on the type of filter and the quality of water that is being filtered.
It is also true, most alkaline systems have mentioned the recommended lifespan in the user manual. Usually, the lifespan is measured in gallons of water filtered or months of use. So, it is necessary to pay attention to this information as it will not only help you maintain the system on time but can also help in making a wise decision.
So, these are some of the important things you should know & consider before buying an alkaline water filtration system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alkaline water taste different?
Yes, alkaline water usually tastes different than regular tap water. It has a slight mineral or smoother taste.
How much maintenance does an alkaline filter require?
The answer to this question depends on the filtration type and the water quality that is being filtered.
How much does an alkaline water filter cost?
The cost also varies depending on the type. Undersink alkaline filters cost ranges from $100-$500. At the same time, RO filters will cost around $1000. So, it is recommended to go with the one that is suitable for your pocket.
Wrapping Up
Most proponents of alkaline water claim that it provides numerous health benefits. Due to this reason, it has gained a lot of popularity. There are several ways available to make water alkaline. One of the most effective ones is through a specialized filter. However, instead of blindly purchasing one, there are a number of things that you should know about alkaline filters. In this blog post, we have explained those in detail.