Our WQA certified water treatment experts have tested dozens of water filters using our battery of objective, data-driven tests. We’ve evaluated the filters that remove chlorine using 6 individually weighted performance-based scoring factors, combining them to determine an overall score. Using this data, we created this shortlist of the best filters for tackling chlorine in drinking water.
With their outstanding chlorine reduction performance, extensive range of certifications (including NSF 42, for chlorine removal), easy countertop setup, and high-efficiency RO purification, the AquaTru Classic and Carafe take joint first place in this review.
AquaTru
Cloud RO
Waterdrop G3 P800
Table of Contents
Our Testing & Selection Process
We tested the water filters in this guide by evaluating them across a series of performance categories. Our key point of focus was measuring how effectively each filter reduced chlorine, and beyond this, we also scored them on design, flow rate, ease of setup, company policies, and overall maintenance demands.
Given that we’re evaluating the best water filters for chlorine removal, one of the features we looked for in our research was an official certification to NSF/ANSI 42*, awarded to filters that demonstrate the ability to remove chlorine in rigorous testing under various conditions. While an NSF 42 certification wasn’t a non-negotiable for us (performance in our own lab testing took priority), the majority of filters on this list are certified to that standard.
Beyond chlorine reduction, we also evaluated how effectively a water filter could reduce other common contaminants that affect the taste, smell, and potential health properties of water. Where possible, we used our own objective, lab-tested data. In areas where this wasn’t available or practical to obtain, we used expert-informed subjective assessments to guide our scoring.
*For shower filters, we looked for the equivalent certification: NSF 177.
See our testing and scoring process explanation here.
We chose the best water filters for chlorine removal by reviewing and comparing the performance data of all the applicable water filters we’ve tested so far, including point-of-use models for drinking and shower water, and point-of-entry systems for whole house water treatment.
If you’ve read our other guides, you’ll know that we generally use our own water quality test results to help us rank filters in each category. We followed this same process here, using DIY chlorine tests to get an instant reading of this contaminant’s concentrations pre- and post-filtration in each filter. The winners we selected all demonstrated the ability to remove 100% of chlorine from our water.
Our selected winners also performed exceptionally well across a combination of other performance tests in our data-driven system, including flow rate, design, and ease of setup and maintenance. The best performers took the highest overall scores and the top spots in this list—we’ve ranked them in order based on these scores.
When deciding which filters to feature in this review, we excluded several for the following reasons:
-The inability to remove 100% chlorine from our water, since this was a minimum requirement.
-Availability issues, whether due to stock or shipping, in the US.
-Poor scoring due to particularly disappointing performance in other key areas, even if they removed 100% chlorine.
We continue to amend and add to this list as we test and evaluate new systems, but for now, these are the filters that scored the highest across our testing categories.
The 7 Best Water Filters For Chlorine Removal
| Product |  AquaTru | Cloud RO |  Waterdrop G3 P800 |  Clearly Filtered Under Sink |  Clearly Filtered Pitcher |  Weddell Duo |  SpringWell CF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.54 | 9.25 | 9.21 | 9.18 | 8.78 | 8.73 | 8.52 |
| Price | $449+ | $749 | $539 - $999 | $550 | $90 | $90 | $1016 |
| Certifications | NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 | NSF/ANSI 58 | NSF/ANSI 58, 372 | NSF/ANSI 42, 372 | NSF 42, 53 | NSF 177 | Not certified |
| Filter Capacity | 600 – 1,200 gallons | 500 - 1,500 gallons | 550/ 1100/ 2900 gallons | 2,000 gallons | 100 gallons | 8,000 gallons | 1M gallons |
| Cost per Gallon | $0.11 | $0.26 | $0.11 | $0.22 | $0.55 | $0.003 | $0.0013 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Read Review | Aquatru review | Cloud RO Review | Waterdrop G3 RO review | Clearly Filtered under-sink review | Clearly Filtered Pitcher review | Weddell Duo review | Springwell CF review |
Aquatru
The AquaTru Carafe and Classic share the top spot as the best-performing, highest-scoring water filters for chlorine removal in this list. They’re extremely similar in design, both using the same series of certified (including NSF 42 certified) filters and an RO membrane to produce purified water. The key difference is size: the Carafe is a smaller, more affordable model that collects water in a 0.9-liter glass carafe, while the Classic uses a 2.5-liter purified water tank.
In our tests, both systems removed 100% chlorine and every other health-related contaminant detected in our water, awarding them the highest contaminant reduction scores we’ve ever given, and unbeatable overall scores of 9.7 (Carafe) and 9.54 (Classic).
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $449.00+ |
| Contaminants Removed | 83+ |
| Certifications | NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 |
| Process | Mechanical + RO + Carbon |
| Filtration Capacity | 600 – 1,200 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$100 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why They’re Best
The AquaTru Classic and Carafe are our top picks for chlorine removal because they earned the highest overall scores in our chlorine-focused testing. Both are IAPMO certified to NSF Standard 42, for chlorine reduction, as well as 53, 58, and 401 for the removal of 83 contaminants (every single contaminant claimed by the manufacturer to reduce). This makes them the most extensively certified water filters we’ve tested.
We tested the base models for both systems, but you can also upgrade to:
- Alkaline mineral boost models, which use an alkalizing VOC filter that adds minerals back into the water;
- Smart models with WiFi app connectivity for tracking performance.
We’ve featured both systems in the same review in this list because we think neither is objectively better than the other. It depends on your situation and preferences—if you want to spend less money upfront on a system that doesn’t expose the purified water to plastic, choose the Carafe. But if you want to purify larger volumes of water and minimize how often you’re replacing the filters, the Classic may be a better choice for you.
AquaTru’s NSF 42 Certification
AquaTru has earned an IAPMO certification for chlorine reduction under NSF Standard 42.
To meet this standard, a water filter needs to reduce free chlorine in water by at least 50%, verified by testing under specific conditions. AquaTru’s certification means the Carafe and Classic have met or exceeded that benchmark under official lab protocols.
Our Lab Testing & Performance Notes
In our testing, both AquaTru models removed 100% of chlorine, receiving 9.90 scores for aesthetic contaminant reduction. Both systems also removed all the health-related impurities detected in our unfiltered water, including fluoride, lead, and uranium. This exceptional performance, coupled with their IAPMO certifications, earned them scores of 9.91 for contaminant reduction.
Reverse osmosis systems can be inefficient, wasting up to 4 gallons of water for every gallon they purify. But the Carafe and Classic have a 4:1 efficiency ratio (one of the best we’ve seen), meaning just 1 gallon of water is wasted per 4 gallons of clean water produced.
Both systems are plug-and-play countertop units, with a quick and eascy setup process that earned them perfect scores of 10.00 in this category. They’re equally easy to maintain, although the Carafe requires more frequent filter changes and has a slightly higher ongoing spend than the Classic ($0.19/gallon versus $0.11/gallon) due to its smaller filters. This is a minimal difference, and both systems still achieved the same maintenance scores of 9.75.
From a design standpoint, both models are certified for materials safety and lead-free design, but the Carafe is more compact and has the benefit of a glass container for storage, resulting in its slightly higher score of 10.00 (versus the Classic’s 9.70).
If you’re looking for a certified chlorine-removal reverse osmosis system that performs better than its competitors across the board, either of these AquaTru models are well worth considering.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 100% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 0.04 GPM |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Exceptional |
| Setup | Exceptional |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.11/ gallon (Classic) $0.19/ gallon (Carafe) |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Returns | 30 days |
Cloud RO
Following closely behind the AquaTru models, with an overall score of 9.25, is the Cloud RO tank-based under-sink system. This unit offers a fresh take on conventional tank-based reverse osmosis, with a modern, compact design and built-in battery. Its contaminant reduction performance rivals AquaTru’s, and while it’s not certified for chlorine reduction, it does hold another performance certification, with a high-quality design and app compatibility that makes maintenance a breeze.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $749 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 200+ |
| Certifications | NSF 58 |
| Process | Carbon + Reverse Osmosis + Remineralization |
| Filter Capacity | Pre/Post Filters 500 gallons, RO membrane 1,500 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$200 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Performance & Contaminant Reduction
Cloud RO comes in a single configuration with a built-in remineralization filter (not at an extra cost, as with AquaTru). It features two key components: a main filtration unit and a 2.8-gallon purified water tank.
The unit successfully removed 100% chlorine in our testing. It also eliminated manganese, molybdenum, and strontium, and greatly reduced barium and sulfate. These results, coupled with Cloud’s NSF certification for TDS reduction, earned it a score of 9.42 for contaminant reduction. There’s room for improvement here—we’d like to see additional certifications, particularly for chlorine and contaminants with health effects—but it’s a solid start for a relatively new product.
The presence of an integrated remineralization filter in the base unit also gave Cloud RO a boost over AquaTru. While the calcium, magnesium, and sodium concentrations still decreased, the pH of our purified water increased to 9.7 from 8.4, likely a direct result of exposure to the alkalizing media.
Cloud’s modern design is worlds apart from the clunky tank-based RO systems we’ve tested in the past, resulting in a score of 10.00. It’s made from BPA-free materials and includes sensors that track everything from water use to battery levels, TDS readings, and tank volume, producing data that can be viewed in the Cloud app. This app also tracks filter life and sends notifications when a filter needs replacing, which—along with its affordable ongoing cost of $0.26/gallon—earned the system a maintenance score of 10.00.
There were only a couple of letdowns for us: installation and filtration speed. As an under-sink tank-based system, Cloud has a more complex setup, involving a dedicated faucet and a connection to a drainline. It might have a more user-friendly installation approach compared to conventional systems, but it still received a low score of 7.50 in this category. The unit’s tank-based design also affected the flow of water to the faucet, with a slower filtration rate of 80 GPD translating to a score of 8.50.
Folks looking for a sleek, app-enabled under-sink RO system that effectively removes chlorine should find that Cloud RO ticks their boxes.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.42 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 99 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 35 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 16% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 80 GPD |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Below Average |
| Servicing Requirements | Exceptional |
| Costs | $0.26/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free on all orders in the US |
| Returns | 12 month guarantee |
Waterdrop G3 P800
Ranking third in our scoring system for chlorine removal is the Waterdrop G3 P800, with an overall performance score of 9.21. This under-sink tankless RO system greatly reduced or removed more than 10 contaminants in our testing—including 100% chlorine. It’s another NSF-certified filter, with a more compact design than Cloud RO, delivering water straight to a dedicated faucet rather than storing it in a tank.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $539 – $999 |
| Contaminants Removed | 1,000+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 58, 372 |
| Process | RO |
| Filtration Capacity | 550/ 1100/ 2900 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$145 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Our Verdict
The Waterdrop G3 P800 is our top-rated tankless under-sink RO system for chlorine removal, earning the third-highest score in our testing thanks to its certified contaminant reduction, sturdy design with handy smart features, and easy, affordable maintenance requirements.
The system has a 3:1 pure-to-wastewater ratio that rivals AquaTru’s in efficiency, and its tankless design minimizes the space required for installation, making it a better alternative than Cloud RO for folks with minimal under-sink room. Its fast flow rate of 800 gallons per day makes it one of the quickest under-sink reverse osmosis systems we’ve tested.
Performance Scoring
In our testing, the G3 P800 eliminated 100% of chlorine from our tap water, along with 100% fluoride, arsenic, copper, manganese, potassium, and selenium. It also significantly reduced nitrate, barium, and several other minerals and ions. The unit is also IAPMO certified, not only to NSF 42 for chlorine removal, but also to NSF 58 and NSF 53, for the reduction of several other contaminants with health effects. While it’s not as comprehensively certified as the AquaTru models, the data translates into an impressive score of 9.28 for contaminant reduction.
The G3 P800’s compact under-sink design with smart features earned it a 9.70 in this category. Its real-time TDS monitor and filter life indicators are genuinely helpful, and the built-in UV sterilizer (an incredibly popular feature among modern RO systems) gave us extra peace of mind when it comes to protection against microorganisms inside the system. The only missing feature is an integrated remineralization filter, although Waterdrop does, at least, sell a compatible one separately.
We found this Waterdrop model slightly more challenging to install than Cloud RO, with the 1.5-hour-long process resulting in a low setup score of 7.00. While there was no bulky water tank to install, we still had to plumb in a drainline and drill a hole for a dedicated faucet, and some of the processes were fiddlier than with Cloud.
On a positive note, maintenance couldn’t be easier, and the G3 P800 earned the top score of 10.00 in this category, with an ongoing cost of just $0.11—the same as the AquaTru Classic. It also earned a 10.00 for filtration speed (the highest awarded on this list so far), thanks to its impressive 800 gallon-per-day flow rate.
If you’re looking for a tankless under-sink system that’s certified for chlorine removal and fits easily into a modern kitchen, we think you can’t go wrong with the Waterdrop G3 P800.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.50 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 3.50 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 100% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 600 or 800 GPD |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Weak |
| Servicing Requirements | Exceptional |
| Costs | $0.11/ gallon (w/o remineralization), $0.13/ gallon (w/ remineralization) |
| Company | Good |
Clearly Filtered Under Sink
The Clearly Filtered Under Sink system ranks fourth in our roundup of the best chlorine-removing water filters, and is the highest-scoring non-RO system to make this list. We found it easier to install than the Waterdrop G3 (it doesn’t need a drain connection or dedicated faucet), while still offering a contaminant reduction performance that rivals reverse osmosis. It’s WQA certified for chlorine reduction and earned a score of 9.18 overall.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $550.00 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 232+ |
| Certifications | NSF 42, 372 |
| Process | Carbon + Ion Exchange |
| Filter Capacity | 2,000 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$440 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Our Testing Experience
In our lab testing, the Clearly Filtered Under-Sink system’s granular activated carbon cartridge eliminated 100% of the chlorine detected in our unfiltered water, as well as its associated tastes and odors. The unit also uses two proprietary cartridges, which did the heavy lifting, removing contaminants like fluoride, copper, and uranium. Post-filtration, most health-related contaminants had been either fully removed or greatly reduced, while nitrate, sulfate, and molybdenum all showed moderate reductions.
We also observed a slight increase in potassium and sodium in our filtered water, likely due to the use of an ion exchange resin in one of the filters.
While this Clearly Filtered model isn’t extensively certified, it does have a WQA performance certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 42, for the reduction of chlorine, tastes, and odors, contributing to its contaminant reduction score of 8.98.
Why It Performed Well
Along with its high contaminant reduction scores, the Clearly Filtered Under Sink System was one of the consistently high-scoring water filtration systems we tested across all categories.
It has one of the easiest setups we encountered for an under-sink system, taking under 15 minutes and requiring no plumbing expertise, earning it a 9.50 installation score. Maintenance is just as hassle-free, with all three filters following the same replacement schedule, so we didn’t have to keep track of separate dates. And its ongoing cost of $0.22 might be double the Waterdrop G3’s, but it’s still super affordable, contributing to its maintenance score of 9.75.
The unit has a more basic design than the reverse osmosis systems, with no fancy smart features or app connectivity. But it feels solidly made and durable, and its WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 372 for lead-free design and materials safety certification further boosted its design score to 9.70. While its 1.08 GPM filtration speed didn’t blow us away, it’s still a decent measurement, equating to a score of 9.00 in this category.
If you want filtered water from your kitchen faucet without the water waste or installation requirements of a reverse osmosis system, the Clearly Filtered Under Sink System is worth considering.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.79 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 95 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 99 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for <1% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 1.08 GPM |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.22/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 2 years |
| Shipping | Free shipping, all orders to all states |
| Returns | 30 days |
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Ranking fifth on this list, with an overall performance score of 8.78, is another Clearly Filtered system: the Clearly Filtered Pitcher. This is a countertop unit, like the AquaTru, but with a simpler non-RO design that uses gravity filtration, not an electric pump. Costing less than $100, it’s the most affordable offering in this review, and it impressed us with its 100% chlorine reduction, handful of performance certifications, and incredibly simple setup and maintenance processes.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $90.00 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 365+ |
| Certifications or Testing | NSF 42, 53 |
| Holding Capacity | 10 Cups |
| Filter Lifespan | 100 gallons |
| Approx. Annual Cost | $150 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Why We Like It
The Clearly Filtered pitcher sounds impressive at first glance, with independent testing to reduce more than 360 contaminants and WQA certifications to NSF/ANSI Standard 42, for the reduction of chlorine, and Standard 53, for the reduction of PFOA/PFOS. Its chlorine certification made it a contender for this review, supported by our positive lab testing experience for contaminant reduction.
The filter eliminated 100% chlorine from our water, as well as fluoride, uranium, and copper. It also significantly reduced barium, strontium, and molybdenum. It was set to earn a high contaminant reduction score, but the presence of cobalt in our filtered sample (not present in our unfiltered water) pulled it down slightly to 8.24. We believe this may have been a testing anomaly rather than a flaw in the filter itself, but we’d need to retest to confirm.
Our Firsthand Performance Data
The CF pitcher earned one of the highest design scores we awarded to any water filter pitcher: 9.70. Like most pitchers, it’s made from plastic, but its BPA-free Tritan construction gave it a sturdier, more durable feel than the majority of similar systems we tested. It’s also WQA certified for materials safety and lead-free design, which is a nice bonus.
There’s no time-wasting with setup for this pitcher—you just prime the filter using the included priming bag (a simple process), then assemble the pitcher and fill it with water. We awarded Clearly Filtered a setup score of 9.50 for its no-fuss, no-install assembly.
Once assembled, we measured the filter’s flow rate at 2.27 gallons per hour, which is slightly above average for a water filter pitcher and earned it a perfect 10.00 in this category. The pitcher also has an impressive estimated filter lifespan of 100 gallons, more than twice the industry average. That said, replacement filters cost more than those for other pitchers we reviewed, and the system’s $0.55/gallon ongoing servicing cost is the highest of the shortlisted filters in this guide by far. This gave it a slightly lower maintenance score of 8.75.
If you’re looking for a compact, certified filter pitcher that reduces chlorine and so many more contaminants, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher is our top pick.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Health Related Contaminants | 83 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 99 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 0.82% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 2.27 GPH |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.55/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 2 years |
| Shipping | Free shipping all orders |
| Returns | 30 days |
Weddell Duo
So far, we’ve covered filters that remove chlorine from your drinking water—but if you’re concerned about the effects of showering in chlorinated water, the Weddell Duo is our top recommendation in this filter category. Most of the shower filters we reviewed were underwhelming, both in design and performance, but the Duo impressed us with its dual-filter design and ability to eliminate chlorine and disinfection byproducts. It’s also NSF certified for chlorine reduction, with an overall score of 8.73.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $89.99 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 5+ |
| Certifications | NSF 177 |
| Process | Solid Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Capacity | 8,000 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$25 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Contaminant Reduction Performance
Most of the shower filters we’ve tested focus on chlorine alone, but the Weddell Duo takes things a step further with a solid carbon block cartridge (a major upgrade from the more common granular activated carbon). The compact design of carbon block filters allows for more thorough filtration, as evidenced in our own testing data.
The Duo removed 100% chlorine and all four disinfection byproducts detected in our water: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, bromochloromethane, and dibromochloromethane.
We focused specifically on contaminants that could be harmful in shower water (not those that are only known to be dangerous when ingested), and the Duo outperformed every other shower filter that we tested, with its contaminant reduction score of 8.43 reflecting this. It’s also NSF certification to Standard 177 for its ability to reduce chlorine, something that’s not a given with all shower filters.
Our Hands-On Tests
The Weddell Duo also performed well across our series of hands-on subjective tests. It was easy to install—the process just involved screwing it onto our shower arm and flushing it for three minutes, earning it a setup score of 9.00. Once installed, its horizontal dual filter design didn’t extend the showerhead too low, which was a common issue with other vertically-oriented filters we tested. But it’s the first filter on this list so far to not have a design certification, which gave it a slightly lower score of 7.80 in this category.
Each filter lasts around 6 months, and at just $0.003 per gallon, it has the lowest maintenance cost of all the filters in this guide by far. Replacing the filters is easy, with the horizontal design eliminating the need to remove the whole unit, resulting in a score of 9.75. The only downside we noted was the slightly slower flow rate. At 1.43 GPM, it’s on the lower end for a shower filter, likely due to the dual cartridge setup and the more thorough carbon block filtration. That said, it’s still a perfectly usable flow rate, and worthy of the perfect 10.00 we awarded./spac
If your priority is to remove chlorine from your shower water or you want to treat your drinking water and shower water without the expense or hassle of a whole-home setup, we found that the Weddell Duo offers the best value for money.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Health Related Contaminants | 84 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 99 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 20% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 1.43 GPM |
| Component Quality | Excellent |
| Component Certification | Not certified |
| Setup | Excellent |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.003/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free shipping for lower 48 US states |
| Returns | 30 days, minus 10% restock fee |
SpringWell CF
Rounding out our list is one of the highest-scoring whole-home chlorine removal systems we’ve tested: the SpringWell CF. This tank-based system delivers the convenience of chlorine-free water from every faucet, as well as the water that’s used in your washing machine, dishwasher, and other appliances. It scored an 8.52 overall, eliminating chlorine in our testing and impressing us with its sturdy, low-maintenance design.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $1016.44+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 10+ |
| Certifications | Not certified |
| Process | KDF + Catalytic Carbon |
| Filter Capacity | 1,000,000 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$40 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why We Recommend It
The SpringWell CF uses a combination of catalytic carbon (a treated version of activated carbon with enhanced adsorption abilities) and KDF media to target chlorine and other common tap water contaminants. In our testing, it completely eliminated chlorine, as well as nickel, cobalt, and two disinfection byproducts: chloroform and bromodichloromethane. It also reduced lead by 96% and significantly reduced levels of copper, zinc, and barium.
The system earned a solid 8.31 for contaminant reduction, and our test data was overwhelmingly positive. That said, the score would have been higher if the filter had performance certifications, which it’s currently lacking.
Installation, Maintenance, Design, & Flow Rate
We tested the SpringWell CF1 (rated for homes with 1-3 bathrooms), which delivers a flow rate of up to 9 GPM. This was plenty for our 2-bathroom property, and we didn’t notice a drop in water pressure. The CF is also available in two larger sizes—12 GPM and 20 GPM—and this flexibility to suit all home setups earned it a 10.00 in this category.
Given its whole-house design, the CF1 is, unsurprisingly, the most difficult to install of all the filters in this list. It received a 7.00 score for setup, and the process took us 2 hours, with a few extra fittings required. If DIY isn’t your thing, you might end up hiring a plumber at an extra cost.
On a more positive note, once the system is installed, it’s virtually hands-off. The filter media lasts up to 1,000,000 gallons (around 3-5 years), and the only regular task is changing the sediment pre-filter every 6-9 months. This ease of maintenance, combined with an impressively low ongoing cost of just $0.00013 per gallon, contributed to a respectable servicing score of 9.75. We were also impressed with the unit’s solid, high-quality design, but it lacked a design certification, resulting in a score of 8.40.
If you want to remove chlorine from all the water you use in your home, from bathing to laundry, cooking, drinking, and everything in between, the SpringWell CF is a worthy investment.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.52 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 8.50 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Not certified for any reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 9, 12, 20 GPM |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | Not certified |
| Setup | Weak |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.0013/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | Lifetime |
| Shipping | Free on orders over $29.99 in the continental US |
| Returns | 6 months with return shipping and 25% restocking fee |
Hi Brian. I learned about Clearly Filtered from you. The extra performance would be worth the extra price, and the ‘drawbacks’ aren’t problematic for me. How would I know when it’s time to replace the filter?
Hi Gene, great question! When the filtration rate starts to become noticeable slower it’s a good indication the filter is starting to reach capacity and be replaced soon