Table of Contents
🧾 Overview
Featuring 7 stages of water filtration, including a UV sterilizer and an alkaline remineralization filter, the iSpring RCC1UP-AK is a multi-layered reverse osmosis filtration system that offers protection against over 1,000 different contaminants and impurities found in unfiltered drinking water.
With a booster pump for faster and less wasteful RO water production, the system can be installed by the user in a couple of hours, and fits underneath a kitchen sink. The iSpring RCC1UP-AK’s advanced UV light kit kills up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that are commonly found in lake, well and stream water.
đź’ˇ Features
3 pre-filters
The system uses 3 pre-filters: a sediment filter, a carbon filter and a carbon block filter. These remove large contaminants, protecting the semi-permeable membrane from becoming clogged or damaged by chemicals like chlorine.
RO filter
Central to the unit is the RO filter, which removes contaminants down to 0.0001 microns. The membrane consists of thousands of tiny holes that are small enough for only water molecules to pass through and almost nothing else.
GAC filter
The GAC filter in this system gives water a final polish before it reaches the faucet, removing any tiny pesticides that may have been able to pass through the RO membrane. This filter gives water a more improved taste, odor and appearance for drinking.
Ultraviolet sterilization
This RO filter contains an ultraviolet light for sterilizing water, removing microorganisms that might make it past the RO filter. The UV sterilizer is particularly useful for decontaminating well water, making it safe to drink.
Alkaline remineralization filter
An added alkaline remineralization filter restores healthy minerals to the water, reducing acidity and producing a preferable, more natural taste.
Water storage tank
The system’s water storage tank holds up to 3 gallons of water at a time. The water from this tank passes straight to the faucet for drinking, and the tank refills automatically when water is used.
Lead-free faucet
Included with the system is a lead-free brass body faucet with a brushed nickel finish. The faucet is mounted on a kitchen counter to provide RO water in place of a standard kitchen faucet. It can also be connected to a refrigerator, ice maker or coffee maker.
Booster pump
The booster pump in this system brings water pressure up to a desired level for optimum reverse osmosis. The pump allows the system to run at a faster speed, producing water more quickly, and reducing wasted water during the RO process.
🚦 Performance
If a household water pressure is lower than the recommended 60 PSI, a standard RO system’s performance may be affected badly, resulting in slower production of filtered water and more water waste.
The iSpring RCC1UP-AK features a built-in booster pump to bring up water pressure of water passing into the membrane to the ideal level. As a result, the level of water pressure at the source is no longer an issue, and the iSpring RCC1UP-AK can produce RO water at a faster rate with less wastage.
The standard iSpring RCC7-AK produces filtered water at a ratio of 1:3, while the RCC1UP-AK produces water at a 1:1 ratio. This means that for every 1 gallon of water produced, 1 gallon is lost. In typical RO systems without a booster pump, efficiency is much lower than in the iSpring RCC1UP-AK.
🔧 Installation & Maintenance
The iSpring RCC1UP-AK is streamlined and pre-assembled, making DIY installation possible for most users.
Written, video and technical support is available to provide the easiest set-up. Most of the system’ components, including the booster pump and filters, are built into the main body of the unit, minimizing the number of installation tasks to be carried out.
The entire unit fits comfortably in most under sink cabinets.
Replacement filters for the iSpring RCC1UP-AK are standard sized and can be purchased at factory pricing from stores online. The system comes with lifetime technical support and an additional cleaning and maintenance manual.
đź“ť Filter Info
The iSpring RCC1UP-AK features 5 filters to remove over 1,000 total dissolved solids from water and remineralize it for improved taste.
The system’s 3 pre-filters remove sediment and chlorine from the water; the RO filter removes contaminants down to 0.0001 microns; the GAC filter removes any lingering impurities from water; the UV filter cleanses the water of harmful bacteria; and the alkaline remineralization filter adds calcium and other minerals to the water to reduce acidity.
All filters require changing once they fail to work as efficiently. Users should follow the included filter time chart and take water usage into consideration when deciding whether to change filters.
The manufacturer recommends that the 3 pre-filters should be changed every 6 to 12 months, while the RO membrane should be changed after 2 to 3 years, the GAC filter and the alkaline remineralization filter should be changed once a year, and the UV lamp should be changed after 1 to 3 years.
đź”” Pros & Cons
Pros
- The system’s built-in booster pump makes for far more efficient and less wasteful water production in than other RO systems. Rather than waste 3 or 4 gallons of water for every 1 gallon produced, this system wastes only 1 gallon. Users looking to save money and prevent water wastage should look to pay slightly more for the system including the pump.
- With an alkaline remineralization filter stage, this RO filtration system adds healthy minerals like calcium to the water prior to drinking. This gives the water a more preferred alkaline taste and minimizes acidity.
- Not all RO systems come with a built-in UV filter, but this system does. For users looking to filter well or lake water, this filter will give peace of mind that all harmful microorganisms will be removed.
Cons
- Some less mechanically inclined users may find the RO unit difficult to install and might feel more comfortable hiring a plumber at an extra cost.
- There is no option to remove the remineralization filter from the unit if a user wanted to drink completely pure water. Users should be aware that water from this system will contain additional minerals.
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