The SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is a whole-home water filtration system that uses catalytic and bone char carbon media to remove chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, PFAs and more from an entire home’s water supply. We installed and tested this system in a home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with the primary intention of reducing fluoride.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
| Price | $900.00 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 10+ |
| Certifications | Not certified for any reduction claims |
| Process | Catalytic + Bone Char Carbon |
| Filter Capacity | 1,000,000 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$40 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Table of Contents
📊 Scoring Data
We measured the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s performance across 6 key testing categories, combining and averaging the data to obtain an overall score for the system. Below, we’ve shared the key performance data that we used when testing the system.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.13 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.80 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Not certified for any reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 14 GPM |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | Not certified |
| Setup | Weak |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.0009/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | Limited lifetime |
| Shipping | Free on orders over $75 |
| Returns | Failing |
🎬 Video Review
🚰 Contaminant Reduction
Score: 9.42The big advantage of a whole-house system like the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is that it can remove contaminants from an entire home water supply, rather than at a single faucet or fixture. But for this reason, the system is significantly more expensive than a point-of-use system, so we wanted evidence of its contaminant reduction abilities to ensure it was money well spent.
There were two factors that we used to test the SoftPo system’s contaminant removal performance: data from our own water testing using a third-party lab, and official performance certifications, which (if applicable) are found on NSF, IAMPO, and WQA databases.
Our Performance Testing
Score: 9.81
We used a SimpleLab Tap Score test to assess the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s contaminant reduction performance with our own home’s water. We choose to use laboratory tests instead of DIY tests for this aspect of our analysis due to their increased accuracy and ability to test for a more extensive range of contaminants.
We received SimpleLab’s sample kit to collect samples of our water, then shipped them off to the lab for professional testing. Our sample-taking process involved following Tap Score’s strict protocol to ensure our results were as accurate as possible.
We took the “before” water sample several weeks ahead of the “after” sample:
- We took our first sample of water before we installed the system at the beginning of March 2024.
- We then took our post-install test samples a month and a half later at the end of April 2024, after the system had been in use for that long.
We wanted to give the system at least a month to operate before we took our samples to ensure it could capably filter our water beyond the initial few days after installation.
The next table lists our pre- and post-filtration test data, so you can see how each contaminant was addressed by the SoftPro Chlorine+ Filter.
| Contaminant | Measurement | Pre-Filtration | Post-Filtration | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | PPM | 0.085 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Barium | PPM | 0.009 | 0.0571 | 534.44% |
| Bicarbonate | PPM | 24.32 | 114.33 | 370.11% |
| Calcium | PPM | 3.6 | 35.8 | 894.44% |
| Carbonate | PPM | 0.03 | 0.13 | 333.33% |
| Chloride | PPM | 5.7 | 12.5 | 119.30% |
| Chloroform | PPB | 13.9 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Copper | PPM | 0.108 | 0.0028 | -97.41% |
| Fluoride | PPM | 0.3 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Magnesium | PPM | 0.84 | 10.3 | 1126.19% |
| MeFBSA | PPT | 2.5 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Nickel | PPM | 0.0033 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Nitrate (as N) | PPM | 0 | 0.2 | N/A |
| Potassium | PPM | 0 | 1.84 | N/A |
| Sodium | PPM | 8.85 | 9.7 | 9.60% |
| Strontium | PPM | 0.019 | 0.207 | 989.47% |
| Sulfate | PPM | 7.5 | 23.6 | 214.67% |
| Total THMs | PPB | 13.9 | 0 | -100.00% |
| Zinc | PPM | 0.763 | 0 | -100.00% |
Health-Related Contaminants
Score: 9.80
Our unfiltered water test detected trace levels of 9 contaminants with possible health effects: chloroform, total THMs (two disinfection byproducts), copper, fluoride, zinc, aluminum, barium, nickel, and strontium.
Some of the known health effects of these contaminants are:
- Developmental outcomes
- Immune system issues
- Kidney and liver problems
- Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects
We used a separate test for PFAS – the Cyclopure PFAS test – since we wanted a more in-depth PFAS analysis option than our Tap Score test offered. This test detected 2.5 PPT (parts per trillion) of a PFAS compound, MeFBSA, which we also wanted to remove from our water due to the dangerous health effects associated with PFAS exposure.
Our water quality wasn’t terrible to begin with, but we were still concerned about a number of contaminants detected – especially disinfection byproducts, which were detected in concentrations very close to exceeding the Tap Score HGL.
Also, a big reason why we tested this SoftPro system is that we wanted a whole home filter that would remove fluoride from every tap, so we had high expectations for the unit’s fluoride reduction abilities.
| Contaminant | Measurement | Detection | HGL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloroform | PPB | 13.9 | 0.22 |
| Total THMs | PPB | 13.9 | 0.32 |
| Copper | PPM | 0.108 | 0.30 |
| Fluoride | PPM | 0.30 | 0.80 |
| Zinc | PPM | 0.763 | 2.00 |
| Aluminum | PPM | 0.085 | 0.60 |
| Barium | PPM | 0.009 | 2.0 |
| Nickel | PPM | 0.0033 | 0.012 |
| Strontium | PPM | 0.019 | 3.0 |
When we got our post-filtration test results back, we were pleased to see that the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter had completely eliminated both disinfection byproducts, fluoride, zinc, aluminum, nickel, and strontium from our water. Copper was also reduced by 97%, and our separate PFAS test showed that MeFBSA had been eliminated entirely.
Barium and strontium actually increased slightly post-filtration, and 0.2 PPM of nitrate was detected when it wasn’t present in our unfiltered water, but we think these were normal fluctuations in our water quality that occurred in the 1.5 months between the two tests. However, it does tell us that the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter doesn’t address any of these contaminants.
We were super pleased with the outcome of these results, especially the fact that the system eliminated fluoride thanks to its bone char carbon media, which has been proven in studies to be highly effective for this purpose – something that similar systems we’ve tested (like the SpringWell CF) couldn’t remove.
Aesthetic Contaminants
Score: 9.90
Chlorine was the only aesthetic contaminant that our unfiltered water contained. We used a rapid-results test strip to DIY-test for chlorine ourselves because of chlorine’s highly volatile nature – it would dissipate from the water before it arrived at the testing lab.
Our water is a chlorine-disinfected municipal supply, so we were unsurprised that the test detected 1 PPM of chlorine.
In our second post-filtration test, no chlorine was detected, so the SoftPro Chlorine+& Fluoride system’s carbon media had performed exactly as we’d expected, capturing and removing chlorine to undetectable levels.
Plumbing-Related Contaminants
Several plumbing-related contaminants, or those that could be coming from our pipes or affecting our plumbing and appliances, were also detected in our water. These were copper, zinc, nickel, and sulfate.
Post-filtration, the SoftPro Chlorine+ Filter had reduced 97% copper, and 100% zinc and nickel.
Our water’s sulfate concentrations actually increased from 7.5 PPM to 23.6 PPM, which was an unexpected outcome. We don’t suspect an issue with the SoftPro system here – it’s more likely that the sulfate concentrations in our water fluctuated.
Performance Certifications
Score: 6.00
We have evidence from our own personal testing showing that the SoftPro system does a great job of reducing chlorine, fluoride, a certain PFAS, a couple of disinfection byproducts, and several metals, under our own specific testing conditions and water parameters.
But what about the dozens of other contaminants that our water doesn’t contain? Unfortunately, we can only test a filter’s ability to reduce the impurities in our own water. That’s why a system’s contaminant reduction score is also influenced by whether or not it has any performance certifications.
The bad news is that the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride filter isn’t currently certified to reduce any contaminants, so it got the poorer score from us here.
We know that the road to obtaining certifications is long and costly, but we think they’re especially important for expensive, whole-home systems like the SoftPro model and provide extra reassurance to folks who might be hesitant to part with their money.
| Contaminant | In Manufacturer Reduction Claims? | Our Test |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | No | - 97.41% |
| Aluminum | No | - 100% |
| Chlorine | Yes | - 100% |
| Chloroform | Yes | - 100% |
| Fluoride | Yes | - 100% |
| MeFBSA | Yes | - 100% |
| Nickel | Yes | - 100% |
| Total THMs | Yes | - 100% |
| Zinc | No | - 100% |
| Sodium | No | + 9.60% |
| Chloride | No | + 119.30% |
| Sulfate | No | + 214.67% |
| Carbonate | No | + 333.33% |
| Bicarbonate | No | + 370.11% |
| Barium | No | + 534.44% |
| Calcium | No | + 894.44% |
| Strontium | No | + 989.47% |
| Magnesium | No | + 1126.19% |
| Nitrate (as N) | No | N/A |
| Potassium | No | N/A |
| Chloramine | Yes | Not Tested |
| Herbicides | Yes | Not Tested |
| Pesticides | Yes | Not Tested |
| Pharmaceuticals | Yes | Not Tested |
We still wanted to compare the contaminants that the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter reduced in our testing with the contaminants it’s claimed to reduce.
The system was excellent at reducing or removing chlorine, tastes, and odors from our water, as well as zinc, aluminum, nickel, and strontium. SoftPro claims to reduce all of these contaminants, so our own results were in line with SoftPro’s performance info. As for fluoride, this is a contaminant that SoftPro’s bone char carbon filter can remove, and was a big selling point of the system for us.
The fact that the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter also reduced MeFBSA was a bonus because this isn’t a contaminant that SoftPro claims it can address.
The system didn’t reduce barium in our water, so in our testing, SoftPro’s claims to “remove 99%” of heavy metals weren’t true.
We were also unable to evaluate the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s ability to reduce the other contaminants listed on the product page – chloramine, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, VOCs, iron, and hydrogen sulfide – because these weren’t present in our water.
🚦Filtration Rate
Score: 10.00Sustaining your home’s water pressure is particularly important when installing a point-of-entry system, since a PSI drop could affect the performance of your appliances and fixtures.
That means finding a water filtration system with a flow rate that’s adequate for your household water usage.
When we reviewed it, the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter was available in just one size, with a maximum flow rate of 14 GPM (it’s designed to operate on pressures of 30 -125 PSI). That’s a really decent flow rate that should suit homes with up to 6 bathrooms. We were pleased to see that the base model has this maximum flow rate because competitors’ base models have slower flow rates – for instance, the SpringWell CF1 has a flow rate of 9 GPM but costs the same price.
Post-installation, our flow rate and water pressure remained the same, so the Chlorine+ system got the top score from us in this category.
📐 Design
Score: 8.40Design-wise, the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is our preferred configuration. We’d rather make a bigger upfront investment in a tank-based system that doesn’t have the same long-term maintenance requirements as a cartridge-based system.
The system has only a few main components and is intended for a POE installation, upstream of your hot water heater. It gets shipped in a box that contains:
- The control valve
- The tank
- The parts box, containing smaller components for the installation process
- The owner’s manual
We noted that the system felt sturdy and durable, but it didn’t get the top score from us in this category because it isn’t certified for materials safety.
Component Quality
Score: 10.00
We awarded the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter the highest score for component quality because it looks and feels solid and resistant to years of use.
The tank also has a neoprene jacket guard to protect against corrosion and humidity.
However, some of the fittings and fixtures use plastic components, which may not be as durable as copper or brass alternatives.
Certification
Score: 6.00
Our own experience with the SoftPro system’s design was positive, but it would have been further sweetened with an official design certification for materials safety.
Unfortunately, this isn’t something that the system currently has, so it got the lower score from us here.
Filter Materials & Media
The SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter contains high-grade catalytic carbon filtration media and a bone char carbon filter.
Catalytic carbon is an upgraded version of activated carbon that’s capable of reducing additional contaminants, including chloramine and hydrogen sulfide.
Bone char carbon has its own unique performance benefits, including the ability to remove fluoride, which is what sold the system to us.
Like activated carbon, both these carbon media are derived from natural materials and are considered safe to use for water filtration purposes.
Unlike some of its competitors, the SoftPro system doesn’t use a sediment pre-filter, so you might need to install one if your water contains sediment. (This is more common for groundwater well supplies).
Upflow Filtration
Something unique to note about the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride system is that it has an upflow design.
That means the filter media is turned upwards from the bottom, so water can circulate through the tank better.
The purpose of this is to improve the contact time between the water and the carbon media, improving efficiency and allowing for more thorough water filtration.
As far as we could tell, this upflow design didn’t have any negative effects and didn’t reduce flow rate.
⚙️ Setup
Score: 7.00We awarded the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s setup score based on the time required for the installation, and its difficulty level.
It got a lower score here because it needs to be installed at your POE, which is a more complicated process.
The SoftPro Chlorine+ installation manual is helpful and detailed, covering all the information you might to know about the install process and answering a lot fo questions.
The manual states that a professional installation is recommended. We gave the system to a friend with a lot of professional DIY experience, and he was able to install the system himself. If we were installing the system in our own home, we would have hired a plumber as we’re not handy and we wouldn’t want to risk getting something wrong and damaging our plumbing supply. We also wanted to ensure that we complied with our local plumbing codes. The installation process took just under 2 hours.
While most of the parts for installation were provided, our friend reported that he needed his own tools, including two adjustable wrenches, a copper pipe cutter, a copper pipe measuring tool, an abrasive scotch-brite pad to smooth the cut pipe, and plumber’s tape. The home’s plumbing was copper, so he installed the system with copper pipe.
He did have to buy a few parts that weren’t included with the unit, including copper pipe, elbow connectors, shark bite connectors, and grounding wire – this last component is essential and prevents dangerous shocks in the event of a short circuit.
🔧 Maintenance
Score: 9.75One of the reasons why we were interested in the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is its lack of maintenance.
It got a great score in this category because it costs virtually nothing to operate and requires only one maintenance task.
Servicing Requirements
9.50
This SoftPro model doesn’t have a sediment filter, and the media in the tank is designed to last up to 1 million gallons or 6-10 years*, so its servicing requirements were essentially non-existent.
We haven’t had to replace the carbon media yet, but we’ve checked the instructions in the user manual and the process seems DIY-friendly, if not a bit fiddly. You may need to enlist in a strong family member or friend to help you empty the old media out of the tank.
*If you’re wondering why the estimated media lifespan varies, it’s because it’s affected by your water quality and usage. The quicker you reach the 1-million-gallon capacity, the sooner the media will need to be replaced. Additionally, if your water’s TDS is high, the media will get clogged at a faster rate, shortening its lifespan.
Costs
Score: 10.00
The SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is very affordable to maintain, largely owing to its lack of any filter cartridges.
We calculated the system’s ongoing cost as $0.0016/ gallon, based on the system cost divided by the number of gallons that the media is expected to last.
If you prefer to invest slightly more upfront in a system that costs pennies to run in the long term, this SoftPro model should tick your boxes.
🏢 Company
Score: 8.65Finally, we wanted to assess SoftPro as a company, comparing its warranty, returns, and shipping offerings to its competitors.
SoftPro got a good score here, and its warranty impressed us the most. But once we read the terms for the returns policy, we were less impressed – and that affected its overall score in this category.
Warranty
Score: 10.00
SoftPro warrants its systems’ control valves with a limited lifetime warranty (this excludes wear parts such as the piston, spacers, seals, and injectors as applicable).
The tanks also have a lifetime warranty, but the media doesn’t have a warranty of any length.
You can view SoftPro’s warranty terms here.
Shipping
Score: 9.00
All SoftPro orders of $75.00 and over receive free shipping in the USA, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. SoftPro didn’t get the best score here because it requires a minimum spend for free shipping, but given the price of the system, you’ll get free shipping with your initial order anyway.
Returns
Score: 6.50
SoftPro does offer a returns policy, which is good. You can try the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter for 6 months, and if you choose to return it within this time, you’ll get a refund.
But there are a few stipulations – your refunded total will be minus the original shipping cost and a 25% restocking fee. That means you can’t actually try the system risk-free as you’ll lose at least a quarter of your initial investment if you choose to return it.
This guarantee also excludes special orders, commercial systems, media, consumables, and test kits.
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