How Do Reverse Osmosis Filter Systems Work?

Many of us have been thinking more seriously about the water we drink and swim in over the last few years. Municipal water treatment centers work hard to provide us with clean water, but many contaminates that are not regulated by the EPA still remain in our water—from pesticides and lead to nitrates and sulfates. These contaminates can come straight into your home or pool through your water lines. That is why it can be beneficial to have a reverse osmosis filter system.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the best water filtration process for removing harsh contaminates like lead, arsenic, and Sulphur. It can remove more than 90% of water impurities including foul odors, unpleasant tastes and fluoride. The result is the best tasting and safest water for your household.

 

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

The simplest explanation of how a RO filtration system works is that it uses water pressure and a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminates. The RO membrane was specifically designed to remove a wide range of health-related and aesthetic contaminants from water. Along with the RO membrane, there are three other filters that water passes through in an RO filtration system: the sediment filter, carbon filter, and polishing filter.

#1: Sediment Filter

The purpose of this first filter is to strain out dirt, silt and sediment that could damage the sensitive RO membrane.

#2: Carbon Filter

The second, carbon, filter removes contaminates that are most likely to affect the taste and odor of the water like chlorine.

#3: Reverse Osmosis Membrane

Now that the harsher contaminate have been removed, water passes through the semipermeable RO membrane to filter out smaller contaminants.

#4: Polishing Filter

The polishing filter is another carbon filter that the water passes through to catch any last contaminates that could give the water a bad odor or taste.

After water has passed through these four steps, it goes into a pressurized storage tank. It is stored there until it is used.

Benefits of a RO Water Filter for Pools & Spas

RO filters are often associated with drinking water but they are also great for homeowners with a pool or spa. Along with producing the safest and best tasting drinking water, using water from a RO water filter to fill your pool or spa can extend its life. There are 3 main benefits using RO water in your pool or spa:

Benefit #1: The process removes high levels of calcium that can damage the pool liner and leave behind ugly stains.

Benefit #2: Without excess calcium and other contaminates, your pool or spa will have better water balance making it easier to maintain the proper chemical levels for sanitation.

Benefit #3: Your pool will have excellent water clarity.