8 Types of Whole House Water Filters

If you are considering a whole-house water filter, understanding the different systems available can make it much easier to choose the right solution for your home.

Whole-house water filters treat all the water entering your property. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry. The result is water that is cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant in taste and smell. A quality system can also deliver wider benefits, such as reducing harmful contaminants and improving the condition of your skin and hair.

Not all systems work in the same way. Most whole-house filters use multiple stages of filtration, with each stage designed to address specific water quality issues. Knowing which filtration methods you actually need can help you avoid paying for unnecessary features.

Before choosing a system, it is a good idea to review your local water quality report. Once you understand what is present in your water supply, you can select the most suitable combination of filters.

Types of Whole House Water Filters

Each type of filter targets different water concerns. Many systems combine two or more of these technologies to provide broader protection.

1. Sediment Filters

Sediment filters are usually installed as the first stage of filtration. They capture larger particles such as dirt, sand, rust, and silt before these reach other components. This helps prevent blockages, improves efficiency, and extends the lifespan of the entire system.

There are two common types:

• Cartridge filters, which trap particles within layered materials
• Spin-down filters, which allow debris to be flushed out through a valve, reducing the need for replacements

Pros

• Removes visible particles
• Protects downstream filters
• Affordable and simple to install

Cons

• Cartridge filters require regular replacement
• Does not remove chemicals, bacteria, or viruses

2. Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon is one of the most widely used filtration materials. Made from natural sources such as coconut shells or wood, it is highly effective at removing chlorine and other chemicals that cause unpleasant tastes and odours.

Whole house systems typically use granular activated carbon, which performs better under higher water pressure than carbon block filters.

Pros

• Improves water taste and smell
• Reduces chlorine and chemical contaminants
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Does not remove sediment or heavy metals

3. Catalytic Carbon Filters

Catalytic carbon is a modified form of activated carbon that has been treated to enhance its performance. It is especially effective at reducing chloramines, which are commonly used as disinfectants and are more difficult to remove than chlorine.

Pros

• Highly effective against chloramines

Cons

• Less effective at removing chlorine and heavy metals
• Typically more expensive

4. KDF (Copper-Zinc) Filters

KDF filters use a copper and zinc alloy to reduce the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and algae. They are often used alongside carbon filters to improve overall system performance and longevity.

Pros

• Helps control bacteria and algae
• Improves taste and odour
• Extends the life of other filters

Cons

• Does not fully eliminate biological contaminants

5. UV Filters

Ultraviolet filters do not physically remove contaminants. Instead, they disinfect water by using UV light to neutralise bacteria, viruses, and parasites such as E. coli and Giardia.

They are particularly useful for properties supplied by private wells, but they work best when combined with other filtration stages.

Pros

• Eliminates up to 99.99 percent of microorganisms
• No chemicals involved
• Simple annual maintenance

Cons

• Requires a constant power supply
• Does not remove particles or chemical contaminants

6. Water Softeners and Conditioners

Although not technically filters, water softeners and conditioners address hard water caused by calcium and magnesium. While hard water is not harmful, it can cause scale buildup, damage appliances, and affect laundry results.

• Water softeners use ion exchange to remove hardness minerals and require salt and electricity
• Salt-free conditioners alter mineral behaviour to prevent scale without removing the minerals themselves

Pros

• Reduces scale buildup
• Protects pipes and household appliances
• Improves laundry and dishwashing results

Cons

• Does not filter contaminants
• Can be costly

7. Calcite Filters

Also known as acid neutralisers, calcite filters raise the pH of acidic water by passing it through natural minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. This helps improve taste and reduce corrosion in plumbing.

Pros

• Uses natural mineral media
• Improves pH balance and taste

Cons

• Does not remove contaminants

8. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters

Reverse osmosis systems provide one of the most thorough forms of filtration. Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that removes a wide range of contaminants, producing exceptionally pure water.

Because this process also removes beneficial minerals, many systems include a remineralisation stage. Due to cost and water usage, RO systems are often installed at individual taps rather than used for the entire home.

Pros

• Extremely effective filtration
• Produces very pure drinking water

Cons

• Higher cost and water waste
• Removes beneficial minerals, which can affect taste
• Not always practical for whole house use

Choosing the Right Whole House Water Filter

The best system for your home depends on your water supply and your household’s priorities. Start by reviewing your water quality report, identifying the most important contaminants, and choosing a system that addresses those concerns.

Multi-stage systems with optional features such as UV treatment or water softening often provide the best balance. This approach ensures clean, safe water throughout your home without paying for filtration stages you do not need.