Water filters: selection rules, manufacturers overview

If you find scale on a teapot, the first thought is to clean the water. Today there are many types of water purifiers. Water filters of various cleaning methods, technologies and different quality. And if after analysis of drinking water a high content of metals, chlorine and so on was found? What is the best way to choose a water purifier so that it can effectively deal with identified problems? Each has its pros and cons. How is it determined in choosing a home filter for cleaning and disinfecting water with all this diversity?

Where does the choice begin?

It is advisable to choose water filters for the home, starting from their purpose. Just water purification is not all. Of the variety of water purifiers, we highlight the main ones:

• Pitchers
• Nozzles on the crane;
• Flowing.

Also divided by the cleaning method:

• Mechanical cleaning;
• Sorption purification;
• Iron removal
• Ion exchange;
• Membrane cleaning.

Each of these filters, in addition to water treatment, changes the composition of water.

The simplest option: a filter jug

The simplest choice in the world of filtration is a filter jug. In choosing a household filter, a jug is the simplest solution for water treatment. The name comes from the view itself: it is a jug, in the upper part of which a cleaning element is a cartridge. Water treatment takes place inside the tank. Water passes through the purifier and remains in the jug itself. Such filtering delays the mechanical parts - sand, dirt. In addition, it perfectly eliminates chlorine and heavy metals. Cons - it should always have water in it, otherwise the water purifier will work worse. The disadvantages include the fact that the cleaning element must be replaced after a while.

Filters in the form of a nozzle on the crane

The nozzle is a convenient device that helps to conveniently clean water from various impurities. It is put on the crane. Inside there is a removable cleaning cassette. The advantages of such a cleaner are its comparatively low cost and ease of use; it looks aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen interior. Cons - a small resource, the quality of cleaning depends on the pressure of running water.

Bench Top Filters

Consist of a small tank with a tap and filter element. The water purifier itself is mounted near the sink, and is connected to the tap by a hose. Perfect for a summer residence, because it does not need to be constantly moistened, like a filter jug. The advantages of this system in high performance are 2 liters per minute.

Sink-mounted filter systems

One of the most popular varieties is the trunk installation. It is directly connected to the water supply, usually located under the sink for convenience. It consists of a plastic flask with a filter mechanism inside. Depending on the type of cleaning mechanism, the main system cleans the liquid from large particles, impurities of lime and chlorine, and also softens the water. Before installing such a cleaning system, a water analysis should be performed. Depending on the indicators, the main system is divided into the following types:

• For hard water;
• Iron removal;
• With activated carbon (removes chlorine);
• For purification from magnesium and calcium.

Filters with reverse osmosis system

One of the best ways to clean liquids is the reverse osmosis system. It is successfully used for cleaning mechanical impurities and harmful salts. The system consists of a semipermeable membrane that traps various particles. The liquid is purified at the molecular level, which prevents bacteria from entering. During the passage of one stream of water through the membrane, the other moves in the opposite direction. Such a flow helps to clean the membrane of residual inclusions of salts and contaminants. Liquids are pushed through the pressure that the network itself or a special pump creates.

Key manufacturers of water filters

The five leaders in the production of water purifiers are officially Aquafilter (Poland), Ecosoft (Ukraine) and the Geyser, Akvafor and Barrier companies, which are located in Moscow.

Should I buy a Barrier filter?

Barrier is one of the leading water purification companies in the world. In the arsenal of this company there are various water purifiers according to technology. In addition to cleaning, they perform various tasks: the elimination of mechanical impurities, bacteria, chlorine. The Barrier company uses special technologies based on silver ions, which makes it possible to disinfect water. A coconut-based water purifier purifies liquids not only from chlorine, but also from its compounds.

This company has several types of water purifiers:

• Filter jug ​​for children;
• Shower Head;
• For cottages;
• Prefilters;
• Softeners

Each of them has its own specifics. For example, children's jugs are designed specifically for children from three months. Using silver, water is completely purified from bacteria. And for children over four years of age, special filter cartridges are designed that saturate the liquid with magnesium, fluoride ions and trace elements. The shower head is suitable for small apartments in which it is not always possible to place a large, high-quality water purifier. And for a summer residence, the filtration system was adjusted to the autonomous water supply of the house.

Prefilters are designed for private sector homes, which often take water from wells, thereby risking health and household appliances. The technique is usually clogged with particles of sand and clay, and the prefilter eliminates such coarse particles.

Softeners remove water from magnesium and calcium salts, which makes it less rigid.

It is difficult for an ordinary buyer to decide on a water purifier, but numerous customer reviews indicate the quality of the products of this campaign.

 Aquaphor or Barrier: which is better?

In the water purifier market, Aquafor is a serious competitor to Barrier. However, Akvafor significantly loses to the Barrier, but not in quality, but in technology. Many water purifiers of this company have electronic water meters, which greatly simplifies consumption control and savings. Like Barrier, they produce filter jugs, cleaners for wells, wells, filter nozzles for cranes, filters for treatment facilities. But not everything is so smooth. Filtration cassettes have a much smaller volume, they need to be replaced more often. Also, users are not delighted that different systems need to be changed at different times.

The prices for the equipment of these companies practically do not differ, although the Barrier filter jugs can be bought cheaper.

Is there an alternative?

In the domestic market there is a wide selection of water purifiers. But if you can’t get them? Or is it necessary to purify water in nature, but there is no filter at hand? In this situation, you can make a water purifier yourself. The main thing in this business is to pick up the capacity. An ordinary five-liter bottle is also suitable. The bottom is trimmed, and gauze, cloth or cotton wool is put in the bottle. Charcoal is poured on top, and then river sand. That's all - the homemade cleaner is ready. Liquid is poured into the container, and a small hole breaks through the lid through which it must pass.