In this article, we look at some of the best iSpring reverse osmosis systems (RO systems) you can find out there and give you a comprehensive review of the quality, performance, and extra features that each unit offers.
- iSpring RCC7
- iSpring RCC7P
- iSpring RCB3P
- iSpring RCC7P-AK
- iSpring RCC7U
- iSpring RCC1UP
- iSpring RCC1UP-AK
- iSpring RCC7D
iSpring is without a doubt one of the most reputable companies in the market that specializes in RO water filtration systems.
This top brand located in Alpharetta, Georgia has been producing a wide range of high-quality RO products including both RO systems and RO parts for over a decade now.
Its products include countertop RO systems, residential under-sink, and whole-house systems, commercial RO systems, ultra-filtration systems, faucets, RO pumps, kitchen faucets and fittings, filter cartridges, and housings.
In this article, we look at some of the best RO systems from iSpring you can find out there and give you a comprehensive review of the quality, performance, and extra features that each unit offers.
To make scanning through the reviews as easy as possible, we’ve divided the RO systems into 5 logical sections. We’ve as well included a brief review of some of the top bundles of replacement filters from iSpring that you can consider.
Therefore, if you are thinking of getting an iSpring RO system or replacement filters, this article will certainly be of great help in figuring out which model fits you best.
Group 1 – Essential RO Systems
iSpring RCC7 RO System
Our first top pick is the iSpring RCC7 RO system. This is one of the best-selling RO products from iSpring that have earned the Gold Seal Certification from the Water Quality Association (WQA).
It’s simple and affordable but a very reliable and efficient system that’s more than capable of removing all kinds of contaminants in the water.
Filtration Process and Stages
The RCC7 features an effective 5-stage RO filtration process which does so well to produce very clean and pure final water that’s safer and healthier to drink.
The first batch of filters in the system are three carbon-based pre-filters that make up the first three stages.
In the first stage is the sediment filter which is a high capacity polypropylene filter that removes all sediments and silt in the water down to 5 microns.
The second stage is made up of a 5-micron granular activated carbon (GAC) filter which is quite effective at trapping large contaminants and chemicals like chlorine and chloramines as well as removing microorganisms present in water.
All the particles, microorganisms, and chlorine that leaked through the second stage GAC filter are trapped by the CTO carbon filter in the third stage.
These three pre-filters are amongst the best you will find in the market. They perform so well with regards to eliminating most of the contaminants, chemicals, and microorganisms present in the water which allows the RO membrane to function at its maximum efficiency.
The membrane itself it’s a thin film composite filter that makes up the fourth stage of this iSpring’s RCC7 filtration system.
It’s very capable of removing contaminants down to 0.0001 microns which is so small to allow only water molecules to squeeze through while stopping up to 99.99% of up to 1,000 different contaminants.
Virtually nothing else will be able to pass through. It will completely remove all the harmful contaminants that often appear in well and municipal water including chlorine, dissolved solids, arsenic, bacteria, and viruses.
The final stage consists of a fine GAC post-filter which does the final polishing of the water by removing any other TDS or contaminants in the water from the RO tank before it’s delivered to the faucet.
The five stages of the systems progressively remove contaminants, cleaning and purifying the water to improve its quality and taste.
Filtration Capacity
The membrane of the RCC7 also has a high throughput which big thumps up. It’s capable of delivering up to 75 gallons of purified water every day which is sufficient capacity for nearly any family size even large families.
For every gallon of purified water produced, the system wastes around 3 gallons although it may vary depending on the quality and pressure and of your feed water. However, this average ratio you will find in most standard RO systems.
Installation and Maintenance
The system comes with quick-fitting connectors and everything that you need including all the parts from the storage tank to the faucet as well as all the mounting hardware and clear, well-organised instructions.
So, installation is pretty much straightforward if you are a very handy person or have some basic DIY skills. The system requires very little maintenance too as there are no moving parts.
The pre-filters have a service life of 6 months before requiring replacement while the post-carbon filter needs to be replaced every year. The membrane, on the other hand, will go for up to 2 to 3 years before requiring replacement.
Furthermore, the first stage filter (sediment filter) has a clear-see-through housing which facilitates an easy way to inspect the condition of the filter and know when it’s time to change it before a problem occurs.
The only setback we noted about this system is that the O-rings are somewhat thin and look a bit flimsy. Even so, it’s not really a deal-breaker as it can last long enough before you can change it for much better quality.
All the other components and parts are of great quality. The tank is made of steel and the construction of the main RO unit is sturdy which makes it very durable. You will also not hear any sound as the system is in operation. It’s super quiet.
Pros
- An effective 5-stage filtration process
- Removes up to 99.99% of all contaminants
- Can deliver 75 gallons of pure water per day
- Has quick-connect fittings for easy DIY installation
- See-through first stage filter housing for easy inspection
- The filters and membrane have a decent service life
- Comes with a 1-year warranty and lifetime support
Cons
- O-ring is quite thin and somewhat flimsy
- The wastewater ratio is relatively high
iSpring RCC7P RO System
If you live in an area where your typical residential water pressure is low, say around 40psi or lower, then this iSpring RCC79 might just be the ideal choice for you.
It’s a high-performance system designed with an inbuilt pump that boosts the feed water pressure high enough to allow the system to perform much effectively.
Filtration Process
Like the RCC7 model, the iSpring RCC7P utilizes a 5-stage RO filtration process which ensures reliable and efficient water purification results.
The three first stages consist of three 5-micron pre-filters that include a polypropylene sediment filter followed by a carbon KDF (GAC) filter and then a carbon block (CTO) filter.
The first two filters trap all sediments, large contaminants, and microorganisms that are bigger than 5 microns including chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals.
Smaller contaminants, chlorine, and microorganisms that pass through the second stage are further removed by the carbon block filter in the third stage.
The fourth stage is a high rejection RO membrane which gets rids of all remaining contaminants that are as small as 0.0001 microns.
It has a rejection rate of 99.99% hence can eliminate more than a thousand harmful pollutants including arsenic, viruses, bacteria, chemicals, lead, pesticides, chlorine, and fluoride.
In the final stage is the fine GAC filter that provides the final polishing. It removes any possible residual contaminant and odor that may have accumulated in the RO tank delivering clean and safe purified water to the faucet.
Inbuilt Booster Pump
Now the most commendable thing about this iSpring RCC7P model and what makes it really perform so well is the fact that it’s equipped with an inbuilt booster pump.
The RO filtration process requires high feed pressure so as to force all the impurities out of your water and when it’s low, the system will not be efficient. This is where this booster pump comes into play.
It’s designed to raise the inlet/feed water pressure going into the system from as low as 30 psi to about 70 to 80 psi which is an ideal level that optimizes the performance of the system from the first stage to the final one thereby facilitating more efficient filtering.
Furthermore, the pump features multiple sensors which help keep track of the pressure and turn on the pump as soon as the source water pressure falls below around 40 psi.
The sensors also automatically turn off the pump when the ideal pressure is obtained hence preventing any chances of overheating or other potential damages. Therefore, you are assured of consistent performance regardless of pressure variations.
Filtration Capacity
The RCC7P like its counterpart above utilizes a high capacity RO membrane that’s capable of producing 75 gallons of water per day which is large enough to handle the needs of most medium to large families.
Moreover, the booster pump helps increase the water production speed of the system allowing it to achieve an almost 50% faster tank fill rate compared to its competitors.
Boosting the water pressure also has the effect of minimizing wastewater production as the pump forces more water through the filters there reducing the wastewater production to up to 50% which is quite commendable.
Installation and Maintenance
In terms of installation, the unit is designed for DIY installation with color-coded tubings and push-to-connect fittings. It’s a pretty simple process that may not require the assistance of a professional if you have some little technical skills.
The user manual is clear and well-written, and all the necessary parts and tools required for installation are included plus a video should you need visual instructions.
You will need to change the pre-filters after every 6 months while the post-carbon filter can last up to a year before needing to be replaced and the RO membrane can go for at least 2 years.
Both the pump and the system are quiet during operation hence you can expect no disturbance at all. They produce very little noise which you can hardly hear over normal kitchen activity.
In general, there’s no notable setback in this iSpring RO system that can cause any alarm. It’s a reliable unit that will deliver great performance especially in situations where the feed water pressure is below 40 psi. All the parts are of good quality and certified by FDA and WQA.
Pros
- Optimum RO filtration performance through 5 stages
- Booster pump effectively raises water pressure to ideal levels
- Has a high pure water production rate with fairly less wastewater
- Easy to install with all the necessary tools included
- Both the pump and RO unit operate quietly
- Ideal for use in areas with a feed water pressure of less 40psi
- Backed by a 1-year warranty with lifetime support
Cons
- The supply water valve and O-rings are not of the best quality
- Requires a power source which may limit your installation options
iSpring RCB3P Commercial RO System
The iSpring RCB3P is amongst the top commercial-grade RO systems on the market. This flexible and convenient system is specifically designed for producing the purest water at high capacity making it a perfect model for commercial applications like in restaurants, labs, and industrial or hospital settings.
Filtration Process
The iSpring RCB3P features a 5-stage RO filtration process that effectively removes all kinds of contaminants and impurities from your water supply. Stage one is a polypropylene sediment filter which traps all particles larger than 5 microns.
Stage two consists of a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter while in stage three there’s an activated carbon block filter. These two help remove chlorine, chloramine, cloudiness, odors, VOCs, and other chemicals hence improving the taste of the water.
Stage four is made up of a triple membrane design consisting of three highly efficient RO membranes.
This unique combination of top-quality RO membranes ensures optimal performance in removing all kinds of contaminants in the water from heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, toxins, hardness, and a long list of many other impurities.
The fifth stage is a carbon post-filter and this eliminates any residual tastes, odors, and contaminants from the RO tank.
Now the best part about this unit is that while most other systems feature standard 10” filters, this one uses oversized 20” pre-filters.
They remove twice as many contaminants as the standard filters with the same amount of water. This makes the system highly effective and ideal for heavy use in commercial environments without having to replace the filters frequently.
Filtration Capacity
As we mentioned earlier, the RCB3P is equipped with three high-efficiency membranes each producing 100 gallons of purified water per day. Together they give you up to 300 gallons of water per day which makes it a really great option for commercial applications.
300 gallons is a large amount of clean filtered water and it will cater to most large demand needs. It’s perfect for restaurants, small offices, labs, and even salons.
However, it doesn’t come with an RO storage tank which will require it to work efficiently. It will need a large pressurized storage tank but it’s compatible with most of the options available on the market, so it’s not something to worry about much.
The system comes with a booster pump which not only increases the feed water pressure to optimal levels but also boosts the production of purified water. It’s capable of raising the pressure up to 80 psi while it can work with feed water pressures as low as 25 psi.
By increasing the pressure to optimal levels, the booster pump also maximizes the efficiency of the membranes hence resulting in a fairly decent pure to drain water ratio.
For every gallon of water produced, the unit will discharge two gallons of wastewater which is a pretty fair ratio compared to most other commercial-grade systems out there.
Installation and Maintenance
The installation of the RCB3P won’t present much challenge as the system comes with all the tools necessary to set it up including the first set of filters.
The only thing you will need is the pressurized RO storage tank and the delivery pump for the output line as the system doesn’t provide adequate pressure.
It comes with a free-standing frame which allows you to set it virtually anywhere you want. It keeps everything nice and clean.
The downside though is that it will take a little more space than other standard RO systems. It’s a heavy-duty system made for commercial settings.
As for maintenance, there’s very little to worry about. The system is designed to automatically flush the membranes every now and then, so no back-washing or manual flushing is required.
The filters and the three membranes last more than the ones you will find in standard RO systems as they are oversized 20” filters. The system is all equipped with a pressure gauge to help you quickly monitor the pressure changes and know when the filters need changing.
If you are after the best RO system for commercial use whether it’s in a restaurant, office, lab, or salon, the iSpring RCB3P is certainly a perfect choice. It’s capable of producing a large amount of filtered water at a faster rate and the filters are highly durable.
Pros
- Completely removes all contaminants in the water
- High filtration capacity of up to 300 gallons per day
- It’s equipped with a booster pump which increases its efficiency
- A free-standing frame provides great portability and flexibility
- Sturdily build with oversized filters for commercial use
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- Requires an RO storage tank which is not included
- More space is needed for the installation
Group 2 – Systems with Alkaline Filter
iSpring RCC7P-AK RO Filtration System
The iSpring RCC7P-AK is exactly identical to the RCC7AK model above except that it comes equipped with a booster pump making it an ideal choice for those households where the feed water pressure is below 40 psi.
Filtration Process
Like the RCC7AK, this unit is a 6-stage system with the first three stages offering a combination of three prefilters with polypropylene sediment filter in the 1st stage, a GAC (KDF) filter in the 2nd stage, and a carbon block filter in the 3rd stage.
Together they remove all large contaminants down to 5 microns as well as chemicals such as chlorine and chloramines. They also remove any unpleasant odor and tastes in the water.
The fourth stage RO membrane eliminates up to 99.99% of all the remaining contaminants in the water down to 0.0001 microns which include fluorides, arsenic, lead, bacteria, viruses, VOCs, and much more.
In the fifth stage is a fine GAC filter that removes residual contaminants from the RO tank. The final stage is an alkaline remineralization filter comprising of minerals stones and calcite media.
The filter restores the healthy minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) into the water while raising its pH to give purified water a more pleasant natural taste.
Booster Pump
If your source water pressure is low (below 45psi), then the iSpring RCC7P-AK model will solve this problem as it features a built-in booster pump that can raise the pressure up to 80 psi.
By boosting the pressure, the pump ensures the system works effectively regardless of any pressure variations and as well improves its production speed.
Filtration Capacity
The iSpring RCC7P-AK RO membrane can produce 75 gallons of water every day which is enough to meet the daily water demands of small to medium families.
The tank can hold up to 3.2 gallons which is pretty much a standard capacity for almost all the tanks that are included in iSpring’s RO systems.
For each gallon of purified water it produces, the unit wastes around 2 gallons, so it’s equally fairly efficient like its counterpart the iSpring RCC7AK above.
Installation and Maintenance
When it comes to installing this RCC7P-AK model, it’s quite a straightforward DIY process provided you have some technical skills.
All the necessary parts and tools for installation are included plus a clear manual and you can even get instructional videos on YouTube to guide you through the whole process. The unit is 19 inches tall, so it will fit under any kitchen sink with a 21” space in height.
Maintenance is as well a breeze. The pre-filters and the AK filter require replacing every 3 to 6 months. The RO membrane will last 2 to 3 years while the fifth stage filter can go for a year before requiring replacement.
The pump and the system operate nearly noiselessly such that you can barely hear any sound over normal kitchen activity. It won’t cause any disturbance at all plus the pump automatically turns once the tank is full.
If there’s any setback to point out it would probably be the fact that the service life of the prefilters is a bit short especially in the case of very hard water. Other than that, this is a great RO system to consider for those with low source water pressure.
Pros
- Removes 99.99% of all contaminants in water
- Restores the natural minerals and alkalinity of water
- Booster pump increases pressure to optimal levels
- Delivers 75 gallons of water a day
- Installation is fairly easy and the system operates quietly
- Comes with one year warranty and a one-year money-back guarantee
Cons
- The prefilters are not that durable
iSpring FA15 Alkaline Replacement Cartridge
The iSpring FA15 is an inline alkaline filter cartridge that offers a very effective way of adding back healthy minerals into the water and raising its pH value.
Filtration Media
The FA15 alkaline cartridge which is added just after the fifth stage of the RO filtration system is made up of red mineral stones and calcite media.
The mineral stones media restores the healthy minerals into the filtered water which includes calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium ions all of which are removed during the RO process.
The calcite media, on the other hand, improves the pH level of the purified water which tends to be slightly acidic after going through the RO process. It’s capable of raising the pH value by 0.5 to 1.2 which is enough to attain balanced alkalinity in the RO water.
Installation
The iSpring FA15 cartridge is a standard 10” filter which will fit any under-sink RO system. The installation has even been made easier as the filter features a push-fit quick connection that facilitates faster filter replacement.
Moreover, all the media used in the filter are natural materials and restore only natural minerals that will be absorbed 100% by the body plus they don’t leave behind any residues.
If you are thinking of replacing or adding an alkaline filter to your RO system, then this is no doubt a great option to consider. It will replenish the natural minerals, balance the pH level and make your RO water cleaner and healthier.
Group 3 – Systems with UV Light Filters
iSpring RCC7U RO System
The iSpring RCC7U is one of the best RO systems on the market that provides a nice combination of standard RO process and an Ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer to deliver an extra level of protection that guarantees a much safer and cleaner water.
Filtration Process
To start, the RCC7U is based on the iSpring RCC7 model. The filtration process is composed of the standard 5 stages of the RCC7 with the addition of a UV light filter which makes it a 6-stage RO system.
In the first line of defense, we have the three-carbon prefilters which eliminate sediments, particles, and contaminants larger than 5 microns. They also remove chlorine, chloramine’s unpleasant taste, odor as well as other chemicals present in the water.
Then there is the 0.0001-microns RO membrane in the 4th stage which traps more than 1000 known contaminants in water including fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy metals.
The 5th stage is a fine GAC filter which further clears residual contaminants from the water as it leaves the Ro tank.
UV Light Filter
On top of the standard 5-stage filtration process, the iSpring RCC7U features a UV filter in a stainless steel housing which forms the last stage of the system.
Chlorine is used in municipal treatment plants to kill off bacteria and microorganisms. However, the 5-stages of the RO system completely remove all the chlorine present in the water.
The side-effect of this is that the risk of these microorganisms growing back into the RO water as it’s stored in the RO tank or passes through the tubing is increased. This is where the 6th stage of this iSpring RCC7U model comes in handy.
The filter uses an 11W UV sterilization lamp which passes UV rays into the RO water killing up to 99% of all the bacteria, viruses, mold spores, cysts, and other microorganisms that are likely to grow in the water.
The combination of this UV filter and the standard RO process makes RCC7U really effective in not only removing contaminants but also dangerous microorganisms that might be present in the water.
Another commendable thing about this filter is that it comes with a smart flow sensor which automatically turns the UV lamp on and off with water flow.
It turns on the UV light immediately it detects flow and turns off again automatically when you turn off the tap. This way it guarantees greater efficiency and saves power in addition to lengthening the service life of the UV lamp.
Filtration Capacity
Same as the RCC7, the RO membrane of the RCC7U model can deliver up to 75 gallons of filtered water per day. Like I mentioned earlier, this is a fairly high output for a residential RO system and should be enough to cater for the daily water needs of most households.
The unit also doesn’t generate a lot of wastewater. For every gallon of clean water it produces, about two gallons get wasted and that’s within the range of many under-sink systems you will find on the market.
Installation and Maintenance
Setting up the RCC7U can typically take a few hours but the process is relatively simple since it’s designed for DIY installation with all parts and instruction manual included.
The entire unit will fit easily in most under-sink cabinets. However, you will need to ensure you have a power supply nearby the cabinet for the UV filter. That might be the only challenging part as far installation is concerned.
To sum it all, the iSpring RCC7U is indeed a wonderful RO system that no doubt guarantees extra quality water. If you use well water or have concerns about the possibility of bacteria in your water, then you might want to consider getting this iSpring RO system.
Pros
- Removes more than 1000 contaminants in the water
- UV light filter absolutely kills all microorganisms
- Smart flow sensor automatically turns the UV lamp on and off
- A fairly high output of up to 75 gallons of water a day
- A decent 1:2 pure to wastewater ratio
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime support
Cons
- Requires power supply which may make installation under the sink a bit challenging
iSpring RCC1UP RO System
Following the RCC7U is the iSpring RCC1UP which is an upgrade to the RCC7U model with the addition of a booster pump. It’s a unit that guarantees maximum performance and great filtration results in situations where the pressure of the source water is quite low.
Filtration Process
The RCC1UP utilizes a 6-stage RO filtration process same as the RCC7U. The first three pre-filters comprise a sediment filter, a carbon KDF (GAC) filter, and a carbon block (CTO) filter.
These filters effectively eliminate all large contaminants as well as chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals in the water. The RO membrane, on the other hand, performs a thorough filtration removing up to 99% of the remaining contaminants down to 0.0001 microns.
The fine GAC filter in the 5th stage takes care of residual contaminants from the RO tank while the 6th stage UV sterilizer which consists of a powerful 11 watt UV lamp destroys all the bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may have made it past the RO filter.
This highly effective filtration process ensures the water delivered on the RO faucet is totally free of contaminants and very safe to drink and cook.
The unit is also equipped with a flow sensor switch that automatically controls the turning on and off of the UV light according to the water flow hence saving power.
Pre-installed Booster Pump
Besides featuring a UV light filter, the RCC1UP has a pre-installed booster pump which is an essential addition that allows the system to work efficiently even when the source water pressure is below 40 psi.
The pump can raise the pressure of the feed water from as low as 30 psi to around 80 psi which is an optimal pressure level that enhances the performance of the unit and its production speed too.
Therefore, unlike its predecessor the RCC7U, this unit will give you faster tank fill rates even with fluctuations in your source water pressure.
Filtration Capacity
Another area we liked about this iSpring model is its high capacity RO membrane which can output up to 100 gallons of water per day.
This is a much higher capacity than most of the other standard residential RO systems from iSpring on our list. It’s sufficient output that can suit well families of almost any size.
Furthermore, with the pump boosting the production speed, you can expect a steady flow of clean water all day long. The pump also reduces the wastewater from 3 gallons to about 2 gallons for every gallon of purified water produced which is way much better.
Installation and Maintenance
We found the RCC1UP relatively easy to set up as it uses push to connect fittings and comes with a clear manual and all the parts you need to install it.
It might be a little tricky though if you are not that good with DIY installations as it will require a power source and a bit more space because it’s somewhat bulky. However, it will fit in most under-sink kitchen cabinets provided is higher than 20”.
The filter cartridges in the first 3 stages require replacing every 3 to 6 months based on your water quality while the stage 5 filter is to be replaced every year. The UV light filter can last about a year.
The RO membrane requires the least maintenance since it can last 2 to 2 years before requiring replacement.
The best part is that despite having the boost pump, the system runs quietly, only producing a low volume hum which is hard to hear with normal kitchen activity.
The overall quality of the unit is good too. The prefilters feature thick and solid housings while the fittings are plastic but feel durable. It’s a system that will definitely serve you for many years.
Aside from the installation being slightly tricky, the RCC1UP is a powerful and reliable RO system that’s designed to get the job done right.
Pros
- Removes all kinds of impurities
- UV sterilizer help kill any microorganism in the water
- Has pre-installed booster pump to enhance performance
- A very high output ideal for medium to large families
- Doesn’t waste a lot of water
- Generates very low noise during operation
- Backed by one-year limited warranty with a one-year money-back guarantee
Cons
- Somewhat bulky requires a little more space to install
- Installation might be slightly difficult
iSpring UVF11A UV Disinfection Sterilizer Filter
The iSpring UVF11A is a UV disinfection sterilizer that’s highly effective in combating different kinds of waterborne pathogens like viruses and bacteria quickly and efficiently.
It’s an excellent option for homeowners who want that extra level of protection and water quality especially if the source water comes from a well or where there’s a bacterial concern with the municipal water supply.
Performance
The UVF11A UV disinfection sterilizer uses a special double-ended 11W Philips UVC lamp which emits strong UV light of a certain wavelength that’s capable of killing the harmful microorganisms present in the RO water.
As the water passes through the filter, the emitted UV light penetrates through the microorganisms’ DNA and RNA codes disrupting and deactivating them hence causing the microorganisms to become inactive and preventing them from reproducing or infecting.
The UV light has the ability to kill up to 99% of all the bacteria, viruses, protozoans, cysts, and other microorganisms that might remain in the RO water after the filtration process.
Therefore, whether it’s municipal or well water, the filter will do an adequate job of destroying microorganisms and it can even tackle water from sources with excessive organic microorganisms like water from lakes and streams.
Moreover, the lamp offers an almost constant UV light output throughout its lifetime which not only ensures optimum disinfection but also high efficacy of the UV light.
Smart Flow Sensor
Aside from the effective UV lamp, this unit comes with a smart flow sensor which switches the UV light on and off automatically according to the water flow.
When you turn on the RO faucet, the sensor immediately detects when the water starts to actually flow and then automatically turns on the UV lamp to sterilize and kill the microorganisms.
As soon as you turn off the faucet, it also automatically turns off the UV light. This way, it gets to save power and more importantly, prolong the service life of the UV lamp.
Installation and Maintenance
The UVF11A is an add-on filter for under-sink RO systems which is added as a final stage. The installation is very simple.
It comes with everything you need including the UV lamp, smart flow control switch, quick fittings, brackets for hanging it on the wall, and a user manual to guide you. So, it’s totally a stress-free process and the filter is compatible with almost any standard RO system.
Furthermore, the UV lamp has been shielded in a solid 304 stainless steel housing which is very durable and water-resistant thereby keeping the lamp safe and well protected.
The lamp itself has a service life of 8,000 hours, so it will last more than 11 months which means you will only have to replace it once per year plus the sleeve.
In short, if you want a cost-effective way of ensuring your RO water is completely free of contaminants and harmful microorganisms, then we would highly recommend you check out this iSpring UVF11A UV disinfection sterilizer filter.
Pros
- 11W UV lamp effectively kill 99.99% of microorganism
- A chemical-free process that doesn’t alter the taste of the water
- Smart flow sensor that automatically controls the lamp
- Low maintenance as the only lamp and sleeve are replaced annually
- Easy to install and it’s compatible with most residential RO systems
Cons
- The mounting brackets may not fit nicely under every sink
- Only works efficiently with an existing RO system
Group 4 – Systems with Alkaline and UV light Filters
iSpring RCC1UP-AK RO System
iSpring RCC1UP-AK is quite identical to the RCC7AK-UV model above except that it includes a booster pump which the RCC7AK-UV does not have.
In all of iSpring’s RO systems we’ve reviewed, this is the most comprehensive model. It basically has everything you would want in an RO system.
Filtration Process
Similar to the RCC7AK-UV, the iSpring RCC1UP-AK is a 7 stage RO system and it uses the first 5 stages of the RO filtration process to very effectively eliminate all the unwanted impurities in the water including chlorine, odor, and unpleasant tastes.
Alkaline Remineralization Filter
To replenish the lost minerals removed by the RO process, stage 6 of the RCC1UP-AK makes use of an alkaline remineralization filter which has red mineral stones that add back the healthy natural minerals to the RO water.
The stones add calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium ions to the water which makes the water mineral-rich and healthy almost like the spring waters.
Aside from the mineral stones, the filter has calcite media which adjusts the pH level of the filtered water bringing it to a more neutral to alkaline level. This, in turn, enhances the taste of the RO water making it much refreshing to drink.
UV Sterilizer
Stage 7 of the RCC1UP-AK RO system comprises a UV sterilizer filter which utilizes the powerful iSpring’s 11W UV lamp. The lamp emits strong UV light which penetrates the water to clean off all the organic microorganisms from the water.
This stage is very essential especially if your water is from a well or any other water sources that are likely contaminated with germs and microorganisms such as streams and lakes.
The UV lamp is controlled by the iSpring’s smart flow sensor switch and it works flawlessly turning on the UV light automatically when there’s water flow and switching it off when no water is flowing but with around 3 minutes delay.
As I’ve mentioned severally in the other reviews, this sensor is a thoughtful addition that ensures the efficiency and durability of the UV lamp plus it helps cap the power consumption.
Booster Pump
Now, what makes the RCC1UP-AK impressive the most compared to its predecessor, the RCC7AK-UV model is the addition of a booster pump.
Unlike the other previous models, the pump that comes with this RCC1UP-AK system is a new and upgraded version that’s designed to work even more efficiently. The pump is capable of increasing the feed water pressure from as low as 30 psi up to 80 psi.
It ensures that the RCC1UP-AK RO system maintains a more efficient and consistent performance throughout even with variations in source water pressure. This makes the RCC1UP-AK an ideal choice for homes that experience lower water pressure.
Filtration Capacity
The other thing that puts the RCC1UP-AK ahead of the RCC7AK-UV model is its high production capacity. It’s equipped with the same quality RO membrane found in the iSpring RCB3P and RCC1UP models which produces up to 100 gallons of pure water per day.
This high filtration capacity means that the RCC1UP-AK is more than capable of suiting the water demands of families of large families.
Even much better, the booster pump enhances the production speed of the unit which means it will fill the RO tank much faster. It also helps reduce the amount of wastewater generated by the system in comparison to pumpless models. For every gallon of pure water, the system produces only 2 gallons of wastewater which is quite a decent ratio.
Installation and Maintenance
Setting up the RCC1UP-AK may prove a little bit challenging as it is a comprehensive RO system. Nonetheless, it does come with everything necessary to install it including a clear instruction manual, so if you are a handy person, it may not pose many challenges.
Maintaining it is not that hard though as it only requires regular cleaning up and changing of the filters every 6 to 12 months for the three prefilters and 1 to 3 years for UV filter and RO membrane. The post-carbon filter and the alkaline filter need to change once every year.
We couldn’t find any serious downside to this unit. However, although the flow sensor switch help minimize power consumption, the fact that both the pump and the UV lamp use electricity will likely raise your power bills but not too high.
To sum it all, the RCC1UP-AK is a perfect option for those who want a more comprehensive RO system that can very effectively deal with all kinds of contaminants and deliver the purest water. It’s especially great for households that often face low water pressure.
Pros
- Effectively removes all contaminants in the water
- Adds back lost healthy minerals and balances the pH
- UV sterilizer kills any microorganism lingering in the water
- Booster pump raises the water pressure to ideal levels
- High filtration capacity of up to 100 gallons a day
- Decent 1:2 pure water to wastewater ratio
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- A little bit challenging to install without basic DIY skills
- Requires electricity which may slightly raise the power cost
Group 5 – Systems with Zero TDS (Deionization)
iSpring RCC7D RO System
The iSpring RCC7D is an RO deionization filtration system specially designed for anywhere that ultra-pure water with zero total dissolved solids (TDS) is required.
It provides complete water purification via six individual filtration stages that include a specially manufactured deionization (DI) resin filter which makes a superb option for either aquarium use or drinking water.
Filtration Process
The early filtration stages of the RCCD7 are the same as the RCC7 and the other iSpring RO systems.
The five stages feature the 3 carbon pre-filters that capture large contaminants and volatile organic carbons in the water. They as well ensure chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals are removed in the water ahead of the RO membrane.
The TFC RO membrane completely removes all the contaminants that are larger than 0.0001 microns while the fifth stage coconut shell post-filter further captures any residual chlorine and chloramines that sipped through the RO membrane.
Deionization Filter
The last stage of the iSpring RCC7D is the specially designed deionization resin filter and it’s what sets this model apart from most other similar systems out there.
It’s a super-efficient deionization post filter which completely removes the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the filtered water that the RO membrane could not capture.
It effectively uses ion exchange resins to clear all the dissolved contaminants bringing the water to 99.99% purity with close to 0 ppm TDS.
In other words, it delivers the purest water possible, even purer than distilled water which makes the RCC7D ideal for use in aquariums, laboratory testing, and cleaning.
The water produced by the system is also safe for drinking, but considering that all the TDS and minerals are completely removed, it may taste plain or unpleasant to most people.
However, if your tap water is hard and you don’t mind the taste, then you can certainly use this system to soften your tap water hardness level and produce clean and highly pure drinking water.
Filtration Capacity
With regards to filtration capacity, the RCC7D will give you a maximum of 75 gallons of clean water per day which is sufficient for larger freshwater aquariums, reef aquariums, and fish breeders.
It’s as well enough for small to medium-sized families if you are using it for drinking water. It wastes around 2 gallons for every gallon of water it produces, so it’s equally quite efficient.
Installation and Maintenance
The installation process for the RCC7D can be a bit confusing but the instruction manual is clear and well organized plus there are videos that guide you through the process. All the parts are included and the unit is small enough to fit under most standard kitchen sinks.
In general, we would highly recommend the iSpring RCC7D to anyone who is looking for a system that can give them the purest water with almost zero TDS value.
The combination of the RO filtration process and the deionization filter will absolutely give you clean, clear and water with maximum purity possible ideal for your aquarium or drinking.
Pros
- Captures all the contaminants including chlorine
- Super-efficient deionization filter clears all the dissolved contaminants
- Fairly large filtration capacity of 75 gallons a day
- Suitable for drinking water, aquarium and applications that need pure water
- Everything required for the installation is included
- Relatively easy to install and comes with 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Produces ultra-pure water which may taste plain
iSpring FD15 DI Deionization Filter
Closing our list of the best iSpring RO systems is the iSpring FD15. If you want zero TDS water but don’t want to get a whole new system, then this FD15 Deionization filter might just be the right fit for you.
This is a filter for RO DiIonization systems which is added as the 6th stage post filter. The FD15 functions by using a process called deionization or ion exchange technology.
The ion exchange resin media inside the filter exchanges positive hydrogen and negative hydroxyl ions for the positive and negative ions of the contaminants in the water.
Therefore, all the positive ions like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, exchange places with hydrogen ions while the negative ions such as iodine are replaced by the hydroxyl ions.
This process is super-efficient at removing even the most difficult minerals and finest contaminants in the water.
This is because all the positive and negative ions of contaminants in the filtered water are displaced by the active hydrogen and hydroxyl ions on the ion exchange DI resins. As a result, you get highly purified water with zero TDS.
It’s a great option if you have an RO system already installed and you want to completely remove dissolved contaminants and minerals in your RO water. It’s also very effective at softening the water level hardness.
In terms of installing the FD15 to your RO DI system, you won’t break a sweat as it’s just a matter of fitting it after the 5th stage carbon post filter.
It uses ¼” fitting which means it will fit almost any standard RO DI system and the housing is clear for an easier view of the media status.
The best part about this iSpring DI filter is that it’s refillable. You can actually open it and then fill it up easily with another media.
In other words, it simply provides a much more efficient and reliable way of removing all TDS, minerals, and other small amounts of residual impurities that may have slipped through the RO membrane and post carbon filter.
Pros
- Reduces TDS value to almost zero
- Filtered water is great for drinking and aquarium use
- Easy and quick to install
- Fits almost any RO DI system
- You can refill the media
Cons
- Requires a ¼” fitting which is not included
Top iSpring RO Replacement Filter Sets (Bundles)
iSpring F3 Replacement Filtrer Cartridge Pack
The iSpring F3 is a set of three quality replacement pre-filters designed to remove a wide variety of contaminants from the water and protect the RO membrane to extend its lifespan.
The first filter is a sediment filter which makes up the first stage in the RO filtration process. It consists of food-grade polypropylene micro-fibers that capture all the sediments and contaminants down to 5 microns.
It removes dirt, sand, silt, scales, and rust particles in the water hence helping minimize clogs and pressure loss.
The next one is a second stage filter comprising of a granular activated carbon filter that reduces chlorine, chloramines, and bad odor and taste in the water. The filter also traps remaining sediments in the water to prevent the 3rd stage filter from getting clogged easily.
The third filter in the set is a CTO carbon block filter that takes the third stage in the RO process. The filter is made of quality activated carbon media that’s wrapped in a polyolefin material with polypropylene outer netting.
This CTO carbon block filter helps to further capture chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals as well as any residual sediments that are bigger than 5 microns. It effectively removes bad taste and odor thereby improving the taste of the RO water.
All three filters come well individually wrapped and have a service life of 6 months before requiring replacement which is pretty the standard lifespan of most RO replacement prefilters.
The filters measure around 10” x 2.5”, so they are compatible with almost any residential under sink RO system. If you are looking for a nice and affordable set of replacement filters for your RO system, then this iSpring F3 pack is worth looking at.
iSpring F4 Replacement Filter
Following the F3 is the iSpring F4 set of replacement filters which is a slight upgrade with one more extra filter than the F3.
The set comes with 4 different filters consisting of the first three prefilters of the RO process and an additional post-filter for the fifth stage in the RO system.
A polypropylene sediment filter forms the first line of defense in the F4 prefilters and it removes all the fine solid particles as small as 5 microns which includes silt, dirt, and sand that may clog the other filters.
In the second stage, the F4 offers a granular activated carbon filter (GAC) which helps trap and absorb chlorine, chloramines, and other different kinds of organic chemicals.
It employs both mechanical filtration and physical adsorption to effectively capture chlorine and chemicals. It can also efficiently remove unpleasant odors and tastes. The filter includes a special carbon media too which helps prevent bacteria growth in the RO system.
The last prefilter is a 5-micron activated carbon block filter. It traps and absorbs the remaining chlorine, chloramines, organic chemicals, and unpleasant odor thereby further enhancing the taste of the water. It also clears any remaining fine particles in the water prior to entering the RO membrane.
The fourth filter in the iSpring F4 set is yet another activated carbon filter which is the post-filter for the fifth stage of the RO system. This filter provides the final polishing of the RO water before it’s delivered to the faucet.
It absorbs any residual chlorine that seeped through the other RO stages and as well helps remove the particles that might have accumulated inside the RO storage tank and ended up in the store water.
As for installing these F4 filters, you will have little to worry about as they are all standard filters that will work with most under sink RO systems that utilize standard 10” x 20.5” housings.
It comes with a manual you can refer to should have trouble setting them up. The lifespan of the first three prefilters is 6 months while the post-filter can last up to one year.
iSpring F5-75 RO Replacement Filter Pack
In the third spot, we have the iSpring F5-75 filter pack. This is a full set of replacement filters for the 5-stage RO systems which includes even the RO membrane.
The set comprises three prefilters, the RO membrane, and a post-filter cartridge which allows you to perform a complete replacement of your whole old RO filtration process.
The prefilters include a 5-micron polypropylene sediment filter which makes up the 1st stage, GAC (granular activated carbon) filter in the 2nd stage, and a 5-micron activated carbon block filter in the 3rd stage.
Like I mentioned earlier, these three initial filters remove the fine particles and chemicals specifically chlorine, chloramines, and organic chemicals in the water all of which may damage or clog the fine pores of the RO membrane. They also help eliminate unpleasant odors and improve the taste of the RO water.
Now the best addition in this set is the 4th stage RO membrane which is a thin film composite membrane with pores that are 0.0001 microns in size.
These super small pores trap up to 99% of all the remaining contaminants leaving only the water molecules to pass through with extremely low traces of dissolved solids.
It’s capable of removing about 90 to 97% of all total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. Another commendable thing about this RO membrane is that it has a high production capacity.
It can filter 75 gallons of water per day which is a fairly large capacity and ideal upgrade if you have a 50 GPD RO membrane and want to improve the production rate of your system.
The last filter in the set is the activated carbon post-filter which efficiently provides the final polishing of the RO water to ensure no chlorine or contaminant remains when the water is delivered to the faucet.
All 5 cartridges are about 10″ x 2.5″ in measurement. They will nicely fit in most standard 10″ housing RO systems. Plus the activated carbon post-filter features an updated secure push-fit connection that facilitates faster filter replacement.
The three prefilters need replacing every 6 months while the RO membrane will need changing 2 to 3 years and the post-filter at least once every 12 months.
iSpring F9K Replacement Filter Set
If you have an alkaline RO system or just want to improve the taste and quality of your RO water, then the iSpring F9K may be a nice option to consider.
This filter set offers 9 pieces of replacement filters with the most notable addition being the highly effective iSpring alkaline remineralization filter.
The first pack includes 6 prefilters made up of two 5-micron polypropylene sediment filters, two granular activated carbon filters, and two 5-micron carbon block filters.
These give you a full-year supply of prefilters which will ensure your RO system particularly the RO membrane performs to its optimum potential. Aside from the 6 prefilters, the pack also includes an activated carbon post-filter for the 5th stage of your RO system.
The highlight of this set, however, is none other than the addition of the 6th stage alkaline remineralization filter. The RO filtration process removes almost all the healthy minerals which results in slightly acidic water.
Thereby, the inclusion of the alkaline filter in this FK9 will easily help tackle this problem. The filter features red mineral stones media that restores the lost healthy minerals to the RO water.
The media adds back calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium ions all of which are removed during the RO process. The alkaline filter also features a calcite media which raises the pH value of the RO water by about 0.5 to 0.8 resulting in balanced alkalinity.
The addition of the natural minerals and improvement of the pH level will ensure you get healthier water that has a much better and natural taste than the plain RO water.
You won’t have any difficulties either when it comes to replacing your old filters with these new iSpring FK9 replacement filters because they use the standard 10” RO filter housings.
The filter pack is designed to fit and work efficiently with the iSpring RCC7AK and RCC7P-AK RO systems, but it will also fit any other RO system with 10” filter housing including Apec, PuROLine, Crystal Quest, and FLowmatic systems.
All the six prefilters have a service life of six months with the two post-filters giving you 12 months of service each before requiring replacement. The alkaline filter will last 6 months and it also comes in two pieces, so you have a yearlong supply too of alkaline filters.
iSpring F10KU RO Replacement Filter Set
The F10KU is one of iSpring’s most comprehensive replacement filter packs in the market. The set is meant for 7-stage RO systems and it comes with 10 filter pieces that include both the alkaline remineralization filter and UV light sterilizer filter.
Like the iSpring FK9 above, this F10KU set features 6 prefilters comprising of two PP sediment filters, two granular carbon filters, and two carbon block filters. So you are also assured of one year supply of replacement prefilters for your RO system.
The pack as well features a 5th stage activated carbon filter for the post-filtration of the RO water as it leaves the RO storage tank.
For the 6th stage of the RO system, the set comes with two alkaline remineralization filters which are equally made of red mineral stones and calcite media as that of the FK9 set.
These two alkaline filters will make sure you continue to get RO water that has the essential healthy minerals and a much more balanced pH level for a whole year. Each of the filters lasts up to 6 months, thereby you will only need a replacement after a year.
The final filter which makes this F10KU highly attractive for those looking for that extra level of protection is the UV disinfection sterilizer filter. This is meant for the 7th stage in the RO system as the final line of defense before delivering the filtered water to the faucet.
The filter uses a powerful 11W Philips double-ended UVC lamp that emits strong UV lights which penetrate the water molecules to kill up to 99% of all remaining harmful microorganisms that the other filters could not remove.
It’s a highly effective UV light filter that removes all bacteria, viruses, protozoan cysts, and other different microorganisms that are likely to linger behind and grow in the RO system or tubings over time.
The 10 pieces of filters measure 10” X 2.5” hence if you have a standard 7-stage ALK UV RO system with standard 10” housings, you will face no challenges incorporating them into your system.
The pack is ideal for the iSpring RCC7AK-UV or the RCC1UP-AK models. It can as well fit most standard 7-stage RO systems from other different brands.
iSpring F15-75 RO Replacement Filter Set
If you have a 5-stage RO system and you are looking for a filter pack that will give you replacement filters for your whole RO filtration process, then the iSpring F15-75 is another superb option you can consider.
The pack is much similar to the iSpring F5-75 as it offers all the filters for a standard 5-stage RO system including the RO membrane.
However, unlike the F5-75 set which has 5 filter pieces, this one comes with 15 replacement filters which makes it a great long-term investment.
The set features 12 prefilters that comprise four 5-micron sediment filters, four granular activated carbon (GAC) filters, and four 5-micron CTO carbon block filters.
Each of these 12 prefilters has a 6-month lifespan and will do well to remove fine particles and absorb chlorine, chloramines, halide, and other chemicals and impurities that contribute to unpleasant taste and odor.
In addition to these filters, you also get a 0.0001-micron TFC RO membrane which can effectively remove 99% of the contaminants present in the water.
It’s a high-capacity membrane like that of the F5-75 filter set capable of producing 75 gallons of pure water in a day. That’s a suitable capacity for families with high demand for clean drinking water and the membrane can last up to 2 to 3 years before you can replace it.
The set also comes with four pieces of 5-micron post-carbon inline filters for the 5th stage where the RO water undergoes further polishing to remove residual impurities from the RO tank. Each of these post-filters offers a service life of 6 months.
To sum it all, the iSpring F15-75 is certainly a complete filter set that guarantees you will have ample replacement filters to keep your RO system up and running efficiently throughout. With this pack, you will go for 2 years without spending a single coin on another set of replacement filters.
iSpring F28K75 Replacement Filter Pack
Wrapping up our list of top iSpring RO replacement filter sets is the iSpring F28K75 which like the iSpring F15-75 above gives you sufficient replacements filters for your RO system.
Actually, this is the only set on our list that offers the highest number as it comes with a whopping 28 replacement filters meant for a 6-stage RO system with an alkaline remineralization filter.
For the prefilters, the F28K75 features six 5-micron sediment filters, six 5-micron granular activated carbon (GAC) filters, and six 5-micron CTO carbon filters. With each filter having a lifespan of around 6 months, it will take 3 years before you can update this set of filters.
Included in the set is a 0.0001-micron TFC RO membrane which provides a 99% contaminant rejection rate and a production capacity of 75 gallons per day. The membrane is of good quality too and will last 2 to 3 years.
Following the RO membrane is a set of 3 post-carbon inline filters and these have a service life of approximately 12 months, so the three pieces will also last you 3 years like the prefilters.
The last filter in the F28K75 pack is a set of 6 alkaline remineralization filters. These filters replenish the healthy minerals removed by the RO process and raise the pH value of the RO water by 0.5 to 0.8 to deliver a better tasting, healthy, pure water with balanced alkalinity.
Each alkaline filter in the pack can last 6 to 12 months. Therefore, combined with the other 21 filters and the RO membrane, the iSpring F28K75 gives a 3 year supply of replacement filters for your RO system which makes it worth considering if you after a nice long-term investment.
The filter pack is compatible with iSpring RCC7AK and RCC7P-AK RO systems. It will as well fit any other RO system with standard-sized 10″ filter housings.
Conclusion
From our reviews above, you can clearly tell that iSpring offers some of the best RO systems and replacement filters currently on the market.
All of the systems we’ve included in this exclusive list deliver excellent filtration capability with great efficiency. They will clean any tap water and produce pure water of similar quality to any bottled water.
We’ve made sure to cover different types of systems to give you a wide range of options to choose from based on your particular needs. Therefore, it’s a matter of selecting the model that suits you best and we hope our detailed reviews above will help to make your decision much easier.