Review: Aquios AQFS220 Full House Water Softener and Filter System
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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In this 3-in-1 review, we are going to check out the Aquios AQFS220 salt-free water softener and whole house filter as well as the Aquios AQFS220L and AQFS220C which are two slightly altered versions of the AQFS220.
All 3 promise to reduce sediment and chlorine in water supplies, plus the accumulation of limescale on pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Iron staining can also supposedly be prevented.
Let’s find out if there is any truth to that!
Contents
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Aquios AQFS220 Full House Water Softener and Filter System |
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| Price: | $ |
| Treatment Process: | Coconut Carbon Block (5 Microns) + Polyphosphate Water Conditioning |
| Hardness Limit: | 30 gpg |
| Filter Life: | 15,000 Gallons |
| Flow Rate: | 12 Gallons Per Minute |
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Overall Rating: 3.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on softening/filtration performance, grain capacity, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Aquios AQFS220 Full House Water Softener and Filter System – All Specs
- Model: AQFS220, AQFS220C, AQFS220L
- Annual Maintenance Cost: ~$160-420
- Treatment Process: Coconut Carbon Block + Polyphosphate Water Conditioning
- Flow Rate: Up to 12 gpm
- Filtering Capacity: 15,000-45,000 gal
- Max Hardness: 30 gpg
- WxHxD: 5.3″x23.4″x5.3″
- Weight: 8 lb.
- Water Temperature: 40-115 °F
- Water Pressure: Up to 100 psi
- Fitting: ¾” Male NPT
- NSF Certifications: Standard 42
- Warranty: 20 Years
Aquios AQFS220 – Key Features
First of all, how do the Aquios AQFS220, AQFS220L, and AQFS220C work? Well, they are a combination of whole house water filter and salt-free water softener.
The softening component uses polyphosphate, a food-grade and FDA approved additive, that conditions hard water triggering an anti-scaling effect which keeps calcium, magnesium, and other hardness minerals in solution. How? The polyphosphate binds them so they can’t stick to one another nor to pipes and other surfaces (the method is backed by science).
As for the filtration component, the Aquios AQFS220 uses a 5-micron (nominal) carbon block filter that eliminates sediment, dirt, and chlorine among a handful of other impurities to mainly improve water aesthetics.
The only difference to the AQFS220C is that it comes with a clear rather than a white filter housing which allows you to determine the current state of the filter cartridge at a glance.
The AQFS220L on the other hand uses a 1-micron (nominal) carbon block filter instead of the standard 5 microns. The 1-micron version will remove more chlorine taste and odor for a longer period (more on this below) and also reduce potentially harmful VOCs, pesticides, chloramines, and cysts. Bottom line: Your water will be of higher purity and therefore healthier to drink.
You should keep in mind, however, that the AQFS220L is not recommended for well water applications unless you install an additional pre-filter. Otherwise, cartridge life will be shortened significantly and you are likely to see a huge drop in water pressure and flow soon.
By the way, Aquios full house water softener and filter systems can provide up to 12 gallons of water per minute, so enough for larger families.
Max hardness level is 30 grains per gallon.
Aquios Full House Water Softener and Filter System Pros
What are the benefits of using a salt-free water conditioner vs. a salt-based water softener?
No salt means no regeneration and no brine. In other words:
- No more lifting of heavy salt bags to refill the brine tank. This also saves you time and money.
- No water is wasted for backwash.
- You won’t get the typical slimy feel on your skin that “properly” softened water often leaves.
Besides, the phosphate sequestering process minimizes the risk of discoloration and staining from iron etc. And, according to Aquios, it also dissolves hard water deposits that may have already accumulated in your plumbing system and appliances.
Lastly, Aquios systems are covered by a warranty that lasts 20 years.
What Contaminants Are Being Removed?
The Aquios AQFS220 and AQFS220C remove sediments down to 5 microns in size and chlorine.
The AQFS220L removes sediments down to 1 micron, chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, chloramines, and some cysts.
All 3 systems reduce the scaling effects of hard water.
The Aquios AQFS220 – learn more on Amazon.com
Installation
Aquios recommends installation be performed by a plumbing professional. However, taking into account that we have a very compact design, you should be able to set up the whole house water softener and filter combo yourself without any issues if you are handy around the house. The process isn’t overly complication.
Plus, the system features a built-in bypass integrated into the housing head. This makes installation a lot easier. The manufacturer says that the average DIY installation takes about two hours.
Please consider these instructions as a general guideline. Always make sure to check and follow your user manual before getting started.
Tools and materials needed for installation:
- Teflon plumbers’ tape
- Pipe cutters or hacksaw
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s primer and glue
- 3/4″ PVC pipe
- 3/4″ PVC threaded fittings (PEX or PVC can also be used)
How to install the system:
- First, you’ll need to shut off the main water line supplying water to your home.
- Next, mount the U-bracket to the wall studs horizontally. Use the included screws to mount the bracket. If your wall studs don’t align with the included anchors, then use the bundled drywall anchors for mounting. If you need to mount to concrete or brick, then you’ll need to purchase additional anchors. The mounting bracket should have 36” of ground clearance to make filter changes easier.
- Unscrew the blue-colored collar from the housing head by rotating the filter wrench clockwise.
- Now, attach the threaded male fittings to both the inlet and the outlet of the valve head. Be sure to use plumbers’ tape on the threads. Also, ensure the inlet and outlet ports are facing the correct direction by examining the directional arrows.
- At this point, you’ll need to attach the valve head to the wall. Insert the housing head into both sides of the U-bracket. You must mount the system in a vertical direction.
- Now, connect both the inlet and outlet fittings to the unit head. You’ll need to cut through your main water line to complete this step.
- Insert the filter cartridge into its housing. Line up the O-ring on the cartridge bottom with the adaptor at the housing bottom.
- Ensure the O-ring is properly fitted in its groove.
- Mount the filter housing to the unit head by attaching the blue-colored collar. Now, tighten counterclockwise by hand at first before finishing off with the included filter wrench.
- Turn your home’s water supply back on and examine the system for leaks. If you find any, shut off the water supply, remove the filter housing in question and check that the O-ring is seated correctly.
The Package (Parts)
- Housing head with built-in bypass valve
- Housing collar
- O-ring
- Filter Sump
- ¾” stainless steel U bracket
- Cartridge
- Collar wrench
- 10x screws
- ¼” anchors
- Installation manual
- Cartridge specification sheet
Maintenance
Maintaining an Aquios water conditioner is simple. All you have to do is replace the softening/filtering cartridge once it has reached its capacity.
The cartridge of the regular AQFS220 is rated at 15,000 gallons of chlorine removal, the AQFS220L cartridge at 45,000 gallons – which is not a whole lot. Depending on how much water you use, we estimate around $160-420 for annual replacement cost.
To change the filter cartridge:
- Use the included filter wrench to rotate the built-in bypass valve on the filter head.
- Now, turn the blue collar clockwise to loosen the filter housing from the unit head.
- Detach the filter housing, and remove and discard the old filter cartridge.
- Remove the new cartridge from its wrapping, and insert it into the housing ensuring it’s correctly seated.
- Insert the filter housing back into the unit head and turn the blue collar counterclockwise to tighten.
- Use the included filter wrench to snug the blue collar.
- Lastly, turn the built-in bypass on the unit back to “Softener”.
Manual
Here is a link to the official manual:
https://www.aquios.net/publications/manuals/220Series/Online/index.html
NSF and Other Certifications
The manufacturer states that the system is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 42, which is the standard pertaining to the reduction of chlorine taste/odor and particulates.
We couldn’t find any documentation online to verify this.
Earlier Product Versions
The Aquios AQFS220 has no earlier product versions.
Cons
One major issue is that too many customers saw a huge drop in water pressure and flow rate soon after installing one of Aquios’ whole house water filters/softeners. The reason here is that the cartridges tend to clog up quickly.
While the supply is reasonable for a new cartridge, after one month of use it’s totally unacceptable in some cases. As a result, cartridges have to be replaced much more frequently which is not only a hassle, it also skyrockets the cost.
Speaking of, the regular AQFS220 filter element is rated at no more than 15,000 gallons of chlorine removal. At around $70 each, this can easily add up to more than $450 a year if we assume annual water consumption of around 100,000 gallons which is pretty average for a family of 4. The AQFS220L performs much better here.
What’s more, a handful of customers had problems with leaking systems, especially from the housing and the bypass valve when activated, and were disappointed by unresponsive customer service. This is certainly a concern, and something you’d want to examine closely should you purchase the system.
A large number of users had leaking issues with the AQFS220C filter in particular, from the clear housing. It makes sense to avoid this model if you’re planning on purchasing the Aquios system.
The polyphosphate additive is most effective at a pH-range between 8 to 10. This might explain why some users did not seem to get any softening benefits.
Personally, we don’t like the idea of adding polyphosphate into our water. Sure, the salt is food-grade approved and tasteless, but there are other water conditioning methods out there that don’t add anything which we prefer.
Aquios AQFS220 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
All in all, the Aquios AQFS220, AQFS220C, and AQFS220L full house water softener and filter systems do their jobs for the price, IF all water conditions and requirements are met (the series is best for regular-sized households on city water with a pH of 8 to 10).
Then you will not only get better-tasting drinking water, your hair and skin will also feel better, your clothes will look noticeably more colorful, your soaps and detergents will lather more easily, and you will see less deposits on faucets and other fixtures and surfaces.
Our rating: 3.0 stars.
Our Rating in Detail:
- Overall Performance: 3.5/5.0
- Filtering & Softening Capacity: 3.0/5.0
- Purchase Price: 5.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 3.0/5.0
- Overall: 3.0/5.0
Comparison to Other Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softener Combos
Let’s compare Aquios water treatment systems to the SpringWell CSF which is another whole house water filter and salt-free softener.
SpringWell CSF |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Treatment Process: | Sediment (5 Microns), Catalytic Carbon + KDF, TAC Water Conditioning |
| Hardness Limit: | 81 gpg |
| Filter Life: | 1,000,000 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 9-20 gpm |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on softening/filtration performance, grain capacity, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Aquios AQFS220 |
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| Price: | $ |
| Treatment Process: | Coconut Carbon Block (5 Microns) + Polyphosphate Water Conditioning |
| Hardness Limit: | 30 gpg |
| Filter Life: | 15,000 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 12 gpm |
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Overall Rating: 3.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on softening/filtration performance, grain capacity, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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The SpringWell CSF uses a 5-micron sediment filter and a tank filled with catalytic carbon and KDF filter media. Another tank uses TAC media. As such, the SpringWell removes sediments, chlorine, chloramine, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, disinfection byproducts, and other organics. KDF reduces water-soluble heavy metals like lead and prevents the growth of microorganisms. The TAC media conditions hard water minerals so they crystallize and can’t form limescale deposits (up to 99.6% scale reduction, 81 gpg max hardness).
Simply put, the SpringWell CSF provides a much more thorough filtration process when compared to the Aquios. And, it’s suited for much higher hardness levels without adding anything to the water.
On top of that, we have a filtration capacity of 1,000,000 gallons and annual cost of no more than $40. Flow rates range from 9 to 20 gpm (enough for very large homes), depending on which unit size you choose.
Did we mention the 6-month satisfaction guarantee in case you are not satisfied and the limited lifetime warranty?
We clearly prefer the SpringWell CSF over the Aquios.
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This completes our review of the Aquios AQFS220, Aquios AQFS220C, and Aquios AQFS220L. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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