Review: Aquios AQFS234 & AQFS234L Jumbo Water Softeners and Filters

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We decided to review the Aquios AQFS234 Jumbo and the Aquios AQFS234L Jumbo both at once, since they are almost identical salt-free water softening and filtration systems.

Aquios AQFS234

Aquios AQFS234

Price: $
Flow Rate: 15-18 gpm
Capacity: 60,000 gal
Tech: Polyphosphate Water Conditioning
NSF-Certified: ?

Our Rating

Aquios AQFS234 Jumbo & AQFS234L Jumbo Salt-Free Water Softeners – Key Features

The only difference between Aquios AQFS234 Jumbo and Aquios AQFS234L Jumbo is that the latter uses a finer filter cartridge that can trap more contaminants by filtering impurities down to a size of 1 micron instead of 5.

This includes rust, chloroform and a group of contaminants that are called volatile organic compounds, short VOCs, which originate from industrial solvents, paints, shower curtains and other sources.

VOCs can be carcinogenic – not a bad idea to have them removed.

The 5-micron filter is mainly to remove sediment and chlorine odor & taste.

Due to the fact that we have different micron ratings, we also have varying filtration capacities and therefore lifespans:

  • The AQFS234 solid carbon block filter is rated at 60,000 gallons and usually lasts between 3 to 6 months.
  • The AQFS234L carbon block cartridge is rated at 150,000 gallons and has a filter life of 6 to 9 months.

Besides, Aquios recommends that you use a pre-filter stage together with the AQFS234L (especially for well water).

Otherwise, chances are that the cartridge will clog early and reduce flow rates significantly.

Is this softener-filter combo suited for larger homes? Absolutely! You can expect anywhere between 15 to 18 gallons per minute, which is sufficient for families of 5+ living in homes with multiple bathrooms.

Pros

First of all and most importantly, the Aquios AQFS234 and AQFS234L can handle hardness levels of up to 30 grains per gallon.

You have to keep in mind, though, that we are talking about salt-free softening systems a.k.a. conditioners which won’t remove any hardness minerals from your water.

Instead, the anti-scaling effect is achieved by means of a food-grade additive (Siliphos) that prevents the largest chunk of calcium and magnesium from attaching to surfaces, such as your water heater, faucets, shower heads – you name it.

It is also quite possible that already existing deposits in pipes and household appliances dissolve over time.

Another benefit of using a salt-free softener is that you won’t have that slimy feel on your skin that’s often caused by regular salt-based systems.

In addition, a salt-free conditioner is much more eco-friendly as no excessive sodium or potassium will be discharged into our water supplies and later the environment.

No salt also means no regeneration saving you money as zero wastewater goes down the drain.

What’s more, the technology does not require electricity nor programming, and the maintenance is kept at a bare minimum.

Did we mention that all Aquios systems are covered by a 20-year warranty on the housing plus the head assembly?

Aquios AQFS234

The Aquios AQFS234 – learn more on amazon.com

Installation

Due to their compact design, Aquios Jumbo conditioners are easy to install, especially if you use shark bite fittings.

Simply connect them to your main water line as close as possible to where it enters your home.

The manufacturer says that the average DIY installation takes about two hours:

If a softener is not equipped with a bypass valve, we recommend you provide for one for ease of maintenance. Also, make sure to comply with local plumbing codes.

  1. Find a suitable spot. This should be as close as possible to the entry point of the main water line. You need to install the water softener vertically.
  2. Turn off your water at the main valve.
  3. Use screws to attach the included U-bracket to the wall studs and make sure to keep it at least 36” above the ground.
  4. Take off the blue collar to remove the housing head – you may need to use a wrench.
  5. Hook up a threaded nipple to the inlet and outlet ports of the valve-in-head at both sides, and use Teflon tape for a good seal.
  6. Connect the valve-in-head to the wall. Run the nipples in the housing head through the U-bracket’s sides.
  7. Hook up the unit to your main water supply.
  8. Insert the included cartridge into the sump. Make sure the O-ring is aligned with the sump housing adaptor at the lower end.
  9. Verify the rubber O-ring is seated in the sump correctly.
  10. Secure the housing to the head and use the blue collar to secure it in place. You can use the wrench to tighten it, but don’t go overboard.
  11. Turn on your main water supply and verify there are no leaks.

The Package (Parts)

  • All-in-one softening & filtration system (25.4″ x 8″)
  • Cartridge
  • Mounting bracket
  • Mounting hardware
  • Housing wrench
  • Installation instructions

Maintenance

What do you have to do in terms of maintenance? Nothing except for replacing the cartridge as soon as it’s worn out.

Cons

Here is what we don’t like:

  1. We couldn’t find any lab reports or certifications that verify the claims made by Aquios in regards to the anti-scaling effects. And indeed, some users reported that they did not see any difference in their water, whereas others said that their dish washer and electric water heater had less scale buildup. We assume that the decisive factor is the descaling additive that is most effective at a pH-range of 8 to 10.
  2. For some users, the cartridges need far more frequent replacements than advertised to prevent huge drops in pressure and flow rates. This is not cost effective.
  3. One customer complained about a leaking system. Another said his water kept coming out all milky and cloudy. After speaking to a friendly support team member, the whiteness was assumed to originate from salt residues that were being flushed out of the pipes. The coloring vanished a couple of days later.

Aquios AQFS234 Jumbo & AQFS234L Jumbo Review: Our Verdict + Best for

It looks like the Aquios AQFS234 and AQFS234L Jumbo do what they are supposed to do: They reduce the scaling effects of hard water (though not entirely) and remove even tiny particles from both well and city water.

Taking into account the medium prince range we rate them with 3.5 stars.

In our opinion, the series is best for very large homes with a water pH of 8 to 10 and people looking for a combination of salt-free water softener and filter system.

This completes our Aquios AQFS234 & AQFS234L Jumbo review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
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Gene

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