How to Add an Alkaline Filter to Your RO System
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: May 31, 2023
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An alkaline filter is a handy addition to a reverse osmosis system, so much so that many systems will come with one pre-installed for convenience
While it isn’t a necessary addition, an alkaline filter will remineralize your reverse osmosis water, raising its pH and improving the taste and nutritional content of the water, which is important for some.
If you have a reverse osmosis system that does not have an alkaline filter, you can add one yourself, provided you are using a compatible RO model. Let’s elaborate!
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Key Takeaways
Adding an alkaline inline filter to your RO system is a straightforward process that takes only a few minutes:
- Turn off the water supply to the RO system.
- Close the tank valve.
- Open the RO dispenser and flush any remaining water.
- Disconnect the faucet water line from the last filter stage.
- Connect the alkaline filter. This is usually done using quick-connect fittings.
- Clip the membrane to hold the filter in place.
- Clip the filter in.
- Open the feed water valve and tank valve, and check for leaks.
How to Add an Alkaline Filter to Your RO System
So, how to add an alkaline filter to your RO system?
Most of the alkaline filters are called remineralization filters, and they are what is known as inline filters. They are easy to connect and should be placed after the RO membrane + ASO valve (and possibly after other post-filters), and the whole process should only take a few minutes:
- Turn off the water supply to the reverse osmosis system, and close the tank valve.
- Open the RO faucet and let it run to release any pressure.
- Disconnect the faucet water line from the final filter stage.
- Carefully thread the remineralization filter into both ends, making sure to match them correctly, using thread fittings.
- Clip the membrane to hold the filter in place.
- Clip the filter in.
- Connect the tubing to the fittings, turn on the feed water, open the tank valve, and check for leaks.
How Does an Alkaline Water Filter for RO Systems Work?
Alkaline water filters, or remineralization filters, are made with natural mineral media, which add minerals to water as it passes through. Depending on the filter brand, this process boosts the water’s pH and adds calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.
When reverse osmosis filters water, the minerals are removed along with the contaminants, and those minerals are the things that give water its alkalinity — adding the minerals back in means adding the alkalinity back in.
Other Ways to Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water
If you cannot add an alkaline/remineralization filter to your RO system, there are other ways you could get those minerals back into the water, though they do take a little more effort.
Using Mineral Drops and Other Electrolyte Blends
Remineralizing RO water can be done by adding mineral drops or electrolyte blends to the water before you drink it. These specially formulated supplements contain a well-balanced combination of minerals, or you can choose to purchase the minerals separately and customize your blend.
Be careful if you choose the latter option, as health complications can result from too much of one kind of mineral.
Using an Alkaline Water Pitcher
Alkaline water pitchers function similarly to the remineralization filter stages by enriching water with minerals contained in its filter medium, which also increases pH levels.
Simply fill the pitcher from the reverse osmosis faucet and keep it handy for small quantities prepared in advance.
How to Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water Naturally
Adding mineral-rich salts like Dead Sea salt or Himalayan salt is often suggested for those who want a more ‘natural’ way to remineralize RO water.
However, the effectiveness of this method is debated, as some sources claim that around 30 grams of salt is needed to make a significant difference in terms of mineral content, which is an unhealthy amount. Using only ¼ to ½ of a teaspoon of salt per gallon is recommended with this method.
Further Reading:
What Are the Benefits of RO Water Remineralization?
Remineralization of RO water comes with several benefits. It is important to note that these benefits are due to the mineral content of the water and not its alkaline pH. The benefits of alkaline water have not yet been scientifically proven.
Better-Tasting Water
Many people describe RO water as having a flat or bland taste. This is because the ‘taste’ of water comes from the minerals and solids it contains, and removing them leaves you with pure H2O that doesn’t have much flavor. While some may prefer purity, others may miss the taste that comes from drinking regular water. Remineralizing RO water will add a little of that taste back.
Proper Hydration
Enjoying the taste of your water is key to staying hydrated. Don’t feel like drinking it because of bad taste? Remineralizing RO can improve health because better-tasting water increases your chances of consuming it.
Essential Minerals
While minerals in drinking water account for only about 5% of our daily intake, they can still be a valuable addition to our overall diet. Although remineralizing RO water is not a necessity, it can be beneficial and provide that extra 5% of minerals that some people may not get from their daily food intake. This is especially valuable for those with less-than-ideal diets who need an extra boost of essential minerals for better health.
If you have any thoughts about the question, how can I add an alkaline filter to my RO system, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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