Welcome to AWMS, I’m your host, Pete. In today’s guide, I share my comprehensive AquaTru water filter review. The AquaTru countertop filter system is part of the growing countertop reverse osmosis filtration fad.
In my review, we’ll go over everything you need to know about this system before you buy it. We’ll check out the key features, filter type, replacement filters, cost, where to buy it, see if it makes alkaline water, and of course, my review with the pros and cons of owning this system.
Are you ready to get started? Let’s start with the features…
Key Features
- 4-Stage filtration includes three filters (pre-filter by Filtrex, US-made reverse osmosis membrane by GE, activated carbon filter by Filtrex)
- Includes first set of filters
- Easy-Access Filter Bay
- Removes 1000s of potential contaminants in your tap water
- Made with BPA-Free and BPS-Free Tritan Plastic
- Filters 1 gallon of water every 12 to 15 minutes
- Each gallon of tap water makes 3/4 gallon of purified water
- Removes fluoride up to 93.5%
- Requires electricity
- Very low power consumption (2 tanks per day costs on average $1 a year)
- Dispensing Button
- Digital Display with Filter Life Indicator
- Okay for international use (comes with 24-volt adapter)
- Filter Life: 6 months to 2 years
- Dimensions: 14″ Height x 12″ Width x 14″ Depth
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Capacity: Tap Water Tank 1 Gallon, Purified Water Tank 3/4 Gallon
- Warranty: One-Year Limited
Installation
The AquaTru water filter installation is mostly straightforward. I read through the manual and made this list of key points for you to consider:
- Place the AquaTru away from direct sunlight to prevent algae growth in the tanks
- Sanitize your hands and the area where you plan to put it before unboxing the unit
- Clean the tanks with soap and water before running the unit. Allow the moisture to dry completely before connecting the tanks.
- Run 4 full tap water tanks through the unit before you drink filtered water from the unit. This process activates the filters and releases air bubbles in the reverse osmosis membrane.
- Don’t use an abrasive sponge when cleaning the unit
The video below is AquaTru’s quickstart guide:
AquaTru Replacement Filters
When you purchase your AquaTru, the first set of filters comes with the unit.
There are three filters inside the unit:
- Prefilter
- VOC Filter
- Reverse Osmosis Filter
What is the filter life for AquaTru replacement filters?
Here’s a filter life breakdown for each filter:
- Prefilter: 600 gallons or 6 months (whichever occurs first)
- VOC Filter: 600 gallons or 12 months
- Reverse Osmosis Filter: 1200 gallons or 2 years
How much do the AquaTru replacement filters cost?
There are currently two replacement filter sets available at Amazon. Use the links below to check the current price for each set:
What contaminants do AquaTru filters remove?
It’s important to keep in mind that AquaTru uses reverse osmosis filtration, which does an incredible job of removing everything from your source water.
Reverse osmosis filtration removes essential minerals and contaminants. Purified water from the AquaTru has a very low TDS (total dissolved solids) reading.
Does the AquaTru filter remove fluoride? Yes
Here are some of the key contaminants AquaTru filters remove:
- Chlorine (96.6%)
- Fluoride (93.5%)
- Lead (99.1%)
- Chloramines
- Arsenic
- Prescription drug residues
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Chromium 6
You can be sure you’re drinking ultra-purified water from this unit, certainly much cleaner than standard water filter pitchers produce.
Warranty
How long is the AquaTru water filter warranty? The warranty period is one year.
I advise you to read through the entire manual when you receive your unit because there are certain actions that void the warranty such as not dumping out the tap water tank before you refill it.
You also want to avoid scratching the plastic when you clean the tanks.
AquaTru advises you to clean the tank at least once per week to avoid any calcium buildup and/or algae growth.
If you do get calcium buildup, it’s best to soak the tank in a vinegar solution to remove it. Follow the directions in your manual for the best results.
What does the warranty cover?
The warranty covers all defects in materials and workmanship starting from one year after the purchase date, not the date you receive the unit.
The buyer must cover shipping and processing fees for repairs and replacements.
AquaTru provides an 800 number for all warranty claims.
Every time you filter one gallon of tap water, the AquaTru leaves about 1/4 gallon of wastewater in the tap water tank. This 1/4 gallon of wastewater must be dumped before you fill the tap water tank again.
Does the AquaTru water filter make alkaline water?
The AquaTru water filter does not make alkaline water. Why? Reverse osmosis water is typically slightly acidic because it removes all the minerals from tap water.
Alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium raise water pH and provide your body with essential minerals.
If you’re a fan of alkaline ionized water like me, there are certainly better water filtration options available.
How to make AquaTru water alkaline?
If you already own an AquaTru water filter and want to start drinking alkaline water from your unit, AquaTru does make ionic mineral drops that raise the pH of your drinking water.
Each bottle of ionic mineral drops makes 60 gallons of alkaline water. Click here #ad or the image below to check the current price and read more:
What’s in the drops?
- The minerals come from Utah’s Great Salt Lake
- There are 79 different trace minerals
You may also be interested in reading my alkaline water drops review for additional information and options.
Additional Clean Water Tanks
AquaTru also offers additional clean water tanks for enhanced portability. You can take a tank with you to work or anywhere you want without having to bring the entire unit with you.
Also, you can keep an extra tank in your fridge to have a constant supply of cold drinking water.
Click the image below to read more about the AquaTru additional clean water tanks and check the price at Amazon #ad:
What to expect?
Below are conclusions I drew:
- There’s a chance of receiving a faulty unit
- Leaking issues are not uncommon
- If you get a good unit, expect years of reliable use
- The filter life indicators could be more accurate
- A heavy reduction in ppm, which is common with reverse osmosis
- Excellent tasting water for a countertop RO system
- Definitely an upgrade over Brita
My AquaTru Water Filter Review
Now for the fun part, my AquaTru water filter review. I’ve reviewed a long list of water filter products, and after reading everything there is to know about the AquaTru system, I feel qualified to give you an honest review.
Likes
- I like that the plastic is both BPS and BPA-free. A lot of people forget that BPA isn’t the only thing we need to watch out for in plastic since companies are great at replacing one evil with another evil.
- Reverse osmosis filtration is the real deal. You can be sure you’re drinking extremely pure water when it’s undergone reverse osmosis filtration.
- The AquaTru’s design is appealing to the eye. Other similar filters I’ve seen I wouldn’t want to place on my countertop.
- The low power cost and consumption of the unit are a huge plus. When I first saw that it requires electricity to run, I was concerned it might be costly.
- The fourth-stage activated carbon filter is a nice touch to enhance the flavor of the water.
- The easy-access filter compartment makes changing filters quite simple.
- I like that it creates less wastewater than a traditional reverse osmosis system.
- Fluoride removal is a must for me, and the AquaTru takes care of that.
- Portability
Dislikes
- There are too many moving parts for my taste. This is the reason why a lot of people’s units stopped working or started to leak.
- When I clicked the link for AquaTru’s water report, that part of the site was conveniently under maintenance. I always like to review a company’s water report to see exactly what I’m getting.
- The TDS is a bit high for a reverse osmosis filtration system. For example, there are traditional systems that cost a lot less and will give you lower ppm readings.
- I prefer alkaline ionized drinking water with essential minerals in it. Some water experts believe that water with a low ppm can leach minerals from our bodies.
- The AquaTru price feels high to me. It’s in the same range as the Cosan Pure Hydration filter that makes hydrogen-rich alkaline water. There’s also a countertop alkaline reverse osmosis system by APEC that costs a couple hundred less.
- In my opinion, you’re better off investing in a reverse osmosis system with remineralization to drink purified alkaline water without the need to buy additional ionic mineral drops. I recommend the Express RO system model ROALK10DCG because it adds calcium, magnesium, and potassium instead of calcium only.
- AquaTru’s marketing angle instills fear by pointing out all the contaminants found in water. In reality, their product is just an attractive-looking countertop reverse osmosis filtration system that runs on electricity.
What do you think of my AquaTru water filter review? Was I fair?
Final Thoughts
Since I’m partial to drinking alkaline ionized water, the AquaTru certainly isn’t at the top of my shopping list.
I recommend checking out the products I linked to in “my dislikes” section to see if there’s a better option for you and your wallet.
