RO/DI Prefilters from Home Depot, Lowes, etc...

[Jacob D]

Anyone use the 'generic' prefilters from Home Depot, etc... in their RO/DI systems? I came across them where the drinking water filters are and figured I'd give them a shot. I've been using them for awhile now, it didn't change my TDS reading at all, so I think everything is ok.

Anyone else?

[Paulairduck]

I run a four stage RO filter and I get 0 tds on the meter, it is from SAMS CLUB, but my water is less than 200 to start, so I can get away with not having the DI section.

No problems, over a year now.

[AZDesertRat]

Hardware store variety filters are not the same quality as better RO filters are. The better the filter the better they protect your membrane so don't cut corners. I use nothing but absolute rated prefilters in either 0.5 or the new 0.2 micron pleated prefilters from Spectrapure. Get at least a 1 micron or smaller prefilter and a solid carbon block in he 0.5 to 1.0 micron range. Cheap granular carbon adsorbs between 200 and 300 gallons worth of chlorine before they are shot where a 0.5 micron carbon block can adsorb up to 20,000 gallons at 1 ppm chlorine residual. Big difference.

[Jacob D]

One of these days I'll get a Spectrapure... at least I keep saying that


Off topic, do you treat your water for your homebrew? I started brewing not too long ago, getting ready to do a mini-mash oatmeal stout.

[AZDesertRat]

Depending on the brew I use either 100% RO only or if it is a heavier or german style I use 50/50 tap/RO or add burtons salts or gypsum.

[Jacob D]

Yeah the DI would probably be a bad call. My tap water has a hint of sulfur or something similar so it's bottled water for me here on out. I have not got into making my own water recipes yet...