Richard Arconti 
I got an early look at the new SpringWell Whole House Cartridge System to test its performance and see how it stacks up against comparable water filter cartridge systems.
SpringWell is known for their popular tank-based filtration systems, so I was excited to get my hands on this new system. In this review, we’ll cover the specifications, advantages, and disadvantages of using the SpringWell CWH-1, CWH-2, or CWH-3.
SpringWell Cartridge Water Filters
- Whole House Carbon Filter, Salt Free Softener, And Lead & VOC Combo (CWH-3)
- Whole House Carbon Filter And Salt Free Softener Combo (CWH-2)
- Whole House Carbon Filter System (CWH-1)
Whole House Carbon Filter VS Cartridge Filter Comparison
SpringWell is applying its state-of-the-art filter and salt-free technology to a new and improved cartridge filter offering. Cartridge systems are particularly attractive due to the easy installation and minimal space required compared to tank-based options. Best of all, you can get it at an affordable upfront price.
That said, if you will be using your whole house filter for 4 or more years, the tank-based system is the more economical option. Feel free to check out our deep dive into the SpringWell Tank Based Whole House Filter for a better comparison.
When deciding if a tank-based or cartridge-based system is best, it’s important to know the differences.
Whole House Carbon Filter, Salt-Free Softener, And Lead & VOC Combo
Overview
The SpringWell combines the best of both worlds with a whole house water filter and salt-free conditioner into one compact system. It is designed to provide soft and clean water from every tap in your home without the negative effects of chemicals and salt.
The CWH-3 is unique in that it is the first time I have seen a carbon filter, lead & VOC filter, and salt-free softener in one cartridge system.
Who It’s Best For
The SpringWell CWH-3 is best for people with city or municipal water that have broad contaminant issues. This system will not only remove a wide spectrum of common city water impurities but also treat hard water lime scale at the same time.
“SpringWell offers a great price with a lifetime warranty. The taste of our water is great and my wife says her skin and hair feel healthy again. I highly recommend it.”
Michael S. – Verified Buyer (Florida)
System Components
- Sediment & Salt-Free Softener Cartridge: The 5-micron 20″ sediment filter will remove larger sand and debris particles from the water. The media also has embedded salt-free media to reduce the negative effects of hard water like limescale buildup.
- Carbon Block Cartridge: The carbon filter works to remove chlorine, chloramine, PFOA, PFAS, haloacetic acids, pesticides, bad tastes, odors, and more.
- VOC & Lead Cartridge: The third stage uses a .5 micron filter to remove lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCS), trichloroethylene, in addition to other organic contaminants.
- Filter Housings: The included filter housings attach to the mounting bracket and can be easily removed to replace the filter cartridges.
- Installation Hardware: The CWH-3 includes all the installation hardware including the mounting brackets, spanner wrench, o-rings, and lubricant. The plus side is that installing this system is very easy and will save money on materials and professional plumber costs.
How It Works
The inline design of the whole house filtration system is plumbed directly into your home’s main water line. The CWH-3 has three filtration stages that your municipal water supply is pushed through to remove harmful contaminants and treat hard water minerals.
In the first stage, the 5-micron sediment filter removes large debris to protect the rest of the system and your home’s appliances. But what really makes this cartridge unique is that it’s embedded with a salt-free conditioning media to treat the hard water minerals in your water. This will leave your water feeling soft while also reducing scale buildup on your water heaters, dishwashers, and laundry machines.
Next, water moves through the high-performance carbon block filter that is capable of treating hundreds of common city water contaminants. Because the uniform pore structure increases contact time with the water, it is able to effectively target chlorine, PFAS, pesticides, and more.
In the last stage, a .5-micron filter treats any remaining lead, VOCs, and organic compounds. For reference, human hair is 70 microns, so you can visualize how small the pores are on this filter!
Additionally, if you have issues with bacteria or boil advisories, the SpingWell cartridge system can be paired with a UV purification light. This will eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to ensure the safest water possible.
Whole House Carbon Filter And Salt-Free Softener Combo
Carbon Filter And Salt-Free Softener Best Salt Free Combo
Treats hard water scale without salt or chemicals
Up to 20 GPM flow rate so no pressure drop
Built with NSF-certified components
Lifetime warranty and 6-month guarantee
Overview
The SpringWell carbon filter and salt-free conditioner combo is designed to address those common municipal water contaminants like chlorine and chloramine, while still providing treatment for hard water. The main difference between the CWH-2 and the CWH-3 is this model does not include the third stage filter to specifically target lead or VOCs.
Who It’s Best For
The SpringWell CWH-2 is an ideal alternative if you are on a tighter budget, short on space, or don’t plan to stay in your home for more than 5 years.
System Components
- Sediment & Salt-Free Cartridge: The large 20″ pre-sediment filter removes sand, silt, and dirt from the water supply. Embedded in the 5-micron filter is a salt-free conditioning media to eliminate the effects of hard water without the need for chemicals or brine discharge.
- Carbon Block Cartridge: The included high-performance carbon block filter is highly effective at removing city water contaminants. As opposed to granular carbon filters, carbon block won’t channel over time, which slowly reduces effectiveness.
- Filter Housing: The included cartridge filter housings can easily screw on and off to replace the two filters when needed.
- Installation Kit: The CWH-2 includes an installation kit with spanner wrench, mounting brackets, o-rings, lubricant, and hardware. The good thing about a two-stage system is that installation is very easy with the inline design.
How It Works
The SpringWell two-stage system begins with water pushing through the 5-micron sediment filter. This extra-large 20-inch filter removes sand, dirt, silt, and other debris. As water comes into contact with the cartridge, the embedded salt-free media treats hard water minerals.
Once hard water interacts with the media, the calcium and magnesium ions are altered. The end result is the minerals are no longer able to stick to plumbing to cause scale buildup.
This system is great because it requires no salt or chemicals to operate so it’s more echo friendly. Compared to salt-based softeners which use an ion exchange process and dissolve sodium into the drinking water supply.
Next comes the carbon block filter that removes chloramine, chlorine, PFAS, pesticides, and other common municipal water contaminants.
The best part is you get all this with no drop in water pressure. The SpringWell can support a house with six bathrooms and has a max flow rate of up to 20 GPM.
Whole House Carbon Filter System
Whole House Carbon Filter Best Carbon Filter
Includes sediment filter to remove large debris
Up to 20 GPM flow rate so no pressure drop
Built with NSF-certified components
Lifetime warranty and 6-month guarantee
Overview
The SpringWell carbon filter is the most economical cartridge filter system available. It is designed to specifically target water contaminants like chlorine, chloramine, PFAS, pesticides, and more. The main difference between the CWH-1 and the other cartridge system offerings is this does not come with a salt-free conditioner media.
Who It’s Best For
The SpringWell CWH-1 is the best alternative if you have a tight budget and only need to target contaminants that can be removed with a carbon block cartridge. If you have hard water, lead, or VOCs, the other cartridge systems will be better suited.
System Components
- Sediment Filter: The 5-micron sediment filter removes large debris like sand, dirt, and silt.
- Carbon Cartridge: The carbon block filter needs to be replaced once per year and can remove contaminants like chlorine, bad tastes, and odors.
- Filter Cartridge Housing: The cartridge filter housings screw on and off to replace the two filters when needed in a matter of minutes. The system also comes with a spanner wrench to help with filter changes.
- Installation Kit: The CWH-1 comes with an installation kit that includes mounting brackets, o-rings, lubricant, and all the hardware. The nice thing with the two-stage cartridge system is that installation is very easy and it takes up minimal space.
How It Works
The SpringWell two-stage system begins with water pushing through the 5-micron sediment filter. The pre-filter removes large debris like sand and dirt to protect the rest of the system.
Next comes the carbon block filter that removes chloramine, chlorine, PFAS, pesticides, and other common municipal water contaminants. The carbon block structure maximizes contact time with the water to maximize filtration effectiveness.
Municipalities often vary the concentration of chemicals used to treat water during the year. This cycle affects the durability of a whole house carbon filter. But since the SpringWell is specifically designed for city water, it will deliver pure water throughout your home given any municipal water treatment.
Cartridge System Specifications
| Number Of Bathrooms | 7+ |
| System Dimensions | 16″ W x 30″ H and 24″ W x 30″ H |
| Flow Rate | 20 GPM |
| Operating Pressure | 42 – 120 psi |
| Connection Size | 1 “ |
| pH Range | 6.5 – 10 |
FAQs For SpringWell Whole House Cartridge System
How often do I need to replace the filters?
Can I install the whole home filter myself?
Do the SpringWell cartridge filters work with well water?
Where is SpringWell Made?
How Long Has SpringWell Been In Business
Why Trust Freshnss
Ricky is the founder of Freshnss and product reviewer specializing in water filtration, home, and kitchen products. For this SpringWell Cartridge Filter System reviews, he worked with our water review board of experts. And also with our network of industry professionals who offered whole house water filter insights and the qualities that made SpringWell stand out from the competition.
He looked SpringWell’s BBB profile where they have an “A” rating with no complaints. Overall, the SpringWell cartridge system stood out based on filtration performance, water flow rate, warranties, price, and overall value. He has read thousands of user reviews and written hundreds of product reviews. He has also tested and re-tested some of our top picks, and looked for filtration companies for new home water treatment options worth trying.
