RO filters

MyboyJoJo · Jan 15, 2020

Hi , can anyone recommend a RO filter. As a newby I am having a bit of trouble. Bought one online. 5 stage 150 gpd it dosn't come close to that. Its nearer 50 gpd. My water pressure is 38 psi. which is ok. Filtered water is 74 ppm. I understand RO filtered water ppm should read 0 if possible but certainly below 5 is that correct?

RocketEngineer · Jan 15, 2020

The issue you have is likely not enough pressure. Most units prefer 60psi at the inlet and some go as high as 90psi. Do you have a deionizing canister after the RO membranes? It’s likely filled with what look like beads.

RocketEngineer · Jan 15, 2020

Also, pictures of how you have it sep up always help us troubleshooters.

The Aquatic Arsenal · Jan 15, 2020

You will need a booster pump to maximize efficiency. I know BRS sells them.

stacksoner · Jan 15, 2020

I can't understand how they sell these things without a booster pump.

The Aquatic Arsenal · Jan 15, 2020

slewrock1 said:
I can't understand how they sell these things without a booster pump.

Honestly 38 psi coming in is really low.

RocketEngineer · Jan 15, 2020

Some folks on public water have plenty of pressure where as folks like me with a private well (and a shallow one at that) have limited water pressure but lots of flow. It just depends on where you live.

The Aquatic Arsenal · Jan 15, 2020

RocketEngineer said:
Some folks on public water have plenty of pressure where as folks like me with a private well (and a shallow one at that) have limited water pressure but lots of flow. It just depends on where you live.

This is true. I know my in laws had to but a bigger pump in on their well. A booster pump should take care of the problem for you.

Terry Mattson · Jan 15, 2020

I have a 5 stage and 55 psi. I purchased a pump anyway. It runs at the max rating of 80 psi. BIG difference and more efficiency on tbs reduction. Worth the money. Get one and enjoy....

theMeat · Jan 15, 2020

RocketEngineer said:
Some folks on public water have plenty of pressure where as folks like me with a private well (and a shallow one at that) have limited water pressure but lots of flow. It just depends on where you live.

Well pressure tank will add pressure to your well. You likely have one, and they’re somewhat adjustable, along with well pump controller

lapin · Jan 15, 2020

MyboyJoJo said:
Hi , can anyone recommend a RO filter. As a newby I am having a bit of trouble. Bought one online. 5 stage 150 gpd it dosn't come close to that. Its nearer 50 gpd. My water pressure is 38 psi. which is ok. Filtered water is 74 ppm. I understand RO filtered water ppm should read 0 if possible but certainly below 5 is that correct?

What did you buy?
Perhaps we can help you improve the one you have and see that it is hooked up correctly.
RO water should not be 74ppm

theMeat · Jan 15, 2020

Op, 38psi is not enough for rodi to function properly

vetteguy53081 · Jan 15, 2020

Issue is booster pumps cost $130 and higher BUT they Do work and extend filter life.
If youre in the market for a new unit with booster, there is one posted in " dry goods for sale" section and brand new for nearly the price of booster pump alone.

zalick · Jan 15, 2020

The unit is rated at a specific pressure and temperature to get 150gpd. I think the temps are usually around 70-73deg if I remember correctly. Lower temp will reduce output. My city pressure is good (50psi) but I still have a booster and have it run at 80psi.

I have a 180gpd, and I think I get about half that right now. My water is frigid!

I buy all my filters from spectrapure. They are absolute rated, not nominal. They are the best and worth any price increase IMO.

Terry Mattson · Jan 15, 2020

I have spectrapure max 90 GPD. 5 stage. My tbs going in is 279. After ro membrane 2 to 3. After do 0. Works great. I ordered and installed their pump. Worth every dollar.

theMeat · Jan 15, 2020

Terry Mattson said:
I have spectrapure max 90 GPD. 5 stage. My tbs going in is 279. After ro membrane 2 to 3. After do 0. Works great. I ordered and installed their pump. Worth every dollar.

90gpd is a modified 75 gpd. Something interesting you can share at your next party.

Have a water general that’s nearly 20 years old. My water pressure is maybe 55psi. My tap tds is around 285 and zero coming out. Only on third membrane. Make 15 gallons a week minimum, sometimes much more. Change my filters and di resin around once a year, which is right around when my tds goes up from zero.
I understand spectrapur is a good rodi unit, but you can put spectrapur filters, if that’s what you like, into any unit and get the same results.
Also pretty sure that spectrapur booster pumps are Aquatec, and think shurflo is a better choice.

MyboyJoJo · Jan 16, 2020

RocketEngineer said:
The issue you have is likely not enough pressure. Most units prefer 60psi at the inlet and some go as high as 90psi. Do you have a deionizing canister after the RO membranes? It’s likely filled with what look like beads.

It seems i have a pressure problem. It seems the low pressure accounts for both the low flow rate and the high TDS reading. I have ordered a booster which I hope will solve this. thanks for the info.

MyboyJoJo · Jan 16, 2020

RocketEngineer said:
Also, pictures of how you have it sep up always help us troubleshooters.

Ok I will remember that. As you have probably guest, new to forums as well. Thanks.

MyboyJoJo · Jan 16, 2020

vetteguy53081 said:
Issue is booster pumps cost $130 and higher BUT they Do work and extend filter life.
If youre in the market for a new unit with booster, there is one posted in " dry goods for sale" section and brand new for nearly the price of booster pump alone.

I ordered booster pump earlier today befor i read your post.