How to choose the best water filter for the country

In small settlements and in suburban areas, water supply is often organized using natural sources: wells or wells. Therefore, a water filter for a summer cottage is not a luxury, but a necessity. On the modern market, such devices are presented in various versions from simple tabletop jugs to multi-stage cleaning systems. Simple recommendations will help you not to get confused with the choice.

Is it necessary to install a water filter in the country

Water treatment plants operate continuously in large cities. This allows the population to be provided with safe water suitable for drinking without the obligatory boiling. Outside the city, people have to use wells or drilled wells... At the same time, the quality of the liquid does not always comply with sanitary standards.

It can contain dangerous impurities, such as:

• microorganisms that become carriers of various diseases;
• heavy metal salts;
• nitrogenous compounds;
• hydrogen sulfide;
• poisonous substance.

It is possible to determine the exact composition of water and its danger to humans only in laboratory conditions. But this analysis is not cheap. The composition of the water can change over time due to changes in the soil, as well as the influence of external factors. Therefore, the most reliable way to protect yourself is to install a water filter in your dacha or country house.

A small test is performed to determine the quality of the water. Water is poured into a transparent glass and left for three days. If during this time a sediment forms at the bottom, then the liquid is heavily contaminated and requires mandatory filtration before use.

Filter classification

All modern filters for summer cottages can be divided into several groups, based on the method of their installation:

1. Downhole. Installed directly into the water supply. There are two types: surface and submersible. The first ones are mounted on the surface of a well or well. Only the water intake hose is lowered into the shaft. Submersible models are partially or completely submerged in the water.
2. Flowing. They are installed in the pipeline. Sufficient fluid pressure is required for their normal operation.
3. Reverse osmosis systems. Multi-stage complex cleaning device. It is connected to the water supply system separately from the main pipeline. The impurities remaining after cleaning are discharged into the sewer.
4. No installation required. This group includes a filter jug. It does not communicate with the water supply in any way, and water is poured into it by a person with his own hand.

Filters are classified according to the peculiarities of their functioning. In this case, coarse and fine cleaning systems are distinguished.

Coarse filters

The main purpose of such filters for water in the country is to purify the liquid from large insoluble components: clay, sand, rust and others. They remain on the filter unit, and clean water is drawn into the pipeline. The device does not have chemical cartridges. The cleaning process is carried out exclusively by mechanical means. This group includes three main types of filters.

Reticulate

The main element of such a device is a thin mesh made of metal. It is located along the flow of water. Filtered impurities are discharged into a special container. As they accumulate, the system requires manual flushing.The filter is cleaned on average once every three months.

There are three types of mesh structures:

1. Non-washable. To clean the device, it is enough to unscrew the cover on the case and remove the dirt. During work it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the filter. Such models are simple, low cost and reliable.
2. Washing. In addition to the mesh, the design provides for a glass. After opening the hole in the body, part of the flow is directed into the glass, taking with it the accumulated impurities. All that remains is to drain the contaminated liquid and close the hole again. The advantages of such models are ease of use and durability.
3. Self-cleaning. These devices are maintenance-free. The filter is cleaned automatically at the set time. Such systems are durable, you don't have to spend money on their maintenance. Their main disadvantage is the high price.

When choosing a mesh device, they are determined with the required mesh size of the filter element. To protect household appliances from damage, a mesh with a size of at least 100 microns is required.

The most popular manufacturers of such structures include: Honeywell, Atlas Filtri and ITAP. These companies have extensive experience, excellent reputation and a wide range of models.

Cartridge

The main element of the design is the filter unit - the cartridge. It is a cylinder made of a large number of layers of fabric or special threads. The best results are demonstrated by blocks made of polypropylene.

The smaller the particle size passed by the cartridge, the cleaner the outlet water will be. The smallest figure is 50 microns.

Such designs are of the trunk type. This means that they are mounted directly into the water supply system. The flow in the direction of movement enters the body of the device and is passed through the cartridge.

The advantage of these models is their ability to retain most of the impurities present in the water. They remove viscous colloids, water-soluble substances and other contaminants from the liquid.

Pressure head

Its technology of operation is similar to cartridge devices. The main difference is the high throughput. Such models are used as a filter from iron in water for summer cottages. They also remove manganese, colloids and water-soluble compounds from liquid. The minimum size of sifted particles is 30 microns.

The advantages of pressure filters are their durability, getting rid of water from smell and taste, the ability to protect household appliances from damage.

The disadvantages include the need for regular cleaning of the filter and renewal of the cartridge. Sometimes difficulties arise with the installation of the device.

Fine filters

The purpose of such devices is the final release of water from dangerous impurities and pathogens. They remove contaminants with a particle diameter greater than 5 microns.

Cartridges filled with activated carbon, zeolite, shungite or other similar substances act as the main element in the designs. Additional components can be added to change the characteristics of the liquid, for example, to make it softer.

Fine filters must be installed together with coarse cleaning devices. Otherwise, they will fail too quickly.

Based on the design features, several main types of such treatment systems are distinguished.

Filter jug

The easiest and cheapest way to get clean drinking water. Such a device does not require installation and connection to the water supply system. Water is manually poured into a special compartment. It passes through the cartridge, in which it is cleaned, and enters the jug. From there, it can be drained and used for drinking or cooking.

The composition of the cartridge often includes the following components:

1. Polypropylene fibers.They rid the liquid of solid particles left after rough cleaning.
2. Activated carbon. Removes dissolved chlorine compounds and microorganisms.
3. Ion exchange resins. Salts of manganese and potassium, as well as iron, settle on them.
4. Porous activated carbon. With its help, the liquid is clarified and gets rid of organic impurities.

The advantage of the device is its mobility. This filter can be used not only in the country, but also when going out into the countryside. The main disadvantage is the need to frequently change cartridges.

There are many models of jugs of various sizes and manufacturers on the modern market. For a family of 2-3 people, a three-liter filter will be enough. When choosing a specific device, attention is also paid to the quality of the plastic. The seller must provide quality certificates for him and read the accompanying documents. This is the only way to be sure of the safety of the product.

The most popular manufacturers of filter jugs are: Barrier, Geyser, Aquaphor and Brita. The first three companies are Russian. They have been on the market for a long time and the quality of their products has a minimum of complaints.

Attachment on the crane

The most compact of all types of filters. It is a small cartridge that fits directly onto the mixer. It is easy to install, and therefore, when washing dishes or other actions that do not require clean water, it can be removed. This will help the cartridge last longer. There are also models with a separate drinking water outlet. They do not have to be removed, it will be enough to turn the switch in the desired direction.

The systems are not suitable for hot water treatment. They are durable but require frequent cartridge replacement. They have low productivity. They are advised to be used in cases where small volumes of drinking water are needed.

When choosing such devices, pay attention to their compatibility with the mixer. There are also models on the market that have universal mounts. If the purchased filter does not fit, you can purchase an adapter separately. It allows the device to be mounted on a spout without a thread.

Flow-through water filter "under the sink"

Such designs are most popular today. They are affordable, easy to use, and easy to install. Consist of several flasks connected in series, which accommodate cartridges with various fillers. The system is connected to the water supply using a flexible hose. Purified water is supplied to a separate tap.

This filter for running water to the cottage is suitable for any type of water supply. It removes impurities, odors, tastes and bacteria from the liquid.

The list of the best manufacturers of such devices includes:

• Icarus;
• Geyser;
• Atoll;
• Aquaphor;
• Barrier.

When choosing a specific model, they are guided by the required volume and required quality of water. The required number of filtration stages depends on the characteristics of the fluid.

For example, if old cast-iron pipes are laid in the house, then you need to choose a model with an additional cassette designed for cleaning from metals.

Reverse osmosis systems

The principle of operation of such devices is based on the fact that a concentrated aqueous solution enters a container divided by a semipermeable membrane. The membrane passes clean water and retains all substances dissolved in it.

The system consists of several cartridges. They include activated carbon, polypropylene fibers and other filtering components. At the first stage there is a rough cleaning of the liquid from solid particles. Further, the water is freed from pesticides, heavy metals and other harmful substances. The final stage is passing through the membrane and final cleaning.

Such a system includes a storage tank for storing clean water. It is automatically filled in as it is spent.The liquid is supplied to the consumer through a separate tap.

Modern models can be additionally equipped with a mineralizer, an ultraviolet lamp or a structurizer. This allows you to get guaranteed safe and healthy water at the outlet.

Such filters are not cheap, and therefore their choice must be approached responsibly. It is important to understand that cartridges need to be replaced periodically, which entails additional costs. Before buying, assess the pressure in the water supply system and the degree of water pollution. Based on this, it will be possible to select the optimal model.

Popular manufacturers of such devices are:

• Atoll;
• Leader Standart;
• Aquaphor;
• New water;
• Barrier.

An indicator of the quality of such a system is the characteristics of the plastic from which the tank is made. If it is transparent, then if the pressure in the system increases, it is likely to rupture. It is better to give preference to products made of dense white plastic that does not exude a chemical odor.

Sorption

Sorption systems are designed for deep cleaning of liquids. They are used in cases of severe contamination of the liquid. The main part of the construction is the filter element containing sorbents. Such devices can be used in conjunction with sand traps, grease traps and oil traps.

The filter is made in the form of a plastic or metal reservoir. It has a dirty liquid inlet and clean water outlet. Cassettes with cleaning elements are installed inside.

Sorption filters allow you to remove the following substances from water:

• arsenic;
• Surfactants;
• phenols;
• herbicides;
• pesticides;
• organic compounds;
• heavy metals.

By the type of location of the container, structures can be vertical or horizontal. The former are durable and have a high carrying capacity. Vertical devices are small in size. They are easy to install even in small spaces. They are easier to maintain and less demanding.

Activated carbon, quartz sand, zeolites, aluminosilicates, fibroil, antacite, expanded clay or shungite are used as a sorbent in such systems. Coal is considered the most effective and affordable, and therefore it is used by most manufacturers. With its help, the degree of contamination of the liquid is reduced by 90-98%.

The main disadvantage of such systems is their high price. The cost of the simplest such filter is 20 thousand rubles. When choosing a specific model, they are guided by the types of pollutants, the type of construction, as well as the purpose of the system.

Ion exchange

The use of the ion exchange technique is advisable in situations where the water has a high degree of mineralization. Such systems not only filter the liquid, but also make it much softer.

The device is based on the ability of special ionic resins to change the composition of water. Dirty liquid seeps through the filler of the device. In the process, there is an exchange of ions between water and resins. As a result, particles of magnesium and calcium settle in the filter element, and sodium enters the water. The resulting solution does not adversely affect human health.

Among the positive qualities of such systems are:

1. Providing maximum cleaning level.
2. Removal of harmful salts and other dissolved contaminants from the liquid.
3. Preservation of the mineral composition of the liquid.
4. Easy to operate and maintain.

Among the disadvantages of ion-exchange filters are the need to replenish reagents, low operating speed. In addition, the used ion exchange resin must be properly disposed of, which leads to additional costs.

On the modern market there are two groups of similar designs: small models with a replaceable cartridge and ion exchange columns. For giving, it is advisable to use devices of the first type.After the filter cassette has been used up, it is replaced with a new one. There are also self-healing cartridges. It is enough to rinse them in a saturated saline solution and then in clean water and they are ready for use again.

A few tips for choosing

The choice of a water filter for a summer cottage depends on many parameters: water characteristics, features of the water supply system, budget and others.

In this case, it is worth adhering to simple recommendations:

1. For those who spend little time on their personal plot and do not need a lot of drinking water, it is easier and cheaper to buy a pitcher filter. It is suitable even if there is no water supply system in the house.
2. It is advisable to install a main coarse filter at the entrance to the building. It will prevent debris from entering the system and protect household appliances.
3. An ideal option in the middle price segment is a device mounted under the sink. It has a sufficient number of cleaning stages and sufficient performance.
4. If the water in the area is too hard, the installation of an ion exchange system is required. No other filter can do better at softening liquids.

Those who want to create a full-fledged treatment system on the site must first carry out laboratory studies of the water. Based on the prevailing pollutants in it, it can be concluded which filter is appropriate to use.

With a minimum budget, a main coarse filter and any fine filter system are installed. This will be enough to obtain clean drinking water.

Which water filter is right for you - video