Hi, I'm Terry O.. I live in California.
Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips asked me to share my experience as a homeowner on Iron Filter with the SoftPro Iron Filter - Iron Master AIO - Best Iron Filter for Well Water [Air Injected Water Filter / Katalox] I purchased.
This is how my adventures played out. I hope this helps you in your decision.
The Iron Water Problem That Changed Everything
Did you know that iron contamination affects over 25% of private wells in the United States?
I certainly didn't realize how severe my iron problem had become until I started paying attention to the rust stains appearing everywhere. My white porcelain sink had developed these stubborn orange streaks that no amount of scrubbing could remove. The toilet bowls had rusty rings, and my clothes were coming out of the washing machine with a dingy, yellowish tint that made everything look old and dirty.
The taste was what finally pushed me over the edge. That metallic, penny-like flavor in my morning coffee was unbearable. I found myself buying bottled water just to make decent coffee, which seemed ridiculous when I had my own well. My guests started commenting on the water taste, and I was embarrassed every time someone asked for a glass of water.
Living on well water in California, I knew iron contamination was common in our area, but I had been ignoring the signs for too long. The reddish-brown sediment that would settle in clear glasses, the metallic smell when I first turned on the faucets in the morning, and the way my white laundry gradually turned dingy despite using quality detergent—all classic signs of iron contamination that I should have addressed months earlier.
My Research Journey Into Iron Filtration Solutions
Once I decided to tackle this problem seriously, I dove deep into understanding iron contamination and filtration options. I learned that iron in well water comes in two main forms: ferrous iron (dissolved and invisible) and ferric iron (oxidized and visible as rust particles). My water clearly had both types based on the clear water that would turn rust-colored when left sitting and the visible particles I could see.
I tested my water using a home test kit and discovered I had approximately 4.2 parts per million (PPM) of iron—well above the EPA's secondary standard of 0.3 PPM. No wonder I was having such noticeable problems. The iron was also accompanied by a slight sulfur smell, indicating potential bacterial iron issues that would need addressing.
My research revealed several iron filtration approaches: traditional oxidizing filters with potassium permanganate, newer air injection systems, and catalytic media filters. Each technology had different maintenance requirements, operating costs, and effectiveness levels. I spent weeks reading technical specifications, comparing flow rates, and understanding backwash cycles.
The SoftPro Iron Master caught my attention because it combines air injection oxidation with Katalox Light media in a single system. The air injection process converts ferrous iron to ferric iron, while the catalytic Katalox media provides filtration and bacterial iron control. This dual approach seemed ideal for my specific contamination profile, and the system's 1.5 cubic feet of media promised adequate capacity for my household of four.
First Delivery Disaster and Replacement Success
When my Iron Master system first arrived, I immediately noticed something was wrong. The shipping box had visible damage on one corner, and when I carefully unpacked the unit, I found a significant crack running down the side of the control valve housing. The crack appeared to go completely through the plastic, which would obviously cause major operational problems.
I was initially More helpful hints frustrated because I had been eagerly anticipating the installation after weeks of dealing with iron-stained everything. However, I contacted SoftPro's customer service immediately, and they handled the replacement professionally. They arranged for the damaged unit to be picked up and expedited a replacement unit within five business days.
The replacement unit arrived in much better packaging with additional protective foam, and this time everything was in perfect condition. The control head was intact, all fittings were secure, and the tank showed no signs of damage. It was clear that the first unit had suffered damage during shipping rather than being a manufacturing defect.
This experience actually gave me confidence in the company's customer service responsiveness. Dealing with damaged shipments is never fun, but how a company handles problems tells you a lot about their long-term support commitment.
Installation Experience and Setup Process
I decided to handle the installation myself since I have some plumbing experience and wanted to understand every aspect of the system. The Iron Master is designed for relatively straightforward installation, requiring a bypass valve, drain connection, and electrical outlet for the control head.
The installation location I chose was in my utility room where the main water line enters the house. I needed to install the system before my existing pressure tank but after my well pump's pressure switch. This positioning ensures that all water entering the house gets filtered while maintaining proper system pressures.
The physical installation took about four hours, including installing the bypass valve and running a drain line to my utility sink. The Iron Master's 1.5 cubic foot tank is substantial—about 54 inches tall and 13 inches in diameter—so I made sure I had adequate clearance for future maintenance access.
Programming the Fleck 5600SXT control head was straightforward using the manual's step-by-step instructions. I set the regeneration cycle for every three days initially, based on my iron levels and household water usage. The system calculates backwash timing automatically, but I could adjust the frequency if needed based on performance observations.
The initial startup process involves several backwash cycles to settle the Katalox media and establish proper operation. I was surprised by how much initial sediment came out during these first cycles, indicating that the media was indeed capturing contaminants effectively.
Performance Results and Water Quality Transformation
The transformation in my water quality was dramatic and noticeable within the first week of operation. The metallic taste that had plagued my drinking water completely disappeared, and my morning coffee finally tasted the way it should. Clear glasses of water remained crystal clear even after sitting for hours, with no rust-colored oxidation occurring.
I tested the filtered water after two weeks of operation and found iron levels had dropped from 4.2 PPM to less than 0.1 PPM—well below the EPA's recommended maximum. The slight sulfur odor that occasionally appeared from my faucets also disappeared, indicating that the system was effectively controlling bacterial iron issues.
The visual improvements throughout my house were equally impressive. My white porcelain fixtures stopped developing new rust stains, and existing stains gradually faded with regular cleaning. Laundry came out noticeably brighter and whiter, without the dingy yellow tint that had become normal. My dishwasher stopped leaving rust spots on glassware and silverware.
Water pressure throughout the house remained excellent, with no noticeable reduction in flow rate. The Iron Master's design maintains 8-10 GPM flow capacity, which easily handles simultaneous usage like shower and dishwasher operation. Even during regeneration cycles, the bypass valve ensures continuous water availability.
One unexpected benefit was the elimination of iron buildup in my toilet tanks and water heater. Previously, I had noticed rust-colored sediment accumulating in these areas, requiring periodic cleaning. After several months with the Iron Master, these areas remained clean with no iron deposits forming.
Operating Costs and Maintenance Reality
The Iron Master's operational costs have been quite reasonable, especially considering the water quality improvements achieved. The system uses air injection for oxidation, which means no chemical costs like potassium permanganate systems require. The only ongoing expense is the electricity for the control head and occasional water usage during regeneration cycles.
Regeneration cycles occur every three to four days in my household, using approximately 150 gallons of water per cycle for backwashing and rinsing. Since I'm on well water, this represents pump electricity costs rather than municipal water charges. The total electrical cost runs about $8-12 per month, including both control head operation and regeneration water pumping.
Maintenance requirements have been minimal during my ownership period. The Katalox Light media is designed for 5-7 year service life under normal conditions, meaning no frequent media replacement costs. I check the system monthly to ensure proper operation and clear any debris from the air injection venturi, which takes about five minutes.
The control head provides useful diagnostic information, showing regeneration frequency, total water usage, and system status. This data helps me monitor performance and identify any potential issues before they become problems. So far, the system has operated consistently without requiring any service calls or parts replacement.
Comparing these costs to my previous situation, I'm actually saving money overall. I no longer buy bottled water for drinking and cooking, my clothes and linens last longer without iron staining, and my appliances aren't suffering iron-related damage. The return on investment has been excellent.
Real-World Performance in Daily Life
Living with the Iron Master system for several months has revealed numerous quality-of-life improvements that I didn't fully anticipate. My family members immediately noticed the improved water taste, and guests no longer make comments about metallic-tasting water. Ice cubes are crystal clear instead of having that cloudy, off-color appearance.
Cooking and food preparation have dramatically improved with clean, iron-free water. Pasta water no longer has a metallic taste, rice comes out whiter and fluffier, and vegetables retain their natural colors when steamed or boiled. Even simple things like making tea or instant soup taste noticeably better with properly filtered water.
Bathroom cleaning has become much easier without constant iron staining. My shower doors stay cleaner longer, and toilet bowls maintain their white appearance without developing rust rings. Hair washing feels different too—my hair is softer and less dry, likely because iron was interfering with soap effectiveness.
The system operates quietly enough that I rarely notice regeneration cycles unless I'm specifically listening for them. The backwash process creates some water flow noise, but it's not disruptive and typically occurs late at night when programmed properly.
Seasonal variations in my well water haven't affected system performance significantly. During dry periods when iron concentrations sometimes increase, the Iron Master continues providing consistent filtration without requiring adjustments. The robust design handles varying contamination levels effectively.
Final Assessment and Recommendations
After extensive real-world use, I'm extremely satisfied with the SoftPro Iron Master's performance and reliability. The system has completely solved my iron contamination problems while providing consistent, high-quality filtered water throughout my house. The transformation from rusty, metallic-tasting water to clean, clear, great-tasting water has exceeded my expectations.
Would I purchase this system again?
Absolutely. The combination of effectiveness, reliability, and reasonable operating costs makes it an excellent investment for well water iron problems. The air injection technology with Katalox media provides comprehensive iron removal without ongoing chemical costs.
This system is ideal for households dealing with moderate to high iron levels (2-15 PPM) who want a low-maintenance, chemical-free solution. The 1.5 cubic foot capacity handles typical family usage effectively, and the Fleck control head provides reliable, programmable operation.
For those considering alternatives, I'd recommend this system if you have iron levels above 2 PPM, want to avoid chemical additives, and prefer a single-tank solution. The initial investment pays for itself quickly through improved appliance life, reduced cleaning products, and elimination of bottled water purchases.
The only minor drawback is the physical size—make sure you have adequate space for installation and maintenance access. Otherwise, the Iron Master has transformed our water quality and daily living experience in ways that make it one of the best home improvement investments I've made.