Springwell Vs Culligan is two of the most popular and heavily appreciated filtration brands. Despite being functionally dissimilar, customers often compare Springwell and Culligan. Since the products of both these brands have competitive ratings on notable websites like Amazon, many people wonder which brand manufactures the best filtration system.
If you are also curious about which of these brands manufactures the best water filters, then the following guide can help you determine the differences between these brands. But before directly heading towards the comparison, it is crucial to scrutinize the features of both brands individually.
Springwell vs Culligan: Comparison Table
| Specifications | Springwell | Culligan |
| Images |  |  |
| Capacity | 1,000,000 Gallons | 10,000 Gallons |
| Flow Rate | 125 psi | 25 to 80 psi |
| Bathrooms | 1-3 | 1-7 |
| Pre-filter Replacement | 4 months | 6 to 9 months |
| Warranty | 6 to 8 months | 8 to 10 years |
| Installation | Easy | Easy |
| Price | Buy From SpringwellWater | See On Amazon |
| Discount | ☝️ Get 5% off at SpringwellWater.com – Use code “WFSOFF5“ |
🧾 Overview
There are three whole house water filters in the CF series:
- The 9 GPM SpringWell CF1 Whole House Water Filter (the most popular choice, which we’ll be focusing on in this review) – for 1-3 bathrooms
- The 12 GPM SpringWell CF4 Whole House Filter System – for 4-6 bathrooms
- The 20 GPM SpingWell CF+ Whole House Water Filtration System – for commercial use
- These SpringWell water filter systems all use the same 4-stage filtration to remove the most common harmful contaminants from city water. The only differences between the three filters are the filter capacity and flow rate.
Springwell CF Whole House Water Filter System
Springwell has been operational in the market for over twenty years and offers a comprehensive range of filter products. Unlike other brands, Springwell’s catalog is pretty comprehensive, implying that you can find almost any filter size in this range. All Springwell filters are NSF certified and are immensely applauded by the audience, which ensures the excellent performance of these products.
Though Springwell filters do not feature extraordinary features, it is the optimal quality of their features that make them so desirable among customers. Let’s have a detailed analysis of Springwell filters’ characteristics so that you can compare them later with Culligan products aptly.
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Features
Functionality
Springwell water filter systems operate on ActiveFlo technology which comprises five comprehensive stages to ensure maximum contact time between the unfiltered water and the filter. As a result of this prolonged contact time, the purification rate increases, and the filter removes the maximum amount of contaminants.
During the first stage, the unfiltered water passes through a KDF media, which removes toxic chemicals like chlorine and addresses the presence of groundwater contaminants. By removing chlorine, foul odors and yellow color diminish in the water, which indicates its transition towards a purified state.
The second step features the ‘Catalytic Carbon’ media, sometimes referred to as ‘carbon pre-filter.’ Carbon has always been acknowledged for its excellent purifying capacity, and in Springwell filters, it has been employed to remove organic contaminants like VOCs, chloramine, herbicides, and pesticides.
The third stage does not comprise any specific filtration medium. Instead, it elongates the contact period between the water and the filter. Having sufficient contact time is essential during the filtration process. If the contact period is less, then the filter might not be able to reduce the contaminant ratio properly.
The last stage comprises a sediment filter, which removes dirt, clay, and sand particles, as predicted by its name. Besides removing these particles, the sediment filter also serves as the checkpoint and ensures up to 99% removal of impurities. By the end of stage four, the remaining water in the filter is said to be purified, implying that it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless.
Performance
Thanks to a vast filtration cycle, the performance quality of this filter is excellent. Springwell filters claim up to 99% removal of contaminants like VOCs, sulfur, and herbicides. Moreover, the filters also reduce chlorine content, ultimately removing the yellow color and foul smell from the water.
Some Springwell filters can also be paired with Springwell water softeners which further enhances the efficiency of the overall filter system. Springwell water softener targets water-hardening contaminants like calcium and potassium. The water’s cleansing potential increases by reducing the quantities of these mineral salts.
Not only do softened water is more suitable for cleaning and washing tasks, but it is scientifically proven that it is also better for skin and hair health. Usually, a filter with comprehensive filter steps has a poor flow rate. But thanks to the advanced technology used in Springwell products, the pressure quality of their filters is pretty optimal.
For a 1-3 bathroom unit, the flow rate of a Springwell filter is around 9 GPM. But the flow rate increases to 12 GPM if you buy a 4-6 bathroom unit. Similarly, for a 7+ bathroom unit, the flow rate is the highest and is about 20GPM. Whereas similar filters from other brands only offer a minimal flow rate of 7GPM for a 1-3 bathroom unit.
Installation
While determining the features of Springwell filters, it is also crucial to analyze whether their installation is easy. Springwell mostly features whole-house filter systems, which typically cover the entire place. The installation and maintenance procedures for such filters are pretty challenging.
But Springwell water filters are pretty different from them as despite being capacious, their installation is simple and easy. When you purchase a Springwell filter, you also receive installation essentials with the package. This implies that you won’t have to puy the tools separately for installing a Springwell filter.
Moreover, all Springwell filter systems come almost pre-assembled, so you don’t have to spend much time installing them. If you are skilled in DIY tasks, you can easily install any Springwell filters without professional help.
But if you don’t have DIY experience, you are advised to refrain from installing the filter. If you do so without knowledge, you may damage the filter or housing pipes. Instead, it is suggested to call for a technician or plumber in such situations, as he can install the filter aptly.
Maintenance
The next aspect of analyzing while buying a water filter system is its maintenance procedures. The overall cost of a filter includes not only the purchasing cost but also the sum of its maintenance expenditures. Thus, while buying a filter, you should also determine its maintenance costs.
The maintenance of a whole house filter system can typically cost a lot. However, Springwell filters being incredibly affordable, offer inexpensive maintenance procedures. The KDF medium requires replacement after six months, whereas the carbon filters must be changed yearly.
The media body is sturdy and is insured with a flexible warranty of about eight to ten years. As far as cleaning these filters is concerned, you must de-assemble the filter once every three to four months and wash it properly. By doing so, you will enhance the longevity of the filter and ensure its proper functioning.
Add-Ons
Most filter brands offer side products that can be paired with their filter systems to enhance their functionality. Springwell also offers add-ons that can be used with their filters to achieve accelerated water purification results.
Springwell offers additional water softeners and UV systems that can be attached to the filter systems to boost their performance. A water softener is ideal for places with a hard water supply. Springwell filters can only remove contaminants and cannot treat hard water. Thus, if you face hard-water issues, opt for a water softener along with the filter system.
Similarly, Springwell filters are also incapable of removing bacteria from water. The filtration media used in these products have large pores that can trap contaminants but not bacteria.
Therefore, the water supply high in bacteria must install a Springwell filter with a UV purification system. The UV purifier can aptly reduce the bacteria concentration in the water while the carbon and KDF media filters the contaminants.
Pros And Cons
Let’s review one of their top-rated products to understand the Springwell filters better. By doing so, you can determine whether these filters are suitable for your requirements.
Springwell Whole House Water Filter System
| Capacity | 1,000,000 Gallons |
| Filtration Steps | Four |
| Bathrooms | 1 to 7+ |
| Flow Rate | 25 to 80psi |
| Filter Replacement | 6 to 9 months |
| Media Replacement | 10 years |
Springwell Whole House Filter is the most capacious filter offered by the brand. It has an extensive capacity of one million gallons with an optimal flow rate of 25 to 85psi. This filter system is excellent for large places with 7+ bathrooms. Thanks to its high capacity, it delivers water with excellent pressure flow.
Like other Sprinwgwell filters, this one also operates on four comprehensive stages. The KDF bed and carbon filter remove the maximum contaminants so that the resultant water achieves up to 99% purity. However, you must remember that Springwell filters do not mineralize water, implying that filtered water is free of all kinds of impurities, whether unhealthy or healthy.
If your place receives hard groundwater, pairing this filter with Springwell water softener is suggested. As stated earlier, the Springwell filter system only removes contaminants and cannot treat the hard water supply. By doing so, the efficiency of the filtered water increases, as it can be used both for drinking and cleaning purposes.
Compared to other filters of the same size, the price of this filter system is quite average, implying that it is neither too affordable nor too expensive. The vital aspect of this whole-house filter is its flow rate, which is rarely offered by any other filter having the same capacity.
Culligan Filter Systems
When it comes to affordability, no one can beat the Culligan filter brand. Culligan manufactures some of the most inexpensive yet equally functional filter systems. But you must consider that Culligan filters are not spacious or big enough to accommodate large spaces.
Though Culligan water filters are pretty functional, they do not feature advanced specifications like UV media or water conditioning technology. The only job these filters are good at is their extensive capacity to remove contaminants from the groundwater supply. To have a viable Springwell vs Culligan comparison, let’s comprehensively review the Culligan features.
Functionality
Most Culligan filter systems comprise three filtration steps. These stages are; the pre-filtration, the activated carbon stage, and the post-filtration step. During these three processes, every kind of impurity is removed from the water, and it is made suitable for consumption.
In the first stage, i.e., pre-filtration, sediment and dirt particulates are removed from the water. Not only is the water containing sediment fatal to health, but it can also damage the plumbing. That is why the filter removes it immediately, so it does not clog the pipes in the following stages.
As predicted by its name, the second stage features an activated carbon medium. Carbon is considered the best compound for purifying water. That is why it has been employed in this filter to achieve a maximum purification rate. The carbon removes harmful contaminants from water, including chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, and chloramine.
The carbon filter also reduces the concentration of compounds like fluoride and sulfur. After this second stage, the water is almost purified and enters the next step, which merely serves as the filtration checkpoint.
The water is flushed through the filter system during the post-filtration step. The last step ensures the complete removal of contaminants and sediment particles. After this procedure, the water is pressurized within the system to maintain the optimal flow rate.
Performance
To some people, the filtration steps of Culligan filters seem inefficient and less. But they are actually sufficient to provide you with a healthy drinkable water supply. Chlorine, POFs, and arsenic are some of the most typical compounds in groundwater supply.
If their concentration is above a specific limit, the water is said to be undrinkable. Therefore, it is crucial to filter out these contaminants to make the water safe for consumption. Fortunately, all Culligan filters are capable enough to remove such harsh impurities from water.
Besides elemental impurities, Culligan filters can also remove rare contaminants such as lead and nitrates. Culligan water filters come in various capacities, ranging from under-sink to whole-house filter systems.
The flow rate of the smaller-sized filters is pretty optimal, but the same cannot be said about the larger systems. One of the most frequently reported complaints about the Culligan filter systems is their poor pressure flow. The Culligan filter might work fine if your place has two to three bathrooms. But if there are 3+ bathrooms, then you may face pressure issues.
However, the price range of these filters makes them pretty flexible and desirable among customers. It would be apt to say that Culligan manufactures the most inexpensive filter systems. Anyone on a tight budget must try these filters, as they can satisfy your primary filtration needs within your budget.
Installation
All the Culligan filters are pretty small and compact, implying that they are relatively easy to install. The Culligan filter comes pre-assembled, and you must house it with the central plumbing system to make it functional. Within minutes, without any professional help, you can install the filter easily.
People who are experts in DIY skills will find it incredibly easy to install Culligan filters. But those who are new to such tasks may find the installation process minutely challenging. You can take aid from YouTube videos or can even refer to the guide that comes with the filter set to understand the installation process.
Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, the overall cost of a filter also depends upon its maintenance expenditures. Like other filter systems, the sediment and carbon media also needs replacement from time to time. About every six months, you must change the sediment filter. In contrast, the carbon media needs to be changed every nine to twelve months.
Since the filter is initially pretty affordable, its replacement parts are inexpensive. They are readily available on the Culligan and Amazon website at low rates, ultimately making them pretty accessible. Similarly, you will also have to schedule cleaning sessions for the filter after three months to ensure its proper functioning.
If you fail to do so, the plumbing system may get clogged, and the filter system may get damaged. However, the media of these filters is not sturdy enough and must be replaced earlier than most filter systems. About every two to three years, you must change the media, as after this particular period, the filter losses its functionality.
Add-Ons
Culligan also offers a few add-on systems that can be used with the filter to enhance their functionality. You can pair the water filter with a Culligan softener for hard-water treatment. The softener reduces the sodium and potassium concentration and makes the water suitable for cleaning tasks.
However, Culligan does not feature the UV system, which kills bacteria and microbes. Thus, if you want utter filtration, you may have to pair a Culligan filter with any other UV media to remove contaminants and bacteria simultaneously.
Pros And Cons
Now let’s review one of Culligan’s bestseller filter systems to understand the brand’s offerings better.
Culligan WH-HD200 Whole House Filter System
| Capacity | 10,000 Gallon |
| Filtration Steps | Three |
| Bathrooms | 1 to 3 |
| Flow Rate | 125psi |
| Media Replacement | 4 months |
Culligan WH-HD200 is one of the few Culligan products having such an extensive pressure range, i.e., 125psi. However, the capacity of this filter system is quite problematic and is only around 10,000 gallons, implying that its media won’t last long and will need replacement every four to five months.
Since this filter does not last long, it won’t require any filter replacement, which means it is pretty low maintenance. Like other Culligan filters, this one features three filtration steps involving sediment and carbon media. This filter is best suited for treating water high in lead and arsenic deposits.
The best part about this filter is undoubtedly its generous flow rate. Usually, Culligan filter systems are known for their poor pressure range. But this one has outdone them all and is best suitable for places with backend pressure problems.
Springwell vs Culligan: Which one is Better?
Springwell and Culligan are two of the best filter brands in the market. Customers heavily applaud their filtration systems. Due to the solid rating of their products on notable websites like Amazon, people buying the filter system for the first time often need clarification before choosing between these brands.
Though both brands manufacture filter systems, there are still a lot of differences between their products which make them often competitive. Check out the following context if you are curious about which of these two brands manufactures better filters for your needs.
Here you will find a detailed comparison between the two brands that will ultimately help you to make an apt choice between Springwell and Culligan.
Springwell vs Culligan: Filtration Quality
The foremost aspect to compare between the two brands is their filtration quality. If you have analyzed the prior content, you might know Springwell features four filtration steps, while Culligan filters comprise only three stages.
Moreover, Springwell utilizes more filter mediums, i.e., KDF, carbon, and sediment media. Whereas Culligan systems purify water using only sediment and catalytic media. Since the Springwell filters have a more diverse filtration panel, it is evident that their purification rate is higher.
Springwell and Culligan filters remove toxic chemicals like arsenic, lead, chlorine, and fluoride. However, the filtration percentage varies between both brands. If your water has high fluoride content, then Springweel water filters are recommended. But if your water supply has higher arsenic levels, then Culligan filter systems are better.
Springwell vs Culligan: Capacity Range
Both Culligan and Springwell offer a vast range of whole-house water systems. The central aspect of a whole-house filter system is its capacity range. If the filter has a more extensive capacity range, it will be considered a better whole-house system.
Springwell filters aptly fit the criteria for whole-house systems as they offer a capacity of up to 1,000,000 gallons. However, the same cannot be said about the Culligan filter systems, as their capacity range is pretty minimal.
A filter with a larger capacity size is always better, as it has a better flow rate and lasts for a longer period. The capacity of most Culligan filters is hardly around 10,000 gallons, implying that they last no longer than four to six months. However, the Springwell filters being pretty capacious, may easily last up to eight to ten years.
Springwell vs Culligan: Pressure Quality
While buying a filter system, it is also essential to analyze the pressure quality of the product. If your filter does not have an optimal flow rate, it won’t be able to deliver the water at viable pressure, which ultimately affects its functionality.
Springwell water filter systems are known for their excellent pressure quality. Places that receive a water supply with low backend pressure quality must try this filter, as Springwell filters can efficiently uplift the flow rate without compromising filtration efficiency.
Usually, filter systems with less capacity have a viable pressure range, whereas larger-sized filters suffer from a poor flow rate. But Springwell filters are pretty advanced, as all of them, whether large-sized or small, share the same pressure range.
On the other hand, the Culligan water filter systems have an average flow rate. Smaller Culligan filters with limited capacities have a pretty pressure range. But unfortunately, the same cannot be said about its larger-sized filter systems.
Springwell vs Culligan: Installation & Maintenance
The installation of both Springwell and Culligan filters is pretty straightforward. You can easily install these filter systems without any professional help. However, the maintenance procedures of both filter brands are pretty different.
The filtration media of Springwell water systems lasts for years, implying that it would require proper maintenance from time to time. In comparison, the Culligan filter systems have a shorter lifespan, which means that you will only have to spend a little on its maintenance procedures.
However, you will need to replace the entire Culligan filter more frequently than a Springwell filter. This means that the overall cost of a Culligan filter system is higher, as it requires abundant replacements after every few months.
Springwell vs Culligan: Price Range
When it comes to price range and affordability, Culligan undoubtedly takes the lead with a more significant margin. The Culligan filter systems are primarily known for their inexpensive product range. People prefer these filter systems and ignore their drawbacks
because of their extreme affordability.
The price difference between Culligan and Springwell is too significant and even unsuitable to compare. However, the price variation between Culligan and Springwell filters is justified because the latter lasts longer, while Culligan runs only for a few months.
Springwell vs Culligan: Which is the Best?
The better option between Springwell and Culligan utterly depends upon your requirements. If you seek a filter with a larger capacity and a longer lifespan, then Springwell is undoubtedly the better option. Similarly, Springwell filter systems are also more suitable for places receiving a water supply with low backend pressure.
However, if the price is your concern, then Culligan water systems take the lead as they are undoubtedly the most affordable option. Besides, Culligan filters are also best suitable for treating water having high arsenic content.
FAQs: springwell vs culligan
- How frequently do Culligan filters need replacement?
Most Culligan filter systems only last for about four to six months. After this period, you must change the filter completely. However, there are a few Culligan filters that last for a slightly more extended period, i.e., up to two years. Such filters require bi-yearly maintenance procedures, just like Springwell filters.
- How long does a Springwell filter media last?
The Springwell filter media can easily last up to eight to ten years, implying that it is one of the most long-lasting filter brands.