We like this filter because it is highly efficient, easy to install and requires minimum maintenance.
User Rating:2.58(32votes)
Pelican is one of the best water filter manufacturers. Their products are efficient, durable and reasonably priced. In terms of whole house water filters, their range of products is quite limited. It consists mainly of two products the PC600, and the PC1000. On their website, you will find 4 distinct products, but upon a closer inspection, you will see that there are in fact only two products, the PC600 and the PC1000, sold with and without an UV filter. Both filters presented bellow come with a NSF certification for the carbon filtration media, and a WQA certification for the structural tanks, the bypass valve and the bypass fittings. Lets take a closer look at these two filters and see whether or not they are worth the investment.
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Pelican Premium PC600
This whole house water filter is suitable for small homes, with 1-3 bathrooms. Having a 600,000 gallons capacity, its filtration media should last for about 6 years. This product’s manufacturer recommended retail price is $799.00, but occasionally, you can
find it on sale with a $50-$60 discount. This system comes with a 5 year performance guarantee, a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty on tank and parts. While the lifetime tank warranty is impressive, when it comes to whole house filters, the media warranty is the one that matters. In this case, we have to say that Pelican scores less points than Aquasana, for the same capacity filter (for their 600,000 gallons filter, Aquasana offers a 6 year performance warranty).
General features
The Pelican Premium PC600 is a 4 stage filtration system. The first stage consists in a 5 micro pre-filter which traps sand, sediment, silt, debris and other contaminants bigger than 5 microns. The second and the third stage consist in the granular activated carbon medias. The GAC consists of high-grade activated carbons based on coconut shell. Supposedly, activated coconut carbon is the best choice in this field as it is very porous and it traps even the smallest contaminants. The GAC’s main targets are chlorine, chloramine, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents and numerous other contaminants. Last but not least, during the fourth stage, which consists of a copper and zinc oxidated media, the system reduces bacteria and algae, and prevents their further development. In a nutshell, this system performs very well, delivering cleaner, better tasting water. It doesn’t require any electricity, nor does it need a drain. Moreover, the installation and the replacement of the filtration media are very easy to perform, and don’t require the assistance of a professional plumber.
Technical Specifications
The tank of this whole house water filter has a 9″ width and a 49½” height. The system supports a 10 gallons per minute maximum flow rate. This is a decent flow rate, better than the one supported by the Aquasana filters. However, in small homes, the flow rate is rarely a problem. For this system, the manufacturers recommend a 25-80 PSI operating pressure and a 36-129 F operating temperature. The system comes with a sediment pre-filter which should be changed, every 6-9 months. As far as we can tell, the filter doesn’t have an indicator light, so it is best if you change it every 6 months in order to be certain that it will always be efficient. As far as the main filter media, it should be changed every 5-6 years, or more precisely, every 600,000 gallons of water. Basically, you replace the main filtration media, while retaining the tank and all fittings. This translates into lower replacement costs, compared with competitive products. This replacement choice is also better for the environment as it diminishes waste. This system requires a minimum floor space of 8 ¾” x 17 ½”.
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Pelican Premium PC1000
Basically, this whole house water filter offers the same advantages as the PC600. However, its larger capacity recommends it for larger homes. It is recommended for bigger estates with 3-6 bathrooms, where the 1,000,000 gallon capacity filter should provide pure water for about 5 years. The system can also be ordered for smaller homes, where the filtration media could last for up to 10 years. This system comes with a limited lifetime warranty for the main tank, all filter housings, the in/out heads, as well as the bypass valves. Moreover, it also comes with a 5 year performance guarantee on the filtration media and a 90 day Satisfaction Guarantee. It costs $1,099.00, but occasionally, you can find it on sale with a $80-$100 discount.
General features
This filtration system of this unit is similar to that of the filter previously presented. It also works in 4 stages and it targets the same contaminants, so it is equally efficient. As we already mentioned, the main difference consists in its capacity, and consequently, in its size. According to Pelican, this system is also available in a special version, for larger, high flow estate homes.
Technical specifications
This system is 59½” tall and the tank is 11″. It supports a 15 GPM maximum flow rate. Moreover, the manufacturers recommend a 25-80 PSI operating pressure and a 36-120 F operating temperature. The system requires 10 ½” x 21″ of floor space.
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Pelican Whole House Water Filters with UV
As we already mentioned, although they are presented as different products the whole house filters with UV light are the same filters presented above, upgraded with a special UV lamp. As such, we will shortly detail the lamps’ features. Before we do that, you should know that UV filter lights are recommended for people who use well water, which usually contains more bacteria and viruses than the water that comes from the municipal supply. Both lamps come with a NSF 55 Class B certification. Lets take a closer look at them.
UV Max PUV-8
This lamp is designed for the PC600 system. It comes with a control module with failure alarm and a safety cap. It has an average power of 40 Watts and 50 Watts maximum power consumption and it works on average 110 electrical outlets. The lamp and the sensors are covered by a 1 year warranty, the power supply is covered for 3 years and the stainless steel water chamber for 10 years. The PC600-PUV-8, which includes the PC600 water filter and the PUV-8 lamp has a standard price $1,374.00, but can occasionally be found on sale with a $100 discount.
Pelican UV Max PUV-16
This lamp is designed for the PC1000 system. It has a 70 Watts power and a 83 Watts maximum power consumption. While bigger in size, this lamp comes with the same warranty as the previously mentioned lamp. The PC1000-PUV-16, which includes the PC1000 water system and the PUB-16 lamp costs $2,039.00, and can occasionally be found on sale with a $150 discount.
Pelican Whole House Water Softeners
The Pelican water softeners can be purchased as a combo along with the whole house water filters, or they can be purchased separately. There are two types of softeners to choose from, each one available in two versions, depending the size of the estate where they are to be installed.
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Pelican Advantage Series Salt Water Softeners
These softeners use salt of potassium in order to soften the water. They work in three phases. The backwashing phase is the first phase, and it consists in the removal of dirt from the mineral tank. Next is the regeneration phase, during which the tank is recharged with sodium, which displaces calcium and magnesium which are later washed down the drain. Last but not least is the rinse phase, when fresh water is used in order to rinse the mineral tank and prepare it for the next cycle. This water softener comes with a programmable head, which is covered by a 5 year warranty. The microprocessor features easy front panel settings, which allow you to program the system to work according to your convenience. While highly efficient in softening the water, a salt based water softener is not recommended due to the fact that it wastes water and it discharges salt brine into the environment. Nevertheless, if you want such a system, you can choose between the PS48, recommended for smaller homes with 1-3 bathrooms, and the PS80, recommended for larger homes with 3-6 bathrooms. The price of each system varies according to the combination in which you buy it.
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Pelican NaturSoft Salt-Free Water Softener
This is the only salt-free water softener certified to prevent scale build-up up to 99.6%. This system requires no electricity, it doesn’t waste any water and it doesn’t release any chemicals or salt brine into the environment. It doesn’t require professional assistance to be installed, nor does it require any maintenance. Nothing to replace means no hassle and no additional costs for you. This softener can be purchased individually, combined with a UV filter or/and a whole house water filter. Its price depends on the combination in which you decide to buy it.
The SoftPro Catalytic Well Water Carbon Filter installs at the main point of entry on the well supply line — typically between the pressure tank and the household distribution lines. This location ensures that every gallon entering the home passes through the filter before reaching any tap, shower, or appliance.
A drain connection is required for the backwash discharge — the backwash cycle periodically reverses flow and carries accumulated material from the media bed to drain.
Standard installation sequence: Well pump → pressure tank → this carbon filter → (iron filter if applicable comes first) → water softener → household distribution
If iron is also a concern: Iron Master AIO installs before this filter in the sequence iron must be addressed before it can load and foul the carbon media.
What a Standard Installation Involves
• Locate the main supply line after the pressure tank — this is the installation point for point-of-entry treatment
• Shut off the well pump at the breaker and release pressure from the supply line before cutting in
• Connect the filter's inlet and outlet to the supply line — the system ships with connection hardware; quick-connect flex line add-ons available
• Install the bypass valve — allows the filter to be isolated for media service without interrupting household water supply
• Connect the drain line from the control valve to an appropriate discharge point — laundry drain, floor drain, or utility sink
• Plug the control valve into a standard 110V outlet — power is required for the backwash cycle control
• Program the backwash schedule using the 4-line LCD display — our team can guide this step by phone if needed
• Run an initial manual backwash to condition the fresh media bed and clear any fine carbon dust before placing the system in normal service
Most installations are completed in three to four hours by a homeowner with basic plumbing skills. Our technical support team is available by phone during business hours to guide any step of the process — including backwash schedule programming specific to your well pump's GPM and your water's H₂S concentration.
What This System Asks of You
Long-Term Well Water Ownership
The auto-backwash design makes this one of the most genuinely low-maintenance well water treatment systems available. Here's what regular ownership actually involves.
Annual Visual Inspection
Once a year, inspect all inlet, outlet, and drain connections for any signs of moisture or drips. Confirm the bypass valve operates freely. Check the control valve display for any fault codes. The full inspection takes under fifteen minutes.
Periodic Backwash Verification
Every few months, confirm the system is completing its backwash cycles correctly. During a scheduled backwash, the drain line should carry active flow for the full duration of the cycle — typically 15 to 20 minutes. The discharge may appear yellow-brown or carry a mild sulfur character during backwash, particularly if your well water has elevated H₂S. This is normal and indicates the system is successfully flushing captured contaminants from the media bed.
Annual Well Water Retesting
Well water chemistry changes over time. Annual testing for hydrogen sulfide, pH, and your primary contaminants of concern confirms whether the system is still correctly sized and configured for your current water profile. Significant increases in H₂S concentration, changes in organic compound loading, or pH shifts can indicate changes in your well that warrant reassessment of the backwash frequency or media condition.
Media Replacement at 3 to 10 Years
The Centaur catalytic carbon media carries a service life of 3 to 10 years depending on your well water's contaminant loading, your household's daily consumption, and the frequency and effectiveness of backwash cycles. The wide range reflects the genuine variability in well water conditions across residential installations — a well with moderate H₂S and low organic loading may reach 8 to 10 years; a well with heavy sulfur and high organic contamination may exhaust the media in 3 to 5 years.
Performance decline — indicated by the gradual return of sulfur odor or a reduction in water quality — is the primary signal that media replacement is approaching.
How to extend media life: A sediment pre-filter upstream of the carbon filter significantly extends media life on well water with fine particulate or turbidity. Sediment accumulation in the carbon bed increases the backwash load and reduces the effective adsorption surface available for chemical treatment. A simple 5 or 10 micron sediment filter upstream protects the carbon media from physical fouling and is particularly recommended for wells in areas with clayey soils or seasonal turbidity events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Homeowners Ask Before Buying a Whole House Water Filter
Q: What is the best whole house water filter for city water?
The answer depends on your primary concern. For chlorine, chloramines, PFAS, pesticides, herbicides, and chemical taste and odor removal at every outlet in the home, the SoftPro Chlorine+ Carbon Filter at $819 delivers whole-house catalytic carbon filtration without electricity, chemicals, or cartridge replacements. If fluoride reduction is also a priority, the Fluoride & Chlorine+ SUPER Filter at $1,019 adds bone char media for whole-house fluoride removal on top of the carbon filter's full contaminant reduction profile. Both use upflow design and maintain strong water pressure throughout the home.
Q: What is the best whole house water filter for well water?
Well water requires a diagnosis-first approach. If your primary problem is iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, the Iron Master AIO addresses all three through air injection oxidation. If your primary problem is sulfur odor at lower concentrations, organic compounds, and agricultural chemical residues, the Catalytic Well Water Carbon Filter with Centaur media and auto-backwash is the appropriate system. If both are present, the Iron Master AIO upstream followed by the carbon filter downstream addresses the complete profile. For wells with both contamination and hardness, a water softener at the end of the sequence handles what the filters leave behind. Share your water test results with our team before ordering — we size and configure the right system for your specific conditions.
Q: Do I need both a water filter and a water softener?
It depends on your water. Water softeners remove dissolved calcium and magnesium — the hardness minerals that cause scale, spotted dishes, dry skin, and appliance wear. Whole house water filters remove chemical contaminants — chlorine, chloramines, PFAS, pesticides, iron (via iron filter), and sulfur (via carbon or iron filter). Neither system does what the other does. If your water is both hard and chemically contaminated — as is the case for many households — both systems working together address the full profile. Install the filter upstream of the softener so chemically treated water passes through the filter before reaching the softener's resin, which chlorine exposure degrades over time.
Q: What is a sediment pre-filter and do I need one?
A sediment pre-filter is a filter stage — typically a 5-micron sediment filter housing with replaceable filter cartridges — that removes suspended particulate matter before the water reaches your primary treatment system. On city water, a 5-micron sediment filter upstream of a carbon filter provides physical particle removal and extends the carbon media's effective service life. On well water, a sediment pre-filter is particularly important before UV filter systems (turbid water blocks UV disinfection), iron filters (particulate iron loads the Katalox media), and carbon filters (clay and silt accumulate in the carbon bed and reduce performance). If your water shows any visible cloudiness, seasonal turbidity, or fine sediment at aerators, a sediment pre-filter upstream is the right first investment.
Q: How do I know what size system I need?
For water softeners, household size and water hardness determine grain capacity. Our free online sizing calculator at calc.softprowatersystems.com walks through the calculation in under two minutes. For whole house filters with backwash requirements — the Iron Master AIO and the Catalytic Well Water Carbon Filter — your well pump's sustained GPM determines which size is appropriate, independent of bathroom count. Measure pump flow at the tap using the 5-gallon bucket method before ordering. For passive city water filters, the 1.5 CUFT configuration on the Chlorine+ and SUPER Filters handles 1 to 6 bathrooms under normal residential demand.
Q: Does a whole house carbon filter reduce water pressure?
Not meaningfully under normal residential demand. SoftPro's city water upflow carbon filters are designed to maintain strong water pressure throughout the home with multiple simultaneous outlets running. The Iron Master AIO uses 1" ported high-flow valve plumbing to minimize pressure drop under peak demand. For any installation where water pressure is a known concern, confirm your incoming supply pressure and discuss system sizing with our technical team before ordering — the right size for your flow conditions eliminates pressure concerns before they occur.
Q: Can I install a whole house filter myself or do I need a plumber?
Most SoftPro systems are designed for DIY installation by homeowners with basic plumbing skills — the same competence required to replace a shut-off valve or install a new fixture. The systems ship with bypass valves, installation guides, and access to video walkthroughs covering the standard installation sequence. Our technical support team is available by phone Monday to Friday during business hours to guide any step of the installation in real time. A licensed plumber is an option for homeowners who prefer professional installation, and our support team can help confirm the correct installation sequence before the plumber begins work. Plumber installation does NOT affect the system warranty.
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