Water is the elixir of life – and we all want to ensure that the water we drink is as pure and healthy as possible. Maybe you have wondered whether it makes sense to buy a water filter. Maybe you have even sifted through a flood of information that was more confusing than helpful. No wonder, because the market is full of different systems, promises, and technical terms that are hard to understand at first glance.
To help you make the right decision more easily, let's take a look together at the most important criteria you should consider when buying a water filter. And don't worry, it will be less complicated than it sounds at first!
The type of contaminants to be cleaned
The first and perhaps most important point: What do you want to remove from your water? Not every filter can remove everything, so it is crucial to be clear about what you expect from the filter.
Do you mainly want to get rid of microplastics and chemical residues? Or are you concerned about bacteria and viruses? There are filters specifically designed for certain contaminants, so it is worth checking the water quality in your region or using a water analysis kit. In Germany, there is generally very good drinking water quality, based on the strictest controls. For example, a lime filter would be worthwhile here, as even with the best water quality there can always be a certain water hardness that could be reduced. Based on this information, you can decide whether you need a filter that removes heavy metals, chlorine, medication residues, or microplastics.
Type of filter
Water filter is not just water filter. There are different types that work in different ways – and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
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Activated carbon filter: These are the most widespread and suitable for everyday use in most households. They remove chlorine, odors, some pesticides, and heavy metals – and often significantly improve the taste of the water.
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Reverse osmosis filter: This variant offers deep cleaning and removes almost everything from the water – even minerals. This is of course particularly thorough, but some do not like that useful minerals such as magnesium and calcium are also filtered out.
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Ceramic filters: These are especially good at retaining bacteria and other biological contaminants. They are a good choice if you live in an area with questionable water quality or travel a lot to regions with unsafe drinking water.
So it is worth pausing briefly to consider what is most important to you—the choice of filter depends entirely on your individual needs. Bluaqua offers a wide selection of high-quality filters, from Carbonit water filters, lime scale filters to nitrate filters.
The capacity of the filter and the filter replacement
Every water filter has a certain capacity, which means it must be replaced after a certain usage time or amount of water. If you buy a filter with too small a capacity, you may have to replace it much more often than you would like—and that becomes not only annoying but also more expensive.
An activated carbon filter that needs to be replaced every few months is not a big problem. But if you have or want to buy a filter that has to process a lot of water regularly—perhaps for a large family or an office—you should make sure the filter is durable and does not need to be replaced constantly. From personal experience, BWT water filter cartridges also need to be changed frequently in a two-person household.
It is also practical if the filter indicates when it is time for a replacement. Nothing is more annoying than suddenly realizing that no fresh water has landed in your glass for months because the filter was overdue!
Easy installation and handling
Not everyone is a DIY enthusiast, and that doesn't have to be the case. But before you decide on a water filter, you should make sure you can handle the installation—or if you need someone to do it for you. Our Bluaqua team is happy to answer questions and provide support, so feel free to contact us (please note the service hours). There are filters that simply connect to the faucet, while others need to be installed under the sink and require a bit more effort.
Ease of use is also important. Some filter systems require regular maintenance or cleaning to function properly. If you don't want to constantly change or clean filters, you should look for a low-maintenance option.
Costs and longevity
Of course, price also plays a role. It's not just about the purchase price, but also the ongoing costs. Some filters may be cheaper but need to be changed more often, which adds up over time. Other systems are more expensive to buy but more durable and require filter changes less frequently.
So also think about the long-term costs before deciding on a model. An honest cost-benefit calculation helps to choose the right system – after all, your water filter should save you money in the long run and not constantly burden your household budget.
At this point, we are happy to offer you our comparison calculator - mineral water vs. Carbonit household water filter. Once the data in the table is entered correctly, you can see the potential long-term savings with a Carbonit household water filter.
Environmental aspects
Another point you should not forget is the environmental aspects. When you choose a water filter, you are already doing something good by avoiding plastic bottles. But filters themselves also have an ecological footprint – especially if the filter cartridges need to be changed and discarded frequently. Therefore, pay attention to sustainable filter solutions or systems where the cartridges can be recycled or refurbished.
Your water, your choice
Buying a water filter should not be a stressful matter. If you know what you expect from the filter and pay attention to the points mentioned above, you will easily find a system that suits your needs. Whether you are targeting microplastics, heavy metals, or simply better tasting water – there is certainly the right filter for you. So don't worry and take the time to find the perfect system. Your body and the environment will thank you!
