APEC is a company that specializes in making water systems to help make tap water healthier and more drinkable. These include APEC Water Softener, whole house solutions that can filter the water at the source to ensure that it is softened and free from contaminants.
Unlike a number of other manufacturers, APEC actually provide both a wide range of water filter systems and water softeners as well. For these reasons, we can consider APEC to be among the manufacturers with the largest varieties of solutions for improving the quality of your drinking water. The company also sells air filters.
The brand is also one that is well-known and trusted thanks to a selection of very high-quality products. This makes it a great choice for homeowners that want a reliable and affordable solution that can improve their health and the health of their families.
This is something that the company is keen to promote in its marketing and copywriting. The website for example has the tag-line ‘The Finest Drinking Water Systems in America’.
APEC Water Softener Systems
Page Contents
- 1 APEC Water Softener Systems
- 2 Combined Water Systems
- 3 Final Thoughts
FUTURA 10 – SALT-FREE ANTI-SCALE WATER SOFTENER
Water softeners like the Futura 10 are designed to remove hard minerals from your water in order to improve its texture and consistency while also increasing the lifespan of appliances and plumbing.
Key Features
As we will see, APEC actually provide a number of different water softeners, many of 
which work through a salt-free function.
The differences with the various models then will largely relate to the precise features as well as the target audience. The Futura 10 is a device that is designed to be used for the average family home as it can work for 1-3 bathrooms simultaneousy, softening 10 gallons per minute of water.
How it Works
The Futura 10 provides salt-free water softening. So how precisely does this work? The Futura 10 is based on a new advancement in the treatment of water. This ‘conditions’ the water without using salt or other corrosive chemicals and does so via a ceramic media that acts similarly to a water filter. The media actually attracts the minerals in the water that cause hardness and causes them to become attached to the ceramic granules.
This does not work by removing the minerals from the water however. Rather, the minerals are converted into their more stable crystalline form. This prevents them from attaching to surfaces and gives them a neutral taste and temperature. If the crystals become too large (nano-meters) then they will be detached and carried away by the water flow. They are essentially insoluble, meaning that water hardness is isolated by as much as 25 grains/gal.
Advantages
This system has no electric pump and no backwash function, which makes it very easy to install, run and maintain.
As a salt-free solution, you can enjoy better tasting water and longer-lasting appliances without the worry of adding sodium to your diet. Not only that, but it will be suitable in regions where salt-based water softeners are banned.
Disadvantages
For some, the use of a salt-free water softener will be seen as a downgrade as the minerals are not completely removed from the water. For those that want perfectly soft water and don’t mind about the sodium, a choice will need to be made here.
It’s worth noting that water softeners are only really needed in areas where hardness is a problem and that they do not filter contaminants from the water – this is not a health product but is rather intended as an investment and to improve the taste and feel of your water.
Verdict
The Futura 10 is a perfect choice for families looking to combat limescale in their water. It’s easy to install, easy to maintain and does its job well without adding new, corrosive materials.
FUTURA 15 – SALT-FREE ANTI-SCALE WATER SOFTENER
Introduction – Function
Like the Futura 10, the Futura 15 is a water softener that works without salt and which can improve the texture, taste and smell of your water without adding unwanted sodium.
This is a great way to extend the life of your appliances in particular, making it a potential investment that will pay for itself.
The Futura 15 works just like the 10 except for larger properties with more bathrooms.
Key Features
As the higher numerical designation denotes, the Futura 10 is an upgrade to the Futura 
15 in that it is capable of handling greater flow rates and higher quantities of water. Specifically, this system can handle 15 gallons per minute of water and support for 3-6 bathrooms.
How it Works
Like the Futura 10, the 15 works by using an advanced ceramic media in order to filter the large mineral molecules from the water. Rather than simply removing them however, this media works to convert them into their crystalline form, which prevents them from attaching to surfaces.
The crystals remain largely on the media and once they become too large, they will be carried away by the flow of the water. These crystals are completely innocuous: completely harmless, odourless and tasteless. Most importantly, they do not build up to form limescale meaning that your appliances won’t become damaged and you’ll be able to very easily wipe down surfaces to remove the stains and damage that limescale can cause.
Advantages
Because there is no sodium included, this system has potential health-benefits over salt-based systems. Not only that, but it is suitable for use in regions where salt-based softeners are banned and it results in clear, neutral tasting water – just as though it came from a bottle!
From there, you’ll be able to enjoy water that is completely free from limescale. That means your appliances will last longer, your water will taste and smell fresher and you’ll be able to wash more easily and create the great, soapy suds that soft water can deliver.
This system is ideal for larger homes and also suitable for small business applications and potentially even smaller condominiums and apartments.
Disadvantages
It is important to note that salt free systems do not remove the minerals entirely but rather neutralize them. When testing, hardness will be isolated up to 25 grains per gallon, which is a marked improvement but is not perfectly soft. Whether or not this is an issue for you will depend on your desired effect.
Another thing to note is that this is not a water filter and will not remove contaminants from your water. This is entirely about improving the feel of your water and extending the lifespan of appliances.
Verdict
Overall, this is a great way to soften your water without introducing salt. It works just like the Futura 10 but for larger properties.
FUTURA 20 – SALT-FREE ANTI-SCALE WATER SOFTENER
Introduction – Function
The Futura 10 and 15 both provide a water softening function to remove large limescale deposits from tap water and thereby extend the lifespan of appliances and provide a nicer, fresher water source with no unwanted odor and no build-up of mineral deposits.
The 10 was suitable for 1-3 bathrooms, while the 15 was suitable for 3-5 bathrooms. As 
you may have guessed then, the 20 is the same thing again but for 6 bathrooms and upward.
Key Features
This is yet another salt-free scale remover that will extend the life of your appliances and help you to keep your sink and bathtub looking shiny with a little less scrubbing. The key difference here is that this is suitable for large homes and other settings where there are multiple bathrooms that are likely to be in use simultaneously. 20GPM with high flow usage.
How it Works
Like other salt-free softeners from APEC, this system works using a ceramic media that is able to attract and then neutralize the hard minerals in our water. This doesn’t not completely remove the particles but prevents them from attaching to hard surfaces or altering the taste and appearance of your water.
Advantages
There are many benefits to using salt-free water softeners:
- Longer lasting appliances
- Better for the heart than traditional salt-based systems
- Fresher tasting water
- Easier cleaning for bathtubs, sinks, tiles
- Fewer water marks on glassware
- No need to store, add and replace heavy and cumbersome bags of salt
- Cheaper to run and maintain
- Simple installation
- Nicer baths and showers – creates a better lather and doesn’t look discolored
Disadvantages
As mentioned in previous summaries, salt based systems do not entirely eliminate the mineral particles but rather form them into their crystalline structure to essentially neutralize their effect. This will be seen as a lesser solution for some users but to all practical ends, it does the same thing.
This is not necessary for those homes that have only one or two bathrooms. Here, the Futura 10 will suffice.
Verdict
This is yet another great water softener from APEC that is ideal for larger demands.
Combined Water Systems
TOTAL SOLUTION 10 WHOLE HOUSE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
Introduction – Function
Hard water is bad for your appliances. It builds up around machinery and in pipes and blocks the flow/the motion of parts. It creates an unwanted odor and coloration and it 
prevents you from getting a lather when you’re washing with soap.
The Total Solution 10 does precisely what it says on the tin: this is a whole home solution that provides both filtration and softening.
Key Features
The 10 in the name denotes that the Total Solution 10 is capable of cleaning water for the entire house by both removing hardness and filtering out contaminants and toxins. In this way, it is providing a total solution.
This is suitable for homes with 1-3 bathrooms that are looking to remove scale as well as contaminants. The result is some of the most purified water you can get from any system that is soft, tasty, drinkable and very healthy.
How it Works
This system uses a three stage system to remove unwanted contaminants using two separate media.
This involves first using high grade coconut carbon in order to remove contaminants. This is a highly porous material that allows water to pass through while collecting and trapping the larger, unwanted molecules. At this stage chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, odors, chemicals and more are removed.
This step also uses a pre-programmed backwash control. This means that water is directed through the media both ways to unclog pours and to ensure that the filters last for longer without needing to be replaced.
The Salt Free Water Softener
The salt free water softener then comes into play, which is the same as the Futura 10. This uses a specially treated ceramic media that not only attracts and traps the unwanted scale particles but also neutralizes these minerals in order to form their crystalline structure. This does not collect in pipes or machinery and it means that you don’t have to scrub your sink to remove unsightly stains.
The third and final stage uses the RO-90 system. This is ‘reverse osmosis 90’, the flagship water softener from APEC. Reverse osmosis uses a membrane that water is forced through against the natural flow direction. This means that even more molecules and particles are removed – including heavy metals, bacteria, fluoride and arsenic.
The result is the best tasting water and healthiest water that you can achieve.
Advantages
While using all of APEC’s systems to improve your water quality can provide a lot of benefits, using a total solution will offer even more advantages by combining the effects of a water softener and a filter. These advantages include:
- Ultra-pure water that is superior in taste and healthiness to bottled water
- Great tasting water for drinking and for cooking. Great in tea and coffee!
- Scale reduction in pipes and appliances means longer lasting appliances and greater performance and efficiency from all of your systems
- Water free from chlorine, chloramine and odor
- Chemicals removed for improved hair, skin, lungs, teeth
- No salt – no bags to replace, no added salt in water
This is not only a combination of water softener and filter: the fact that this system uses both RO and carbon filtering means that the filtering is the very highest quality.
Disadvantages
This is a completely comprehensive solution using three of APEC’s best systems combined for an ultimate result. It is thereby very difficult to pinpoint any potential downside, except to say that not everyone will need such a comprehensive solution. Check your water hardness to see if this will benefit you.
Verdict
This is the most comprehensive water treatment option on this list so far for homes of an average size.
TOTAL SOLUTION 15 WHOLE HOUSE WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
Introduction – Function
Just like the Total Solution 10, this is a fully comprehensive, three stage system that will not only filter but also soften the water that you are drinking.
Don’t get it mistaken: you might read about ‘8 stage’ water filters and assume these are superior. The difference is that these three stages are all made from different additional stages. These are three entire systems used in conjunction to create the best drinking water that is superior to bottled water and is among the very best treated water available for the home.
Key Features
This system is aimed for homes that have 3-6 bathrooms. It is WQA & NSF tested and 
certified.
How it Works
As mentioned, this system uses the same three stages as the Total Solution 10. These stages include:
- Activated carbon filter to remove chlorine, odors, smells and other contaminants
- Salt-free water softening using
Advantages
This really is the best of all worlds. The use of all three systems means you get water softened, cleaned and purified – resulting in drinkable water that really is superior to bottled.
At each stage, you’re getting the very best quality job. Reverse osmosis is the most effective way to purify your water and remove unwanted agents. And likewise., using a salt-free system to soften your water is the best way to enjoy soft water with zero downsides.
Disadvantages
There is no real disadvantage to this system. The only caveat is that you should make certain to ensure that you need softening and you should only use the Total Solution 15 over the 10 if you have a large home with more than 3 bathrooms.
Verdict
One of the very best and most comprehensive water solutions for larger homes.
APEC FUTURA 10 + RO System Bundle
Introduction – Function
This system is exactly what it says on the tin: it is the combination of two of APEC’s top systems: the Futura 10 for water softening and the RO system for purification.
Key Features
This product is two systems packaged into one which gets the buyer a $50 discount. The solution provides reverse osmosis water filtering and water softening using a salt-free 
solution. This option is suitable for homes with up to 3 bathrooms.
How it Works
This is really two stages in one at a discounted price. These two systems use methods that you are probably familiar with by now:
- The Futura 10 is a water softener that works by using a specially treated ceramic. This ceramic is able to attract unwanted limescale minerals and then neutralize them by converting them to their crystalline form.
- The RO system uses reverse osmosis to force water through a membrane, thereby removing fluoride, arsenic and more from the water.
Advantages
Both these systems are fantastic at what they do and combining both makes a lot of sense. Not only do you make big savings, but you will also find that each system benefits the other. Softening water first before filtering means that it will pass more easily through the filters and be less likely to damage those systems.
The result is softer water that is easier to wash with and extends the lifespan of your appliances. Additionally, you’ll benefit from an improved taste removed odor and more. And because this doesn’t use any salt, you don’t need to worry about heart health or making your water taste salty!
Meanwhile, RO is by far the most important form of purification and is able to completely remove the most damaging contaminants such as arsenic from your water.
Disadvantages
This is a comprehensive system but still not as comprehensive as the Total Solution that comes with the addition of a carbon filter for removing chlorine odors and smells among other things. Perhaps if you are going as far as to get both these systems, you may wish to consider going just a little further and getting all three-in-one.
Verdict
For those that don’t need carbon filtering, this is a fantastic two-in-one solution for improving the quality and health of your water.
FUTURA 15 + RO System Bundle
Introduction – Function
Just like the Futura 10, this is a solution that can provide you with cleaner water while also removing unwanted scale. This is a bundle deal that will get you both the Futura 15 for softening and a RO system for purification.
Key Features
The Futura 15 is the same as the 10 but is suitable for properties with 3-6 bathrooms rather than 1-3. Otherwise, you are getting all the same benefits here – softer water that 
won’t damage appliances or leave limescale but without the salt; and purification that effectively removes arsenic and other serious contaminants.
How it Works
The Futura 15 works by using a ceramic filter that can attract the mineral particles and then neutralizing them by converting them to their harmless crystalline form.
The RO system is a reverse osmosis membrane that forces water the ‘wrong way’ through a tight membrane to remove bacteria, fluoride and more.
Advantages
This is a great way to both soften your water and remove arsenic and fluoride. Salt-free water softening is the preferred option because it does not add sodium to the diet and it is also the only legal option in some areas. RO is the most comprehensive form of water purification that removes the most sinister components such as arsenic. Buying both together will save you money and moreover will allow each component to work more efficiently. Softening water before it is put through a filter will ensure that it does not leave calcium and magnesium deposits in the membrane and shorten its lifespan.
Disadvantages
This system is slightly less comprehensive than the Total Solution 15 which handles a comparable water flow with RO and Futura 15 but which also adds an activated carbon filter.
Water softeners are only necessary for regions with hard water. There is unfortunately no Future 20 + RO option.
Verdict
An excellent choice for treating water in the most important ways.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, APEC offers a huge selection of products to take care of every aspect of your water quality. This includes everything from softening, filtering and purification, to storage and even the faucets. Having assessed each product, we highly recommend this company for all your water treatment needs. It is a recognized brand with a clear commitment to quality products. Their Total Solution products in particular are among the most comprehensive options on the market but any of their systems will help to give you cleaner and better tasting water!
While the RO-90 is the standout filter for those that want to benefit from the full advantages of reverse osmosis filtration, APEC also make a wide range of other systems to suit any budget and any specific requirement. Whether you are looking to remove sediment, scale or iron, whether you want something portable or permanent… you should be able to find a good solution.
Each product has its own pros and cons, all of APEC’s filters are exceedingly well made with rave reviews on Amazon. Buy in confidence knowing these will reliably do what they promise. And while you’re at it, consider their faucets and housing to complete the set-up.