Pentair Pentek WS-20BB, 20" Big Blue Water Softener Cartridge, 20" x 4.5" | Sodium-Form Cation Resin Reduces Hard Water Scale in Pipes and Appliances, 4,500-Grain Capacity

I was skeptical about this filter. I feared that (1) it wouldn't filter well, or it would have a reduced flow rate compared to the activated carbon filter that we were using. And (2) I feared that the "water softening" claim would be a gimmick of some sort. However, I am very pleased that this filter performs as claimed. The flow rate is slightly higher than the pleated/carbon filters that we replaced. The filtering is fine, with no noticeable increase in solids. And the filtered water is actually soft. We can lather in the shower; the dishwasher actually works now; the clothes washing machine produces better results. I will buy these again -- this is now our preferred filter. We live in northeast Wyoming right next to a creek. Our well is only 20 feet deep, and we are basically drinking creek-water. So, we depend on the big blue filter and a UV-lamp system to make our water potable. With activated carbon filters and the UV system, we were safe. But the water was very hard. We don't have room for a traditional water softening system without major remodeling. So, this filter provides a convenient upgrade. Yes, the filters are expensive, but in my opinion, they are a good value.

Great price, remove most but not all mineral from water.

I used this brand softener filter cartridge to replace the EMI brand filter cartridge that did the same thing with out any trouble for over 6 months but this Pentair filter started substantially reducing water flow with in 30 days of use. When I removed it from the housing, I noticed the cartridge had been collapsing.

I have used these filters to reduce the hardness in our water in our condo (which cannot support the traditional Water softener that requires salt to be replaced and a large space. You have to change these filters frequently as their life span is limited. I re-ordered two of the Pentek WS--20BB (I always try and have one in reserve as I measure the hardness of the water and sometimes I have to replace the filter in advance of the manufacturers recommended number of gallons it will process). I opened the first box upon receipt and installed it in my Big Blue. The filter you will find is not perfect but it does an adequate job in a condo environment (better than nothing) and it cut the hardness of our water in half (clothes are cleaner, dishes do not cloud, etc.). I just arrived at the recommended replacement point (more than 30 days later), based on water flow rate and the second WS-20BB filter was smashed and damaged - see pictures. My recommendation - first, open these filters immediately upon receipt and thoroughly check for damage. Second, DO NOT ORDER TWO or MORE at a time. Amazon needs to pack these filters with some padding when sending more than one filter (BTW - there is no padding in the packing the box the filter is delivered) as the filters are very heavy, which probably attributed to the damage to the top of the second filter which was leaking "brown" sand type material used in the water softener process.

It does what it says it will do and the water feels great. Not sure how long it lasts cuz there are alot of factors that determine that. I took it out after 2 weeks because the out out is only 2.5 gallons per minute. That is a california standard which sucks and i take out all limiters i can in my fixtures. That being said outpyt lowrrs water pressure and is to low for a whole house unit. If some is also using water somewhere in the house it make it much worse. So this wasnt an option for me. The only way around it would be to buy 2 or three and plumb them together in parallel which would double or triple your pressure which i dont have the room for. Also when i removed it to return i noticed the plastic case looks like it had a stress fracture. I didnt notice it when i out it in. Probably dropped in shipping.not companies fault