Finding the right water filtration systems for your rental
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
Many cities have drinking water that tastes crisp right out of the tap. Others… well, you can definitely taste something. From low budget to high end, here are our picks for water filtration systems for when the tap just won’t do.
We love these Brita fridge cubes for drinking water, but the basic pitchers are fine too (and easier for guests to refill). On the lowest end, Brita systems are simple and just need the filter changed out every couple months. As with all water filters, make sure you soak it and run water through to get all the charcoal powder out before serving it to guests.
READ: The Airbnb Terms You Need to Know: A Glossary of Short-Term Rental Terms
Big Berkeys are great when you’re dealing with mini fridge or no fridge at all. These guys just sit on the counter and give you a high end water filtration. Because they look like coffee carafes, it’s best to label them for guests as delicious drinking water.
PUR Advanced Water filtration systemPUR Advanced Water Filtration System
With the ability to switch between tap water and drinking water right from the kitchen faucet, the PUR systems shift towards having drinking water on a moment’s notice.
Brondell H20+ Cypress Countertop Water Filtration SystemWhen you want drinking water on demand, but don’t want to have to monkey around with a large filter on your sink nozzle, give a countertop system a try. These allow you to have a nice cold glass of drinking water filtered without installing a reverse osmosis but freeing up your nozzle from a clunky faucet filter.
READ: How to Compete with Hotels: Unleashing Your Short-Term Rental's Potential
Pelican Water 3 Stage Under Counter Water Filtration System
If your sink or counter allows it, you can add an actual reverse osmosis undercounter water filtration system which is not only feels higher end, but keeps the faucet free of clutter and tubes.
Water Softener
Water softeners not only make hard water more drinkable (which is great when paired with a refrigerator water filter) but they soften water for your entire home. If you live someone where water scum is an issue, water softeners are the less expensive fix. They require upkeep as far as bags of salt every month or two, but otherwise are low maintenance and get the job done. Growing up with one in the Midwest with well water, this worked perfectly. Owning a home in the desert, the water was too hard and this simply wasn’t enough.
Whole House Water Filtration System
If you need to pull out the big guns, consider a whole house water filtration system. We personally recommend LifeSource Water Filtration Systems, but Rayne and other companies provide installation of these multiple tank water filters. You can also find them on Amazon or Home Depot for DIYers and they range from 2500 up to 6000 for professional installations. Are they worth it? Depends on how hard your water is. We’ve seen issues with the water being so hard, it would break appliances and shower valves regularly . So if that’s the case the whole-house system becomes a money saver.
Got experience with water filtration and want to share? Uh, yes please. That’s what the comments section is for!