Aqualife filtration stages
Reviewed: September 2026 · Product-specific guide
The Aqualife RO Domestic Water Filter uses six stages in a fixed sequence: 5 micron pre-filter, 1 micron sediment, inline carbon, RO membrane, post-carbon, and mineral alkaline conditioning.
Each stage has a different job. Early filters protect the finer stages, the membrane performs the main dissolved-solids reduction, and the final stages condition water after RO treatment.
Stage 1: 5 micron pre-filter
The first cartridge is a barrier for visible sediment such as sand, rust, mud, and other suspended particles. A heavily loaded source can discolour this cartridge quickly. Appearance can help with inspection, but the exact replacement decision should also consider flow, source-water changes, use, and the installer’s guidance.
Stage 2: 1 micron sediment filter
This finer sediment stage captures smaller suspended particles before water reaches the carbon and membrane. Using staged sediment filtration can reduce the load reaching later components, but it does not replace correct maintenance.
Stage 3: inline carbon filter
The inline carbon stage helps reduce chlorine-related taste and odour and helps protect the RO membrane where chlorine is relevant. Carbon has finite capacity. A cartridge that has reached the end of its useful condition should be replaced with the correct compatible part.
Stage 4: RO membrane
The reverse-osmosis membrane is the main stage for reducing dissolved solids and selected contaminants. Water pressure drives the process, and some water carries concentrated material to the drain. Output varies with inlet pressure, temperature, feed-water quality, membrane condition, and the condition of the earlier filters.
Stage 5: post-carbon filter
After storage, post-carbon provides final taste and odour polishing before the water reaches the drinking tap. It is a separate stage with its own replacement needs.
Stage 6: mineral alkaline cartridge
The final cartridge conditions the treated water and supports the target outlet pH range of approximately 6.5–8.5. This is a target range, not a fixed value. The result varies with the inlet water, flow, and cartridge condition.
How the six stages work as one system
It is misleading to judge a domestic RO unit only by the number of stages. What matters is whether the components match the source water, the cartridges are compatible, installation is correct, and maintenance is completed when needed. Adding unverified stage names does not automatically improve treatment.
| System fact | Aqualife specification | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Stages | Six-stage alkaline RO | Exact sequence shown above |
| Tank | 18 litres | Installer confirms location |
| Daily output | Approx. 100–150 litres | Depends on operating conditions |
| Outlet pH | Target approx. 6.5–8.5 | Depends on source and cartridge |
| Operation | Automatic 24 V DC | Power required |
Claim boundary: this model is described using its verified six-stage configuration. UV, UF, complete pathogen removal, or “100% pure” claims are not added without model-specific evidence.
