NU Aqua Systems is new to RO-System.org in 2020 and their water filters stand out as a great choice for a few reasons.
We got our hands on two of their most popular systems and checked out everything so that you know what you to expect with yours.
There are three big features that set the NU Aqua reverse osmosis water filters apart from competing systems:
5 Year Warranty
Most competing systems have a 1 year and maybe a 3 year warranty. NU Aqua Systems offers a full 5 year warranty on all reverse osmosis systems and will replace any defective parts in that time.
Great Value
NU Aqua Systems offers a long list of unique system configurations and chances are, you will find the exact combination of features and filters that you are looking for.
Across all of the NU Aqua models, the price is very competitive and almost always costs less than a comparable system from another brand.
High Daily Output
While 50 or 75 GPD (gallons per day) output is normal with competing systems, all NU Aqua water filters are rated for 100 GPD output. While most people won’t filter that much per day, this number also indicates how fast these systems are at producing filtered water.
All configurations of the NU Aqua RO systems can be purchased directly from the NU Aqua website.
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Table of Contents
System Design
We tested two NU Aqua water filter systems…
- NU Aqua Platinum Series 100GPD 7-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System with UV Filter, Alkaline Filter, and Booster Pump
- NU Aqua Platinum Series 100GPD 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System
Keep reading to see what these systems have in common and what makes them unique.
NU Aqua Platinum Series 5-Stage System
The NU Aqua Platinum Series 5-stage water filter system is comparable in design to other 5-stage systems on the market but it is very easy (and inexpensive) to add features and upgrades.
There is a metal housing bracket that holds two filters above as well as the connectors for the three larger filters below.
The five water filters are:
- Pre-sediment filter
- Granulated activated carbon filter
- Carbon block filter
- Reverse osmosis membrane
- Carbon post filter
In addition to the five stages of filtration, the system also includes:
- Booster pump for efficiency and less waste
- Lead-free designer chrome faucet
- 3.2 gallon pressurized water storage tank
- An adjustable feed water adapter
- Color-coded tubing
- Filter housing wrench to help with filter changes
- Simple, step-by-step instructions with pictures
- A bonus TDS meter to test the total dissolved solids level of your water
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NU Aqua Platinum Series 7-Stage System
The 7-stage NU Aqua system has all of the same features as the 5-stage system but with additional filters. So this section will only discuss the differences.
The additional features of the 7-stage system are:
- UV (Ultraviolet light) Filter
- Alkaline Filter
- Booster Pump (standard)
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Filter
When water passes through the ultraviolet purification chamber, 99% of harmful bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms are either destroyed or sterilized.
A UV filter is more important if your water come from a well or other natural water source. Most municipal/city water supplies already treat water to remove microorganisms but contamination is still possible from old/dirty plumbing.
Alkaline Filter
The NU Aqua alkaline filter contains five different materials that work together to raise the pH of the water and make it more alkaline.
Alkaline water tastes more like natural spring water and is proffered by many people. In addition, alkaline water increases blood oxygen levels, reduces free radical damage, improves absorption of essential nutrients, and neutralizes acidity in the body.
Booster Pump
The heavy duty booster pump (standard on the 7 stage system and optional on the 5 stage system) brings your water pressure to optimal levels. Even if you don’t have low water pressure, this helps the system to be faster and more efficient at producing clean, filtered water.
The booster pump also decreases waste water.
Keep in mind that the booster pump and UV both need power and this system has a single 110V plug to connect under the sink.
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Efficiency
NU Aqua water filter system efficiency varies depending on if there is an optional boost pump.
This amount of water waste will vary depending on the pressure of the water entering the system. The higher the input pressure, the less water wasted. Wastewater is created because RO systems use pre-filtered water to clean the filter membranes.
The 5-stage system (without booster pump) has an average efficiency of 3 gallons of wasted water to produce 1 gallon of filtered water (3:1).
WITH a booster pump, system efficiency of the 7-stage (and 5-stage with pump) improves to a 2:1 ratio of waste water to filtered water.
Keep in mind that if you pay for municipal water, a more efficient system will save you money both when the system pulls the water and when the waste water is sent down the drain.
Ease of Installation
The NU Aqua reverse osmosis systems are designed to be installed under the sink by anyone with rudimentary DIY skills. A professional plumber is not needed for installation.
The only potentially difficult part of the whole installation is drilling a hole in the sink or countertop for the filtered water faucet. This may not be necessary if a hole already exists for a hand sprayer, soap dispenser, or is available with a blank cover.
The full instructions included with this system are some of the most detailed we’ve seen!
Every step includes a picture and they don’t assume you know anything. There are even steps that tell you when to apply Teflon tape and how much is needed, which makes this very easy for just about anyone to install.
NU Aqua also provides lifetime support including 24/7 online support, so you can always contact them if you have questions.
While this is a very complete system, check out our list of some reverse osmosis accessories for some items to consider with your new reverse osmosis system.
Maintenance
NU Aqua filter changes are not difficult.
Top-mounted filters are disconnected from hoses and updated as described with their instructions.
The bottom mounted filters (that do the bulk of the work) are each in their own filter housing. To change these, use the included filter wrench to loosen the housing and twist off. Drop in the inner filter and then screw the housing back on.
The NU Aqua filter replacement schedule is:
- Stages 1-3 should be replaced once every 6 months
- Stage 5 (post filter) should be replaced once every year
- The reverse osmosis membrane should be replaced only once every 12 to 18 months
- Optional UV and Alkaline filters should be replaced once every year
NU Aqua makes it easy to stay on schedule with filter packs the contain everything you need for 6 and 12 month maintenance. Scroll to the bottom for links to NU Aqua replacement filters.
Remember that a water filtration system is only as good as the health of the filters. Over time, filters collect contaminants that must be removed by replacing them.
NU Aqua Systems Pros
- Competitive pricing and excellent value
- Solid build
- 100 gallons of pure water output per day
- 5 year warranty
- Optional booster pump, Ultraviolet (UV) light, and alkaline filters
- Bonuses like a free TDS meter
NU Aqua Systems Cons
- Some systems are newer and don’t have a lot of reviews yet
- Average or slightly better-than-average wastewater ratios
Visit our roundup of under sink reverse osmosis systems to compare the NU Aqua systems with the competition.
Conclusion
NU Aqua Systems makes solid reverse osmosis water filtration systems that compare well to the competition.
They offer a wide range of configurations and make it easy to get a combination of filters that will work well for your water.
No matter which NU Aqua water system you choose, it will be competitively priced for the features it offers.
Combine the quality of the systems with the higher-than-average output and 5 year warranty and you get a great water filtration system!
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You may also be interested in:
Our top rated accessories for this or any other RO system will help you customize your installation! You can easily connect your refrigerator ice maker, extend a hose, or upgrade your faucet.
NU Aqua Replacement filters
You can refer back here to order replacement filters as necessary. It may help to order your first filter set now so you are ready in six months.
- NU Aqua Platinum Series 5-stage replacement filters:
- NU Aqua 1 Year Filter Replacement Set at NU Aqua contains two of each 6 month filter. Purchase once to cover months 6 and 12.
- NU Aqua Platinum Series Complete Filter Replacement Set at NU Aqua includes one of every filter including the RO membrane. Purchase for month 18.
- NU Aqua Platinum Series 7-stage replacement filters:
- NU Aqua 1 Year Filter Replacement Set at NU Aqua contains two of each 6 month filter. Purchase once to cover months 6 and 12.
- NU Aqua Platinum Series Complete Filter Replacement Set at NU Aqua includes one of every filter including the RO membrane. Purchase for month 18.
