FREQUENTLY Asked Questions

Why should I use the best possible water for our plants and vegetable gardens?

In addition to the benefits of growing and eating clean, organic, contaminant-free fruits and vegetables, using clean chlorine-free water is also eco-friendly to your plants themselves.

We know that soils contain beneficial microorganisms whose function is to protect plant roots, by keeping them clean and healthy so that they have the maximum ability to absorb nutrients and fertilizers. However, when we water our plants with chlorinated tap water, chlorine can kill off the beneficial bacteria which is present in healthy soil. Chlorine also burns a plants’ delicate uptake-roots, limiting the plants’ growth potential.

What contaminants do these systems eliminate?

GrowMax Water™ filtration systems are designed and engineered to specifically reduce/remove chlorine, pesticides and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), as well as sand, rust, oxides and other solids, to deliver clean, contaminant free water to your garden.

Why should I eliminate chlorine from our plants and vegetable gardens?

Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas with a strong smell, similar to bleach. The pure form of chlorine is poisonous to humans. In its pure form chlorine can cause trouble breathing and irritation of the eyes and skin. While chlorine is the most commonly used disinfectant for drinking water, it’s bi-products (VOCs) such as THMs (Trihalomethanes) are identified as potential carcinogens.

Many people stopped drinking chlorinated tap water many years ago. Most have installed some kind of water filtration unit in their home for drinking and cooking. The same concept applies to the water you use for your plants, flower gardens, fruit and vegetables gardens.

What are VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short-term and long-term adverse health effects. Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that both vaporize into air and dissolve into water. VOCs are pervasive in daily life, because they are used in industry, agriculture, transportation, and day-to-day activities around the home. Once released into groundwater, many VOCs are persistent and can migrate to drinking-water supplies. More than 500 different compounds have been found in drinking water (see chart). Trihalomethanes (THMs), solvents, and gasoline oxygenate MTBE were among the most frequently detected VOCs in public well water samples (pg. 33 USGS survey).

Which size filtration system should I choose for my home?

The most in-demand and popular unit is the SUPER GROW 800. It delivers more than three gallons per minute of clean, contaminant free water, perfect for most garden applications. With the included mounting stake the SUPER GROW 800 is also easy to place anywhere in your garden. The system easily connects to your garden hoses or can be plumbed directly into your irrigation system.

For larger gardens, community gardens, or commercial hydroponic uses, upgrading to the PRO GROW 2000 unit is recommended.

If you have indoor plants, potted plants, or a smaller patio or deck garden, the ECO GROW 240 system with optional indoor/outdoor connectors can be a perfect fit.

How often should I change out my filters?

The MaxPur™ five-micron sediment filter works as a pre-filter which protects the CleanGreen™ carbon block filter, extending its life and contaminant reduction capabilities. The MaxPur™ filter that comes in the SUPER GROW 800 and PRO GROW 2000 models feature a pleated design that maximizes dirt-holding capacity to extend the time period between replacement and can also be cleaned to extend its life between filter replacement. The GMW CleanGreen™ carbon block is rated to treat between 10,000 gallons (ECO GROW 240) and 15,000 (SUPER GROW 800) to 25,000 gallons (PRO GROW 2000) of garden water. Depending on the size of your garden and daily watering time, these filters will generally last between 6 and 12 months. It is best to change out both filters at the same time.

Winterizing: Can I leave the GrowMax Water™ filtration systems outside in the winter?

No. Be certain to winterize your GrowMax Water™ filtration unit before the outside temperature drops below freezing 32ºF (0ºC). Freezing water expansion will cause your filter housings to crack and break.

To winterize your unit, turn off the water supply and remove the filter housings and filters.

Empty the water from the housing and store in a dry, protected place until you are ready to turn your system back on in the spring. Make sure to check that the O-ring is still in place, and does not fall out when emptying the water. Also be sure that the O-ring does not get pinched when re-installing the filter housings.

Our systems do not add anything to your water, rather they filter out sediment and other solids, chlorine, pesticides, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). If your water was drinkable to begin with, it will be even cleaner afterwards.
NOTE: GrowMax Water™ filtration systems should not be used with well-water of unknown potability.

Is the water from the GrowMax Water™ filtration system drinkable?

Our systems do not add anything to your water, rather they filter out sediment and other solids, chlorine, pesticides, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). If your water was drinkable to begin with, it will be even cleaner afterwards.
NOTE: GrowMax Water™ filtration systems should not be used with well-water of unknown potability.

What if I have well-water, rainwater, or another water source that does not contain chlorine?

Well-water may not contain chlorine, but can very well contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Up to 500 different known VOCs have been found in groundwater. Rainwater also can contain pesticides and other contaminants that are absorbed from the atmosphere (this is why you see clean blue skies after it rains).

Do the GrowMax Water™ Filtration Systems produce waste water like reverse osmosis?

No. Unlike RO units which send from 2 to 10 times the amount of water to the drain, GrowMax Water™ filtration systems are eco-friendly, producing ZERO WASTE WATER.