20 inch Big Blue 3-Stage Water Filter Set — CTO Carbon Block + 5 Micron + 1 Micron PP
Price range: R190,00 through R210,00 Incl. VAT
A complete 3-stage filter set for standard 20″ Big Blue housings featuring a CTO carbon block, 5 micron PP sediment, and 1 micron PP sediment cartridge — designed to remove a broad range of contaminants from water for whole-house, commercial, or pre-RO systems.
The 20 inch Big Blue 3-Stage Filter Set delivers comprehensive water filtration by combining three essential filter cartridges:
✔ a 5 micron polypropylene sediment filter for coarse particle removal;
✔ a 1 micron polypropylene sediment filter for finer sediment capture;
✔ and a CTO (Chlorine, Taste, Odor) carbon block filter to reduce chlorine, odors, and organic tastes.
Each filter is engineered to fit standard 20″ Big Blue (4.5″ diameter) housings, offering high flow, extended dirt-holding capacity, and reliable protection for downstream equipment like carbon filters, softeners, and reverse osmosis systems. This set is ideal for households, commercial buildings, and high-flow applications where water quality and equipment longevity are priorities.
Sizing Guide
- Stage 1 – 5 Micron PP: Removes large particles (sand, silt, rust).
- Stage 2 – 1 Micron PP: Removes finer sediment, protecting carbon block and downstream media.
- Stage 3 – CTO Carbon Block: Adsorbs chlorine, tastes, odors, and organic chemicals.
Use larger micron sediment first to maximize carbon life and reduce clogging.
Timing Recommendations
| Water Condition | Recommended Change Interval |
| Light sediment, low chlorine | ~9–12 months |
| Moderate sediment & chlorine | ~6–9 months |
| Heavy sediment/high demand | ~4–6 months |
Specifications
Specification |
Detail |
| Product Type | 3-Stage 20″ Big Blue Filter Set |
| Filters Included | CTO Carbon Block + 5 Micron PP + 1 Micron PP |
| Micron Ratings | 5 µm & 1 µm (sediment) |
| Carbon Media Type | Activated Carbon Block |
| Filter Media | Polypropylene (PP) & Activated Carbon |
| Length | ~20 inch (≈50.8 cm) |
| Outer Diameter | ~4.5 inch (≈11.5 cm) |
| Core Diameter | Standard Big Blue core size |
| Compatibility | Standard 20″ Big Blue filter housings |
| Operating Temp. | Typically up to ~65–80 °C |
| Flow Rate | High flow for whole-house use |
| Typical Change Interval | 4–12 months (water-quality dependent) |
| Removes | Sediment, rust, sand, chlorine, taste, odor, organics |
| Does NOT Remove | Bacteria, viruses (use RO/UV/UF for microbes) |
| Applications | Whole-house, commercial, pre-RO/UV systems |
Pros & Cons
✔ Pros
- Comprehensive 3-stage filtration: Covers sediment (coarse & fine) plus chlorine and taste/odor removal.
- Longer service life: Big Blue size offers high dirt capacity and longer change intervals vs 10″ cartridges.
- Protects downstream systems: Extends life of RO membranes, softeners, and finer filters.
- High flow: Suitable for whole-house and high-demand applications.
✘ Cons
- Not a microbiological solution: Does not remove bacteria/viruses without additional stages.
- Periodic replacement required: Each cartridge has finite life and must be changed regularly.
- Pressure drop over time: Flow reduction can occur when cartridges load with particulates.
FAQ's
1: What does this 3-stage set do?
The set first removes coarse sediment (5 µm), then fine sediment (1 µm), and finally reduces chlorine, taste, and odor with the carbon block.
2: How often should each filter be replaced?
Typical replacement intervals (water quality-dependent):
- 5 Micron PP: ~6–12 months
- 1 Micron PP: ~6–12 months
- CTO Carbon Block: ~6–12 months
3: Is this compatible with my system?
Yes — designed for standard 20″ Big Blue (4.5″) housings.
4: Does this remove bacteria or viruses?
No — additional dedicated media (UV, RO, UF) is required for microbial removal
5. What are Big Blue filter cartridges?
Big Blue filter cartridges are large‑capacity water filters designed for whole‑house and commercial water filtration systems. They fit Big Blue housings and effectively remove sediments, chlorine, rust, and other impurities from your water supply.
6. What sizes of Big Blue cartridges are available?
Big Blue cartridges typically come in standard sizes such as 20‑inch and 10‑inch lengths, with different micron ratings to suit your water quality needs. Check product details to choose the correct size for your system.
7. What micron ratings do Big Blue cartridges come in?
Big Blue cartridges are available in a range of micron ratings — from coarse filters (e.g., 5 µm) for sediment removal to finer filters (e.g., 1 µm) for finer particulates. Choose the rating based on your water quality and filtration requirements.
8. What do Big Blue cartridges filter out?
Depending on the cartridge type, Big Blue filters can remove:
- Sediments like sand, silt, and rust
- Chlorine and chemical tastes/odours (carbon cartridges)
- Scale and particulates that affect appliances and plumbing
9. How do I install a Big Blue filter cartridge?
- Turn off the water supply to the filter housing.
- Relieve pressure by opening a nearby tap.
- Remove the housing and old cartridge.
- Insert the new Big Blue cartridge, ensuring correct orientation.
- Reassemble and turn the water back on.
Always follow the installation instructions provided with your filter housing.
10. Can Big Blue cartridges improve water taste and odour?
Yes — activated carbon Big Blue cartridges are specifically designed to reduce chlorine taste and odour, giving you cleaner and better‑tasting water.
11. Are Big Blue cartridges compatible with my filter system?
Big Blue cartridges fit standard Big Blue housings (typically 4.5” diameter). Check your housing size and cartridge length before purchasing to ensure compatibility.
12. Where can I buy Big Blue filter cartridges and spares?
Big Blue filter cartridges and replacement parts are available at www.pumpsandfilters.co.za South Africa
Related products
