A cartridge captures suspended particles such as dirt and sand before they reach the main treatment tank.
For filtration + hardness control
Stainless Steel Whole Home Filter + Softener
Target chlorine taste and odor, and reduce hard-water scale. Crystal Quest SMART filtration with a separate salt-based softener.
Swipe or select a thumbnail. Tap an image to enlarge.
Two jobs. One equipment package.Hardware by Crystal Quest
Base system shown. Softener packages include a separate brine tank.
Supplier model: CQE-WH-01129Compare model specsTreatment details
$4,599.00Equipment only
Free U.S. shipping
Installation and applicable taxes are separate.
Download installation instructions Get your plumber briefHow it works
Follow the water.
See what each stage does. Select a stage to take a closer look.
Water in To your home
Ion-exchange resin replaces calcium and magnesium hardness ions with sodium. Salt in the separate brine tank regenerates the resin; brine is not the normal water path to your home.
A blend of filtration media treats a range of water-quality concerns through adsorption and redox processes. Match specific reduction needs to the exact manufacturer configuration.
The final carbon cartridge polishes the water for taste and odor. Replace it as conditions require; it is not a disinfection stage.
Treatment overview, not a plumbing diagram. Shows the base equipment only; selected add-ons require additional stages. Performance depends on water chemistry, flow and maintenance.
Treatment details & performance information
Four treatment components do two jobs: filter incoming water and reduce hardness. A separate brine tank supplies salt for the softener’s regeneration cycle.
SMART filtration targets chlorine taste, odor and sediment. Check manufacturer performance information for specific contaminant concerns. Results depend on water conditions, flow and maintenance.
Confirm that performance information applies to your exact model and water conditions.
Standard or Large
Compare model specifications.
Manufacturer specifications for the Standard and Large models. Confirm your home’s peak demand before choosing.
| Specification | Standard | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Quest model | CQE-WH-01129 | CQE-WH-01130 |
| Bathroom starting guide | 1–3 bathrooms | 2–4 bathrooms |
| Main tank media | 1.5+ cu. ft. SMART media + separate softener | 2.0+ cu. ft. SMART media + separate softener |
| Nominal SMART filtration capacity | 1,000,000 gallons | 1,500,000 gallons |
| Nominal softener capacity | 48,000 grains | 60,000 grains |
| Listed service flow | 9–11 gallons/minute | 10–13 gallons/minute |
| Treatment tank size (diameter × height) | SMART tank: 10 × 54 inches | SMART tank: 12 × 52 inches |
| Brine tank (diameter × height) | 18 × 33 inches | 18 × 33 inches |
| Treatment tank finish | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Automatic control | Timed backwash + regeneration | Timed backwash + regeneration |
| Pre- & postfilter cartridges | 20-inch sediment + carbon block | 20-inch sediment + carbon block |
Source: Crystal Quest model specifications ↗
Listed service flow is not a guarantee of pressure at every fixture. Your plumber checks peak demand, incoming pressure and pipe size.
SMART gallon ratings are nominal media capacities, not cartridge replacement intervals or guarantees of contaminant reduction.
Usable softening capacity and regeneration frequency depend on hardness, water use, salt dose and settings.
Plan for two treatment tanks, a separate brine tank, cartridge housings and service clearance. The listed dimensions are for the SMART filter tank; confirm the softener tank and complete layout with your plumber.
Installation requirements
-
A protected indoor location
Allow room around the tanks, control heads and cartridge housings for service. Protect the system from sunlight, weather and freezing.
-
An outlet within reach
The automatic controls need power. The manual calls for a nearby 110-volt outlet and says not to use an extension cord.
-
A suitable drain
Backwashing and softener regeneration discharge water. Your plumber plans the drain connection and sets the cleaning schedule.
-
Safe incoming pressure
The manual calls for a regulator if water pressure, including spikes, could exceed 60 psi. Your plumber confirms the limits for the supplied equipment.
Know what you’re buying
What’s included.
Your equipment package and the costs to plan for separately.
Included in your package
-
SMART filtration tank
Stainless steel tank with the filtration media and control head.
-
Softener tank + brine tank
A separate stainless steel softener tank, plus a brine tank to hold salt.
-
Sediment + carbon cartridges
Prefilter and postfilter with housings complete the package.
-
Leak-detection shutoff valve
The CQE-PT-03064 valve is part of this Clearhouse package.
Budget for these separately
- Your plumber’s labor and installation quote
- Any extra plumbing parts or site work
- Applicable taxes
- Softener salt, replacement cartridges, media and resin
Get a complete installation quote before ordering.
Two sizes. One clear next step.
Choose your size.
Use bathroom count as a starting guide, then confirm simultaneous water use and hardness. Both parts of the package need to fit your home.
A starting point for 1–3 bathrooms.
The 1.5 cu. ft. package for smaller or moderate-demand homes. Have your plumber check flow and softening capacity.
A starting point for 2–4 bathrooms.
The 2.0 cu. ft. package for greater water demand. Hardness and peak use still determine the right setup.
Your plumber confirms peak flow, pressure, hardness and space. Larger homes and shared plumbing need individual review.
Installation
Picture it in your home.
A clean, organized setup at your main water line. Your licensed plumber plans the connections and service access for your space.
Installation instructions
Your system. Your plumber.
Share your equipment brief and manual with a licensed plumber. Confirm the fit and get a separate installation quote before you order.
Straight from the manufacturer
Manuals & manufacturer documents
Share these with your plumber. Follow the instructions supplied with your exact equipment.
Manufacturer PDFInstallation & owner’s manualPlumbing diagrams, control setup, maintenance and the manufacturer’s limited warranty terms.Open PDF
Manufacturer PDFLeak-detector valve manualSetup and operating instructions for the shutoff valve included in our package.Open PDF
Manufacturer PDFSMART filtration brochureSee the filtration media, treatment stages and nominal capacity information.Open PDF
Manufacturer PDFLarge SMART tank schematicTank layout for the 2.0 cu. ft. SMART filter. This is not a complete installation plan.Open PDF
Manufacturer PDFManufacturer performance documentCrystal Quest’s published media and performance information. Confirm applicability to your exact configuration.Open PDF
Manufacturer websiteFull product specificationsReview Crystal Quest’s product listing, model options and technical details.View manufacturer page
Simple upkeep
Maintenance & replacement
Keep the system. Refresh the parts that do the work. Here’s what to plan for.
Replace the two cartridges
Change the sediment prefilter and carbon postfilter. Replace sooner if flow drops or your water conditions require it.
Check the softener salt
Check the brine tank and top up salt as needed. Salt use depends on hardness, water use and the regeneration settings.
Service the tank media
Filter media and softener resin have separate service schedules. Your installer can assess them; they are not included in a cartridge pack.
Automatic backwashing or regeneration does not eliminate cartridge changes or eventual media replacement.
Care for the stainless steel finish. Wipe off condensation and keep salt away from the steel surfaces. Crystal Quest notes that persistent moisture, high humidity and salt exposure can cause rust or pinholes. Ask your plumber to confirm a suitable location.
Schedules & manufacturer sources
The whole-house manual recommends 12–18 months for pre- and postfilters. The individual sediment listing estimates 18–24 months for CQE-RC-04015. Follow your system manual and installer’s advice; actual service life depends on water quality and usage.
Follow the shutoff, pressure-release and flushing instructions. Your plumber can handle the change if you prefer.
Keep the choice simple
A filter and softener do different jobs.
Choose the treatment that matches your water and existing equipment.
For taste, odor & sediment filtration
Stainless Steel Whole Home Filter
Everyday filtration. A starting point for chlorine taste, odors and sediment.
Care: cartridges and media. No softener salt.
From $2,699.00
View system
For hard-water spots & scale
Stainless Steel Whole Home Softener
Hardness reduction. For scale control, on its own or with your existing filter.
Care: salt refills, cartridges and resin.
From $2,599.00
View system
You’re viewing this system
Stainless Steel Whole Home Filter + Softener
Both jobs together. SMART filtration plus a separate salt-based softener.
Care: cartridges, media, resin and salt refills.
From $4,599.00
Choose your size
Free U.S. shipping on equipment. Plumber installation and applicable taxes are separate.
A few useful answers
Before you order.
Is this the right system for my home?
Choose this when you want both filtration and softening for confirmed hard municipal water. Your plumber checks incoming hardness, peak flow and space for the filter, softener and brine tank.
Do I need a water softener?
This package includes a salt-based softener. If you only need filtration or already have a suitable softener, choose the Whole Home Filter.
Is installation included in the price?
No. Hire and pay your own licensed plumber. Equipment ships free within the U.S.; installation, site-specific parts and taxes are separate.
What ongoing maintenance should I expect?
Check salt monthly. Replace cartridges every 12–18 months, or sooner if needed. Filter media and softener resin have separate service schedules.
Will it remove everything in my water report?
No. Check exact-model performance for your concerns. A utility report is not a test of your tap.
Does the package handle chloramine and hard water?
The SMART filter’s standard and catalytic carbon blend targets chlorine and chloramine. The separate salt-based softener reduces calcium and magnesium hardness. Your plumber confirms flow and hardness settings; a specific contaminant concern should also be checked against the exact model’s tested performance.
Is this a salt-free system?
No. This package includes a salt-based ion-exchange softener and a brine tank. Plan for salt refills and regeneration water. If you want filtration without adding a softener, the Whole Home Filter is available separately.
What does the automatic control do?
The control head schedules backwashing or softener regeneration so the tank can clean or restore its media. Crystal Quest lists a timed valve as the base configuration and a metered valve as an upgrade. Our listed packages do not include that upgrade. Your installer sets the controls for your water and usage.
What warranty information should I review?
The manufacturer’s whole-house manual describes a one-year limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship, with component-specific terms. Routine cartridge replacement is excluded unless the cartridge is defective on receipt. Review the full terms in the owner’s manual and confirm coverage for the supplied package before ordering. Open PDF
Where can I see the technical details?
Supplier model: CQE-WH-01129 · Standard
Compare sizes, flow and dimensions in the model specifications above. Compare model specs
Start with your home
Unsure which water system fits?
Tell us about your water and home. We’ll suggest a starting system and explain the fit.