Here’s where it gets ironic: the “free” cooler rental isn’t free. Primo charges a security deposit of about $20 to $50 for the cooler, which you’ll get back if you return it—but only if it’s spotless and you have the receipt from 2019. Good luck finding that. Then there’s the “water cooler sanitization” fee, which pops up randomly every six months for $9.99.
And let’s not forget the minimum order trap. Most delivery plans require you to order at least two jugs per month, even if you live alone and drink water like a camel on vacation. You’ll end up with a spare jug that sits in your kitchen, taunting you. “Drink me,” it whispers. “Or I’ll grow algae.”
Crystal Springs Water Company Bill Pay at Rosemary Henry blog
Comparing Primo to the Alternatives
So, is Primo cheaper than buying bottled water from the grocery store? Surprisingly, yes. A 5-gallon jug gives you about 40 standard bottles. At $7.00 per exchange, that’s $0.17 per bottle—versus $1.00 or more for a single plastic bottle at the store. Math, people. It’s a beautiful thing.
But compared to a faucet filter like Brita? Primo is a luxury tax. Brita costs about $0.10 per gallon after the initial $30 pitcher purchase. Primo’s delivery can run you $1.30 per gallon—13 times more expensive. You’re paying for convenience, coldness, and the smug feeling of pressing a button instead of pouring a pitcher.
