Compare the 12 Best Water Softener Systems – Reviews & Buyers Guide
Last Updated on January 14, 2022 by Ava
Hard water — is a fact of life for most homeowners, and while it’s not a health risk, having too many minerals in your water supply can wreak havoc on your skin, ruin your clothing and take years off the lives of expensive appliances like dishwashers and water heaters.
Our guide contains the latest in water softening technology and these systems are easy to install and simple to operate – heck, some can be operated by your phone using an app.
So Don’t be fooled – there’s countless outdated and misleading reviews on the web that are a headache to read. We’ve spent an entire month putting together proven NSF certified home water softeners that will save you time and money.
…In a hurry?
Our Favorite is #1 however, #3 and #11 are solid overall budget friendly choices.
| Best Water Softener Systems | |||
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EDITOR'S CHOICEEDITOR'S CHOICE SpringWell Water Softener System |
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Check Prices on springwellwater.com
Coupon Code: QWL5
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ALSO GREATALSO GREAT Pelican NaturSoft Salt Free Water Softener |
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Check Prices on qualitywatertreatment.com |
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BEST FOR WELLSBEST FOR WELLS SpringWell Salt Based Water Softener System |
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Check Prices on springwellwater.com
Coupon Code: QWL5
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BEST FOR HARD WATERBEST FOR HARD WATER Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener |
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Check Prices on aquasana.com |
Top 12 Best Water Softeners Reviewed:
#1. SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener – Best Water Softener For City Water
Once considered inferior to conventional salt-based water softeners, SpringWell’s FutureSoft system is a technological breakthrough. It doesn’t remove minerals from water, so you’ll continue to reap their health benefits. Instead, Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) changes their chemical structure so they can’t form limescale build up.
The FutureSoft requires no salt and produces no briny wastewater, so unlike salt-based water softener types, it’s welcomed in all residential areas. Made with independently tested and certified components, systems are intuitive, low-maintenance, and they won’t affect water pressure at the tap — it’s a promise. Flow rates are double that of competitors.
SpringWell backs the FutureSoft with a best-in-class lifetime warranty, uncompromising service and two decades of comprehensive water filter experience. Buy it with complete confidence — you won’t be disappointed.
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FAQs
Q: Why does the FutureSoft have a sediment pre-filter?
A: Sediment filters capture large particles that can damage the softening media, and it improves water’s taste. Replace it annually for maximum efficiency.
Q: Will my softened water feel slippery?
A: It won’t. Unlike salt-based water softeners, salt-free systems leave in beneficial minerals. Water tastes great and feels normal on your skin.
Q: How often should the water softener media be replaced?
A: Never! FutureSoft media is good for a lifetime.
My Take
The FutureSoft is more than a water softener, it’s a problem solver. You’ll pay a few dollars more upfront, but you’re getting more than you pay for. Its durability and performance meets or exceeds salt-based water softener brands without the high cost and heavy maintenance — and because the softening media never needs replacing, the long-term cost of ownership is a fraction of the competition’s.
The FutureSoft is the original set-it-and-forget-it system — no one does it better than SpringWell. It’s top performer and an incomparable value and our best water softener recommendation – it also can be paired up with a whole house water filter nicely
#2. Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener and Iron Filter
The Iron Pro 2 is a salt-based whole house water softener made to remove iron. Its 64,000-grain capacity is perfect for a family of three to four with moderately hard water, and its top-quality components provide years of worry-free use.
Unlike some water softeners, the Iron Pro 2 uses higher-quality fine mesh resin to remove iron — up to 8 parts per million — that can permanently stain clothing, tubs and toilets.
Each system comes with a mineral tank, brine tank and a digital metered control head that measures the amount of water used and regenerates the system only when necessary for optimal efficiency.
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FAQs
Q: Is this water softener system septic-safe?
A: Absolutely! It’s great on your plumbing system
Q: Can this system use sodium or potassium chloride?
A: It can use both.
Q: Can this system be programmed to regenerate overnight?
A: Yes. When the softener regenerates is the homeowner’s choice.
My Take
#3. Fleck 5600sxt — Best Salt-based Water Softener System
The 5600sxt by Fleck is a salt-based set-it-and-forget-it water softening system. It has a generous 64,000-grain capacity and every feature that makes a softener a pleasure to own including advanced programming capability and custom settings that can reduce salt use by up to 40-percent over some models and it’s the best water softener for hard water.
The upgraded resin won’t deteriorate in the presence of chlorine like lesser resin can — a plus for use with heavily chlorinated city water. Mechanically and electronically, it’s streamlined and among the easiest to install.
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FAQs
Q: Does this system regenerate on a timer or based on water usage?
A: It’s a metered system that monitor water use and regenerates only when needed to reduce salt use unless set differently.
Q: How much waste water is produced during regeneration?
A: About 63 gallons
Q: Is this water softener equipped with a bypass valve?
A: Yes! Use it anytime for applications that don’t require softened water.
My Take
#4. Pentair Fleck 48K Grain — Best Water Softener For Well Water with Iron
Like the Iron Pro 2, the Pentair WS48-56sxt10 is designed to both soften water and remove iron. Its 10-percent crosslink resin is chlorine-resistant, so it’s ideal for both municipal and well water, and like the Iron Pro 2 and the Fleck 5600sxt, it features the Fleck SXT controller for optimal performance.
The kit includes the mineral and brine tanks and the control head, but as a bonus, it also comes with an installation kit that includes a sanitizer packet, O-ring lubricant and hardness test strips that make initial set up easier.
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FAQs
Q: How often does salt need to be added to the brine tank?
A: The rate of salt consumption varies based on water quality. Look in the brine tank weekly and add more salt when 3 inches or less of it remains.
Q: Can this be installed outdoors?
A: Yes, but only in non-freezing climates, and weatherproofing the electronic controls is a must.
Q: Can this be installed below the level of the drain line?
A: Yes, but no more than 20 feet.
My Take
#5. Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grain Whole House Water Softener
Aquasure promises spa-pure water with this 48,000-grain softener. It’s equipped with high- capacity resin for long life, and offers a few exciting convenience features other models don’t including a detachable bypass valve that allows maintenance without turning off the water supply and a high-capacity brine tank with a wide mouth that makes adding salt easier.
A low-profile hydraulic meter allows for closer installation to the wall — a plus in tight spaces — and all units come preloaded with resin for faster installation.
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FAQs
Q: How often should the resin be replaced?
A: Every five years on average depending on water quality.
Q: Will this softener affect the flow of water at the tap?
A: It can, however, with an 11.5 gallon per minute flow rate, most users don’t notice a big difference.
Q: Where is this system manufactured?
A: It’s assembled in the U.S. from globally-sourced parts.
My Take
#6. Tier1 48,000 Grain High-Efficiency Digital Water Softener for Hard Water
Tier 1’s water softeners aren’t the slickest on the market, but it’s an exceptional value for the price. The kit comes complete with the mineral and brine tanks and a digital head, plus it features quick connectors that earn it great reviews for ease of installation.
Programming options are available for every need, and it can be set to regenerate overnight when water use is at a low. Like it’s competitors, it comes with a five-year warranty, but at a bargain price.
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FAQs
Q: Can this softener use both salt pellets and crystals?
A: Yes, both work equally well.
Q: Is installation support available by phone?
A: Yes, during regular business hours.
Q: Where is the softener made?
A: China
My Take
#7. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler and Water Softener Alternative
Eddy’s electronic water softening descaler is an ideal alternative to salt-based water softeners. Unlike conventional models that remove minerals, this system uses electromagnetic waves to change the crystalline structure of minerals so they can’t adhere to pipes and damage water-using appliances.
The hardness of water isn’t affected, and healthy minerals aren’t removed, but it helps prevent the limescale build up on fixture and appliances without costly changes to plumbing or the use of salt.
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FAQs
Q: Can this system be used to treat hot and cold water?
A: Absolutely! Instructions are included.
Q: How much electricity does this unit use?
A: Five watts — about the same as a nightlight.
Q: Does this work on both plastic and metal pipes?
A: It works all on metal and PVC pipes unless they’re older pipes made of iron or lead.
My Take
#8. iSpring ED2000 – Best Electronic Water Softener
With this iSpring descaler, you’re just fifteen minutes away from better water. Installation requires no plumbing or electrical know-how — simple coils charged with electricity do the work. They alter the composition of minerals, so they don’t adhere to pipes, and while it won’t reduce the actual hardness in water, it goes a long way toward enhancing the life of water-using appliances without complicated installation or the added cost of salt. In ecologically sensitive areas where salt-based softeners are prohibited, it’s an effective alternative.
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FAQs
Q: Where is this descaler made?
A: In the United States.
Q: How long is the power cord?
A: The unit needs to be installed within six feet of an electrical source.
Q: Can this be installed vertically?
A: Absolutely!
My Take
#9 Whirlpool WHESFC ProSeries Whole-Home Hybrid Softener and Filter
Improve your water quality instantly with a Whirlpool ProSeries hybrid softener and filter. With a single tank, it reduces heavy minerals plus harmful contaminants, including chlorine.
Its 31,000-grain capacity removes 120 grains of hardness and up to 3 ppm of iron. Ideal for households with up to 5 people, it protects appliances from limescale buildup and corrosion. You’ll save money on repairs while enjoying the many other benefits of soft water, from cleaner dishes to brighter clothes.
Whirlpool ProSeries systems are smart, using 25-percent less salt by regenerating only on demand — a flashing indicator tells you when it’s low. And there are no filters to change ever — Whirlpool’s ingenious self-cleaning carbon filter renews itself every two weeks for lasting performance with the least possible maintenance.
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Top Q&A
Q: Does this filter reduce water pressure?
A: No. The WHESFC PRO has a generous 8 gpm (Gallons per minute) flow rate — that’s 20-percent more than average filters.
Q: Can this system be used for well water?
A: ProSeries softeners can be used for wells with iron levels less than 3 ppm.
Q: Will it prevent orange stains in my toilet and tub?
A: If orange stains are due to iron, you can expect a significant reduction.
My Take
Traditional softener-filter hybrids are intimidating to install, complex to use and frustrating to maintain. Separate brine and softening tanks take space and complicate installation. If you’re looking for a simple solution for hard water with the added benefits of carbon filtration, the affordable WHESFC Pro Series is the easy-to-operate system you’ve been looking for.
With a self-cleaning filter, maintenance is minimal, and the long-term cost of ownership is rock bottom. Finally, you can spend more time enjoying your water and less worrying about what your filtration system needs next.
#10 AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT Air Inject softener
AFWFilter’s oxidizing Air Inject water softener removes iron, manganese and sulfur — three of the most common problems with well water. The chemical-free system uses pressurized air to trap contaminants, sequestering them in the tank where they’re eventually flushed away.
Equipped with a top-of-the-line digital control head by Fleck, the AIS10-25SXT is a cinch to program. Kits include everything required for DIY-installation, including a stainless steel bypass valve with a standard 1″ threading for easy connection to your plumbing. A bypass valve lets you divert water for outdoor use without shutting off your home’s water supply.
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Top Q&A
Q: Can I choose when the system backwashes?
A: Absolutely! It comes preprogrammed to backwash every other day, but you choose any schedule that better meets your needs.
Q: Will this filter get rid of rotten egg smell?
A: AIS10-25SXT removes up to 2 ppm of the hydrogen sulfide responsible for even the foulest odors.
Q: I own a mobile home. Can this system be installed outdoors or horizontally in a crawl space?
A: Filters measure 54-inches tall and must be installed vertically. But if you waterproof the electrical connections and protect it from freezing temperatures, it can be safely set up outdoors.
My Take
Why use chemicals or costly specialty filters to tame tough iron problems when you can do it with air? Iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide are no match for its innovative design.
The space-friendly footprint is perfect for tight spaces, requiring only a square foot or less to install— and it couldn’t be simpler to use. It’s ideal as a stand-alone filter or paired with a water softener for wells with excessive iron. Your water will taste and smell as good as premium bottled brands without the sticker shock.
#11 Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener
High levels of iron in water can ruin some softeners, but not the Whirlpool WHES40E — it tackles the hardest water problems while removing up to 10 ppm of iron with no separate filter required.
This 40,000-grain, single-tank smart system is the ultimate cost-saver, using only as much salt and water as necessary to regenerate the system based on hardness level. The result is lower utility bills and less maintenance.
A single digital control panel offers fingertip control over all functions. With a handy low-salt indicator light, you know at a glance if you need to add salt. All systems come with an installation kit complete with bypass valve and easy-to-follow installation instructions.
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Top Q&A
Q: Where is this salt water softener made?
A: It’s designed and manufactured in the US.
Q: How much hardness does it remove?
A: It’s rated for 125 grain per gallon and suitable for moderately hard and hard water.
Q: Is it easy to install?
A: If you’re replacing an existing water softener, it’s an easy DIY job. Installing it from scratch requires basic plumbing skills, but with only one tank and a drain to plumb, it requires less technical expertise than traditional systems.
My Take
Whirlpool’s finally taken the mystery out of water softening. One tank with simple controls does it all — it’s foolproof. If this is you first softener, even the aesthetics are comforting — it looks more like an appliance than industrial equipment.
My only quibble is with Whirlpool’s limited warranty — a year on parts and labor. You can extend it two years by purchasing three bottles of their softener cleaner for around $50, but it still well below average for a quality product with excellent predicted reliability based on consumer reviews. Still, the bargain price is a welcome trade-off if you’re on a budget and can live without an extended guarantee. It’s a good value.
#12 GE Appliances SMART 40,000 Grain, GXSHC40N
If other softeners are smart, this 40,000-grain water softener wonder from GE is a genius. It’s a single-tank water softener and self-cleaning sediment filter all in one. Ideal for a family of four, it removes up to 125 grains per gallon of hardness and 8 ppm of iron. GE’s exclusive custom blending valve allows you to choose your preferred level of softness for comfort and salt savings.
Operation is fully programmable and controlled via app — home WiFi is required. Convenience features include a low-salt indicator and permanent memory — it tracks your consumption and learns, so you never run out of soft water. Real-time alerts let you shut off the system remotely in the event of a leak. If you work on the road, that’s peace of mind.
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Top Q&A
Q: What size pipes is this system compatible with?
A: It comes with solder-free, quick-connect fittings for 3/4-inch pipes but it will fit 1–1 1/4-inch plumbing with additional parts sold separately.
Q: How much salt does it hold?
A: Salt capacity is a generous 230 pounds.
Q: What if I don’t have home WiFi?
A: The softener will still work, but you’ll need to program it manually, and you’ll lose out on benefits like the remote shut off.
My Take
The best water softeners don’t malfunction often, but if they do, the potential for damage is mind-boggling. Drenched carpets, mildew on walls — you get the picture. But this clever system from GE takes the worry from going on vacation with at-a-glance system updates and remote operational control. You won’t get that kind of service from a five-star hotel.
Given its track-record for durability, a longer-term warranty would inspire our confidence. Still, the lower-than-average initial price is an offset, giving budget buyers an opportunity to choose an advanced product they might not otherwise be able to afford. Buy it with confidence.
Buyer’s Guide To Water Softeners
If you have hard water, there’s no question there are significant benefits to installing a water softening system. The only question is — which one is best for you?
We will discuss the various types of water softeners later on..
But first, let’s take a closer look at why you need a water softening system and which features will give you the long-term results you’re looking for both your health and plumbing system.
Why You Need a Water Softener
Hard water isn’t a health risk, but it does create problems. Softening your water is not a requirement since the mineral contained in the water are not toxic. However, dealing with the impact of hard water in the home can be challenging.
A water softener is necessary for individuals who would like to improve the look, smell or taste of their water. This filtration system will also allow you appliances to run superbly. Another important feature of a water softener is that it safeguards against the accumulation of minerals on the inside of hot water heaters, fixtures and pipes.
- Dingy Clothes: If your bold new tees fade fast, chances are hard minerals are to blame. When trapped in fabric, they retain dirt and cause premature wear. Surfactants in detergents are less effective, leaving the equivalent of soap scum in your clothes.
- Spotty Dishes: Hard minerals stick to dishes as water evaporates, leaving cloudy white spots on delicate glassware. Over time, they can cause permanent scratches known as etching.
- Dry, Itchy Skin: Hard water affect skin in two ways. First, it leaves a thin layer of soap scum on your skin that can’t be rinsed away. itching. Second, it reduces lather, something most people respond to by using more soap which has a net drying effect — doctors call it hard water dermatitis.
- Haystack Hair: Hard water minerals cling to hair despite vigorous rinsing, leaving behind residue resulting in untamable frizz. Calcium ions affect pH, causing colored locks to fade faster or even change shade.
- Soap Scum on Bathroom Fixtures: Soap scum is the ugly white film that coats tubs and shower doors when soap doesn’t dissolve efficiently. Regular cleaning keeps it at bay, but it reforms every time you shower. Miss a day’s cleaning, and it hardens into limescale requiring harsh chemicals or aggressive scrubbing to remove, leaving your back and fixtures worse for wear.
- Clogged Plumbing Systems: The same limescale build up that forms in your tub builds up in pipes, narrowing their diameter and reducing water pressure at the tap. That not only makes for an uncomfortable shower, but it also forces appliances like dishwashers to work overtime. The result is higher utility bills and costly appliance breakdowns. Replacing a water heater alone averages $850. Ouch! So it’s important reduce limescale in your plumbing system to prevent these issues.
Minerals Found in Hard Water
Magnesium and Calcium
Dissolved magnesium and calcium are two of the most common minerals that “hardens” your water. The level of hardness intensifies as the magnesium and calcium content increase in strength. Hard water affects just about every cleaning task, from bathing and dishwashing to laundering and personal grooming. The level of hardness minerals in the water impacts the amount of detergent and soap necessary to get things clean. The soap that is used in hard water mixes with the minerals to produce sticky soap curd, that could ultimately corrode pipes and appliances.
Iron
Iron, which gets picked up from the rivers, lakes, soil and even older, oxidized plumbing, is another mineral found in hard water. Iron can clog screens and pipes and could leave reddish-brown particles on the fixtures, brownish stains on the laundry and could cause the water to have an unpleasant smell and taste.
Aluminum
This mineral can also be found in hard water and it can get into the water by way of rock weathering or other natural processes. A thin coating of aluminum oxide can rapidly develop from aluminum metal which stops the metal from responding with water. When the coating is corroded, a reaction can develop, emitting extremely flammable hydrogen gas.
Does My Water Bill Increase With The Use Of a Water Softener?
If a water softener has been installed in your home, bigger water bills can be expected. This is because the system will require a large volume of water to be used to periodically flush out the buildup of magnesium and calcium in its filter, thereby increasing the water consumption.
This is essential as the water softener eliminates the magnesium and calcium contained in hard water. This is done by exchanging them with sodium, which indicates that excessive amounts of magnesium and calcium can harm the function it is intended to carry out.
What Is The Difference Between a Water Softener and Descaler?
Water Softeners and descalers use different techniques to handle scale deposits and hard water in their own unique way. Based on the level of your hard water, you might favor one over the other. Both systems are designed to safeguard your appliances and plumbing against premature wreckage, which means no more regular expensive repairs.
The main distinction between the two is that the water softener will remove all the hardness from the water, which is an indication that the GPG count will end in zero. The descaler will not lessen the GPG count but instead, stop the resulting effects of the hard water.
How to Soften Hard Water
High levels of minerals in water cause a wide range of household problems, but you don’t have to live with them. Boiling water and reverse osmosis filtration systems both remove minerals, but thankfully, there’s a more convenient, less expensive whole-home solution — a water softener – read more on how a water softener works.
Types of Water Softeners
Water softening come in two types — salt-based, or ion exchange, and salt-free. In a salt-based Ion exchange system, water flows over negatively charged polystyrene resin beads. Positively charged hard minerals stick to the beads and are then flushed away by the action of the salt solution. This process does add a bit of sodium to your drinking water, but the amount is negligible and the system can address hard water problems of any severity.
Salt-free softeners, better-called descalers or water conditioners because they do not remove hard water minerals from water, are available in several types, but only the electronic type is in widespread use. This type of unit uses electricity from coils wrapped around your water pies to change the molecular structure of hard mineral molecules, making it hard for them to stick to surfaces like plumbing fixtures and appliances. This method of water conditioning use no salt, but is best used for low to moderate levels of hardness, and the results won’t be as comprehensive.
Salt-based vs Salt-free Water Softeners
Traditional softeners use tanks with ion exchange resin to trap calcium and magnesium. Periodic salt water backwashes disrupt the resin-mineral bond, sending ions down the drain.
Only salt-based softeners actually remove minerals, but because they discharge briny waste water, they’re costly to maintain and are not welcomed in ecologically sensitive areas. Several states limit or prohibit their use.
A salt-free water softener operate without electricity or salt and they produce no wastewater — they’re environmentally friendly and cost effective, but they don’t remove minerals. Instead, they alter their chemical composition so they can’t form limescale.
Salt-free softener systems come in tank-based models that perform as well as conventional softeners and electronic descaling units suitable for mild hard water problems.
How to Choose the Best Water Softeners for City Tap & Well Water
Choose a the right water softener with these three steps:
Test Your Water
If you have city water, you can contact treatment authorities for a copy of you area’s water quality report. But because minerals can leach from pipes between the source and your home, only a water test can tell you for sure how hard your water is.
Do-it-yourself water tests can be purchased online, or you can send a sample to a certified lab. Some states offer free testing for residents.
Once you know what’s in your water, you’ll know how hard it is and if you need additional filtration. Iron, for example, can permanently damage softening media and should be removed with a pre-filter.
Select a Size
Hardness is traditionally reported in grains per gallon, so salt-based softeners’ grain capacity is similarly sized. A grain of hard minerals weighs about 65 milligrams — as much as a newborn koala or half a paper clip. It’s equivalent to 17.1 parts per million.
Grain “capacity” is the amount of hardness a water softener can remove before resin must be regenerated. Softeners with too little capacity will constantly regenerate, driving up utility and salt bills, so it’s critical to choose the right size.
To determine the appropriate size softener for your home, multiply the number of residents by their average daily water consumption in gallons — 80 is a good average — then multiply the result by the grains of hardness in your water. Using this formula, a four-person household with moderately hard water would require a 32,000-grain water softener system. Because salt-free softeners don’t remove minerals, most companies have replaced confusing grain-based labels with by-the-bathroom sizing.
Consider Performance Features
We’ve all heard the stories about cheap softeners that leak, underperform, or are a hassle to use. A water softening system is a once-in-a-lifetime investment — the ideal model is the one you’ll need to think about the least once it’s installed.
These critical features make a difference:
1. Flow Rate: Any type of filtration can reduce water pressure, but a softener that decreases your shower to a trickle when someone flushes the toilet just won’t do. The average softener offers a manageable 6–7 gallon per minute flow rate of soft water so you can do several water-using activities at once without sacrifice. The higher the water flow rate, the happier you’ll be.
2. System Control: Salt-free softeners are virtually automated — set them and forget them. But salt-based models require at least some programming to control regeneration and backwash cycles. The best salt-based water softeners have demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) control. Systems monitor resin saturation and recharge only when needed, saving salt and water. The lifetime savings can be significant in areas with high utility rates.
Look for units with back-lit digital interfaces and intuitive routines. Bluetooth capability and cell phone control are a plus. Models with battery back-ups preserve your backwash and regeneration settings during a power outage.
3. Efficiency: Water flows through lesser softeners from top to bottom. These gravity-based systems are inefficient because hard minerals tend to collect in the upper layers of resin. Performance decreases and salt use rises.
Up-flow designs introduce water from the bottom of the tank, exposing it to the resin’s full surface area — every gallon is treated.
4. Footprint: A water softener is designed to be installed vertically, so measure carefully for height including the head. Most models require between 8–16 square feet of floor space to set up plus enough room for an adult to perform maintenance comfortably. If space is tight, consider a salt-free softener without a brine tank or choose a low-profile salt-based system.
5. Safety Features: Water softeners are technologically simple — there’s not a lot to go wrong. But one feature worth looking for in salt-based systems is a brine tank with a safety float. Floats rise with water, and if the tank overfills, it shuts the system off, preventing property damage if you’re away.
6. Certifications: Residential water softeners are not federally regulated, so how does a consumer know if a product meets performance and safety standards? The answer is NSF International — an organization that sets voluntary standards for product performance.
Companies pay for independent testing and certification to prove softeners or their components are accurately labeled. NSF Standard 44, for example, verifies a water softener efficiently reduces hardness via ion exchange. It’s just one more way buyers know they’re getting what they pay for.
How important is certification? Certifying products can cost thousands, so not all manufacturers participate. Instead, some assemble systems from certified parts. Results are similar and can you save you hundreds.
7. Long-term Cost of Ownership: All softeners need at least some maintenance to consider when calculating the long-term cost of ownership. Salt-based water softener models require salt, and even the best ion exchange resin doesn’t last forever — resin can cost nearly as much as the original softener to replace.
8. Installation: Even homeowners with limited technical expertise can install a water softener, but engineering on cheaper models is less refined, using more parts that increase the complexity of set up. Look for brands that emphasize DIY-friendly installation with quick-connect fittings and online video support. Professional installation averages $200-500 and many opt to have a whole house water filter installed at the same time.
9. Support: A water softener is a once in a lifetime investment, so most buyers are inexperienced. If you run into a problem with installation or need a replacement part, will a qualified water quality expert answer your call? Working with a reputable company that has a strong track record for customer service is the key to long-term satisfaction with your purchase.
10. Capacity: A softener’s capacity is measured in grains per gallon. The higher the number of grains, the more gallons it can soften before it needs to regenerate. Since water can’t be used during the regeneration process, it’s important to minimize disruptions to your home’s water supply by ensuring the softener is large enough to meet your needs. This is, in part, dependent on the hardness level of your water.
Water softener reviews differ on the size people should purchase to get enough softened water without using excessive salt. The research I’ve done suggests that for moderately hard water, a 48,000-gallon system like the Pentair WS48-56sxt10, the Harmony Aquapure or the Tier 1 will serve three to four people. For a larger family or a small family with high usage, a 64,000-grain system like the Iron Pro2 or the Fleck 5600sxt is better.
Salt-free water softener brands have no capacity, so there are no limitations.
How to Install a Water Softener
Water softeners aren’t difficult to install, but it takes comfort with plumbing, a few basic tools and, of course, the quality of the parts makes a difference. Cheap fitting are tough to work with.
Steps required to install a salt-based system include:
- Read written instructions from start to finish before beginning the project. Precautions and helpful tips are often addressed last.
- Assemble tools and equipment.
- Choose a dry, level area for setup. Salt-based systems must be installed near a power supply and drain.
- Shut off the water to your home and cut power to the water heater. Drain all faucets before cutting into pipes.
- Cut 5 inches of pipe from the cold water supply pipe coming into your home. Have a bucket handy to catch drips.
- Attach elbows to the cut ends. One will channel water flow down into the brine tank, the other will redirect water from the brine tank to your water heater.
- Attach the pipes included with the softener using compression fittings.
- Clamp the drain hose to the tank and over the drain to keep it secure.
- Connect the overflow tubing to the brine tank.
- Turn on the water and open the bypass valve to flush the system.
- Plug the softener in and prime it by setting the valve to backwash. Water flows in while pushing air out. The system is now ready to use.
Installing a separate bypass valve or pre-filters will require more plumbing. Steps to install a salt-free filter are similar but because there’s no brine tank, pipes are attached directly to the softening unit and priming occurs naturally without electricity.
How to Clean Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains range from light spots to heavy accumulations of limescale build up.
Mild acidic solutions are recommended for spot cleaning. Commercial products that remove rust from metal are effective but harsh. Instead, make a homemade cleaner with equal parts of water and white vinegar or lemon juice. Spray the solution liberally over stained surfaces and let it sit for a 5–10 minutes. A gentle scrubbing should then wipe it away. To clear clogged taps, soak a rag in the solution and wrap it around the faucet or shower head for an hour or two — a rubber band can hold it in place.
If you’ve inherited fixtures with hard scale, you’re in for a workout. You’ll need to spray, scrub and wipe the same areas repeatedly until the stains are gone — it can take a while. Age-old limescale is the best case for using commercial cleaners but follow the directions carefully. Any acidic solution can corrode metal-plated fixtures and should be tested in inconspicuous areas first.
Solution Steps:
- Mix a 50/50 solution with equal parts: Water, white vinegar or lemon juice into a spray bottle
- Spray the solution and let it sit for 10 minutes
- Gently scrub hard water stains with a sponge
How to choose which water softener is right for you
Type
For low to moderate levels of water hardness, a descaler should give you good results. Some models suggest they also work for very hard water, but customer reviews are mixed. If you live in an area where salt-based systems are prohibited because of their ecological effect, a descaler will likely result in at least some improvement for any hardness level.
For moderate to very hard water, a salt-based system will give you better results, but it will cost more to own long-term.
No water softening system removes much iron over 5 ppm. That’s why systems that remove 4ppm and 8 ppm are relatively comparable for performance. The systems in this review, the Iron Pro 2 and the Pentair WS48-56sxt10 both remove enough iron to be suitable for many buyers with iron issues. For very high levels over 5 ppm, an additional iron filter is usually required.
If you have iron in your water, softeners not labeled for iron removal should be avoided. Not only will they not help with iron staining, but the excess iron can decrease the efficacy of the resin and shorten its life.
Resin
The resin is the meat and potatoes of a softener, but there’s much ado about nothing when it comes to the difference between 8-percent cation resins — the most common type used — and 10-percent crosslink resins. The 10-percent resin can help remove iron, but otherwise, it has little impact on a softener’s performance. Lesser softeners on the market use a low-quality resin that performs poorly despite its percentage rating. The five salt-based systems on this list all use trusted, top-quality brands.
Single or Dual Tank
Single tank softeners have only one tank loaded with resin. Dual tank models have two. In most cases, a single tank system will serve most families, but for small businesses, a dual tank model is a good choice.
Footprint
Conventional water softeners need to be installed near an electrical supply — no extension cord, please — and a drain. Some models also have specific manufacturer’s recommendations for distance away from water heaters to prevent the hot water from migrating backward into the softener during its regeneration cycle. If that happens, it could damage parts of it permanently. Expect most mid-sized salt-based models to take at least sixteen square feet of floor space.
Electronic declarers can be mounted in any direction and fit in less than a foot of space on the wall near your pipes.
Magnetic Water Descalers
Both electrical descalers like the Eddy and the iSpring ED2000 and purely magnetic water conditioners have limited to evidence to back up claims that they work. Some water softener reviews suggest they shouldn’t be trusted, however, at least concerning the electronic type, there is science that suggests they should work — even if they haven’t been extensively tested — and customers report favorable experiences. Most reviews don’t recommend them, and neither do I.
What some reviews won’t tell you is this — softening technology is old school and most systems perform comparably — even those from the high-priced water store that cost thousands more than these. These were all chosen as best picks because they’re easy to install with basic plumbing skills, but even with optional professional installation, they’ll still cost less.
Choosing a water softener really comes down more to price and the individual features that may be better for some buyers than others. Ultimately, the best home water softener for you is the one you buy today because it fits your lifestyle.
Top Rated Water Softener Brands
Springwell: This company was established, in particular, to satisfy a requirement within the residential water filtration industry. They have proven longevity since they have been in business for more than 20 years. They are committed to providing every family with the purest available water.
Springwell has always focused on creating the finest whole-house systems. Their primary systems include whole house filters, combination softener and filter systems, salt-based and salt-free softeners and well water systems.
AquaOx: AquaOx was founded in 2006 and has been delivering excellent service to its customers for 15 roughly years. Since its inception, the mission of the company has been to safeguard families against harmful water contaminants that are commonly found in the water supply.
They are renowned for having products that are extremely durable, quite easy to install and maintenance free. Their products are also known to contain the finest water filtration technology currently available.
Aquasana: Established in 1997 and based in Texas, Aquasana is among the major contenders in the United States water filter industry. The company believes that pure water and a wholesome environment are vital components to healthful living and general well-being.
The company offers filtration solutions for whole-home and personal use. All of their products are manufactured and sold by the company. The products include water softener systems, shower head water filters, water filtration pitchers and whole house filters.
Pelican: Founded in 2007, Pelican Water Systems has their manufacturing and warehouse facility in Florida. Their products are shipped all across the 50 states of the US, to Canada and also to international markets.
The company is known for using environmentally-friendly means to assist families in enjoying safer, cleaner and better tasting water in their own homes. It prides itself on providing each faucet in the home with sparkling pure, spring-like water that is superior to bottled water quality.
Whirlpool: Started in 1911 and headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, Whirlpool is a first-rate appliance company that has stamped its mark on some of the best water softeners, which are designed as a solution to hard water problems. The company guarantees that its filtration systems will be a worthwhile investment in safer, clearer and cleaner water for the family.
Whirlpool water softeners are manufactured under license by Water Channel Partners and the brand is dedicated to delivering quality experiences in each of its products. These products are offered in two varieties, the Pro Series and the WHES.
GE: In the late 1800s, in Schenectady, New York, the General Electric (GE) brand was born. The brand has spent more than years as an industry leader, creating high performing products like top-quality home electrical appliances. GE offers a line of water softeners which includes a wide array of models. It produces both big and small water softeners with varying capacity levels to satisfy every need.
GE water softeners are well renowned for their performance and quality. The company’s water softeners are energy-efficient and saves water and salt as well. It is estimated that it uses as little as 34 percent salt, as much as 35 percent less water and during regeneration, it uses less than 50 percent detergent for laundry or dishwashing.
Kinetico: Founded in 1970, Kinetico started with a mission to produce a water softener system that would deliver better efficiency and performance than any of the others that were on the market. This mission was accomplished when Kinetico invented its first demand-operated, twin-tank water softener system. Kinetico was actually the first brand that established the technology that made softening water without using electricity possible.
These days, Kinetico is among the most sought-after brands, renowned for water softeners internationally. In addition, Kinetico is among the top-quality brands with all of its systems certified by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) and the Water Quality Association (WQA).
FAQ’s
Why Does My Water Softener Smell Bad?
Regardless of the brand, the tank of any water softener could start to have a foul smell if it gets contaminated with sulfur bacteria. This kind of bacteria is drawn to the sodium that is in water softener tanks. During the developmental process of the bacteria, hydrogen sulfide gas is emitted as waste, leading to an odor similar to rotten eggs.
Can I Use Potassium Chloride In Place Of Salt In My Softener?
For individuals who are on a diet that restricts salt, potassium chloride can be utilized in place of softener salt. This is because potassium chloride is actually not sodium chloride, which is a salt. The water softener will not be able to detect whether there is potassium or salt in the brine tank.
Therefore, the quantity of brine produced by the softener with either the potassium or salt is the same in any of the regeneration cycles. However, it should be noted that salt has a higher efficiency level for eliminating hardness from the resin.
What Is The Difference Between a Water Softener And Reverse Osmosis Systems?
Water softeners decrease hardness in the water, while the water is purified by reverse osmosis systems. The reverse osmosis process lessens impurities such as salt and minerals. Ion exchange is used by water softeners to substitute for minerals that cause the water to be hard with potassium or sodium, which makes the water soft.
