Millions of American homes have hard water — high levels of calcium and magnesium that form a chalky residue called limescale. Corrosive, it clings to everything from pipes to the element in your water heater leading to higher utility bills and costly appliance repairs.
It’s an expensive problem for which salt-based water softeners were once the only solution.
But the latest generation of salt-fee water conditioners is changing how we approach limescale. As effective as conventional softeners but without the high maintenance or environmental impact, they’re proving to be a better solution.
Expert Picks
We’ve spent countless hours of research and spoke with experts to put together proven NSF certified salt-free conditioner systems so you don’t have to waste your time or hard earned cash finding right system yourself…
- Best overall: Springwell FutureSoft
- Runner-up: Aquasana EQ
- Best Budget: Softpro Elite
- Best 2-1 System: Crystal Quest
- Best For Well Water: GreenWave
#1 SpringWell FutureSoft —Editor’s Pick
Springwell FS1 without a doubt is the best system out there. This system is really simple to use and just rocks at eliminating hard water issues all the while improving water pressure.
The FS1 is the cure to dry, itchy skin and soap scum.
- High-efficiency
- Environmentally-friendly
- Industry-leading 12-20 gpm flow rate
- Independently certified components
- 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee
Use Coupon Code: QWL5 to save
Best For: Want chemical-free water and eco-friendly vibes? This one’s for you. No salt, no environmental guilt.
Not the Best For: Dealing with super-hard water? If you’re over 12 grains per gallon, Springwell’s SS1 salt-based system might be your match.
Pros:
- Kind to the Planet: We get it, you want to tackle hard water but also care about Mother Earth. SpringWell’s conditioner is your eco-friendly buddy in this journey.
- Tech That Cares: Ever wish minerals in your water just… behaved? With Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), SpringWell’s got your back, ensuring those minerals don’t leave unwanted traces.
- Thoughtful Design: No electricity, no salt, and zero wastewater. It’s like SpringWell knew exactly what you were hoping for in a sustainable system.
- Reliability You Can Feel: We’ve all had gadgets that give up on us. But with its advanced tech, this system is in for the long haul.
- Consistent Performance: Nothing’s more frustrating than fluctuating water pressure. With a 99.6% success rate against limescale, SpringWell ensures you won’t have to deal with that.
- No Installation Nightmares: We’ve all been there – new gadgets that are a pain to set up. Thankfully, FutureSoft is all about simplicity, coming with everything you need.
- Peace of Mind: A limited lifetime warranty speaks volumes. It’s like SpringWell’s way of saying, “We’ve got you.”
- Feel the Difference: And it won’t take long. Better water quality will be evident pretty quickly. Still skeptical? There’s a 6-month money-back guarantee waiting to reassure you.
- Value You’ll Appreciate: It’s an investment, yes. But when you weigh the benefits, it feels justified.
- Just Natural Goodness: Some systems leave water feeling weirdly slippery. With SpringWell, it’s just pure, natural-feeling water.
Cons:
- A Note for Well Water Users: We know the challenges of well water. This system might need a bit of help (read: pre-treatment) to handle elements like iron, manganese, hydrogen, sulfur and tannins. that could damage the filter media.
- Not as Effective as Salt-Based Systems: A few users felt that the system was not as effective as traditional salt-based softeners in preventing hard water issues.
- Price Point: We won’t sugarcoat it; it’s on the higher side. But sometimes, quality comes with a price tag.
What Others Have Said:
“Thurston T. A verified buyer on 06/07/22: After just a few weeks the fixtures are starting to clear up, our skin & hair feel better – and no slick soapy feeling. We got this softener because we are on a low producing well and can’t afford to waste water on backflush. The people at SpringWell were great – walked us through the entire process and got us the product we needed.”
SpringWell FS1 Product Updates:
- Easy installation kit
- UV add-on
- Works with whole house filtration systems
#2 Aquasana – The Runner-Up
Aquasana’s water conditioner protects your plumbing and appliances by inhibiting limescale. Minerals are transformed into inert crystals that slip through pipes and down the drain.
You get most of the benefits of a traditional water softener with none of the work.
- Affordable
- Low-maintenance
- Easy to install
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
Best for: If you’re keen on enhancing your water quality without the salt or if you’re in a locale where salt-based softeners are a no-go, Aquasana’s got your back.
Not best for: Dealing with water that’s over 25 grains-per-gallon in hardness? This system might not be up to the task.
Pros:
- Eco-Conscious: Looking for a green solution without the hefty price tag? Aquasana’s softener is your eco-friendly answer.
- Mix & Match Magic: Want a tailored filtration experience? Combine this with Aquasana’s other filters for a custom touch.
- Outdoor Ready: Thinking of an outdoor setup? Go ahead, just ensure it’s frost-free zone.
- User-Friendly: Changing cartridges is a breeze, making maintenance feel almost effortless.
- Budget-Friendly Line: Aquasana offers a range of value-priced products, ensuring quality doesn’t always come with a high price.
- Steady Performer: It might not be the star of the show, but it’s a reliable player, especially when it comes to guarding against limescale.
- Energy Efficient: No electricity? No problem. Enjoy the savings on your monthly bills.
- Peace of Mind: With a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 7-year warranty, it’s clear Aquasana stands by their product.
Cons:
- Flow Considerations: With a 7 gpm flow rate, it’s decent. But, be mindful when multiple taps are running; the pressure might dip.
- DIY Challenge: Got DIY skills? Great. But be warned, installation might test them.
What others have said:
“Michael Montana on Jan. 21: I installed it myself, though I have plumbing experience. I do not necessarily recommend this as you absolutely do not want any leaks. It was straightforward and took me about an hour to cut and spice into my existing water line. I had no issues, but I am very meticulous when it comes to plumbing. It has only been a month, so I cannot comment yet on the descaling effect of the “softener.”
My water comes from a deep artesean well and was already of high quality except for the minerals. I do like that it has not changed the “feel” of my water that you see with traditional salt softeners. It does seem that the “pre-filter” has reduced the amount of sediment I sometimes see in my water. I like that I can change this filter inexpensively more frequently when I need it. I have no complaints and am optimistic it will do exactly what I was hoping for. I also thought it was a good value given the longevity of the softener.”
Product Updates:
- Anti-scale technology by transforming hard minerals into inactive microscopic crystal particles.
#3 SoftPro Elite
The SoftPro Elite is a best seller for a reason. It’s advanced design prevents up to 99-percent of scale while retaining healthy minerals.
There’s no salt to store, and it doesn’t waste water — a plus in drought-prone areas or where water and sewer rates are high.
- Painless installation
- Low-maintenance
- Removes chlorine
- Assembled in the US
- Lifetime warranty
Best For: If you’re wallet-conscious and just need a straightforward solution to your hard water woes, this is your pick.
Not Best For: Got a larger home with 3 or more baths? This system might struggle to meet the water demands.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly Solution: In areas sensitive to ecological balance, salt-based softeners might be a no-go. But with Softpro, you can still shield your home from hard water’s grip.
- Taste & Longevity: The upgraded prefilter doesn’t just remove chlorine; it extends the life of the softening media and elevates your water’s taste.
- Hassle-Free Setup: With the Quick-Connect Hose Kit included (just ask!), Softpro ensures installation feels like a breeze.
- Fresh Start for Appliances: Beyond just preventing limescale, Softpro works to clear out existing build-up, giving your appliances a rejuvenated life.
- Dual-Action Prefilter: Battling both hard water and a chemical aftertaste? SoftPro Elite’s upgraded prefilter is your two-in-one savior.
- Economical & Efficient: Maintenance-free for six years and with potential savings that let it pay for itself in under three, it’s a smart investment.
- Beyond Just Softening: Softpro isn’t just about tackling hard minerals; it’s also a step towards ditching bottled water for good.
Cons:
- Size Matters: Softpro offers a one-size-fits-all approach. For larger homes, Springwell FS1 might be a better fit.
What others have said:
Virginia R. on 5/23 said: “We have fairly hard water even though we are on city water. We were looking for an alternative to salt based system and we ran across SoftPro. This is an amazing water softener… so easy to use and install, and we no longer have hard water build-up!”
Product Updates:
- Free Pre-filter upgrade
- Improved anti-scale technology
- Now offering free quick connectors to help eliminate soldering
#4 Quest Salt
Crystal Quest’s water conditioner is a multi-stage filtration and conditioning unit. Like most models, it comes with a prefilter to remove sediment, but it also includes a block carbon filter that removes chemicals from pesticides to VOCs plus a 0.2-micron ultra filtration membrane that eliminates most biological contaminants.
- Comprehensive filtration and conditioning
- Retains healthy minerals
- Fiberglass or stainless steel tank options
- Anti-scaling and anti-corrosion benefits
- Made in America
Best For: Those looking for an all-in-one system that filters water and softens.
Not best for: If you’re on a budget, this system comes at a high cost.
Pros:
- Proprietary Eaglesorb anti-scale media prevents mineral build-up and forms an additional anti-corrosive layer to protect your pipes.
- This unit requires more than average plumbing skills to install — we recommend hiring a professional. But for maximum protection, the filtration capability is unsurpassed.
- Crystal Quest has been solving water problems for more than 30 years. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, they have a loyal following of a million-plus customers.
- All parts, components and media are certified to NSF 42 and 61 standards.
- The pre and post filter need to be changed every 12-18 months based on your water quality.
- This system can handle up to 25gpg
- Their saltless water conditioner is a top performer by the strictest standards.Not every homeowner needs this level of filtration.
Cons:
- If all you want is protection from limescale, it’s overkill for the cost.
- The installation can be pretty complex and would require a plumber.
- This system comes with a high price.
- Short one-year warranty
Product updates:
- Nothing new, yet.
#5 GreenWave
GreenWave’s saltless water softener tackles the toughest hard minerals, It’s 97-percent effective at reducing limescale, transforming unwanted calcium and magnesium into nanocrystals that won’t stick to your plumbing or corrode appliance parts.
- Easy DIY installation
- User-friendly
- Maintenance-free
- Transferable warranty
- Four size options to 25 gpm
Best for: Those looking for a set and forget type of system with very little maintenance.
Pros
- Vortech technology eliminates channeling, increasing the media’s contact time with water for better conditioning results — with pretreatment, it can handle a whopping 81 grains per gallon of hardness.
- When equipped with the optional carbon filter, The GreenWave also removes chemicals from chlorine to herbicides — a bonus for well water.
- A breeze to install, it’s made in America and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- You can choose no filter or a radial carbon cartridge that improves the efficiency of the softening media and removes the sediment and chemical impurities that make your water taste bad.
- This system works fine with an existing sediment filter.
- The filter media is guaranteed for four years, but it could continue to perform well long after that depending on your water quality.
- The system comes with two choices of 3/4- or 1-inch fitting sizes.
- The GreenWave offers the benefits of salt-softened water without the heavy maintenance.
- Replace the prefilters as recommended, but as for the softening tank — just set it and forget it for four years.
- Cheaper than the SpringWell but more than the Aquasana, the GreenWave is a good middle ground for homeowners looking to balance performance, versatility and price.
- This system is good for your home, the environment and your wallet.
Cons:
- Above-average price.
Product updates
- Now offers valves sizes for 3/4″ and 1″ plumbing
- Pre-treatment carbon filter
Comparison Table
(Mobile users: Swipe to scroll)Compare Brands & Models | #1 SpringWell SS1 Salt-based System | #2 SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-free | #3 SoftPro Elite Softener | #4 Pentair Salt-based | #5 Aquasana Rhino Conditioner | #6 AquaOx WS Softener | #7 Fleck 2510 SXT System |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
Process | ION Exchange | TAC | ION Exchange | ION Exchange | NAC | ION Exchange | ION Exchange |
Grain Capacity | 32k, 48k, 80k | 81GPG | 80k | 48k | 25 GPG | 64k | 26k – 88k |
Max Iron | 7 PPM | *Requires Pre-treatment | 3 PPM | 3 PPM | 1 PPM | *Requires Pre-filter | 3 PPM |
Flow Rate | 11-20 GPM | 12-20 GPM | 7 GPM | 12-15 GPM | 7GPG | 16 GPM | 6-11 GPM |
BlueTooth | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 5 year | 5 year | 5 year | 10 Year | 10-year |
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? See our other water softener reviews:
Buyer’s Guide
More than 80-percent of the country has hard water — excessive minerals that form limescale, a sticky, corrosive residue that clogs pipes, hikes your utility bills and sends big-ticket appliances to an early grave. Ecologically disastrous and challenging to maintain, salt-based water softeners were once the only solution to hard water. But today, there’s a better way to send limescale packing.
Saltless softeners, or water conditioners, offer most of the benefits of conventional softening with few disadvantages. This buyer’s guide explains how water softeners work and what you need to know to choose the best chemical free water treatment system for your home.
How We Picked
We understand the challenge of researching water conditioners can seem daunting and overwhelming for anyone new to these systems. Which is why we carefully chose these types of conditioners based on these seven key criteria: certifications, installation & maintenance, ease of use, flow-rate, scale reduction, cost, and warranties.
We also take it a step further by scoring the web for reviews and user-feedback to see what we might have missed in regards to system issues, and any other negative feedback before we internally score the system.
It’s a lot of work, we know. However, we want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting without any costly regrets. Most of the systems on our list are either 3rd party vetted, or NSF/ANSI certified to the standard 61 & 42, which means they’ve been tested for structural integrity to the highest standards. You will also want a system that comes with a sediment pre-filter and this will help protect the systems media.
Key Considerations
- Certification: Look for a system that is certified by the NSF/ANSI to Standard 61 and 42, which means it has been tested for structural integrity and performance.
- Installation & Maintenance: Make sure you understand how easy or difficult the installation process will be, as well as what type of maintenance may be required over time.
- Ease of Use: Consider how user-friendly the system is in terms of operation and programming settings if applicable.
- Flow Rate: Check to see what kind of flow rate your saltless water softener can handle so you know it won’t become overwhelmed with too much demand from multiple fixtures at once.
- Scale Reduction: Determine whether or not the system can effectively reduce scale buildup on plumbing fixtures, appliances, and other surfaces exposed to hard water without using salt or chemicals like chlorine or potassium chloride (KCl).
- Cost: Compare prices between different models to find one that fits within your budget while still providing quality results in terms of scale reduction and overall performance levels..
- Warranties: See if there are any warranties offered with your purchase so you have peace of mind knowing that any issues down the line will be covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee.
Advantages to Water Condtioners:
- Water conditioners are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional salt-based systems, as they don’t require the use of chemicals or salts for hard water treatment.
- These systems can help reduce scale buildup on plumbing fixtures, appliances and other surfaces exposed to hard water without using salt or chlorine.
- Installation and maintenance is relatively easy compared to traditional salt-based systems — there’s no brine tanks to fill with salt. It’s pretty much a hands-off system.
- They are generally more affordable than their counterparts, providing cost effective solutions for many households looking for a reliable system at an accessible price point.
- The models we listed come with warranties that provide peace of mind knowing any issues down the line will be covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee if needed.
Disadvantages:
- Salt free systems may not completely remove all traces of calcium and magnesium like a traditional salt based system can – meaning you may still experience some degree of scaling over time depending on how much is present in your local area’s tapwater supply initially. Be sure to check the model for the max hardness rating to make sure it aligns with your needs.
- They tend to have lower flow rates than their counterparts which means it might slow down your shower or dishwashing cycles when multiple taps are running at once.
- Additional post/pre-filters or maintenance may be required to keep them running optimally, adding extra costs over time
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water with high levels of calcium and magnesium.
Effects include:
- Dingy clothes
- Spots on glasses
- Soap that won’t lather
- Limescale stains on bathroom fixtures
- Itchy skin
- Haystack hair
- Low water pressure
- Clogged plumbing
- High utility bills
- Frequent appliance breakdowns and more
Present across the country, not all hard water is hard enough to need treatment. Slightly hard water may be a nuisance, but more than 7 grains per gallon of hardness is likely to have serious consequences for your home.
Do I Have Hard Water?
If you live in the United States, chances are you do. At least half the country is plagued with water hard enough to require treatment. The USGS has created hardness maps to help you determine your risk, but they don’t tell the whole story. A water test is the only tried-and-true way to know how hard your water is.
The Benefits of a Water Test
A water test is a trove of valuable information about your water quality — it’s affordable and easy – see our top rated water testing kits.
Before buying a softener, it’s critical to know two things:
Do you have a hard water problem?
Occasionally, issues that appear related to hard water are caused by other contaminants. Only a test stands between you and a costly purchase that may not solve your problem.
Is your water chemistry compatible with a softener?
Both salt-based and saltless softeners have limitations based on your water’s chemical composition. Iron, sulfur, manganese, copper, chlorine and tannins can irreversibly ruin softening media. The good news for homeowners is that prefilters will solve the problem. But only a water test can tell you which you need.
You can arrange for testing through a local lab — we recommend using a certified drinking water laboratory. They use only scientifically proven testing methods so you can rely on the results. Or purchase a test kit online. Better water conditioner vendors offer testing without obligation.
Performance Features — What to Consider
Most water conditioners are similar, but they’re not all created equal. Let’s take a closer look at the features that make them tick.
Water Parameters
High levels of iron, sulfur, manganese and sediment can damage the media in a salt-free water softener and will reduce its lifespan. To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to check that your water is within the required pH range for these systems. City water is usually more suitable than well water for use with a conditioning unit.
For added protection, many water conditioners come with a pre-filter to remove sediment before it reaches the media.
Capacity
Capacity is key when it comes to water conditioners. Manufacturers offer estimates based on average conditions, but results can vary significantly depending on your water quality and usage. Self-cleaning systems do the job, but some are more effective than others in the long run.
TAC/NAC media also varies in quality; some get progressively less effective over time and must be replaced, while others are non-sacrificial and last a lifetime. Investing in premium conditioners may cost more upfront, but they have a lower total cost of ownership down the road.
Flow Rate
Flow rate reflects the number of gallons a saltless water conditioner can treat per minute. For large families, it’s an important feature.
Household activities like flushing a toilet and taking a shower require at least three gallons per minute. If your water conditioner can’t keep up when several taps are open, someone’s shower may turn into a trickle.
Industry-wide, the average flow rate among water conditioners is 6 GPM — a rate we think is too low for families of four or more. Saltless conditioners offer 10 GPM or more. The higher the rate, the better.
Other industry experts recommend a flow rate of between 8-12 GPM for water conditioners. This is because higher flow rates can reduce the effectiveness of the system, while lower flow rates may not be able to keep up with demand.
Other Contaminants
Water conditioners are not filters — they don’t remove contaminants. Homeowners worried about lead in their city water supply or sediment in well water can add pre- or post-filters to create salt-free water purification systems.
You may need additional filters if:
- You have a well contaminated with sediment, chemicals or heavy metals.
- Your city water contains high levels of residual chlorine other elements not compatible with conditioning systems.
Better manufacturers make complementary filters to meet a wide range of needs. If you know you have other contaminants to remove, buying all filters from the same maker eliminates compatibility issues.
System Controls/Features
Unlike conventional softeners with programmable electronic valves to control backwashing, a salt-free water conditioner operate without external controls. Set it and forget it.
Bypass valves that allow you to switch between softened and non-softened water weren’t always a given, but few of today’s models lack this crucial feature. Not only do they make the occasional maintenance easier, but they also extend the life of the softening media by letting you use unsoftened water for things like washing the car.
Certifications
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) does not yet certify residential water conditioners, and no US laboratory does. However, many manufacturers use NSF-certified parts as a consolation for consumers searching for reliable products. To guarantee components such as media tanks, gaskets and valves are free of contaminants that could leach into your water, look for NSF/ANSI 61 certification; NSF/ANSI 42 certification ensures structural integrity.
Though expensive for manufacturers to obtain – since it is voluntary and not government-affiliated – some companies claim compliance rather than certification. This means the components they use are similar to certified parts but have not been third-party tested. The only way to tell the difference is if the product carries the official NSF logo. Some companies may post this on their website even if only one of their components is certified – so make sure you ask about certifications before buying!
The NSF makes its list of proven products public so that any consumer can look them up; however, conditioner components come from various sources and may not be listed under the seller’s name – making it difficult to know what you’re getting without asking directly.
3rd Party Testing
TAC water conditioners are the latest innovation in salt-free water treatment, and their performance is rigorously tested by the world’s most stringent organization: DVGW in Germany. The W510 Standard assesses a TAC conditioner’s ability to prevent scale, requiring 80% or more for certification.
Meanwhile, the W512 Standard examines products under real-world conditions to ensure long-term effectiveness against challenging well water. While some manufacturers claim their conditioners reduce “up to” 99% of limescale, that could be as little as 50%. Obtaining DVGW certification is costly and reflects on product pricing – but it guarantees quality assurance.
Installation Cost & Maintenance
Water conditioners run from $700-$2000. A DIY installation costs nothing more than your time. For a pro, it’s an easy job averaging a few hundred dollars — a fraction of what it can cost to install a salt-based system.
Maintenance
These systems require no routine maintenance, but they may occasionally need a media change. It’s a relatively simple process that takes most homeowners less than an hour to complete every 5-10 years. Systems with lifetime-guaranteed media require no maintenance at all.
You’ll pay more upfront for water conditioners with long-lasting media, but it pays off in the long run. Replacement costs range from $200-$800, in some cases, equaling almost as much as the initial price of the softener. Run the figures before you buy.
Understanding Water Conditioners
Conventional water softeners use salt to eliminate hard minerals. Positively charged calcium and magnesium ions cling to negatively charged softening resin. Once saturated, a burst of saltwater from the brine tank breaks the bonds, flushing excess minerals down the drain while rejuvenating the resin.
Water conditioners don’t rely on salt or chemicals to prevent limescale. A single, self-cleaning conditioning tank does all the work.
Are Saltless Systems Better than Salt-Based Systems?
Salt-based softeners are the gold standard for treating hard water. Despite their many drawbacks, they eliminate all symptoms of hard water.
Water conditioners control limescale, the most damaging and costly impact of hard water, but they’re less effective for resolving nuisance issues, such as skin irritation. Let’s look at their pros and cons.
How Do Water Softeners Work without Salt?
TAC (Template Assisted Crystallization)
TAC is our favorite system and is a process that uses tiny beads to trap hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. The beads act like a magnet, attracting the minerals so they can’t stick to surfaces in your pipes or appliances. It’s kind of like using a sponge to clean up spilled water – the sponge absorbs the water so it doesn’t make a mess!
Chelation
Chelation is another way of removing hard minerals from your water. In this process, special chemicals called chelators are added to the water (citric acid or EDTA). These chelators form bonds with the hard minerals, trapping them so they can be filtered out before reaching your home. It’s like putting glue on something sticky – it traps it and makes it easier to remove!
The jury is still out on whether or not this system works, I have my doubts and lean more towards TAC.
Electromagnetic Systems
Electromagnetic systems use magnets and electricity to change how hard minerals behave in your water supply. When these magnets are placed near pipes carrying water, they create an electromagnetic field which changes how calcium and magnesium molecules move around in the pipe. This prevents them from sticking together or attaching themselves onto surfaces inside your plumbing system or appliances!
This is usually the go-to method for renters that can’t alter their plumbing systems.