Find the best water softener system for your home with our comprehensive buyer’s guide and top 10 water softener reviews. We’ve got everything you need to know right here.
We’ve selected the best water softeners available so you don’t have to look any further.
Compare the key features in the table so that you can focus on what matters.
Check out the reviews that follow for even more details. We’ve included both salt-based and salt-free systems.
Make sure you read our buyer’s guide too for everything there is to know about whole house water softeners. We explain how to choose the right size, how they work, and more.
Whole House Water Softener Reviews
In our opinion, these are the top models on the market. We recommend the Fleck 5600SXT above all others but read on to see which model fits your lifestyle best. The table can be sorted in each category.
Model | Rating | Price | Grains | Positives | Negatives | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Fleck 5600SXT | 4.7 | $$$ | 48,000 | Huge capacity, excellent digital control valve, good warranty, works well in large homes | One of the higher-priced softeners |
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Revolution Water Softeners | 4.5 | $$$$ | 32,000-96,000 | Amazing digital valve, water & salt saving features, different sizes available, incredible warranty | More expensive than most |
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Iron Pro 2 | 4.2 | $$$ | 64,000 | Massive capacity works well in the biggest of homes, amazing Fleck digital meter, really effective, 5-year warranty | Big unit |
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Watts RV PRO-1000 | 4.2 | $ | 10,000 | Portable unit, great for travelers or small homes, great reviews | Wouldn’t be enough for a family-sized home |
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Eddy Electronic Descaler | 3.8 | $ | Salt-free | Really attractive price, 12-month money-back guarantee & lifetime support, don’t remove healthy minerals | A descaler rather than traditional water softener |
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Aquasana EQ | 3.9 | $$$$$ | Salt-free | Whole house water filter + salt-free softener, reduces scale by up to 99.6% | Expensive, large |
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Morton System Saver | 3.9 | $$ | 30,000 | Large capacity saves salt and water, NSF certified, high water flow rate | Expensive replacement parts |
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WaterBoss 365 | 3.7 | $$$ | 36,400 | Large capacity, in-built whole house water filter, on-demand regeneration, quiet operation | Large unit needs more space |
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Nuvo H20 DPHB | 3.3 | $$$ | Salt-free | Good water pressure, lifetime warranty + 90-day money-back guarantee | Only removes limescale |
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Aquios FS-220 | 3.2 | $$ | Salt-free | No pressure loss, long-life filters, salt-free means better for the environment, includes a water filter | A descaler rather than a dedicated water softener |
Now let’s talk about each of the models in the comparison table in more detail. We’ll start with our favorite and go down the list, providing you with the key features, our review, and our verdict for each product in the table.
Top 10 Best Water Softener Picks of 2020
1. Fleck 5600SXT – OUR CHOICE FOR THE BEST WATER SOFTENER
The Fleck 5600SXT is really the marquee water softener in the mid to higher price range. The Fleck electronic valve is the best in the business and can be found on many other models, even from other manufacturers.The 5600SXT comes with a grain capacity of 48,000, which will soften even the hardest of water. A system of this size and quality can be relied upon to work comfortably in homes of up to 6 people.The 5600SXT has an amazing reputation. The digital electronics are the real selling point here, but a real bonus is that it’s able to maintain itself and can be left to run unaided (aside from adding salt every few months).The Fleck electronic valve is able to regenerate (rinse and replenish the resin tank) automatically. There are 4 modes of regeneration:
- Immediate meter regeneration
- Delayed meter regeneration
- Delayed time clock regeneration
- Day of week regeneration
The second mode has a confusing name but is the most useful of the four. In this mode, the meter will monitor the water usage and then automatically regenerate the system as soon as the system capacity reaches a pre-determined level. This way you will never run out of soft water. The day of the week regeneration mode is also a good option once you have had the unit running for a couple of weeks. This will give you enough time to get a good idea of how long the softener takes to reach full capacity. Then you can set an appropriate time each week for it to regenerate automatically.
- Fleck 5600sxt Digital on-demand Metered Water Softener with paddle…
- Black Structural 10×54″ PG 2.5T (CH30579-03010203-30), 14″x34″ black…
- Includes Fleck bypass valve (60049) and 1″ male threaded yoke…
The electronic valve features a 48-hour backup in the event of a power loss. It has an LCD backlit display and an intuitive user interface. The LCD display shows the time of day, and also the amount of soft water remaining.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
The resin tank has a capacity of 1.5 ft.³. The resin is the material that will actually soften the water. This kind of capacity suits medium to large households. There is also an alternative version with upgraded resin. This model will last up to 3 years longer and is more resilient to chlorine in the water. This is especially useful for heavily chlorinated city water supplies. This model is a little more expensive, but it also has the benefit of an installation kit, and the digital valve is pre-programmed to make life a little bit easier.
The saltwater tank has a capacity of 48,000 grains. The saltwater is used in the regeneration process to ‘clean’ the resin. This will hold around 250 lbs. or around about 4 bags of pelleted salt. A family of four will use about 1 bag of salt a month. The unit can handle water flow rates of up to 12 gallons per minute. This should be adequate for homes with multiple bathrooms. Fleck offers a larger capacity model too, which you can see here.
Fleck offers a really generous warranty of up to 10 years on the tanks, and 5 years on the digital valve. They also offer some amazing customer support to ease any anxious minds. The Fleck 5600SXT may not have the more attractive, one tank housing of other models, but it is hard to beat on performance.
Key Features:
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$
- 48,000-grain capacity
- 1.5 ft.³ Resin tank
- 12 GPM water flow rate
- Amazing digital valve
- Automatic meter based regeneration cycle
- 10-year tank warranty, 5-year valve warranty
Bottom Line:
This is a water softener that is hard to match. It’s effective, low maintenance, and well designed. This is our top pick and in our eyes one of the best water softener systems that money can buy.
2. Iron Pro 2 – HUGE CAPACITY IRON SPECIALIST
Iron Pro 2 is a water softener with a massive capacity. It also has an effective iron filter that protects the household appliances and water from harm. It uses the amazing Fleck 5600SXT digital control valve, which means it can regenerate automatically, and that it’s built to last.
This Iron Pro 2 water softener has a huge 64,000-grain capacity. This makes it suitable for the biggest of homes and the hardest of water. It actually specializes in the removal of iron from water and doesn’t clog up like some more lightweight models. It is rated as being able to remove up to 75 grains per gallon of water hardness. Hard water is actually rated at being anything above 10.5 GPG in hardness, so you can see how effective this model is. It will also remove iron of up to 8 parts per million, manganese of up to 6 ppm, and also sediment and rust.
- Water softener, iron filter, all in one! high flow for the whole house…
- 64,000-grain capacity, fine mesh resin designed for high iron removal…
- Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve for efficiency and ease of use, 5…
Being one of the largest home water softener systems available, it also gives a huge water flow rate of up to 16 gallons per minute. A softener of this size can stand up to the water demands of homes with many bathrooms.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
It uses the Fleck 5600SXT valve which is the industry-leading digital valve. This makes it able to monitor your water use and regenerate using only the smallest amount of salt and water. It will actually adjust its schedule to suit changes in water household water use. If you want to know a bit more about this valve then check out our previous review where we discuss it in more detail.
The digital valve comes with a 5-year warranty, and the tank a 10-year warranty to ease anxious minds. This model comes with an amazing 30-day satisfaction guarantee too.
Key Features:
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $$$
- 64,00 Grain capacity
- 16 GPM water flow rate
- Amazing digital valve
- Automatic meter based regeneration cycle
- 10-year tank warranty, 5-year valve warranty
- Great for iron and really hard water
Bottom Line:
There isn’t much that will bother this water softener. It has a huge capacity, it’s robust, and it’s extremely effective. If you have a big family, or a particular problem with iron, this water softener is worth consideration. This water softener system reviews really well on sites like Amazon too.
3. Revolution Water Softeners – AMAZING WARRANTY & FEATURES
This range of quality whole home water softeners come with an outstanding warranty, and their performance rivals that of the highly regarded Fleck brand. The Revolution range offers softening power starting at 32,000 grains with the largest system totaling a massive 96,000 grains. This kind of capacity would comfortably handle the soft water demands of even the biggest of homes. This size of the system will also allow a very strong water flow rate. This is perfect for homes with multiple bathrooms.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
The Revolution range features a similar two-tank design and digital meter to that of the Fleck SXT range. The Genesis digital control valve has intelligent settings that minimize water waste and also the amount of salt that is used. It’s Green Technology that is said to reduce salt discharge by as much as 75% in some cases. The digital control is actually smart enough to adjust the salt used according to your household usage. The frequency that it backwashes can also be adjusted according to the quality of your local water. Its LCD Touchpad display is easy to use and to program too.
- Genesis High Flow System Includes Genesis Revolution – 16 GPM (2 GPM…
- Rethinking Regeneration- Upflow regeneration allows for more precise…
- Family of 4 will save 9,720 lbs. of salt and 32,400 gallons of water…
The warranty that comes with these systems is the best we have encountered. The digital valve has a 10-year warranty, while the resin and brine tanks come with lifetime warranties. Getting 10 years on a digital product is pretty spectacular, and helps to justify what might be regarded as an expensive price tag.
Key Features:
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$$$
- 32,000, 40,000, 48,000, 64,000, 80,000, 96,000 Grain capacity
- 16 GPM water flow rate
- Top-quality digital valve
- Water & salt saving features
- Lifetime tank warranty, 10-year valve warranty
- Will soften the hardest water
Bottom Line:
These are the top best water softeners that come with a premium price tag. The features of the digital valve are amazing and will save you money on salt and water when compared to other systems. The warranty is the other reason that the Revolution range stands out from the crowd.
4. Aquasana EQ-1000-AST – INCLUDES TOP QUALITY WATER FILTER
Now, this is not strictly just a whole house water softener but more of a jack-of-all-trades. It combines a whole house water filter, ultraviolet filter, and salt-free soft water system into one impressive package. The water filter specializes in the removal of chlorine, but will also remove pesticides, heavy metals, and many other contaminants. It has a huge lifespan of 10 years or 1,000,000 gallons of use. The UV filter is there to kill off any viruses or bacteria that are too small for the water filter to pick up. It’s a great final line of defense that sterilizes the water without the side effects of chlorine.
- Clean, Great Tasting Water From Every Tap In Your Home – Removes 97%…
- High-Performance Filter System – Carbon & KDF filtration media…
- Cost-Efficient & Long Lasting – Clean water for less than $0. 01 a…
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
Finally, there’s the water softener which is salt-free and able to reduce scale by up to 99.6%. It doesn’t demineralize the water like salt-based systems will and protects your appliances (like water heaters) from scale and corrosion. This extends their lifespan and also maintains its efficiency. Salt-free systems are better for the environment but won’t change the feel of the water to the touch.
This is one of the more expensive of our water softeners reviews, but you get an awful lot for your money. Top-notch water filtration and water conditioning combined in one impressive package. You can read our detailed review of the water filter component here.
Key Features:
- Rating: 3.9
- Price: $$$$$
- Salt-free
- Amazing built-in 0.35-micron water filter
- Optional UV filter
- All-in-one design simplifies installation
- A wealth of installation options
Bottom Line:
This does it all but it is more expensive than the others too. This is a lot more than just a softener, so it really depends on what you are looking for. This water softener system reviews really well in areas like water filtration too.
5. Eddy Water Descaler – A WELL PRICED SALT-BASED WATER SOFTENER ALTERNATIVE
The Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is an excellent alternative to more expensive and less economical soft water systems. It protects appliances from limescale build-up and doesn’t require any knowledge of plumbing to install.It should be noted that this is not your traditional small water softener. The Eddy descaler doesn’t actually reduce the hardness of the water. Instead, it stops the minerals from sticking to appliances and pipework and protects them from damage.
The benefits of this are that it is much cheaper than a regular water softener, it doesn’t use any salt or water, and it doesn’t remove any healthy minerals from the water. Not using salt has the benefits of being much better for the environment and also being much cheaper to run.
- 12 month 100% “no quibble” Money-Back Guarantee + Lifetime Repair or…
- Easy customer installation on metal or plastic pipes. Helps prevent…
- No salt alternative to a water softener. Emulates softened water…
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
It works solely to protect your pipes and appliances from hard water. This does the job of prolonging their lives and maintaining their efficiency. It does its job by passing an electrical current through the water. This changes the ability of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and manganese to bond to surfaces. Since these minerals can’t stick to surfaces, they can’t build up and form limescale deposits. It does this using very little electricity. It actually draws less power than a light bulb.
It is installed very simply by coiling the two sets of wires around the water pipe. It obviously must be installed near a power supply and should be mounted on the wall. Installation requires absolutely no special skills. It doesn’t require any maintenance either and can be left to function independently.
This water descaler comes with some amazing benefits. There’s a 12 month, 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee, and also a lifetime repair or replace warranty. There isn’t anything to lose in giving this alternative form of water conditioning a try.
Key Features:
- Rating: 3.8
- Price: $
- Salt-free
- No maintenance
- Easy installation
- Better for the environment
- Keeps healthy minerals in the water
- Eliminates scale
- Lifetime repair or replace warranty
- 12-month money-back guarantee
Bottom Line:
This is a great value alternative to expensive salt-based systems. It’s a relatively cheap water softener, and it’s better for the environment too. The outstanding money-back guarantee and warranty make it a very tempting proposition. This salt-free softener rates really well on other consumer sites too. Along with the Aquasana model, this is the best salt-free water softener.
6. WaterBoss 365 – 2-in-1 SOFTENER & WATER FILTER
This model from WaterBoss comes with a large 36,400-grain capacity, which will do a good job in the average size home. It offers something that most water softeners don’t, and that is an in-built 20-micron water filter. This will protect your household appliances (and you) from larger water contaminants like heavy metals.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
It uses a meter based regeneration system. This means that it will regenerate at the optimum time based on water use. It will do so only using just enough salt and water. Its patented design allows it to regenerate in as little as 38 minutes. Regenerating in less time allows it to use less water too. At its lowest setting, it will use just 14 gallons of water and 3 pounds of salt in the process. These are really impressive figures that will save you money in the long run.
- Whirlpool WHES30 is ideal for households of 1-4+ people and removes up…
- NSF certified to reduce hard water symptoms such as embarrassing…
- Whirlpool water softeners automatically calculate how much salt and…
It is an all-in-one unit that won’t take up much space. It will sit nicely in the corner of a room. It also has a really quiet operation which means you won’t even notice it running.
It is capable of softening water of up to 90 grains per gallons of hardness. 90 GPG is extremely hard water and makes this water softener very effective at its job.
WaterBoss offer a decent 10-year warranty on the tanks and cabinet, and 3 years on the electronic system.
Key Features:
- Rating: 3.7
- Price: $$$
- 36,400 Grain capacity
- 10 GPM Water flow rate
- Automatic meter based regeneration
- Built-in 20-micron water filter
- 10-Year warranty on tanks & cabinet, 3-years on electronics
- Really efficient water & salt use
Bottom Line:
A 2-in-1 water softener and whole house water filter. It can handle really hard water, and it’s one of the most salt & water-efficient systems around.
7. Aquios FS-220 – SALT-FREE + WATER FILTER
The Aquios FS-220 is a salt-free water softener/water filter combination. It is designed to condition and filter the water, and eliminate scale all without any pressure loss. Being salt-free, it’s kinder to the environment and a little cheaper to run too.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
Being a salt-free system, it doesn’t reduce water hardness like a traditional water softener. It just makes the hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium unable to bond to pipes and appliances. This model will actually target and remove existing limescale deposits, as well as prevent new ones from appearing. Aquios say that you will notice a difference in the feel of the water too, and it will not feel “slippery”.
The softener works with the aid of special cartridges. They contain an additive that inhibits the buildup of limescale. These cartridges last for 40,00 gallons of water use, or around 6 months in time. These figures are for the average family size of four people.
- The NuvoH2O Manor Softener System uses revolutionary technology to…
- Cartridge Lifespan: about 50,000 gallons
- For a home with 4 or more residents or over 2,000 sq ft.
A real bonus of this system is the inclusion of a 5-micron whole house water filter. This rating of the filter is around standard for whole house filters and should protect your family and household appliances from larger water contaminants. The filter is a carbon block that will improve the taste of the water too.
It comes with an enormous 20-year warranty, so even the most paranoid of us can rest at ease.
Key Features:
- Rating: 3.4
- Price: $$
- Salt-free
- 5 Micron whole house water filter
- Long-lasting cartridges
- Eliminates scale
- 20 Year warranty
Bottom Line:
This Aquios water softener & filter combo comes in at a great price when you consider how much they would cost separately. It also solves the problems of installing them individually.
8. NuvoH2O DPHB – REMOVES LIMESCALE
The Nuvo water system is a salt-free water conditioner, designed to eliminate limescale build up in the home. A really nice feature of this model and one that sets it apart from some of the others is its ability to target and remove existing limescale deposits. If you’ve been using really hard water for years then there’s a good chance that your pipes and appliances are not working efficiently because of the scale build-up.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
- CLEARLY GREAT WATER: This whole house water filter reduces sediment as…
- EASY TO REPLACE: Sanitary Quick Change (SQC) design allows for fast…
- 100, 000 GALLON CAPACITY: Replacement cartridge has an activated…
Key Features:
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $$$
- Salt-free
- No electricity
- FDA & NSF approved
- Filter life: 20,000 Gallons
- Ecologically friendly
Bottom Line:
This Nuvo water softener is great for treating limescale build-up and preventing it from happening again.
9. Morton MC30 – NSF CERTIFIED
The Morton MC30 is capable of handling the water softening needs of a large family home and comes with a huge tank to tackle the hardest water problems. It boasts some clever electronics that predict your water usage based on past trends. This means it will only regenerate when it needs to, using just the right amount of salt and water. This means it can save you money in the long run and is kinder to the environment.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
The MC30 also comes NSF certified for water efficiency and effectiveness in softening water. This shows that it can deliver on what it promises. This model has a good size capacity and is able to tackle very hard water. It is a self-contained all-in-one unit which means it won’t take up too much space and isn’t an eyesore either. It also comes with a huge 10-year warranty on the tank. For optimal results, we also recommend you use the Morton Water Softener Salt.
- Compact single tank design: 17” wide x 21” deep x 43” tall
- High water flow rates over 11 gallons per minute
Key Features:
- Rating: 3
- Price: $$
- Compact single tank design
- High water flow rates over 11 gallons per minute
- Compact design fits in 1.3 sq. ft. floor space
- NSF certified
- Eco-friendly
Bottom Line:
The NSF certification makes this a unit that can be trusted to do exactly what it says it can. It’s also one of the most efficient when it comes to salt and water use.
10. Watts RV PRO-1000 – GREAT FOR SMALL HOMES & RVs
This water softener from Watts is portable and will run on just regular table salt. It’s perfect for an RV, small home, or people always on the move. It can keep up with high water flow rates of 4 gallons per minute with very little drop in pressure. It has a huge capacity for something that weighs just 24 pounds and is just 21 inches tall.
What Else Should You about this Water Softener?
- Built-in drain line flow restrictor provides a more effective…
- Custom designed flow valves allow regeneration without having to…
- Full cradle base keeps tank more secure than competing open base tanks….
Key Features:
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $$$
- The valves allow regeneration without having to connect/disconnect the system
- High flow rates up to 4 GPM with a low-pressure drop
- Uses common table salt
- Full cradle base
- Hardness strips included
Bottom Line:
This is the top small or portable water softener around. This is a serious contender for the On the Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener – by far one of the best water softener systems on the market for RVs and small studio apartments.
The Top 5 Water Softeners Compared
Model | Grain Capacity | Price | Rating |
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1. Fleck 5600 SXT | 48,000 | $$$ | 4.7 |
2. Iron Pro 2 | 32,000 – 80,000 | $$$-$$$$$ | 4.2 |
3. Revolution Softener | 32,000 – 96,000 | $$$$-$$$$$ | 4.5 |
4. Eddy Electronic | Salt-free | $ | 3.8 |
5. Morton System Saver | 30,000 | $$ | 3.9 |
Best Water Softeners: A Buyer’s Guide
Water softeners can be expensive, so before you buy one, make sure you know all the details. In our buyer’s guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before making a purchase. Let’s start by seeing just how they work and why you might need one.
Don’t miss the section on how to choose the right size. It’s essential information for first-time buyers or those buying one for a new home.
Why Get the Best Water Softener for Your Home?
Home water softener systems are a modern and inventive solution to hard water problems. Hard water is water that is high in levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, and also metals like iron, copper, and manganese. Hard water is a true pain at home because it affects the performance of appliances. This becomes a frustration, but it also costs you money.
Problems caused by hard water:
- Limescale build upon appliances and pipework affects their efficiency and decreases their lifespan.
- High levels of minerals cause poor detergent and soap performance.
- Wastes detergent and soap
- Leaves marks and streaks on dishes and glassware
A water softener will make the water feel noticeably different, and ensure that your pipework and appliances are safeguarded from damaging scale.
If you have problems using detergents and soaps, you notice streaks and marks on kitchenware, or you care about the efficiency and lifespan of household appliances that use water, then you should probably think about getting a water softener.
If you are unsure about how hard your water is, you can test it with kits. They are pretty cheap to buy and give you an answer straight away. The table below gives a good idea of what is considered hard water, and what kind of numbers to look for.
Classification | mg/l or ppm | grains/gal |
---|---|---|
Soft | 0 – 17.1 | 0 – 1 |
Slightly Hard | 17.1 – 60 | 1 – 3.5 |
Moderately Hard | 60 – 120 | 3.5 – 7.0 |
Hard | 120 – 180 | 7.0 – 10.5 |
Very Hard | 180+ | 10.5+ |
The Pros and Cons of Water Softeners
If you ever wondered what are the pros and cons of a water softener, here are some quick answers you should consider before you get a water softener for your home!
The Pros of Water Softeners
- No more hard water in the home.
- Household appliances last longer and are more efficient.
- No more limescale, marks or streaks.
- Soaps and detergents can lather.
- Relatively maintenance-free.
- Some are automated. Just add salt every couple of months.
- Softer, healthier skin and hair.
- Brighter, softer, and more colorful fabrics.
- Reduced electricity bills.
- Reduced water bills.
The Cons of Water Softeners
- Salt-based systems remove troublesome BUT healthy minerals.
- Disposing of saltwater waste is not environmentally friendly.
- Softened water may not be healthy to drink for humans and pets.
- In some states, they are banned or restricted.
How Do Water Softeners Work?
There are two main types of water softener available. Those that use salt, and those that don’t. Let’s discuss the salt-based systems first.
Salt-based water softeners
Though they use salt to soften water, they don’t make the water in any way salty. They operate using a principle known as ion exchange. This forces the undesirable ions in water (calcium, magnesium, ion, copper, manganese, etc.) to be traded with harmless replacements.
Can you drink softened water?
Now, this is a question leading to debate. While there is no definitive answer to it, health specialists advise against drinking softened water. In the case of people following low-sodium diets, water softeners turn the water too salty for their health. Also, the taste is rather bad. Most veterinarians also advise against feeding pet cats and dogs salt water as it may lead to the development of kidney problems. The harder the water is in your area, the more water softener salts it has to use. Drinking the result may not be as healthy as advertised.
The exchange of ions happens in the resin tank of the water softener. As the hard water passes over the resin media, bad ions are traded for good, and the water changes from hard to soft.
The resin tank is rated according to its number of grains in size. The bigger systems offer 64,000 +grains of capacity. The bigger the capacity then the more effective the system is at treating the water. Areas with extremely hard water will need a system offering a large capacity. A bigger capacity means that it will probably have a faster water flow rate too.
Over time, the resin media will eventually become “full” of the unwanted hard water ions. When this happens the system will need to regenerate. The regeneration process is usually fast, and it will reset the filter media again. This is what the salt is needed for. The resin media is rinsed with saltwater which cleans the system.
The topwater softeners come with digital valves that automate the whole regeneration process. Some even learn and adapt to your household water use and become more efficient. Our water softener ratings make special mention of how the units regenerate.
Salt-free water softeners
As they don’t use any salt, they don’t soften the water like traditional systems. They are better described as water conditioners or descalers. Rather than remove troublesome sodium and magnesium particles, they inhibit them from attaching themselves to household appliances. The hard water ions remain in the water but are simply unable to bind to pipes or appliances. This can be done using electromagnetism or by replacing salt (sodium chloride) with potassium chloride.
Check out our salt-free water softener reviews above. The Eddy Electronic, Aquios, and Nuvo water systems are all salt-free.
Salt-based water softener systems vs Salt-free water softener systems
Sometimes it’s just easier to get information in small chunks. Here’s how salt-based and salt-free systems compare.
Salt-based models
Pros:
- Larger capacities
- Softens the water and doesn’t just condition it.
- Extremely effective
Cons
- Removes healthy minerals
- Using salt isn’t as environmentally friendly
- More expensive initial cost and running cost (salt)
- Takes up considerable space
Salt-free models
Pros
- Cheaper to buy and cheaper to run as they don’t require salt
- More environmentally friendly
- Doesn’t remove healthy minerals
- It’s essentially a tankless water softener (very compact and small)
Cons
- Doesn’t soften the water, only conditions it
How Do I Size a Water Softener?
This is the most important step when choosing a salt-based water softening system. Get this part wrong and you might find that you’re using huge amounts of salt, or even that your system just doesn’t make
Thankfully, sizing a home softener system is a straightforward task. In this section, we’ll take you through the process step by step.
-
Step 1 – Measure your water hardness
Water hardness describes the number of hard water minerals that are in your water. These calcium and magnesium particles are the root cause of hard water problems.
It’s typically measured in grains per gallon (GPG) but can also be described in mg/L (to convert mg/L to GPG just divide by 17.1).
Finding this value for your water is relatively simple. You can test it yourself using a simple water hardness test kit (these are available on online stores and in many home improvement shops), or if you are served by a city water supply this information should be available online. The EPA publishes this data annually.
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Step 2 – Estimate your household water consumption
This information should be supplied on your water bill. It will show your consumption over the whole billing period, so you’ll need to do a bit of math to find your daily water consumption.
On average, a person uses 75 gallons of water each day. As a back-up, you can use this information to estimate your household water use. So a 5 person household would use 5 x 75 = 375 gallons per day.
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Step 3 – Do the math
Don’t worry if you aren’t good with numbers, the math is very simple.
You want to find the amount of softening that your household requires on a daily basis.
To find this we simply multiply together our two values from steps 1 and 2.
Example: A house has water that is measured at 12 gallons per grain of water hardness. 5 People live in this house.
1. First, we find the daily water consumption of the household.
75 gallons per day x 5 people =375 gallons per day
2. Second, we calculate the softening capacity that is needed each day.
375 gallons per day x 12 gallons per grain = 4,500 grains each day
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Step 4 – The final stage
We now have our daily water softening requirements for our household. We now multiply this number by the softener’s regeneration frequency to get our total capacity.
A softener is usually designed to regenerate every week. A frequency of one week keeps water use at a minimum (it uses water to regenerate) and doesn’t make the valve work too frequently.
With this in mind, we now multiply our daily softening requirements by the regeneration frequency.
4,500 daily softener capacity x 7 day regeneration = 31,500 grain capacity
In this example, we’d require a softener that has more than a 31,500-grain capacity. Probably something like a 36,000 or even 48,000 sized model.
Sizing a water softener system for your home usually follows the same principles you need to take into account when you size a whole house water filter for your home. Nevertheless, make sure you read this guide once more before you set your mind on the best water softener system on this list.
Before You Buy a Water Softener: Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you have all bases covered before making the jump and buying a softening unit.
Find out the hardness of your water
By using a water test kit as we mentioned above, you can assess how hard your water is. This is important because it will indicate how powerful a model you will need to buy. To treat really hard water you will need something with a large grain capacity. Larger homes will also need a system that gives a high water flow rate.
Find out your water flow rate
These units are sized according to the hardness of your water and the amount of water a home needs. If you have a home with a couple of bathrooms then you’ll need a system with a big tank that is capable of handling a fast water flow rate. Of all our water softener systems reviews, the Revolution and Iron Pro 2 offer the largest water flow rates (16 GPM). However, some salt-free systems like the Eddy Electronic don’t affect the water flow rate at all.
Make sure the softening capacity matches your household
You should size the system for your household water demands and water hardness. Take a look at the last section, if you’re unsure of how to do this.
Salt-based or salt-free?
There are benefits to each design, but if you have really hard water then I would recommend the salt-based method. It is more effective and will improve the performance of detergents and soaps. The salt-free method is great if you only wish to protect appliances and pipes from limescale damage. It is also kinder to the environment.
Check out the regeneration process
As we mentioned earlier, the salt-based systems need to regenerate after a time and reset themselves. Different models do this in different ways which can save you time and money. The best home water softeners are able to monitor your water use and will regenerate only when necessary. They will also only use the minimum amount of salt and water to do so.
Warranty
Home water softener systems can be expensive so make sure you get a good deal with the warranty. Replacement parts for the electronic devices can be expensive so make sure you get covered. The top-rated water softeners come with good warranties and are reliable.
Cost of the salt
You’ll need to top up the salt tank depending on how often you use the system. This can depend on how hard your water is, the regeneration settings of your unit, and the amount of water you use. Different systems use different kinds of salt so make sure you estimate your likely salt use and costs.
Water Softeners: Installation and Maintenance
In this section, we give a brief explanation of what the installation involves, and also what kind of maintenance you can expect to have to do. There’s a great video below that outlines the installation process really well.
How to Install a Water Softener
Installing a water softener by yourself is definitely possible and will save a lot of money. If you are simply replacing an old system then you can do this very quickly. A completely new installation will take a bit longer and will require some plumbing knowledge, but it can be finished in an afternoon. We’ve put together a basic guide to your average install. Obviously each model will be slightly different, but they all contain the same basic components.
Aside from the gear that comes in the box, you will probably need some extra tubing. You can choose from PVC, copper, steel, PEX, or CPVC. This will be used to connect the unit to your existing plumbing. You may also need 2 one inch NPT female connectors to make the join. Be aware that your unit will probably need to be installed near a drain and a power outlet. If the unit will be installed a significant distance from the drain (more than 30 feet) then you may need extra tubing.
A brief run-through of the installation stages:
- First, turn off the main water supply.
- Next, you should drain the water pipes. Make sure there is nothing left.
- Then, you should make the connections as illustrated in the image above. Installing a bypass valve will make life easier.
- Next, you need to prepare the brine tank. It needs to be half-filled with salt.
- Wit the bypass shut, switch on the water supply again.
- Check for any water leaks anywhere.
- Follow the startup instructions in the manual.
- Closely monitor the system over the first few weeks.
For more information on how to install a water softener without much stress, check out this installation guide here!
How to Maintain a Water Softener
Most systems can be left to pretty much maintain themselves automatically. Your job is to manage the frequency of these regeneration cycles. This can be based on time or the amount of water used. Basing it on the amount of water used is definitely the most efficient method.
Though the water softeners use salt water to clean themselves it is also good practice to flush the resin bead media every 6 months or so (depends on the water hardness and amount of use). Water softeners can become less efficient if they get plugged up with metals like iron and other large particles. To flush the resin you should use a water softener cleaner to rinse out these particles. This process is very easy to do, and the water softener cleaner is pretty cheap to buy.
Also, make sure the valve doesn’t get plugged with any particles. It’s easy to screw the valve off, and it can be cleaned easily with some soapy water.
Be sure to check out our water softener ratings. The best home water softeners are very easy to look after and maintain.
Best Water Softeners: FAQs
These are some answers to questions we get asked a lot. If you have any questions don’t forget to leave us a comment below or send us an e-mail.
Will a water softener filter lead and things from my water too?
Not usually. Most models will only remove the particles that make the water hard. There are models available that have in-built filters, but the filters are usually just for large particles like sediment and rust. The Aquasana Rhino contains a very good whole house filter though.
However, Iron Pro 2 is able to handle well water that is high in iron and heavy metals.
How long will the resin media last?
If taken good care of then a unit can last over 20 years. A unit should be well maintained (see above), and a pre-filter would act to protect the softener from large particles too.
How often will I need to add salt to the tank?
This answer depends on a number of things. The amount of salt used depends on the hardness of water, the amount of water used, and the frequency of regeneration (is it a time or meter-based?). Generally speaking, the salt will need to be topped up every 2 months.
How much salt do water softeners use?
It really depends on the hardness of your water and the regeneration settings you use. An average size 30,000-grain system will need about 6-8 pounds of salt for every regeneration cycle. This would be a complete regeneration. Some models only use the exact amount of salt required according to the amount of water that has been used. These models are really efficient with their salt and water use.
Are Water Softeners Worth the Money?
If you deal with very hard water in your home, then yes, water softeners are worth the money, even if they are a little expensive. While they remove the healthy minerals of your water, they also eliminate the hardness and limescale issues from your home. Overall, they prolong the lifespan of all your water-based appliances, render your hair and skin smoother and healthier, and make a good investment for large homes and families.
Are Water Softeners Illegal?
In some states, they are banned, yes. In others, they are heavily regulated. Today, the purchase of a water softener has become a problem of law. The legislation behind the ban on water softeners relies on two main reasons:
- Water softeners use a lot of water for regeneration. They also discharge in the environment plenty of brine water. From this point of view, classic salt-based water softeners are not environmentally friendly.
- Communities need to invest a lot of money in soft water recycling, which is not practical.
Are there alternatives to salt-based water softeners?
If you consider water descalers and water conditioners, yes, you can consider that you have plenty of options when it comes to water softener alternatives.
However, one of the best alternatives in water softening is reverse osmosis. We have talked about this water filtration technology many times before, but it is time to resume some of the most important facts.
- Reverse osmosis water filters remove all the particles in the water – the tiniest ones to boot – through the permeate membranes they use and via the multiple stages of filtration they employ. In other words, RO systems are perfectly capable of solving the hard water problems in your home. In fact, reverse osmosis turns saltwater into freshwater, so it is no wonder why these systems are the most favored solutions when it comes to water filtration and softening.
- Due to the anatomy of reverse osmosis systems, your water will not have excess levels of sodium. On the contrary, reverse osmosis systems add back into the water healthy minerals needed for your health in balanced quantities. In other words, reverse osmosis water filters make your tap water mineral water, removing any need of buying bottled plastic water ever again.
- Even if some reverse osmosis systems do waste some water to make pure, clean water, they are more eco-friendly than salt-based water softeners.
- While you will find a handful of highly-performing whole house reverse osmosis water filters, most RO filters these days are under-sink water filters. In other words, you can install them under your sink with no problems and not many mandatory plumbing skills.
Another alternative to salt-based water softeners is TAC (Template Assisted Crystallization) technology. While not new on the market, TAC water softeners are becoming increasingly popular for their benefits and environmental friendliness. For instance, the Genesis Water Technologies GW-SPS20BB-C Water Scale Prevention System and Multi-Stage Water Filtration with Template Assisted Crystallization Technology is an excellent product that you should consider when you create the shortlist for water softeners alternatives.
Best Water Softener Systems on the Market: Conclusion
If you have any questions about our water softeners reviews or anything else we have discussed then please get in contact. We can also help with any problems regarding water filters. We’ll get back to you promptly, and do our very best to be of service.
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Check back soon as we will review more top-rated water softeners in the near future.
Your site was the most helpful I have found at explaining what the types of softeners actually do. Kudos!
What about the GE brands? Did you review them?
You should also add Hard Water Conditioner Model EWC-MAX-i from H2O Elite Labs?
It is actually better than many water softeners and it is salt-free, maintenance free as well.
Its for Indoor use only and handles upto 35 gpg (grains per gallon) or 598 ppm of Calcium hardness.
It works on Copper, PVC, PEX upto 1.25″ diameter pipe. It can also cover Upto 5,000 sq ft Home. Comes with 3 years warranty.