The Best Water Softeners of 2018 – Find the Right System for Your Home

Looking for a water softener, but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. In this detailed guide, we’ll help you decide which system is required for your home and within your budget.

Top 3 Water Softener Systems – At a Glance

Our Top 10 Water Softeners

With so many water softeners on the market today, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice for your home. Here is the list of the 10 best water softeners of 2018:

1. Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener

Fleck’s 5600SXT is a 48,000 grain water softener that offers a digital, SXT metered whole house system. Fully programmable cycles allow the 5600SXT to offer the highest level of efficiency in the industry. A top-rated water softener, this model allows for:

Pros

• Fully programmable cycles enhance efficiency
• Digital control head
• Bypass valve with 1″ plumbing adapter
• Extra-long life resin
• Meter based regeneration
• 48-hour internal power backup
• Touchpad controls and function
• 250-pound salt capacity

Cons

• Large capacity not ideal for small homes
• O-rings have the potential to leak and pinch

The efficiency and ease-of-use of the 5600SXT allows for an entire home water softening solution. Easy to install with help, this unit has a meter-based regeneration and touchpad controls to allow for one of the industry’s easiest water softeners.

It’s a water softener ideal for saving time and money.

Ideal For:

• Homes with up to 3 full bathrooms and families that have up to 6 people
• Busy families that benefit from meter-based regeneration for less maintenance
• Water with high hardness levels that need 48,000 grain water softening

Not Ideal For:

• Large homes with more than 3 bathrooms, or small homes with 1 bathroom

We have voted the Fleck 5600 SXT our best water sofetner if you need a home water softener that’s capable of working for up to three full bathrooms with ease, this is the model for you. Click here to see our detailed Fleck 5600SXT review.

2. Morton System Saver Water Softener

The Morton System M30 water softener offers a compact, single tank design with high flow rates of up to 11 gallons of water per minute. This model is 17″ wide by 21″ deep and 43″ tall. Weighing 95 pounds, this softener offers 30,000 grain softening.

Pros

• 11-gallon flow rate per minute
• 30,000 grain capacity
• 8 hour power interruption
• Single disk rotary
• Utilizes 50% less salt than competing models
• Automatic or manual regeneration

Cons

• Replacement parts are very expensive
• Customer service is severely lacking

Replacement parts and customer service are not top-notch. The replacement parts are very expensive, and when calling customer service, the phone often rings and rings with no one answering calls.

Ideal For:

• Smaller homes that need 30,000 grain softening
• Money-saving thanks to the low salt consumption of the unit
• Easy installation and lighter weight allow for one person installation

Not Ideal For:

• Large homes demanding over 11 gallons of water per minute
• Water needing more than 30,000 grains

A high flow rate and easy installation make the M30 a great choice for small- and medium-sized homes. This model allows for automatic and manual regeneration while using up to 50% less salt than the competition.

3. Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener

Fleck’s 7000 SXT is a high-powered water softener that’s a step up from the 5600 which was reviewed prior. This model’s 80,000 grain capacity allows the unit to be used in larger homes and homes where water consumption is higher than normal.

Pros

• Higher efficiency level for larger homes
• 80,000 grains allows for high usage
• Ideal for homes and light commercial settings
• 5-year valve and 10-year tank warranty
• On-demand control valve

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult to install alone

This unit isn’t designed for small home usage. When installing the unit, you’ll need some help due to the high weight of the unit.

Ideal For:

• Homes with 3+ bathrooms or light commercial settings
• Smart processor ensures the unit runs only when needed saving money
• Extreme softening needs nearly eliminating GPG

Not Ideal For:

• Non-professional installers due to poor instructions
• Small homes with lower GPG levels

If you have a larger home or commercial building where GPG levels are very high, the 7000 is the ideal choice for you. This model has the ability to reduce high grain levels and save money through smart features that only run the softener when needed. Fleck are known for producing some of themost effecient systems on the market and are a safe bet when picking a system for your home. If you would like to see our detailed Fleck 7000SXT review then just click here.

4. WaterBoss Water Softener

The WaterBoss 700 is a 22,000 grain capacity water softener. This model is designed to use less water than the competition while also allowing for a maintenance-free filter. This softener also offers a programmable option to allow for regeneration on your own terms.

Pros

• Small design allows for ease of use
• No battery required
• Maintenance-free dirt and sediment filter
• Built-in LCD with programmable options

Cons

• Long refill tank
• Unreliable

There’s a long refill process that takes as long as 3+ hours in some circumstances. A long refill makes your water hard for a few hours, creating a gap between your home’s soft water.  The customer service is lacking, so if the unit breaks, you’ll be stranded in many cases with hard water.

Ideal For:

• Low-end water softening, demanding just 20,000 grains
• Smaller homes that don’t have high water demands

Not Ideal For:

• Large homes and very hard water

If you have a larger home or very hard water, the WaterBoss may not be a good choice for you. When using this softener, you’ll find that the LCD and programmable options make this a great softener that’s low maintenance.

5. Watts RV PRO-1000

The Watts RV PRO-1000 is designed to help soften water in an RV. A portable system, this model is able to reduce 10,000 grains and weighs just 9 pounds for ease of use. This model is often used for mobile businesses that use water, too.

Pros

• Small design allows for portable function
• Designed to work in RVs
• 10,000 grains despite small size
• High efficiency rate

Cons

• Small in size and only works in small settings

This model is designed for the RV user, so it’s small size makes it a disadvantage when used for anything outside of an RV or smaller usage. Tiny homes may be able to use this softener effectively.

Ideal For:

• Small homes or RVs where 10,000 grains will suffice
• Situations where a portable unit would excel

Not Ideal For:

• Just 10,000 grains makes it inefficient in larger homes or settings

The PRO-1000 is designed to work with RVs, and this is where this water softener excels the most. If your expectations are for transport and water softening in small settings, this is the water softener is ideal for you. Click here if you wish to see our detailed Watts RV PRO-1000 review.

6. North Star NST70UD1

North Star is one of the leading brands when it comes to water softeners, and the NST70UD1 is one of the most efficient models on the market. This model is so well-liked, that it is often out of stock, and this is a testament to how much users simply love this model.

Utilizing an LCD display, this unit is able to produce an efficiency of 5110 at 4.1 (grains/lbs. to salt/lbs.) – it’s extremely efficient.

Pros

• You can easily install this model by yourself if you have the loop cut and set.
• This model is very affordable, and is far better than the competition.
• Large storage capacity allows for 300 pounds of salt storage.
• Produces 16 GPM with 70,000 max grain capacity.

Cons

• Very heavy (151 pounds), so you’ll need a dolly or someone to help you move it into position.

This unit is, by far, one of our favorites. What we really like about this unit is that when you go to install it, the process is incredibly easy. This is the type of unit that doesn’t require a professional to install it, and if you have the loop cut and set, it’s a breeze.

Like I mentioned in the “cons” section, this unit is very heavy, so you’ll need someone to help you move it into position.

Note: You can use a dolly if needed to move the unit.

Once the unit is installed, you’ll immediately notice a difference in your water’s hardness. Utilizing 70,000 grains, the unit does not cycle often and is able to produce 16 gallons of water per minute.

This means that you’ll be able to take a shower or run your faucet without worrying that there won’t be enough soft water for your usage.

Simple and to the point, this unit does have one advanced feature that I do want to make note of: an LCD screen. While not a necessity, this is a nice addition to any water softener because it tells you more about the unit. There’s no guesswork or time spent trying to figure out when you need to regenerate the unit.

The LCD screen contains the following information:

• Hardness level
• Regeneration time
• Current flow rate
• Remaining capacity

And if you’re like us, you like to know your daily water usage, which is also listed. You’ll get to see your average daily usage, and your total daily usage of water. This is great for the energy-conscious person that is trying to save on their energy bills and conserve as much water as possible.

This unit is highly efficient, and is very easy to install. Despite its heavy weight, this unit has virtually no flaws in terms of functionality and water softening – it works great.

7. Waterboss 900

The Waterboss 900 is a whole house water softening system with a 34,400 grain capacity and a permanent filter that you’ll never have to change. Regeneration takes less than 40 minutes and only uses 27 gallons of water. For medium to large households with high hardness water levels, this is a great whole house system.

Features

• 34,400 grain capacity
• Self-cleaning, built-in whole house filter
• Whole house system
• Reduces clear water iron to 10ppm
• Made in the USA

The 900 is an efficient and easy to use water softening system that can treat up to 90 grains per gallon. At the same time, the system can also help reduce the ferrous iron levels in your water to 10 ppm. It also removes sediment and dirt, so you’re left with fresh, clean water.

One feature that you’ll love about this system is the built-in, self-cleaning filter. You’ll never have to change cartridges again.

The 900 doesn’t require a lot of salt to regenerate either. During each regeneration period, this system uses just 6 pounds of salt and 27 gallons of water. The entire process takes less than 40 minutes, so you’ll always have soft water available.

With a 34,400 grain capacity, this is the perfect system for large households. And within a 10 GPM water flow rate and a minimal 15 psi drop, you’ll barely notice a drop in your water pressure. When taking a shower or using your appliances, you’ll still enjoy the same great water pressure you were used to.

If you’re worried about installation, don’t be. The 900 is easy to install. Waterboss includes a DIY installation DVD which makes it so easy to install the system into your home. It took us just a few hours to get the system up and running. It doesn’t take up much space either. The 900 is just 14.75 inches wide and 30.75 inches tall. It’s a bit heavy, though, at 105 pounds.

The 900 is a programmable water softening system, which means that you will decide when regeneration will take place. This is not an on-demand system, which is a little disappointing. That said, if you have consistent water usage, you can program this machine properly to ensure that you always have soft water available.

With a quick regeneration time and efficient design, we were impressed with this water softening system.

Pros

• High grain capacity
• Built-in, self-cleaning filter eliminates cartridge replacements
• Also reduces clear water iron
• Ideal for large households
• Quick regeneration
• Low salt usage

Cons

• Lack of customer support

Although we did not have to contact Waterboss, there were a few buyers that were disappointed by the company’s lack of customer support. Some said that customer service representatives were rude and condescending.

Overall, the Waterboss 900 is an efficient and highly effective whole house water softening system. With a high grain capacity, quick regeneration time, and efficient use of water and salt, this is the ideal water softening system for large homes with high water demands and high hardness levels.

8. North Star NSC25ED

The North Star NSC25ED is an electronic water softener that allows you to achieve peak performance and choose between efficiency modes. There’s also a built-in LCD screen, and setting the unit up is very easy.

Unlike the NST70UD1 (a terrific unit), the NSC25ED is rather lightweight and is also easy to install. Perfect for the two-person household, this unit will be able to produce a flow rate of 6 GPM and has an efficiency rate of 5000 g / per pound of salt.

Let’s take a look at this model’s features at a glance:

NSC25ED Features

• Maximum capacity of 26,600 grains
• Service flow rate of 6 GPM
• Clear water ion removal rate of 7 ppm
• Efficiency of 5,000 grains / per pound of salt
• Weight of 85 pounds

The NSC25ED electronic demand water softener is perfect for smaller homes. This is due to the flow rate of 6 GPM, which simply wouldn’t be enough for a household of four or five people that were using the water at the same time.

But this model is also priced much more affordably and is very easy to install.

I won’t be going through the entire installation process, but this is a unit that you can install by yourself without the help of a professional. The unit is 85 pounds, much lighter than some of its counterparts, so you should be able to move it into place without much difficulty. If you do need help, you only need one other person or a dolly to help you move the unit into position.

Performance is rather efficient, with a maximum capacity of 26,600 g. You’ll also find that the efficiency rate is 5,000 grains to a pound of salt. Essentially, the unit will need a little over 5 pounds of salt to reach maximum capacity. If you have ever used a water softener in the past, you know that the unit will need to regenerate often.

This is my one complaint, as this unit is rather loud during regeneration. If the unit happens to be regenerating in the middle of the night, you will hear a little bit of clunking.

But you can circumvent this by trying to regenerate at a better time.

The unit does feature an LCD display that provides you the following information:

• Time
• Regeneration time
• Hardness levels

What’s really neat, and something that I like personally, is that you can choose the efficiency mode: normal, or high. While high is recommended for water that has a high level of hardness, normal mode is perfect for most homes and will help you save on salt.

I almost forgot to mention that the included manual gives detailed and precise instructions on installation and servicing.

Pros

• Very easy to install
• Affordably priced
• LCD screen provides in-depth information
• Softens water efficiently

Cons

• Not ideal for larger homes

9. Aquios FS-220

If you’re looking for an alternative to salt-based water softening systems, Aquios may just have the solution you need. This whole house softener and filtration system acts as a complete water treatment machine, eliminating mineral deposits while keeping your water free of unwanted contaminants. Using a natural technology, this water softening system does not waste water and does not require salt to run.

Features

• Salt-free system; uses Siliphos to inhibit scale deposits
• Water filtration included
• Compact, electric-free design
• Commercial strength water conditioning capability
• Cartridge life: 6 months
• Includes 40,000-gallon cartridge
• 20-year warranty

Aquios is truly a unique water softening system. It acts as a three-in-one solution to condition the water, filter it and reduce mineral buildup. Like other salt-free solutions, this unit doesn’t actually remove hard water minerals from your water. It changes the property of the minerals to prevent buildup over time.

How does it work? The system uses a phosphate additive called Siliphos to prevent hard water buildup. Over time, the system reduces the scale buildup you already have, and minimizes future buildup. Rather than depositing on your faucets, pipes and appliances, the minerals simply wash down the drain.

The Aquios FS-220 uses a commercial-grade water conditioning system and combines this technology with a carbon block filtration system to offer a complete water treatment system. The system is designed in such a way that virtually no water pressure is lost and the water flow rate is not reduced. You can enjoy clean, fresh water and prevent mineral deposits without having to sacrifice comfort.

With the Aquios system, you will notice a difference in the way the water feels, but it doesn’t create the same “slippery” feeling that water softeners do. The quality of your water will improve, and you can finally drink water right from the tap. When showering, the water doesn’t feel slippery, but you still get that same clean-feel that soft water provides.

When you purchase the Aquios system, you’ll also receive your first cartridge. This cartridge will treat 40,000 gallons of water before you need to replace it. One cartridge lasts about six months for the average household. Replacement filters are relatively inexpensive, too.

Because of the way this system is designed, there’s no programming, no maintenance and no electricity required. It’s literally a hands-free solution that will provide you with years of use. If you’re used to salt-based systems, you may enjoy the relief from that “slippery” feeling that soft water often creates. Also, you enjoy the benefit of still taking in those healthy minerals when you drink a glass of water.

Pros

• Filters and conditions your home’s entire water supply
• Compact design that won’t take up too much room in your home
• Doesn’t use electricity, so you save money on your energy bills
• Maintenance-free and does not need to be programmed
• Also filters the water as it conditions it
• Filter cartridges have a long lifespan
• Generous 20-year warranty

Cons

• Water filters need to be changed every 40,000 gallons

The only real drawback to this system is that filters must be changed every 40,000 gallons – typically six months. It can be difficult to determine when you’ve reached the 40,000-gallon mark, filters are relatively inexpensive. That being said, the recurring costs of replacement filters should be considered.

The Aquios whole House Water Softener is an excellent alternative to salt-based softeners. Not only does it condition the water, but it also filters it as well. For fresh, clean water without the “slippery” feel, the Aquios gets the job done right.

10. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Review

The On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT boasts the ability to soften water 40% better than the competition and is a 16,000 grain unit that is ideal for RV/Marine owners that are always on-the-go.

All it takes is 2 boxes of table salt to regenerate, allowing for 1,600 gallons of soft water, or approximately 40 days of use without regeneration.

During our review, we noted that regeneration takes just 30 minutes to complete. Extremely easy to use, this portable water softener is one of the best available on the market.

Features

• Softens water 40% more than the competition.
• Takes just 30 minutes for the regeneration cycle to complete.
• Produces 1,600 gallons or 40 days’ worth of soft water in one generation.
• Top carry handle makes transport easy.
• No tools or electricity required.
• Uses a standard hose connection for RV/Marines.
• Can use potassium or salt for regeneration.

Great product with even better customer support. This model is meant to provide you with portable water softening and was designed to be used for RV/Marine use. Many connections provide hard water that is tough on clothes, has a terrible taste, and actually prevents you from getting truly clean in the shower.

There is even a plastic shutoff valve to stop the softening if needed. It’s the perfect system built from the ground up with the consumer in mind.

Installation is simple. Since this is a portable model, you’ll find that installation requires no tools at all. Included is a standard hose connection that will connect easily thanks to the 360 degree swivel. Within minutes, you’ll have the system installed and be ready for the regeneration process.

The manufacturer recommends using 2 boxes of regular salt for regeneration, but you can also use potassium if you prefer. Regeneration is done by following these steps:

1. Remove the cap.
2. Use 26 ounces of table salt.
3. Replace the cap.
4. Remove the outlet hose.
5. Rinse slowly for 12 – 60 minutes depending on the model.
6. Fast rinse for 3 – 12 minutes depending on the model.

In total, regeneration takes 30 minutes and will provide you with softer water. This isn’t quite as fast as the regeneration time of the Watts RV, which regenerates in just 18 minutes. The manufacturer also includes water hardness test strips that you can use to see the difference in water hardness levels before and after installing the unit.

If you’re worried about water pressure levels dipping due to installing the water softener, you’ll be happy to know that little to no water pressure loss was experienced after installation.

Immediately after the regeneration process, you’ll have soft water for approximately 40 days, depending on usage amounts.

Pros

• Use low amounts of table salt for regeneration.
• Quick and easy connection with RV/Marine standard hose.
• Easily portable with a handle and cutoff valve.
• Includes water hardness test strips.

Cons

• Shutoff valve leaks for some users.

For a portable water softener, there is little to complain about with the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT. The shutoff valve is plastic, so it can break, but you can replace it with brass if you find that it’s leaking.

From installation to portability and 1,600 gallons of soft water, it’s hard to find another water softener with this level of quality.

We hope you have found our guide useful, make sure to check out our installation guide for when you come to installing your new system.

With so many different types, models, features and price points to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – especially if this is your first time purchasing a water softener. Don’t worry, we’ll simplify the process. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, so you can confidently choose the right system for your home.

But before we get to our buyer’s guide, let’s take a minute to talk about why hard water can be so detrimental to your home.

What is Hard Water? Why Is It Bad for Your Home?

Simply put, hard water is water that has a high mineral content. When water percolates through deposits of chalk and limestone, it creates hard water. These deposits are primarily made up of magnesium and calcium.

So, why exactly is hard water bad for your home? Hard water results in:

• Bathtub rings
• Soap scum on bathtubs and sinks
• Soaps and detergents not foaming or cleaning as effectively
• Spots on shower doors and dishes
• Clogged pipes due to mineral buildup
• Yellowed and dingy clothes that require additional rinsing to get clean
• Higher energy bills. Water heaters are less efficient because of mineral buildup.
• Skin and hair issues

The good news is that hard water isn’t hazardous to your health. But it can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. It can also wind up costing you more money on water heating costs.

Wait – hard water causes skin and hair issues?

Most people only consider the affects that hard water has on their home’s plumbing and appliances, but it can also affect your skin and hair. The water’s higher mineral content makes it more difficult for soaps and detergents to foam up, and even more difficult to wash them out.

Each time you shower, mineral and soap/shampoo residue is left behind. Over time, hard water can lead to dry skin and brittle hair. A simple, inexpensive solution to this problem is install a shower head water softener.

How to Find Out if You Live in a Hard Water Area

You know that hard water isn’t good for your home, but how can you tell if you have hard water?

The first and most obvious sign of hard water is mineral deposits, or scaling. These are left behind when water evaporates. You might notice white, powdery spots on your dishes, or a film on glassware.

If soaps are hard to lather, you likely have hard water. Limescale buildup is also a telltale sign of hard water.

If you live in the U.S., the USGS provides a hard water map that outlines water hardness throughout the country. Generally speaking, the Midwest has the hardest water, while coastal areas have the softest.

To get a more precise idea of how hard your water is, check out your city’s Drinking Water Quality Report. Some water softening companies also offer free water hardness testing, so consider this as well. Alternatively you can test the water yourself with water hardness test strips or a digital water hardness meter.

If you have hard water in your home, a water softener is a smart investment. Not only will you be saving your clothing, hair and skin, but you’ll also be taking important steps to preventing mineral build-up in your home’s plumbing system.

Eventually, that build-up can lead to clogs and expensive repairs.

You know that you need a water softener, but you may still be wondering how they work. While there are many different types of water softeners, they all accomplish the same thing: remove calcium and magnesium from your home’s water supply.

The Lifeblood of a Water Softening System

Water softeners are mechanical appliances that connect to your home’s plumbing system and work with your water supply. The goal is simple: trade the calcium and magnesium for something else. Most of the time, that “something else” is sodium, or salt. When sodium is used, the softening process is called an ion exchange.

The lifeblood of a water softening system is the mineral tank. This important tank is filled with zeolite or resin, which carry a negative charge. Both magnesium and calcium carry positive charges. When the minerals come in contact with the resin or zeolite, they cling to each other.

Sodium ions also have a positive charge, but it’s not quite as strong as the charge that calcium and magnesium carry. But when a strong salt solution, or brine, passes through the beads, the sodium’s charge is strong enough to pull the calcium and magnesium away from the beads.

How Calcium and Magnesium Are Removed

Without getting too technical, let’s look at a breakdown of how water softeners remove minerals.

• The hard water passes through the mineral tank.
• The calcium and magnesium cling to the zeolite or resin.

Once the zeolite or resin beads are saturated with the minerals, the water softener goes through a 3-phase regeneration cycle.

1. The backwash phase. During this phase, the water flow is reversed and dirt is flushed out of the tank.
2. The recharge phase. The brine solution flushes through the mineral tank. The sodium replaces the calcium and magnesium, which are then flushed down the drain.
3. Flush phase. During the final phase, the mineral tank is flushed of any excess brine, and the brine tank is replenished.

Essentially, the zeolite or resin beads attract the minerals, and the sodium’s positive charge overrides the attraction, sending the minerals down the drain. What you’re left with is mineral-free water.

Regeneration System Types

Most modern water softeners have automatic regeneration systems, and there are three different types.

The first and most basic one uses a simple electric timer that flushes and then recharges the system on a scheduled basis. When the system is in recharging mode, soft water won’t be available.

The second type uses a computer to monitor water usage. When a certain amount of water has passed through the system’s mineral tank, the computer triggers regeneration. Machines that use this type of system typically have a reserve, so that there’s at least some soft water available during regeneration.

The third and final type uses a mechanical meter to monitor water usage and trigger the recharging process. No electrical components are used, and the tank is only recharged when absolutely necessary. These systems typically have two mineral tanks, so soft water is always available.

Now that you have an understanding of how water softeners work, let’s take a closer look at what types of softeners are available.

Different Types of Water Softeners

There are four basic types of water softeners: reverse osmosis, salt-based, salt-free and magnetic. Each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Reverse Osmosis System

Technically speaking, reverse osmosis is not a water softener, but a type of filtration system. It does more than just remove calcium and magnesium. It also removes other contaminants.

Many experts claim that reverse osmosis is the most advanced, effective and economical way to process water for domestic use. It has the amazing ability to remove 98% or more of dissolved solids, impurities and heavy metals. These include bacteria, viruses, inorganic materials, parasites, pesticides, algae and more.

To remove contaminants, pressure is used to force water through a semi-permeable, synthetic membrane. This membrane attracts water molecules, while repelling any dissolved impurities – even impurities that are smaller than water molecules.

All of the impurities that the membrane repels are flushed down the drain. You never have to worry about a buildup of bacteria or strange odors in your waste water. Reverse osmosis water filter systems also oxygenate water, which improves the taste.

Reverse osmosis systems are great as whole-house systems because they work as both a filtration system and a water softener. For a whole house water filtration system, click here. The whole house systems can be quite expensive. Therefore if you are only looking to improve the quality of your drinking water then you could install a faucet water filter, which is a lot cheaper and will still provide you with pure water.

Pros

• Removes hard water minerals as well as other water contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.
• Improves the taste of water.
• No additives required.

Cons

• Expensive to install.
• Requires filter replacements, which can be costly.
• Also removes beneficial minerals from the water.
• Generates a lot of waste water.

Salt-Based Water Softener

Salt-based systems are a popular choice with homeowners because they are the most effective way to deal with hard water while still being affordable. These systems work just as we described earlier: water travels through a mineral tank with a polymer resin bed, and a salt-water solution helps remove the calcium and magnesium.

Salt-based systems create what many people refer to as “slick” water. Because the minerals are removed, soap foams easier, clothing stays brighter, and your skin doesn’t dry out as easily.

There’s a reason why salt-based systems are considered the best water softeners: they’re the only tried and true way to remove minerals from your water.

Pros

• Effectively removes hard water minerals
• Saves you money on plumbing repairs and water heating usage in the long run
• Most systems are automatic and require little-to-no maintenance

Cons

• Machines can be large
• Some systems can be expensive to install
• Requires access to a nearby drain
• Requires the additives (i.e. salt)

Salt-Free Water Softener

Salt-free water softeners are also referred to as “conditioners,” and that’s because they don’t actually remove any hard water minerals from your water. This type of system only prevents mineral buildup in your pipes.

To call these systems “water softeners” is a bit misleading. Technically, they don’t reduce the hardness of water at all. For this reason, many people now refer to these systems as “descalers” or “conditioners”.

Let’s talk about how these systems work. Most will use electronic frequencies to change the charge and the shape of the minerals in your water. This is what helps prevent scale build-up in your pipes.

Salt-free systems aren’t all bad. If you don’t have particularly hard water and just want to prevent mineral buildup in your pipes, salt-free systems are a great choice. For salt-free water softener systems click here.

Pros

• Does not require any additives
• Easy to install
• Inexpensive to purchase
• Removes and prevents scale buildup
• Environmentally-friendly
• Does not require a nearby drain

Cons

• Will not remove all hard water minerals
• Not a good option for homes with very hard water

Magnetic Water Softener

Magnetic water softeners are a bit controversial, mainly because many people are skeptical about their effectiveness. Also known as AMT, or anti-scale magnetic treatment, this non-chemical alternative to traditional water softeners takes a unique approach to the process.

Here’s how it works: hard water passes through a magnetic field to remove hard water minerals. These systems fall under the “salt-free” category, but their effectiveness is still questionable.

Because its effectiveness is still up for debate, magnetic (and salt-free systems in general) should only be considered for homes with low to medium water hardness.

Pros

• No additives required
• Easy to install
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons

• Effectiveness is questionable
• Not a good option for homes with very hard water

When it comes to effectiveness, salt-based softeners are hard to beat. Reverse osmosis systems are a great choice as well, but they can be costly and won’t be quite as effective at removing hard water minerals. Salt-free systems are not ideal for homes with very hard water, and magnetic systems are questionable at best.

If you would rather be safe than sorry, look at our salt-based water softener systems as these will be the most effective.

What Size Water Softener do I Need?

Now that you have an idea of what types of water softeners are available, you be wondering: “what size water softener do I need?” That depends on a few factors, such as:

• The number of people in your home
• Your daily water usage
• Water hardness

Naturally, homes with more people and/or higher water usage will require a larger system.

To determine your daily softening requirement, you’ll need to calculate the following:

• Water hardness (X grains per gallon)
• Daily water usage. Multiply the number of household members by 75 gallons to determine daily water usage.

If you don’t know you water hardness use “10” as that is the average water hardness in the USA.

Now, multiply your water hardness by your daily water usage. The result is your daily softening requirement.

Keep in mind that most systems are designed to regenerate once per week, so you want to make sure that you purchase a water softener that can manage your daily requirements.

Some salt based system models can be quite large, therefore if you are looking for an undersink water softener then a reverse osmosis water system or an inline water softener may be the best option for you.

We know that buying a water softener is a big decision, and one that you shouldn’t take lightly. It is important to find a system that will meet your needs and fit into your family’s budget.

 

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