Mineral layers on water faucets, stained glassware, or faulty water-based
appliances are all situations that can be attributed to the type and quality of water coming into your home.
Most households rely on hard water for their domestic use; such reliance comes with a few downsides, including
those listed above. It gets even more severe in some cases, with limestone deposits blocking the shower
heads and other plumbing systems and faucets in the house.
appliances are all situations that can be attributed to the type and quality of water coming into your home.
Most households rely on hard water for their domestic use; such reliance comes with a few downsides, including
those listed above. It gets even more severe in some cases, with limestone deposits blocking the shower
heads and other plumbing systems and faucets in the house.
When this happens, the most effective way out is to get a water softener. A water
softener or water conditioner helps remove magnesium and calcium in hard water, essentially removing the
“hardness”.
softener or water conditioner helps remove magnesium and calcium in hard water, essentially removing the
“hardness”.
Why do you need a water softener?
If you experience any of the situations listed below, then it is time to install a
water softener:
water softener:
1. Stains on faucets and dishes
Hard water leaves some soap scum on utensils and fixtures, including dishes, shower
heads, and other fixtures. There is always a cloudy film on the surface after the water dries out.
heads, and other fixtures. There is always a cloudy film on the surface after the water dries out.
2. Skin irritation
Whenever you bath with hard water, there is always some icky substance on your skin
surface. Asides from this, you feel itchy and drier than usual. This is because you are bathing with hard water.
surface. Asides from this, you feel itchy and drier than usual. This is because you are bathing with hard water.
3. Accumulation of limescale in pipes.
Hard water facilitates the build-up of limescale in your showerheads and pipes. The
limescale comes from the mineral substances in water. You can either get a water conditioner or dedicated
shower filters to remove these minerals. Using hard water continuously for your water appliances may lead to
their rapid deterioration.
limescale comes from the mineral substances in water. You can either get a water conditioner or dedicated
shower filters to remove these minerals. Using hard water continuously for your water appliances may lead to
their rapid deterioration.
4. Breakdown of water heaters.
The heating elements present in water heaters become less efficient when used with
hard water. In the case of prolonged use, it causes damages to the components, especially
if there is no timely and adequate maintenance.
hard water. In the case of prolonged use, it causes damages to the components, especially
if there is no timely and adequate maintenance.
5. Shampoos and soaps are not foaming.
Bathing with hard water makes your soaps less foamy because these minerals reduce
the lather significantly. This makes bathing and other hygiene processes frustrating.
the lather significantly. This makes bathing and other hygiene processes frustrating.
6. Laundry is difficult.
The beauty of laundry is to have clean and visually impressive clothes. This may be
impossible when you use hard water for your laundry.
It removes the vibrance in the clothes and often leaves whitish spots on them.
impossible when you use hard water for your laundry.
It removes the vibrance in the clothes and often leaves whitish spots on them.
Are you experiencing any of the hard water-related issues listed above? Read on to
learn how a water softener can help.
learn how a water softener can help.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
There are two types of water softeners: salt-free softeners or conditioners and
salt-based water softeners. They are collectively called whole house water softeners.” Each type of softener
works differently, but in the end, they provide soft water for household use.
salt-based water softeners. They are collectively called whole house water softeners.” Each type of softener
works differently, but in the end, they provide soft water for household use.
Salt Based Water Softeners
As the name suggests, the traditional salt-based water softeners rely on the ion
exchange system to remove the hardness in water. They are controlled by an electronic “head.”
The process involves trapping the minerals responsible for the hardness in water into a brine tank or resin
tank. The accumulated minerals are periodically flushed out during the cleaning or automatic
regeneration cycle and replaced by salt ions from the salt added to the brine tank.
exchange system to remove the hardness in water. They are controlled by an electronic “head.”
The process involves trapping the minerals responsible for the hardness in water into a brine tank or resin
tank. The accumulated minerals are periodically flushed out during the cleaning or automatic
regeneration cycle and replaced by salt ions from the salt added to the brine tank.
It is best to go for a whole-house electronic water softener, especially if you
access very hard water. It’s suggested to periodically replace the salt in the system and ensure there is
electricity to keep the system running.
access very hard water. It’s suggested to periodically replace the salt in the system and ensure there is
electricity to keep the system running.
The minor downsides of using this type of hard water softener include the slightly
salty taste it sometimes gives the water and the water wastage during the regeneration cycle.
salty taste it sometimes gives the water and the water wastage during the regeneration cycle.
Sale-free Softeners
Saltless or salt-free water softeners are a better and improved alternative system
for removing the hardness in water. Instead of the ion exchange process,
the softening process is called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC). This process transforms the minerals
causing hardness in water into crystals, ensuring they do not accumulate to form scale.
for removing the hardness in water. Instead of the ion exchange process,
the softening process is called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC). This process transforms the minerals
causing hardness in water into crystals, ensuring they do not accumulate to form scale.
Rather than removing the hardness minerals, they convert them into a harmless form
that causes no problems for the plumbing systems and fixtures. However,
they are called water softeners because they convert hard water to soft water.
that causes no problems for the plumbing systems and fixtures. However,
they are called water softeners because they convert hard water to soft water.
Unlike the salt-based water softeners, the saltless water conditioners do not need
electricity or salt to work. Hence, they are more suitable for people who do not prefer a salty taste in their
water and diets.
electricity or salt to work. Hence, they are more suitable for people who do not prefer a salty taste in their
water and diets.
Saltless water softeners may struggle if the hardness level of the water is
unusually high. But they are overall excellent water softening systems for households with low- to mid-hardness
levels in their water.
unusually high. But they are overall excellent water softening systems for households with low- to mid-hardness
levels in their water.
Whether you go for the salt-free or the salt-based model of water softeners, they
both operate by filtering out the scale-producing minerals and low levels of iron present in your water.
If the water contains other contaminants asides from these minerals, they cannot remove or reduce them.
both operate by filtering out the scale-producing minerals and low levels of iron present in your water.
If the water contains other contaminants asides from these minerals, they cannot remove or reduce them.
This is why it is wp-org-recommended that you combine them with a standard whole house
filter to give you a complete water purification system. Alternatively, you can go for under-sink reverse
osmosis
systems, which are designed to eliminate other contaminants in your soft water as well as the sodium added by
the salt-based water softeners.
filter to give you a complete water purification system. Alternatively, you can go for under-sink reverse
osmosis
systems, which are designed to eliminate other contaminants in your soft water as well as the sodium added by
the salt-based water softeners.
Best Water Softener
Having described the two types of water softeners and the advantages of removing
the hardness in your water, let’s take a look at some of the best water softeners you should consider buying.
the hardness in your water, let’s take a look at some of the best water softeners you should consider buying.
Best Salt-Free Water Softener Review
1. SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-free Water Softener
The SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener is first on the list for obvious
reasons. It is one of the highly-rated water softeners on the market currently. It is fitted with a proprietary
filter media that delivers a superior softening performance.
reasons. It is one of the highly-rated water softeners on the market currently. It is fitted with a proprietary
filter media that delivers a superior softening performance.
This water softener uses the template-assisted crystallization physical process to
remove hard water minerals from your water. The resulting soft water is friendly to your hair, skin, clothes,
and appliances.
remove hard water minerals from your water. The resulting soft water is friendly to your hair, skin, clothes,
and appliances.
The system comes with all the parts installed from the factory, including a bypass
valve for convenience. Each unit also comes with a lifetime warranty on the tanks and other parts. For best
results,
we recommend that you combine this with the SpringWell House Water Filtration System. The combination is one of
the best in the industry.
valve for convenience. Each unit also comes with a lifetime warranty on the tanks and other parts. For best
results,
we recommend that you combine this with the SpringWell House Water Filtration System. The combination is one of
the best in the industry.
2. iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Descaler
If you are looking for a water softening system that gives the best value for
money, the iSpring ED2000 is your best bet. While it is not the cheapest on our list, it is certainly not the
most
expensive. The pricing is well justified for the value it delivers.
money, the iSpring ED2000 is your best bet. While it is not the cheapest on our list, it is certainly not the
most
expensive. The pricing is well justified for the value it delivers.
The manufacturers included a computer chip that sends electromagnetic waves through
your pipes to get rid of any possible accumulation of limescale in them. So, rather than soften your water,
it only descales the pipes. The major advantage of this is that the beneficial magnesium and calcium minerals
are retained in your water.
your pipes to get rid of any possible accumulation of limescale in them. So, rather than soften your water,
it only descales the pipes. The major advantage of this is that the beneficial magnesium and calcium minerals
are retained in your water.
Installing the unit is seamless; simply connect it to the main water line. You can
install with a CPVC, copper, or PEX, both horizontally and vertically.
install with a CPVC, copper, or PEX, both horizontally and vertically.
3. Filtersmart Whole House Water Filter & Salt-Free Softener
The Filtersmart Combo filtration system is another option if you want good value
for your investment. You get a whole house water filter and a water softener in one unit. The unit filters
water using advanced carbon media made from coconut shells, and the Jacobi carbon filter offers a 5-year
lifespan or 1,000,000 gallons of filtered water.
for your investment. You get a whole house water filter and a water softener in one unit. The unit filters
water using advanced carbon media made from coconut shells, and the Jacobi carbon filter offers a 5-year
lifespan or 1,000,000 gallons of filtered water.
Then there is the revolutionary water softener, which removes the hardness in water
efficiently without using salt. The adopted water softening technology in this water softener works by breaking
the water ions down to minute fractions.
efficiently without using salt. The adopted water softening technology in this water softener works by breaking
the water ions down to minute fractions.
It retains your magnesium and calcium so that the water may turn out “hard” even
after the process. But in reality, the water is not hard because the particles present in the water do not stick
to
anything. This means there is a zero chance for limescale build-up and other adverse effects of the hardness in
water.
after the process. But in reality, the water is not hard because the particles present in the water do not stick
to
anything. This means there is a zero chance for limescale build-up and other adverse effects of the hardness in
water.
You get a lifetime warranty when you buy this product. So, you can rest assured
that you are getting an excellent combo made from high-quality materials for your household.
that you are getting an excellent combo made from high-quality materials for your household.
4. Tier1 Eco Salt-Free Water Softener
There are many striking features in the Tier1 Eco Salt-Free Water Softener, but
nothing beats the impressive seven gallons per minute water flow rate. This means the system can serve up to six
bathrooms in the same house. It works without electricity, salt, or backwashing. All you have to do is install
the system and replace the filter cartridge when it expires, usually after every two months.
nothing beats the impressive seven gallons per minute water flow rate. This means the system can serve up to six
bathrooms in the same house. It works without electricity, salt, or backwashing. All you have to do is install
the system and replace the filter cartridge when it expires, usually after every two months.
The Tier1 Eco Salt-Free Water Softener is a filter-based system that filters out
more than just the hard minerals and elements in the water. It reduces the chlorine, ion, sediments in the
filtered
water. The lifespan of the resins used in the softening process is between 3 and 5 years. After this period,
they may be due for replacement.
more than just the hard minerals and elements in the water. It reduces the chlorine, ion, sediments in the
filtered
water. The lifespan of the resins used in the softening process is between 3 and 5 years. After this period,
they may be due for replacement.
If you have no problem with the rather short lifespan of the resins, this water
softener is an excellent purchase. It is a safe way to keep your clothes, hair, and skin protected from the
risks of
hard water. The filtered water is refreshing and tastes much better. With the water spots removed, you get clean
and clear water directly from the tap at all times.
softener is an excellent purchase. It is a safe way to keep your clothes, hair, and skin protected from the
risks of
hard water. The filtered water is refreshing and tastes much better. With the water spots removed, you get clean
and clear water directly from the tap at all times.
5. APEC Salt-Free Water Softener – Premium Choice
Are you looking for a constant supply of safe and worry-free water for your
household? You should consider the APEC FUTURA-10 Whole House Salt Free Water Softener. Although it comes at a
premium
price tag, the functionality is well worth the price.
household? You should consider the APEC FUTURA-10 Whole House Salt Free Water Softener. Although it comes at a
premium
price tag, the functionality is well worth the price.
The flow rate is 10 gallons per minute, which means it will easily deliver water to
every room in your house consistently with no pressure drops. However, you should only consider this water
softener
if the hardness level of your household water is under 25 grains per gallon. While the system will perform even
with higher hardness levels, it will most likely struggle.
every room in your house consistently with no pressure drops. However, you should only consider this water
softener
if the hardness level of your household water is under 25 grains per gallon. While the system will perform even
with higher hardness levels, it will most likely struggle.
The APEC FUTURA-10 Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener requires no salt,
electricity, or backwashing. Asides from being maintenance-free, it comes with a 10-year warranty, giving you
the
much-needed conviction that you are getting a quality product.
electricity, or backwashing. Asides from being maintenance-free, it comes with a 10-year warranty, giving you
the
much-needed conviction that you are getting a quality product.
The water from this system is crisp, clear, refreshing, and with a great taste. The
water leaves no hard water spots on faucets or clothes and uses soap and shampoo seamless.
water leaves no hard water spots on faucets or clothes and uses soap and shampoo seamless.
Best Salt-Based Water Softener Review
1. Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener – Best Salt-Based Water Softener
While water filters are designed to get rid of contaminants in water, water
softeners only reduce the scale and hardness in water. Based on that difference in specialization, the best way
to prevent
the accumulation of magnesium and calcium in your pipes will be to use a water softener.
softeners only reduce the scale and hardness in water. Based on that difference in specialization, the best way
to prevent
the accumulation of magnesium and calcium in your pipes will be to use a water softener.
The Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener is the best salt-based water softener for a few
reasons. First, it relies on an inbuilt meter-based regeneration process to remove the hardness in water.
It measures the water being used and regenerates when necessary. If there is an increase in your water use, the
system regenerates more frequently to meet up.
reasons. First, it relies on an inbuilt meter-based regeneration process to remove the hardness in water.
It measures the water being used and regenerates when necessary. If there is an increase in your water use, the
system regenerates more frequently to meet up.
The system comprises high-quality advanced components working together to treat
water for household use. It will conveniently serve a household of six. You also get a 10-year warranty on
storage
tanks and a 5-year warranty on the parts.
water for household use. It will conveniently serve a household of six. You also get a 10-year warranty on
storage
tanks and a 5-year warranty on the parts.
2. WHIRLPOOL 30,000 GRAIN WATER SOFTENER
The grain capacity of most popular water softeners out there is large – 80,000,
64,000, and 48,000. But this Whirlpool Grain Water Softener is unique with its 30,000-grain capacity.
64,000, and 48,000. But this Whirlpool Grain Water Softener is unique with its 30,000-grain capacity.
For best results, it is advisable that you over-size your water softener to
minimize salt wastage. But if you run a smaller home or require water for a smaller family, a 30,000-grain
capacity will work just fine.
minimize salt wastage. But if you run a smaller home or require water for a smaller family, a 30,000-grain
capacity will work just fine.
Whether your source water is from the well or the main city supply, this Whirlpool
Water Softener is designed to remove the hardness automatically. It relies on a demand-initiated regeneration
to self-clean only when necessary. Therefore, it minimizes the use of water and salt in your softener tank.
Water Softener is designed to remove the hardness automatically. It relies on a demand-initiated regeneration
to self-clean only when necessary. Therefore, it minimizes the use of water and salt in your softener tank.
The system is rated to remove up to 8 ppm of iron in iron-contaminated water. You
also get an installation kit out of the box. However, we advise that you go for a separate
iron filter to eliminate any iron levels of over 3 ppm in water.
also get an installation kit out of the box. However, we advise that you go for a separate
iron filter to eliminate any iron levels of over 3 ppm in water.
Should you have any questions about the installation or use of this product? You
can easily reach Whirlpool on the dedicated helpline.
can easily reach Whirlpool on the dedicated helpline.
3. Springwell Salt Based Water Softener System
Experts have described this salt-based water softener system from Waterdrop as a
dependable and efficient ion-exchange softener consumer can go for. It works by completely removing
the hardness minerals present in water. The removal process is highly efficient, thanks to the advanced
technology adopted. It also minimizes wastewater by using the automatic regeneration cycle.
dependable and efficient ion-exchange softener consumer can go for. It works by completely removing
the hardness minerals present in water. The removal process is highly efficient, thanks to the advanced
technology adopted. It also minimizes wastewater by using the automatic regeneration cycle.
It has an innovative, Bluetooth-enabled Connected Series control head, making it
easy to adjust the settings right from your mobile device. Whether you want to set the duration, regen cycles,
or adjust backwash, you can do them all from your mobile device using the special app developed for the system.
The app also allows you to track how the system is working, including water usage data and other present and
past
information.
easy to adjust the settings right from your mobile device. Whether you want to set the duration, regen cycles,
or adjust backwash, you can do them all from your mobile device using the special app developed for the system.
The app also allows you to track how the system is working, including water usage data and other present and
past
information.
The system guarantees consistent water pressure for the entire household. It is
available in three models:
available in three models:
• The 32K grain capacity for 1-3 bathrooms
• The 48K grain capacity for 4-6 bathrooms
• The 80K grain capacity for 7 or more bathrooms
Whichever model you decide to buy, you will get a lifetime warranty for defects and
a six-month money-back guarantee on the whole product.
a six-month money-back guarantee on the whole product.
4. Best Twin Tank: Abundant Flow Water 48K 9100sxt Water Softener System
Some households use more water than average, perhaps due to size or their everyday
activities. There are also households with unusually hard and iron-filled water. For such households, the ideal
water softener will be a twin tanker system that eliminates the possibility of any hard water bouts.
activities. There are also households with unusually hard and iron-filled water. For such households, the ideal
water softener will be a twin tanker system that eliminates the possibility of any hard water bouts.
Fleck‘s Abundant Flow Water 48K 9100xt Water Softener System is equipped with a
twin tank that delivers soft water at any time of the day. So, if you have a large family or an unusually high
level
of hardness in your water, we recommend that you go for this product. The system is designed such that when the
water in one of the tanks is exhausted, it switches to regeneration, and the other tank becomes active.
Therefore, soft water is always available.
twin tank that delivers soft water at any time of the day. So, if you have a large family or an unusually high
level
of hardness in your water, we recommend that you go for this product. The system is designed such that when the
water in one of the tanks is exhausted, it switches to regeneration, and the other tank becomes active.
Therefore, soft water is always available.
This heavy-duty, salt-based water softener can effectively remove up to 48,000
grains of hardness in water. Whether you want to enjoy a refreshing bath with your soap or shampoo or simply
want
better-tasting water, this water softener is up to the task. The system comes with detailed DIY instructions to
ensure easy installation. Alternatively, you can bring in a plumber for this basic task.
grains of hardness in water. Whether you want to enjoy a refreshing bath with your soap or shampoo or simply
want
better-tasting water, this water softener is up to the task. The system comes with detailed DIY instructions to
ensure easy installation. Alternatively, you can bring in a plumber for this basic task.
5. GE GXSH40V 40,200 Grain Water Softener
With a flow service rate of 9.5 and a grain capacity of up to 40,200, the GE GX SH
40V 40,200 Grain Water Softener will conveniently serve any medium-sized household of four.
Larger families may consider a bigger and more powerful water softener.
40V 40,200 Grain Water Softener will conveniently serve any medium-sized household of four.
Larger families may consider a bigger and more powerful water softener.
It is a soft-based water softener equipped with intuitive electronic controls. An
inbuilt SmartSoft technology ensures you get just the perfect amount of water to meet your household needs.
It takes time to study and understand your household water needs and supply water accordingly.
inbuilt SmartSoft technology ensures you get just the perfect amount of water to meet your household needs.
It takes time to study and understand your household water needs and supply water accordingly.
You may need to refill the salt tank when necessary, but you can keep an eye on the
indicator to know when a refill is due. There is a feature that allows you to adjust the level of softness
you want in your water. You can also schedule the regeneration cycle to commence whenever you want.
indicator to know when a refill is due. There is a feature that allows you to adjust the level of softness
you want in your water. You can also schedule the regeneration cycle to commence whenever you want.
This product comes with a one-year warranty, giving you additional assurance for
your investment.
your investment.
Summary
So far, we have discussed a few excellent water softener systems, each with a wide
range of benefits and features. Every product or model mentioned delivers essentially the same result – removing
water hardness to give you safer, better, and refreshing water for your household use.
range of benefits and features. Every product or model mentioned delivers essentially the same result – removing
water hardness to give you safer, better, and refreshing water for your household use.
Our #1 recommendation on the list is the Fleck 5600SXT. It offers a unique feature
set and excellent performance, all at an affordable price. Homeowners interested in getting a reliable water
softener without breaking the bank will love this model.
set and excellent performance, all at an affordable price. Homeowners interested in getting a reliable water
softener without breaking the bank will love this model.
Should you decide to go for another model? You can rest assured you will get the
best value for your investment. We are convinced your chosen model will consistently deliver high-quality
filtered water for your household use.
best value for your investment. We are convinced your chosen model will consistently deliver high-quality
filtered water for your household use.