Do you know the effects of hard water? Chances are you’ve probably experienced them or may even be living with them now. Hard water can affect your skin, your hair and even your appliances. It’s imperative to have the best water softener if you want to remove the harsh minerals that can invade your life.
Mediocre water softeners may ease the problem somewhat, but only the top water softeners can significantly reduce the unwanted mineral content of your water supply.
The best water softener system for you may not be one of the top rated water softeners, so it’s wise to read water softener reviews in depth to determine which features you need or prefer. Here you can find a number of water softener system reviews to aid you in your purchase.
Our Top 10 Water Softeners
What Is the Best Water Softener?
What is the best water softener on the market? Every buyer will have a different answer, and water softener ratings may not always be the perfect guide. You may value quality first, you may care about the price, or you may be concerned with both aspects.
Best Cheap:
Watts RV PRO-1000 Water Softener
If you’re curious as to what is the best water softener to buy, you may want to consider one that is low in price.
The Watts RV PRO-1000 is one of the top water softener systems in terms of price. This is because it is a unique unit that is suited for portable use in RVs and on camping trips.
Best Value:
Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener
Few will deny that the Fleck 5600SXT is the top water softener when it comes to balancing cost and quality.
It features a digital meter, and it regenerates automatically. It is one of the best salt based water softeners available.
Best Ultimate High-Quality:
Aquasana EQ-1000-AST-AMZN Filter With Water Softener
What is the best home water softener system in terms of complete quality? Many agree that the Aquasana EQ-1000-AST-AMZN is the best home water softener around due to its power and longevity. It may also be the best water softener for well water. It can treat up to 1 million gallons or operate with a filter life of 10 years. The unit requires no salt, electricity or back flushing, and it has an output of 7 gallons per minute. UV filtration helps to kill microorganisms that are left by chlorine.
Best Water Softener Reviews
1. Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener
The Fleck 5600SXT water softener is a digital-metered unit for medium to large households. The unit is the best-selling softener system from the company, and it significantly softens hard water effectively every time.
The unit uses resin beads along with salt to soften your water. As a salt-based softener, the 5600SXT features easy regeneration that is automated to make operation effortless for you. It regenerates based on how much water you use, and it adjusts according to high or low usage periods.
The 5600SXT is easy to install for those with plumbing savvy, and it’s easy to use. It features a backlit LCD panel with simple touchpad controls.
Specifications:
- Salt: Yes
- Filter Limit: 48,000 Gallons
- Size: 10 x 10 x 54 inches
PROS:
- Meter Generated – The unit runs off of your water meter automatically.
CONS:
- Household Size – This is a very powerful machine that is made for medium to large homes, so it would be too much for small households.
Conclusion
This is an effective and powerful unit that offers value for your money. Other softeners of this size and performance are usually much more expensive. The digital display makes this unit even more appealing in addition to adding to its value.
2. Aquasana EQ-SS20
The Aquasana EQ-SS20 is a powerful and advanced unit that removes 97 percent of the chlorine per 1,000,000 gallons. It also removes mercury, lead, pesticides, industrial chemicals and many more harmful substances from your water supply. Removing such chemicals provides you with better quality water that enhances your beverages, cooking, washing and showering.
The unit makes owning a water softener much easier as it doesn’t require salt, electricity or back flushing. It has a flow rate of 7 GPM and a maximum pressure of 100 PSI.
Because of its upflow system it clogs much less than many other competing softeners. This system was implemented specifically to increase the filtering power and water contact time.
Specifications:
- Salt: No
- Filter Life: 6 Months or 50,000 Gallons
- Size: 14 x 5 x 23 inches
PROS:
- Size – The Aquasana EQ-SS20 is small, slender and light to make installation versatile.
CONS:
- Requires Assistance – Thought the unit is easy to install in terms of readily fitting into small spaces, it’s not the type of unit that an amateur should attempt to install.
Conclusion
This unit is excellent when it comes to filtration, but it is also useful when you don’t have much space and need to utilize small nooks. In addition to improving your water, it will help improve your air quality by minimizing chemicals that arise from hot showers and steam.
3. Watts RV PRO-1000 Water Softener
The Watts RV PRO-1000 offers the same benefits of a standard water softener in a portable unit. This model is made to be used in places such as RVs where you need water conditioning away from home. Because of the fact that it is made for applications beyond the home, the PRO-1000 has different features than those that would be found.
The benefit of losing these features is that the final cost to purchase and maintain the item is much lower, and the system is much more compact while still being effective at conditioning your water. You can also use pellet or table salt with this unit.
Specifications:
- Salt: Yes
- Size: 21 x 9.5 x 9 inches
PROS:
- Portability – The PRO-1000 is designed to be taken along to provide water softening.
CONS:
- More Complicated – Because of its portable nature, it’s not as simple as a household system. It must be cared for manually as compared to the more automatic or simple household softeners.
Conclusion
The PRO-1000 is the top water softener for travel use. It’s unique compared to traditional water softeners, but it gives you the freedom to enjoy better quality water even when you leave your home. Its different features make it more affordable by comparison, so it provides good value.
4. Fleck Iron Pro 2 Water Softener
The Fleck Iron Pro 2 is one of the most effective water softeners on the market with a 64,000 grain capacity. The unit removes hardness up to 75 gpg along with iron, manganese, dirt and more.
It uses meter-based regeneration and monitors how water is used in your home to adjust itself. The unit adjusts to save water by providing just what is needed and only increasing when necessary.
Caring for the device or changing settings is handled via the digital control panel that is easy to read and use.It utilizes a fine mesh resin that conditions water and ensures a long life for the filter. Though it is large, the Fleck Iron Pro 2 is very easy to install with instructions that anyone can follow.
Specifications:
- Salt: Yes
- Filter Limit: 60 Gallons
- Size: 18×33 inches, 200 pounds
PROS:
- Dual Function – This model effectively conditions your water while also removing a number of harmful metals and other substances.
CONS:
- Price – The Iron Pro 2 is one of the most expensive water softeners available.
Conclusion
Though the price is very steep for the Fleck Iron Pro 2, it still presents a good value. It is an impressive softener while also providing water filtering to enhance your water altogether.
5. Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener
The Fleck 7000 SXT is a powerful water softener with a 64,000 grain capacity. This allows you to condition large volume of hard water to soften them.
The unit uses a fully adjustable microprocessor 3 or 5-cycle control base that provides for more efficient water treatment. It measures how much water is used by your household and regenerates only as necessary to reduce salt consumption by up to 40 percent.
The Fleck 7000 SXT also features a large LCD display showing the metered function or time clock. Your setting are programmed into the device’s memory, so they won’t be lost even after a power outage. There is a bypass valve on this device that allows you to turn the softening system on or off by simply engaging the valve.
Specifications:
- Salt: Yes
- Size: 52 inches by 12 inches, 18 inches by 33 inches
PROS:
- Durability – The Fleck 7000 SXT is built to be tough. The tank is reinforced for extra strength.
CONS:
- Price – This is a powerful but very expensive unit.
Conclusion
The Fleck 7000 SXT is a smart water softener that is also powerful, and its value is evident. This model is better-suited for large or grand households and commercial buildings.
6. Aquasana EQ-1000-AST-AMZN Filter With Water Softener
The Aquasana name is a brand renowned for their products in the water filtering industry, and the EQ-1000-AST-AMZN lives up to expectations for the brand. It’s one that is constantly listed in water softener reviews. It doesn’t require salt, electricity or back flushing to operate properly.
The filter’s output is 7 gallons per minute, and your water is put through a 3-stage conditioning system. Once conditioned, the amount of chlorine in your home’s water supply will be reduced by as much as 97 percent.
This unit can also reduce scale by up to 98.9 percent, and UV filtration kills bacteria and viruses that may be hard to treat with chlorine.
Specifications:
- Salt: No
- Filter Limit: 10 Years or 1 Million Gallons
- Size: 9 x 46 x 54 inches
PROS:
- Lifespan – The salt-free Aquasana EQ-1000-AST-AMZN is a large-capacity system that can provide conditioned water to your home for up to 10 years.
CONS:
- Bulky – The machine is larger than many others, so you may need to clear space to install it.
Conclusion
The Aquasana EQ-1000-AST-AMZN goes beyond simple water softening. This unit can remove chemicals and prevent scale build-up that would cause corrosion. It is a large and expensive machine, but it is powerful and offer complete water conditioning in one device.
7. Aquios FS-234 Water Softener
The Aquios FS-324 is made to provide superior combined water filtration along with salt-free water softening. It claims to significantly reduce poor tastes, chlorine and organic impurities in your water. This model is specifically designed for use in large residences and small commercial buildings.
This water treatment system uses a food grade polyphosphate additive called Siliphos. It addition to filtering and softening your water, the FS-324 reduces scale deposits on fixtures and appliances and slowly continues to reduce them in total over time. Siliphos also reduces scale deposits that have built up in your pipes.
This model is rated to treat 60,000 gallons.
Specifications:
- Salt: No
- Filter Limit: 60,000 Gallons
- Size: 11 x 16 x 26 inches
PROS:
- Easy to Install – For homeowners with savvy or skilled professionals, this unit is simple to install.
CONS:
- May Take Time – It may take time for the system to flush out residue from pipes if switching from a salt-based system.
Conclusion
This Aquios water filter is durable and lasts for years. It works to remove even the smallest particles from your home’s water, and it softens it to improve water use in all of your appliances. The capability and results from this system show it provides great value.
8. Aquios AQFS220C Water Softener
The Aquios AQFS220C water softener is made to provide your entire home or small business with better quality water. In addition, your drinking water will be safer and cleaner to consume. This all-in-one unit is designed to both filter and soften your water before you use it.
The unit uses carbon block filtration rated at 5 microns in addition to the non-saline, food-grade additive Siliphos. This additive helps soften your water while also helping to eliminate scale build-up over time.
You will be able to feel the difference when showering, washing your hair, washing dishes and making beverages or cooking. Your home will have water that tastes fresh and crisp without a chlorine aftertaste. It features a head design with an in-head-valve with internal bypass and shut-off.
Specifications:
- Salt: No
- Filter Life: 6 Months
- Size: 5.4 x 5.4 x 23.4 inches
PROS:
- Total Solution – The Aquios AQFS220C model offers a complete solution if you need to filter your water and soften it with the same unit.
CONS:
- Chlorine – The system is capable of reducing most chlorine, but there will still be about 10 percent present.
Conclusion
The Aquios AQFS220C is an economical and space-saving water softener that will condition your water to make it healthier and easier for you to use. You’ll notice better taste when drinking and better results when cooking and washing.
9. WaterBoss 365 Water Softener
The WaterBoss 365 is made to provide efficient water softening across your entire home, and it has a maximum capacity designed to suit larger families and households. It features a 20 micron 20 micron whole-house dirt & sediment filter already built in.
The WaterBoss 365 never wastes salt or water with its demand regeneration operation. The compact design of the 365 model allows it to regenerate in as little as 40 minutes or less at a salt setting of 6 pounds. This faster regeneration time results in the system using less water overall.
The compact design also allows the WaterBoss 365 model to install easily even in tighter spaces. It can soften up to 90 grains per gallon and reduce iron up to 10 parts per million while filtering dirt and other particles down to 20 microns. The 365 features a factory installed by-pass valve, and it operates quietly.
Specifications:
- Salt: Yes
- Size: 18.8 x 14.8 x 30.8 inches
PROS:
- Quiet – The WaterBoss 365 features a “whisper quiet” operation for silent filtering that keeps your home comfortable.
CONS:
- Sealing – The area where the plumbing is attached is not fully sealed.
Conclusion
This unit is meant to be used in larger households as it handles maximum capacity loads. It also reduces the chances of wasting water and salt with its quick regeneration. The longer a machine takes to regenerate, the more water will be used. This unit offers great value in handling busier household needs while saving water.
10. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
The Eddy Electronic water descaler is often thought of as alternative to water softeners, but it’s actually water softening system that utilizes magnets. It doesn’t remove mineral build-up, but it uses magnetism to reduce the effects of hard water by temporarily suspending minerals. One of the benefits to this is the fact that you can still receive beneficial minerals the way you would with standard tap water.
Compared to traditional water softeners, the benefit of this unit is its size, weight and price that allow it to be used anywhere you need it in your home. There are no filters or additives to use, so maintenance will cost very little.
Specifications:
- Salt: No
- Size: 6.7 x 1.6 x 3.5 inches
PROS:
- Size – The descaler is very small and convenient to use. Because of its size, its much more affordable than other softeners.
CONS:
- Effects – The magnetic systems falls short of standard systems as it only delays mineral content of the water instead of reducing or eliminating it. Because of this, the product is not recommended for hardness above 20 GPG.
Conclusion
The Eddy water descaler is best suited for small homes with lower levels of hardness in their water. The system uses magnets that fit around your pipes to “catch” mineral deposits and prolong the lives of your appliances and fixtures.
How Does a Water Softener System Work?
Water softeners present the easiest method for reducing the high mineral content of hard water. They separate water from minerals such as calcium and magnesium present in your water supply. Most unit require salt to operate, but many do not. The top water softeners are usually salt-based.
The two main components of a water softener are the brine tank and the resin tank. As their names suggest, the brine tank holds salt, and the resin tank houses the resin. Some water softener systems reviews may mention softeners that have resin tanks located within their brine tanks, and these are referred to as “all-in-one” water softeners.
Inside the resin tank are small granules of resin that are similar in size to grains of sand. When water flows through the resin, the hard molecules of mineral substances are negatively charged. These molecules are attracted to the resin molecules as they have a positive charge, and the molecules bond.
This simple process removes the “hardness” from the raw water source to create softened water. When the resin becomes full with hard molecules, it must be properly cleaned. This process of cleaning is known as regeneration.
When this process begins, the flow of water to the house is shut off. Then the softener draws in salt water from its brine tank. The salt water is presented into the resin tank in the opposite direction of the flow of the original water source, and this removes the hardness from the resin.
After removal, the brine water is drained from the resin tank, and the resin is rinsed. Once the entire regeneration process ends, the softener can begin to produce soft water again.
In water softener reviews, you may see this process mentioned to determine the quality of a water softener. A good water softener will regenerate on its own with manual effort.
Making water softener comparisons can help you decide which style to purchase and which model would be the best for your home. Starting with a simple water softener review will help you when making a decision.
What is Hard Water and How is it Measured?
The best rated water softeners are usually of high quality, and they usually remove a significant amount of the minerals in your water supply. Because of their efficiency, they are often more costly than less well-known models. Before looking for the best water softening system, you should know exactly what hard water is.
Hard water is water that is rich in “hard” minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and carbonate. The minerals don’t usually pose a serious health risk, but they can have detrimental effects on your household and even your body. The overwhelming majority of Americans have issues with hard water in their homes.
If the problem is significant, it can cause noticeable damage around your home on your fixtures and in your appliances. You may end up with discolored spots on your metallic surfaces such as your sink. Limescale can build up in your shower or tub, and it can be extremely difficult to remove.
The scale build-up can accumulate around your faucets or stick to the insides of your pipes. This can cause rusting and wear in addition to clogging the pipes. Once this scale builds up in your pipes, it can cause your water pressure to drop or even cause damage to your pipes from the inside out.
You may notice that your dishes are filmy or spotted with residue, your coffee maker may have scale deposits, your soap and shampoo won’t lather as well as they should or your laundry is still stained after washing. You find yourself using more detergent than normal, you have to scrub dishes more before or even after using the dishwasher and your hair and skin are dry and dull even though you had to use extra soap to get them clean. This is all due to hard water that is affecting every part of your lifestyle involving your water supply.
The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon, and the number ranges from 3 to 20 grains with the higher number being harder water. To determine exactly where you lie on this scale, you can purchase a water softener testing kit. The best soft water system will be able to improve your problems significantly.
How to Choose the Right Water Softener
Choosing the best home water softener system isn’t a quick and easy process. It involves taking several factors into consideration to choose the right one for you.
1. Determine How Hard Your Water Is
The average hardness for the water in an American household is 10, and hardness is measured in grains per gallon, or GPG. In the U.S., it usually can range from 3 to 20 grains. The lower the grains, the softer the water is and vice versa.
You can test how hard your water is by buying a water softening kit. This is a simple process, but you can also call a professional to run a test for you.
2. Determine Your Personal Water Usage
A typical occupant will use 80 to 100 gallons of water a day on average. To determine the usage for your entire household, take the closest estimate for gallons used per day and multiply it by the number of people in your household. If you were to make a guess of about 90 gallons being used per day, and you have 5 residents in your house, that would amount to an estimated 450 gallons used each day. This would amount to an estimated 3,150 gallons of water used each week. The best residential water softener is built to handle even more extreme water usage.
3. Figure Out How Many Grains of Hard Water You Need to Remove
This is done by multiplying the grains per gallon present in your hard water by the amount of gallons your household consumes per week. If your test determines you have 10 grains per gallon and your house uses 3,150 gallons, that equals 31,500 grains that need to be removed.
4. Match That to the Right Capacity
The water softener reviews will provide information about the model’s capacity. Most softeners will fall into the following categories:
- 15,000
- 24,000
- 32,000
- 40,000
- 48,000
- 64,000
- 80,000
- 100,000
The number you determine as the hard water grains that must be removed per week should be less than the capacity for your water softener. Otherwise, your system will regenerate more than once per week.
In the example used here, the grains to be removed falls under the 32,000 capacity, but this type of unit may not be sufficient. When the numbers are this close, it’s always safer to get the next capacity higher than what you need. This is a way to account for sudden accidents or changes that may cause usage to go up such as hosting guests for the week.
Whether you need the top water softeners for well water or city water, you must also consider the types available.
5. Do You Want an Electric or Non-Electric Model?
Electric models will keep track of how much water you use, and this will control how often the unit regenerates. Non-Electric models are easier to use and more affordable by comparison.
6. What Will Maintenance Involve?
In water softener salt reviews from consumers, they often mention how easy a model is to use and maintain. This is important to consider if you’d like to avoid unnecessary hassles down the line. Find out how much replacement filters cost, how to remove and install them and how often it is necessary to do so.
Water Softener vs Other Water Conditioners
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are made eliminate substances in your water down to the molecular level. The remove or reduce organic matter, metals, chemicals, bacteria and more from your standard water supply. Substances treated via reverse osmosis include iron, rust, calcium, magnesium, lead, mercury, pesticides, chlorine, fluoride, dirt and more.
The process works by passing the original water through membranes and filters that trap the unwanted substances behind. This allows the water to pass through in a much cleaner state without the impurities. In many models, the reverse osmosis system can remove 95 percent or more of the contaminant matter.
In contrast, water softeners are not meant to eliminate impurities. Even the best salt water softener won’t make your water cleaner in most cases. Instead of removing dangerous materials, the water softener removes the excess minerals preset in the water. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of water without the disadvantages of hardness.
Whole House Filters
Whole house filters often utilize the same technology as reverse osmosis systems. They pass water in its original state over filters that trap impurities. The water that passes on is a cleaner version without the additional contaminants.
The main benefit of whole house filters is that they treat the water of the entire household all at once. This is how they are similar to water softeners. The best water softener system for home use is installed to treat the entire water supply reaching the house.
There are a number of things that could be resting inside your water supply. You drink them, you cook with them, you clean with them and you wash with them. A water softener won’t fix this problem.
By contrast, a whole house filter will meet and treat every bit of water entering your home for showering, washing clothes, doing dishes, drinking coffee, boiling food and more.
Water Filter Pitcher
Water filter pitchers are used to drink small volumes of drinking water within a designated container. The container is usually filled with water from the kitchen tap, and it passes through a small filter that makes it cleaner for drinking. These devices usually use the same filtering method as faucet filters.
Across soft water system reviews, one may notice the familiar brand names being brought up. This is because many of the major water filtering companies create wide ranges of products from house filters to small pitchers.
When it comes to comparing pitchers to water softeners, they don’t have much in common. Both a water softener and a water filter pitcher treat your raw water to enhance it in some way, but the results are much different.
Water softeners remove hard mineral particles from your water. Some filter pitchers do this as well, but the difference is they usually add minerals back in after or while filtering.
Water Distiller
A water distiller purifies water to the point that it can used in scientific laboratories. In many cases, the water is 99 percent pure. The process involves boiling water, keeping its steam and collecting its concentrated form. Contaminants are left behind and disposed of.
Distilled water is the purest water you can actually drink depending on whom you ask. Those running the water filter companies would complain about it being too clean. Distilled water does remove the minerals from it, but these minerals can be found in natural food sources.
Most of the minerals your body needs are not found in water, so it may not be worth the time to consider this method a problem. Water softeners don’t treat water for purity. They merely condition the water so that it feels smoother and behaves more effectively.
Gravity Water System
A gravity fed water system utilizes the natural force of gravity to move water without using a pump or other mechanism. It may or may not be used to treat water for impurities, and it may include moving water to a smaller or filtered mechanism.
Water softeners are not meant to be used in place of any water treatment that makes the water safer to consume. They are not meant to remove particles, debris, chemicals or bacteria from water.
The best home water softeners can be used in conjunction with reverse osmosis and whole house water filters. This allows each device to fill in where the other can’t The benefit to you is enjoying water that you can use around the house at much better quality or drink without feeling concerned.
What Type of Water Softener Do I Need?
Salt Water Softeners
If you ask anyone, they would likely tell you the best type of water softener is the salt-based variety Salt-based water softeners use resin beads and a brine tank. They work very simply in that the hard water comes into the resin tank and exits after being softened. This occurs because the hard minerals in the water have a negative charge while the resin beads have a positive charge.
The two are attracted to each other, and the hard particles bond with the resin. The softened water is free to move on for your use, while the “hardness” is left behind. Once is builds up, the tank is flushed with the salt water to regenerate the machine. These models work best for those with typical water softening needs.
Salt-Free Water Softeners
Many salt-free systems receive the same praise and appreciation as units in salt water softener reviews. Even though they have positive water softening systems reviews, you should remember that no alternative method can beat the effectiveness of the salt-based style. They serve an advantage in the fact that they can remove the existing scale in your pipes.
With salt-free water softeners, the structure of the water molecule is altered, and the result is softer water. This method eliminates the need for additives, so they are easier and more affordable to operate, but their initial purchase price is often steeper. These systems are best if your water is not significantly hard such as 8 GPGs or higher.
Dual-Tank Water Softeners
When standard water softeners need to regenerate, they disconnect from the water line, and water can’t be used at this time. The regeneration process is usually set to occur at night because of this. Not everyone can time when they need to use their own water supply, so dual-tank softeners are meant to help with that issue.
These softeners feature two resin tanks, so one can regenerate while the other one is still in use. This allows for a steady supply of water without having to wait for the regeneration cycle to end. The main downside to these styles is figuring out where to place them to have room and gain access to the water line.
Magnetic Water Softeners
Customers in magnetic water softener reviews enjoy the fact that these models are smaller and more cost-effective. They work by using magnets or wires around your plumbing structures. The magnets are placed around the pipes and their charge/magnetic field softens the water. For up to 48 hours, the hardness in the water is frozen in place, but it returns to its original state after this.
Magnetic softeners don’t provide a long-term solution the way other styles do, and their effectiveness is softening is debatable altogether. On the positive side, they are inexpensive, easy to install and don’t require salt to operate. The models may be the top water softener for homes with GPGs in the lower range
Water Softener Installation Tips
1. Shut off the main line of your water supply, and drain your pipes by releasing the water from the lowest valve in your house.
2. Turn off the hot water heater and turn off its power supply.
3. Plan where you want to install the softener
4. Place a bucket beneath to catch any remaining water, and cut into the main line.
5. Put an elbow fitting into the line in order to create a bypass valve and feed water around the filter if necessary.
6. Measure the pipes you’re using for the bypass valve, and cut them to fit the unit.
7. Use compression fittings to attach the pipes to the unit.
8. Clamp the hose to the unit, and feed it where it will drain.
9. Connect the overflow tube to the brine tank.
10. Turn the valve to bypass, and flush the system to remove residual debris.
11. Plug the device in and set the valve to backwash. Open the valve slowly to allow water in and let air out.
Tips:
- Remember that each machine is different, and the specific instructions may vary between models as you may learn while researching water softening system reviews.
- Installation will be different depending on the type of softener you have.
- When planning where to install the unit, remember it must be somewhere before the line feeds to the water heater.
- The hose will need to be at least 2 inches above the drain to prevent water siphoning.
Who Makes Water Softeners?
Fleck Water Softeners
Fleck has been in the water treatment industry for over 50 years. The brand is viewed by many to be the best water softener brand around, and they were one of the first companies to implement control valves in water softener systems. Their products are known to be reliable including those that have just the basic features.
Aquasana Water Softeners
Aquasana is among the top water softener brands when it comes to water treatment all around the home. They are somewhat unique as they create filtration and water softening products while keeping the environment as a priority, and their products are made with minimal waste and parts that are reusable.
Aquios Water Softeners
Aquios produces some of the best soft water systems on the market. Their FS-324 model also works as a filter that provides salt-free water softening. it also reduces scale on fixtures and appliances. Their AQFS220C model is also a combined filter and softener. It uses a 5-micron filter to clean water and Siliphos to soften it.
Watts Water Softeners
The Watts brand is one that is respected in the residential water treatment industry for their products including whole house filters and water softeners. One of their most impressive products is the RV PRO-1000. This softener is made to be a portable unit that can be taken with you on RV and camping trips as the top water softener for hard water away from home.
Waterboss Water Softeners
This is undeniably one of the best water softener companies with a long history of producing high quality appliances. Their water softeners are made with the goal of reducing wasted water. The units feature LCD controls and can be programmed, and they are categorized into three capacities to fit different needs.
Kenmore Water Softeners
Among other home appliances, Kenmore is recognized as one of the top water softener brands. This brand is know for producing units of high quality without the high price tag, and they are quiet and easy to use. They have a high-efficiency line that claims to consume 32 percent less water than a standard model.
Water Right Water Softeners
This brand has been creating expertly designed water treatment solutions since 1963 in the form of water softeners, filtration systems, drinking water filtration systems and more. Their top rated water softener systems are created in their own certified lab. Their Impression Series features LED controls and weather cover for outdoor installations.
Marlo Water Softeners
Marlo is a brand not seen often in home water softeners reviews, but they produce a number of water softener models for residential, commercial and industrial use. The models from their CMP Series feature flow rates between 14 to 20 GPM in addition to the ability to self-adjust to water usage and store data in non-volatile memory.
Water Softener FAQ
How Does a Water Softener Get Rid of Hard Water?
The best home water softener systems are salt-based systems, so they are used most often. In a salt-based system, an ion exchange process occurs. Hard negative ions meet with positive non -hard ions in the resin tank. Once they accumulate, sodium ions from the brine tank are used as the medium for exchange. The presence of sodium ions is made possible through salt. When the process is done, the system must be flushed.
What is Regeneration?
A word you’ll see brought up often in home water softener systems reviews is “regeneration.” This is the process that occurs when the hard mineral content in the resin has built up. The negative ions of minerals such as calcium and magnesium are attracted to the positive charge of the resin, and they become bonded. These ions accumulate in the resin, and regeneration helps remove them and reset the process by washing the resin in a saline solution.
What Kind of Salt do I Use?
You may install the best rated water softener system, but there’s no point in trying to use it if you don’t use it properly. To do so, you must use the right salt with your machine. Having a quality salt will maintain the filter properly through regeneration. You can find appropriate salts at your hardware or retail store. You need a salt that dissolves and break down well, and you shouldn’t use any standard table salt.
How Long Does the Resin Last?
The top water softeners have long-lasting resin, but they all need to be changed at some point. Most people receiving city water will need to replace their resin at least every 10 years. It may need to be replaced sooner if there are fragments of the material being released through the faucet. If you notice organic matter like algae growing on the resin, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. This is especially a problem for water softeners installed outdoors.
What is the Best Whole House Water Softener System?
The top rated water softeners reviews lists both a salt-based and salt-free model for whole house softening. The Fleck 5,600 SXT is highly appreciated in any water softener review while the Aquasana EQ-SS20 is the best salt-free unit.
Summary
If your water quality doesn’t seem up to par, or you suspect you’ve been affected by hard water, you should do what you can to over the problem. Having a water supply that is hard is very common, so you may not even know you have a problem.
Leaving hard water untreated will leave residue and build-up in your tub, your washing machine, in your dishwasher and many other places where you use water. In some people, it can even cause skin irritation and dry damaged hair, or you may find your pipes damage for residue and scale constantly building up inside.
If you don’t yet know what water softener to buy, you can use the information here to find the best water softener reviews that match to your lifestyle. Choosing among the best water softener systems will give you and your household a better chance of receiving high-quality water.
Even if you lean toward more cheap water softener systems, it’s important that you get the top water softener for the money. Only the price should be cheap, not the quality. The top water softener to buy will provide what you need based on how your household uses water, but it will still fall within your budget.
We’ve provided you with many of the best water softening systems to help you get a better idea of what you need. Now you can use the information found in our reviews of water softeners to make your own decision. Try out one of the best salt water softener systems or another alternative, and see what a difference it makes.
