The Best Water Softeners
Hard water is water with a high percentage of mineral content.
That includes calcium and magnesium.
Hard water is a common issue, and there is a simple solution to it.
If you want your home appliances to work as expected, you might want to think about installing water softeners.
It is a simple solution for all the issues caused by hard water, such as dishwasher and washing machine malfunction, dehumidifier malfunction, your skin and hair condition, etc.
To help you find the suitable water softeners for your household, here is a list of top ten water softener, with all the good and the bad about them.
Highest Rated Water Softeners (by Customer Reviews)
- 1ABCwaters Triple Combo Whole House Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 Grain Water Softener System
- 2Aquasana 6-Year, 600,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter
- 3ABCwaters built Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 Water Softener with Upflow Carbon Filtration
- 4iSpring #UVF55 Whole House UV Disinfection System
- 5Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter with Professional Installation Kit
- 6Iron Pro 2 Combination water softener iron filter
- 75-Year, 500,000 Gallon Well Water Whole House Filter
- 8ABCwaters Built Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 Black WATER SOFTENER
- 9PENTAIR Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 grain Water Softener
- 10Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener Whole House System
1
ABCwaters Triple Combo Whole House Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 Grain Water Softener System
This ABC system for water softening is suitable for use in your entire house.
It uses reverse osmosis to remove up to 96% of all water pollutants and significantly improve the water quality.
The package includes everything you need for individual installment, including manual guide and, there are no additional costs to it.
It features a carbon filtration system for improved filtration and better water taste.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Comes with the 5-year manufacturer warranty
- You get everything you need for using it inside the entire house
- Has a manual installment guide
Cons
- Complicated to install
- Pricier than similar systems
Jake's TakeIf your household has from two to five people, this whole house filtration system is suitable for you.
It is a long-lasting useful filtration system, but it is up there in price.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Aquasana 6-Year, 600,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter
The Aquasana filtration system is designed to work for the entire house and can filter up to 600,000 gallons of water.
The system comes with a manual guide and installment kit.
The filtration system features the capability of removing 97% of chlorine from every tap in the house and reduces pollutants such as mercury, lead, etc.
It has a high impact on improving your hair and skin conditions.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to install
- Removes most common water contaminants
- Whole-house filtration system
Cons
- The EX tubing needed for installation isn’t included
- Cannot remove fluoride
Jake's TakeThis Aquasana filtration system is suitable solution for all water issues around your house.
The filtration capability is high, and the performance is impeccable.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
ABCwaters built Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 Water Softener with Upflow Carbon Filtration
This water softener from ABC waters is an eco-friendly whole-house filtration system with no need to backwash.
The system also produces zero wastewater and doesn’t require electricity to work.
It uses natural carbon to filtrate and softens the water.
This ABC waters filtration system is designed to work in a house with two to five family members.
The recommended water flow per minute is 12 gallons.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Eco-friendly design
- Natural filtration system
- Doesn’t need electricity to work
- Doesn’t produce wastewater
Cons
- Complex manual guide
- You may have extra costs if your plumbing setup isn’t compatible with the filtration system
Jake's TakeIf you are eco-conscious, you might want to take a look at this system.
It has high-performance without electricity and using only natural technologies.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
iSpring #UVF55 Whole House UV Disinfection System
The iSpring system uses UV light to remove the remove contaminants from the water.
It comes with a long-lasting steel chamber and can kill viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts.
The system is designed to produce minimal pressure loss in your water, so you won’t even notice it.
The iSpring system uses advanced technology and comes with the 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- The durability of Philips lamps – over 9,000 hours
- Whole house disinfection system
- Features electronic ball stat with visible and audio alarm
Cons
- The replacement lamps are pricy
- You may need to hire a professional to install it
Jake's TakeIf you want the new and improved technology for your water, check this iSpring system for your whole house water disinfection.
It is durable and highly efficient, but the maintenance can be pricey.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter with Professional Installation Kit
This Aquasana premium filtration system is designed for whole-house use on 0.75″ pipes.
If you are not familiar with plumbing activities, it is better to hire a professional to properly install it.
Other than that, you won’t have additional costs, because the Aquasana Whole house filtration system comes with everything you need for setup.
That includes professional manuals and tools.
The average life span is 10 years or 1.000.000 gallons of water.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Not affecting water pressure
- Comes with the shut-off valves and fittings
- No water waste or draining
Cons
- Not suitable for fluoride removal
Jake's TakeIf you want a filtration system to work on set it and forget it, foundation, this one is the right for you.
It will work approximately ten years without having to manage it.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Iron Pro 2 Combination water softener iron filter
The Iron Pro 2 water softener is capable of removing hardness up to 75gdg.
The system works for the whole house and the most common water contaminants.
The Iron Pro 2 system features a mesh for the improved capacity of iron removal.
The system is easy to install, due to straightforward DIY instructions which will understand even those with no plumbing experience.
It comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Simple setup
- Has a Fleck digital metered valve
- Removes iron, hardness, rust, sand, manganese
Cons
- The hardness adjustments can be complex
Jake's TakeThe Fleck valve is a nice touch for better efficiency.
You should check this water softener for your whole house if you want effortless water softening.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
5-Year, 500,000 Gallon Well Water Whole House Filter
This Aquasana filtration system is designed to operate with 500 000 gallons of water and give you five years of clorine-free water.
The system is eco-friendly and doesn’t produce water waste nor need electricity for running.
It also features UV technology for water disinfection and decreases the condensation of chemicals in your shower.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Removes 97% of chlorine
- Salt-free technology
- Healthy and tasty water as a result
Cons
- Limited warranty
- The PEX tubing isn’t included
Jake's TakeWhen it comes to water softening, Aquasana cannot do wrong.
This system includes salt-free technology for maximum reducing capability.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
ABCwaters Built Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 Black WATER SOFTENER
This water softener from ABC waters comes with the built-in Fleck valve digital meter.
It comes with the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and has a 10% longer life span than similar filtration systems.
The system uses two pre-loaded mineral tanks for easier installation.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Warranty – 5 years for Fleck valve, and 10 years on tanks
- Many additional features
- Pre-programed valve for user-friendly operation
Cons
- Not-suitable for removing high-iron concentration
- Requires a lot of space for installation
Jake's TakeThis water softeners from ABC waters is one of the most popular water softeners out there.
All parts are made in America and are high-quality to ensure the best performance.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
PENTAIR Fleck 5600sxt 48,000 grain Water Softener
This water filtration system from Pentair comes with a brine tank, mineral tank,v valve with bypass, and a 1″ yoke and a Fleck valve for maximal performance.
The system is capable of running with city water with high chlorine concentration, which is something many people are looking for in a water filtration system.
The resin is improved for 10% which offers better perofrmance in removing the chlorine taste and smell.
The installation is easy, compared to the other similar systems.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Sale and durable water filtration
- Suitable for use with water that contains a high concentration of chlorine
- The capacity is 48,000 grains
Cons
- Uses more salt than other similar systems
- Plastic bypass valve
Jake's TakeIf you live in a city that has water with a high concentration of chlorine, make sure to check this Pentair filtrations system.
It is easy to install and has high performance in removing many water contaminants.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener Whole House System
This system from AFW filters for water filtrations is an affordable option.
It features a Fleck bypass valve for higher efficiency and better performance.
The flow rate is 12 gallons of water per minute and the capacity is 48,000 grains.
It is suitable for larger households, with up to six people.
The brine tank has a safety float and the threaded yoke connection is 1″ male.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Long-lasting system
- Designed to work even in extreme conditions
Cons
- Additional costs for some tubing
- No salt indicator
Jake's TakeIf you are looking for a water softener system on a budget, check this system from AFW filters.
It is durable and can remove most of the water contaminants with a decent capacity of 48,000 grains, and it has a Fleck bypass valve.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Water Softeners Buying Guide
Hard water is a common issue in many states, including Utah, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida, part of Texas, etc.
Some even state that around 85% of US households deal with hard water.
We call water with high mineral content hard.
The minerals are mostly calcium and magnesium derivates, such as chalk, limestone, and gypsum.
Hard Water-related Issues
The water with high mineral content can be annoying because it can leave traces on your dishes, and interfere with your appliances that use water.
For example, a washing machine can get damaged if it utilizes hard water.
The same goes for water heater, ice machine, dishwasher, etc.
The mineral buildup can damage your pipes and your whole piping system.
After a while, your laundry and your dishes can get odor and stains due to the mineral accumulations.
Also, hard water can negatively affect your skin and hair condition.
If the water is high with mineral content, it makes it difficult to rinse the soap.
Not properly washed soap causes dry skin on the face, scalp, or your body.
Hard water can cause some skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, to get worse.
When it comes to hair, the negative impacts of hard water include dry and fragile hair, the color is fading quickly, and the hair is more prone to damage.
Therefore, you should pay more attention to your skin and hair care, and go to the hairstylist more often.
However, there is something simpler you can do to prevent hard water issues.
What is Water Softener?
The water softener refers to the water filtration system and ions exchange.
The system replaces harmful ions with nonharmful ions – the iron, calcium, magnesium, or chloride with sodium.
Water Softener Parts
Most of the water softeners use the same regeneration technology and consist of a mineral tank, brine tank, and control valve.
A Mineral Tank
A mineral tank is a place where minerals are sticking, so the water living the tank is soft, with the pleasant taste and smell.
You should check the unit specification before you buy your water softening system, to get to know how often should you buy a new tank and what are the prices.
The Brine Tank
The brine tank is where the regeneration is happening.
Usually, it is smaller than a mineral tank, and it contains the salt needed for the ion exchange.
For most of the water softening systems, you should add salt manually to the tank.
The Control Valve
The control valve measures the amount of water passed through the tank, and so what is the efficiency of the water softening process.
After a while, the efficiency decreases.
The valve serves to ensure high performance, and you can always be aware of how effective your system is and when it is the time to replace parts or install a new one.
Water Softeners Types
There are two main water softeners types, and those are water softeners that use salt and salt-free systems.
The salt-free water softeners are water conditioners and anti-scale systems.
Some of them use magnetic technology, but in general, salt-free water softeners are not as efficient in removing calcium and magnesium.
If the water in your household contains high mineral concentration, it is better to choose the system that works with salt.
Grain Capacity
The grain capacity of a water softener is the maximum amount of mineral the system can remove from water.
The capacity range is from 8.000 to 80.000 grains.
How to Choose a Water Softening System?
The first thing to determine is the system size.
The size depends on your household, the number of taps, the number of people there, and average water consumption.
The majority of systems come with the product specification, where you can find a suitable volume of water for that product.
For example, some water softeners have the best performance in households up to two bathrooms and others in larger houses, with four to six water units.
There is also a simple way to calculate what kind of capacity your suitable water softener should have.
Before you start the calculation make sure to know the percentage of minerals in your water.
You can measure it by yourself, or call a governmental institution responsible for the water quality.
Multiply the number of your family members with 75 (an average water consumption per person per day in gallons).
Then multiply that number with the number of mineral grains per water gallon.
For example, if your family consists of three people and you have 8 grains of minerals in one gallon, the formula is 3*75*8.
So, your suitable capacity is 225*8 per day.
What to Look for in a Water Softener?
The principal things to look for in a water softener other than suitable size and the capacity are certifications.
First, check whether the system has an NSF certificate for meeting safety standards.
The Water Quality Association certifies the units with WQA Gold Seal and it a simple indicator that the product meets all industry standards.
The Installment
In general, you should install a water softener system as close to the house’s main water point as possible.
The proper placement will ensure that the water in your pipes is going out as soft.
Make sure to install it before the water heater, so the heater won’t get damaged from the hard water.
The most suitable place for installment is dry, for example, a basement or garage, so the device won’t be damaged through extreme temperatures.
Also, don’t forget to turn off the water while doing the setup.
However, even though some systems are easy to install, we recommend you to hire a professional.
If you don’t install it well, it results in leaking issues and your system can break after a short time.
Filtration
Some of the systems come with a built-in filter for removing chemicals.
So, if you don’t notice the filter in the product specification, check for the additional filters.
Ending Thoughts
The water softening system is not a luxurious item, it is a money-saving option because it will improve the lifespan of your appliances.
Also, your hair and skin will be more hydrated and there is less risk of skin irritations.
The maintenance is easy.
Other than adding salt, approximately once a month, the system doesn’t need maintenance.
Conclusion
Water softeners come as a whole-house system for removing minerals in the water.
Because hard water can have many negative impacts on your appliances, skin, and hair, getting one can get you lots of benefits.
When buying a water softener keep in mind the capacity and your average water consumption.
The prices may vary, but most of the systems are long-lasting and require no additional costs.
Some are easier to install than others, especially if you have some plumbing experience.
However, proper installment ensures high performance and durability.
What's your take on Water Softeners? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
