Hard water creates spots on glassware. It also creates lots of plumbing problems. Generally, when the water contains calcium and magnesium ions, it’s called hard water. A water softener is a straightforward solution to get rid of hard water. It removes the unwanted elements from the water replaces them with salt and sodium.
Buying Guide
Here are some important tips you should consider while buying a water softener system. The guide will help you buy a perfect water softener system in the minimum budget.
Types
First, make sure which kind of water softener you want to buy. There are two basic types: The salt-based ion exchange system and salt-free softeners. Furthermore, on a tank basis, there are some dual and single tank water softener systems too. If you see the portability, some are Point of Entry and others are portable water softeners. So, make your mind what type you need to buy for your lodging.
Capacity
Check capacity and make sure that it’s sufficient for you. The capacity range for an average water softener system is within 8,000 to 80,000 grains. Check flow rate too because the softening process takes a bit time.
An undersized system might reduce pressure and water flow. Resultantly, it will bleed hard water as it is. Moreover, maintenance requires more money and time.
An oversized system might be expensive for you. Its resin bed damages due to infrequent regeneration cycles.
Following is the typical water use of modern outlets
- Faucets: 1.0 GPM
- Toilet: 3.0 GPF (gallons per flush)
- Shower: 2.0 – 2.5 GPM
- Dishwasher: 6.0 – 16.0 GPL (gallons per load)
- Washing Machine: 25.0 GPL (gallons per load)
Price
Price is a major factor of course. Estimate a price and keep it under budget. A moderate ion-exchange salt water softener system ranges between $350 and $1,000. Usually, the smallest to the largest softener system range is available between $350 and $3,500. Now, the choice is yours. The price differs on the basis of recurring softening agents like water, sewer, and servicing.
Metered VS Timer-Based System
Currently, modern water softeners come with metered regeneration. Here, a mechanical water meter measures water consumption. It controls the water softener functioning. It saves your money and brings the soft water in no time.
On the contrary, DIR systems have smaller tanks and have limited regeneration cycles for minimum hard water leakage. Some dual tank systems come with a second resin tank that has fine-tune regeneration. A timer-based system has an automatic adjustment feature that increases salt efficiency.
Check your requirements whether you want a metered or a timer-based water softener system.
Best Water Softeners
4. SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener – For Well Water
Type: Well Water Softener
Weight: 60 pounds
This water softener can be used on a larger scale. It’s an environmentally friendly product and requires no electricity for functioning. It comes with a quicker self-adjusting substance to hard water. Furthermore, the product enhances the life of appliances. This high-tech SpringWell water softener is salt-free and chemical-free. Comparatively, it’s more durable than the saltwater softeners. SpringWell water softener has a 6-months money-back guarantee.
Our Opinion:
This durable product has a lifetime warranty for tanks and valves and a 6-months money-back guarantee. The kit is easy-to-install and simple-to-use. It eliminates the hard water elements quickly and extends the life of appliances. However, this product isn’t great to use for water heater elements like coffee maker, dishwasher, and plumbing tools.
3. Morton Salt 1501 Clean Protect System Water Softener, 50 lbs, White – Salt Water Softener
Type: Salt Water Softener
Weight: 50 pounds
This water softener contains a patented formula to enhance efficiency and the life of water heaters.
It doesn’t let minerals stay in pipes and appliances.
Soft tab and hard handle ensure carrying and pouring more convenient for users.
It comes with a limited warranty. The product weighs 50 pounds. However, it consumes low voltage around 110 watts.
The water purification system is also included in it.
Our Opinion:
It’s a simple-to-use kit that softens water by eliminating calcium and magnesium ions. The softening cycle completes in no time. The product is durable and consumes low voltage.
2. AFWFilters IRONPRO2 Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck – For Iron
Type: Water Softener for Iron Removal
Weight: 110 pounds
Iron blocks the drainage system and produces red spots
This US-made product filters iron at higher water flow up to 85 GPG and iron up to 6-8 PPM range. Besides iron, it removes Manganese at 6 PPM and sediment, sand and rust particles from
The product comes with a digital meter for more efficient functioning and easy of use. It has a 5-year warranty for the water tank.
Fine quality thick mesh resin adds more life to your appliances and works effectively. If we compare it with other water softener systems, it even removes Ferrous Iron particles from the water instantly.
Our Opinion:
This durable water softener system removes iron, manganese, sand, rust and other hard water elements more effectively. If you are looking for a water softener for Ferric Iron removal, it stands at a distinguished place. The water tank has a 5-year warranty and a limited time guarantee.
1. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System, Salt-Free – Best for Hair
Aquasana water filter/softener removes 97% chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, mercury, lead, and other harmful contaminants. This highly efficient water softener filters carbon and KDF from water.
It’s cost-efficient and cleans water at $.01/gallon. So, you save money twice as compared to its rival water softeners.
The product is easy to maintain. You don’t need draining or backflushing as you do usually while using other products.
The Scale Control Media salt-free technology enhances efficiency and doesn’t eliminate healthy minerals. In short, it doesn’t reduce TDS from the water.
Our Opinion:
In short, filter replacement and maintenance is easy. This water filter/softener delivers the best flow rate while softening the hard water. It comes with a top-quality installation kit, filter and conditioner tanks. The latest SCM technology ensures the best performance of the water softener.
Consumer Reports and Reviews for Aquasana Water Filter
Debora Villa: I purchased it a few months ago and it’s showing the best performance. I am happy with the product. However, it’s difficult to install. If you don’t have basic plumbing knowledge, don’t try to install it.
King Gutierrez: It’s a great product. I am very happy with its performance and probably, would have got it much sooner if it had more data on performance.
Margie Jefferson: It’s 100% efficient as a water filtration system. However, it doesn’t deliver satisfactory performance as a water softener. In fact, I still feel my skin dry and itchy and I have examined the hard water still leaves marks on the shower glass door.
Maxine Luse: It’s a great product. The best performance, quick shipment and easy maintenance….all get A++++.
Jose Woods: This water filter/softener cleans water without chlorine that I like the best. It makes my hair and skin softer. But don’t try to install it by yourself.