10 Best Salt-Free Water Softeners

Features to Consider When Choosing Salt-free Water Softeners

For your salt-free system to be a good investment for you, you need to know all the important considerations that one should make before buying salt-free softeners.

So, to help you out, we have listed all the features of a good salt-free system that you can use for softening water.

Capacity

The capacity for water softening systems, such as a salt-free water softener, is measured by counting grains. In easier words, the rating for a grain determines the grain count that the softener is capable of removing before it can drain down the remaining minerals.

However, in salt-free water softeners, the grains eliminated do not need to be flushed regularly. Instead, they are retained in order to show you a rating that helps you figure out how much your water has been cleaned or conditioned. This also makes the softener completely maintenance-free as compared to salt-based softeners.

To know which rating for a grain filter suits you the best, it’s best to get your incoming water tested for its grain concentration. Usually, city water contains 15 grains per gallon, whereas well water can contain up to 40 grains per gallon!

In fact, it is even recommended that you use more than a softening system for your incoming well water if the grain concentrations are as high as 40 grains per gallon.

Flow Rate

The flow rate – or water pressure -in salt-free water softeners is affected or reduced, unlike traditional salt softeners.

This is because, in salt-free water softeners, the filtered contaminants are not removed regularly and hence can be a cause of reduced flow rate for your showers!

Therefore, you should carefully consider the flow rate of a salt-free water softener before installing it in your house. Essentially, any flow rate higher than 4 gallons per minute is considered good enough.

Installation

Salt-free softeners are known to have an easier installation as compared to saltwater softeners.

However, it is still highly recommended that you hire a professional to do. While it seems relatively easier to install a salt-free water softener in your house yourself, there is always a good chance that you can end up messing with your pipes and cause leakage or two!

If you still prefer to install it yourself, purchase a softener that gives clear step-by-step instructions for its installation.

Maintenance

Salt-free water softeners are almost maintenance-free as compared to saltwater softeners. This is because they do not need to be regularly drained for the filtrate to be removed.

However, one major reason why they are considered maintenance-free is that they are long-lasting and do not have a high annual maintenance cost. Even the softeners that require regular maintenance do not need a replacement before 3 months of usage.

This replacement is only essential for pre-filters and can last more than a year in some softening systems!

Materials Used

When we speak of low maintenance, of course, the construction materials of the softening system are considered important.

This is because a good build for a softener ensures lesser fragility, making the system less prone to damage from small mishandling.

By looking for the right material, you can also ensure that you are not using any product that harms the environment, and is completely eco-friendly.

Certifications

Nothing proves a salt-free water softener’s credibility more than an official certification that it meets all standards of quality water set by the respective authorities.

There are a number of organizations that can help you with this. These sources test water softeners and certify whether they meet the set standard for healthy and clean water or not.

Two such reliable sources include the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International) andthe Water Quality Association (WQA).

Warranty

Although our first preference is to help you purchase a salt-free water softener that does not pose a problem for you and is long-lasting, it’s still good to buy one that offers a long warranty.

This ensures that in case you have to deal with a problem, the warranty covers it.

Best Salt Free Water Softener Comparison

Image	PRODUCT/ Features	Rating
Top Pick	Softpro Elite Features: Scale Control Technology with pre-filter Capacity: Up to 6 years Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: 17 GPM Additional Feature: No maintenance for up to 6 years		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
Most Trusted	Pelican NaturSoftFeatures: certified 99.6% effective in limescale prevention Capacity: Up to 2-3 years Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: 70 GPM Additional Feature: IAPMO certified NSF / ANSI 61 and NSF / ANSI 42 for structural integrity		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
City Water Pick	Aquapure AP904Features: NSF standard 42 certification Capacity: Up to 12 months Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: 20 GPM Additional Feature: corrosion-resistant		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
	Aquasana SimplySoftFeatures: Scale Control Technology with pre-filter Capacity: Up to 6 years Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: 6 years Maximum Water Hardness: 7 GPM		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
	Filtersmart FS500Features: NSF standard 42 certification Capacity: Up to 12 months Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: 12 GPM Additional Feature: Made of stainless steel		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
	OneFlow +Features: Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) technology Capacity: Up to 3 years Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: 10 GPM		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
	Tier1 salt-free SoftenerFeatures: KDF-55 and carbon media Capacity: Up to 12 months Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: 5 GPM Additional Feature: ultraviolet (UV) disinfection		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
	Nuvo H2O Dphb-aFeatures: Scale Control Technology with pre-filter Capacity: Up to 12 months Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: 15 GPM Additional Feature: eco friendly		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
	Aquios FS-220Features: Coconut Carbon Block filtration Capacity: Up to 12 months Suitability: 1-5 bathroom home Warranty: 20 years Maximum Water Hardness: 12 GPM Additional Feature: Removes 98% chlorine odor and taste		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review
	SpringWell FutureSoft Features: Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) technology Capacity: Up to 12 months Suitability: 1-7+ bathroom home Warranty: Lifetime Maximum Water Hardness: up to 20 GPM Additional Feature: provides ultraviolet (UV) disinfection		CHECK LATEST PRICE Read Full Review

Salt-Free Water Softener Review

To help you carefully decide which product suits you the best, we compiled this detailed review section for you!

1. Softpro Elite (Top Pick)

The SoftPro Elite salt-free Water Softener is our top pick from the best salt-free water softeners.

This water softener system neutralizes any magnesium and calcium in your water through the process called ion exchange, giving you water that is safe to shower in.

This filter has also earned Water Quality Platinum Seal by the IAMPO Research and Testing.

The SoftPro Elite salt-free Water Softener comes with basic pre-filters that can act as a  whole house water filter system. This quality also makes it worth the price that it comes in.

On top of everything else, this product also comes pre-assembled, hence saving you a lot of time and trouble!

Specifications

• Item Weight – 8 different options available
• Item Dimensions – 8 different options available
• Maximum Flow Rate – 12 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 90 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Ion Exchange Process

Features

• available in 8 different sizes and weights
• has earned Water Quality Platinum Seal by the IAMPO Research and Testing

The cartridge of a SoftPro Elite salt-free water softener is to be replaced every 6 months – or earlier, in case, lower water flow pressure is observed.

The annual maintenance cost is approximately a little over $510.

Customer Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars

2. Pelican NaturSoft Water Softener

Specifically aimed at removing calcium and magnesium, salt-based softeners work to soften water to make it fresh and clean and free of any damaging chemicals.

However, the Pelican Water Softener does the same job of providing you soft water without removing these chemicals. It neutralizes calcium and magnesium, converting them into their crystallized forms.

This high-performance saltless water softener gives you a clean water supply for about 2 to 3 years without needing a replacement! This makes it highly low maintenance.

Specifications

• Item Weight – 2 Different Options Available (10 Pounds)
• Item Dimensions – 2 Different Options Available (18 x 18 x 49.5 Inches)
• Maximum Flow Rate – 70 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 100 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Carbon Filter

Features

• certified 99.6% effective in limescale prevention
• IAPMO Certified NSF / ANSI 61 and NSF / ANSI 42 for structural integrity
• does not demineralize water

The Pelican NS3 and NS6 only need a routine replacement every 2 to 3 years, depending on the incoming water that the salt water softener conditions or softens.

Normally, the annual maintenance cost lies over or under $500.

Customer Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars

3. Aquapure AP904 (City Water Pick)

The AP904 is a whole house water filter that treats water to rid it of any chlorine. This means that no matter which outlet you use, you will always have access to chlorine odor and taste-free water.

This product will give you an uninterrupted water supply of 100,000 gallons with pressure as high as 20 gallons per minute.

With this Aqua-Pure water filtration system installed in your house, you can have both healthy showering water and drinking water at the same time!

Specifications

• Item Weight – 10.35 Pounds
• Item Dimensions – 25.2 x 4.5 x 4.5 Inches
• Maximum Flow Rate – 20 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 100 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Activated Carbon
• Material – Stainless Steel and Plastic

Features

• reduces sediment build-up
• removes both chlorine taste and odor
• NSF standard 42 certified
• 100,000 gallons capacity cartridge
• contaminates water down to 5 microns

It is generally expected that the whole house Aqua Pure water filters would last about 12 months.

However, it is recommended that you change your Aquapure AP904 as soon as you notice a reduced water flow since the replacement period also depends on the incoming water. The replacement cartridge is easy to install.

The annual maintenance cost lies between $260 and $340, depending upon the cartridge you choose for your replacement.

Customer Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars

Check out our AquaPure whole house filter review to learn more about this filter.

4. Filtersmart FS500

This product promises to remove all and every chemical from your hard water – chlorine, chloramine,  SOCs (synthetics organic compounds), VOCs (volatile organic compounds), THMs (trihalomethanes chemical compounds), industrial solvents, herbicides, and pesticides.

The Filtersmart FS500 is a salt-free water softener that takes up very little space for the jobs that it undergoes. With this softener, you no longer have to worry about plumbing problems that come with water-based water softeners.

This product offers a water capacity of 1,000,000 gallons, and gives a water flow rate of 12 gallons per minute!

Above all, the Filtersmart FS500 is also NSF certified, which makes it an overall safe water softener that can be purchased.

Specifications

• Maximum Flow Rate – 12 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 90 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Natural Coconut Shell Carbon Filtration
• Material – Stainless Steel

Features

• made of eco-friendly materials
• 1,000,000 gallon capacity

Unlike the previously mentioned water softeners, the Filtersmart FS500 only needs to be replaced once every year, unless the water pressure indicates otherwise.

Customer Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars

5. Aquasana SimplySoft

Unlike salt-based water softeners, the Aquasana Simplysoft salt-free water softener prevents the demineralization of your water.

It also uses SCM (Scale Control Media) technology, which converts dissolved hard minerals from your water into harmless, inactive microscopic crystal particles. They are then passed through your water and down the drain.

Generally speaking, this low-maintenance water softener by Aquasana is a good option to purchase if you want a long-lasting water softener that is easy to install and replace.

Specifications

• Item Weight – 32 Pounds
• Item Dimensions – 27 x 9 x 46 Inches
• Maximum Flow Rate – 7 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 90 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – SCM

Features

• uses SCM technology
• prevents demineralization of water
• 600,000 gallons capacity

The Aquasana SimplySoft salt-free water softener is a long-lasting product that does not need a replacement for 6 years! This makes them virtually maintenance-free.

However, the prefilter should be replaced every 2 months to prevent dirt sediments from clogging the filter. If not replaced, the clogged filter will lower the water flow rate around the house.

Therefore, the annual distributed cost is around $250.

Customer Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars

Check out Aquasana SimplySoft water softener review to learn more.

6. OneFlow+

The OneFlow+ salt-free water conditioner is a salt-free conditioning or softening system that helps prevent scale formation and scale buildup in your pipes and other appliances, increasing your life span.

This product is known to remove any taste or odor from your hard water by its water softening process.

This salt-free softening system uses a technology called TAC (Template Assisted Crystallization) which converts hard water minerals into microscopic crystals. These crystals are then allowed to flow through the drain, keeping your pipes and appliances free of scale build-up.

Specifications

• Item Weight – 15 Pounds
• Item Dimensions – 19.3 x 9.2 x 9.2 inches
• Maximum Flow Rate – 10 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating –  40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating –  100 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Carbon Block Filter

Features

• uses TAC technology
• 250,000 gallons capacity
• 20 micron water filter

With a cartridge capacity of 250,000 gallons of water, the OneFlow+ salt-free water conditioning system only needs a replacement every 3 years!

This means that you only need around $100 annually to maintain this water conditioner.

Customer Rating – 4.1 out of 5 stars

7. Tier1 salt-free Softener

The Tier1 salt-free water conditioner has a powerful blend of KDF-55 and carbon media. Both of these work together to rid water of any chlorine, microorganisms, heavy metals, or any scales.

KDF also uses zinc and copper alloy to oxidize any impurity in water, and also reduce nickel, chromium, mercury, and lead.

This means that the Tier1 salt-free softener provides you with odorless and tasteless clean water, free of any possible sediments that could clog your filters.

Specifications

• Item Weight – 91.9 Pounds
• Item Dimensions – 48 x 36 x 12 inches
• Maximum Flow Rate – 5 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 90 Degrees Fahrenheit

Features

• provides ultraviolet (UV) disinfection

The pre-filters in Tier1 are to be replaced every 3 months, making the annual maintenance cost around $35.

This low cost annual maintenance is also a reason why it is one of the best saltless water softeners.

Customer Rating – 4 out of 5 stars

8. Nuvo H2O Dphb-a

The Nuvo H20 Dphb-a is a salt-free softener that uses chelation to lower the pH level of water. This in turn causes mineral ions of the hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, to the chelating agent in NuvoH2O’s proprietary formulation, which keeps the minerals soluble, preventing any hard water problems.

The resulting water is soft and healthy and without any sedimentation or impurities. This water softener gives you clean and fresh water without harming the environment with any damaging salt, electricity, or water drainage, etc.

This also means that the Nuvo H20 Dphb-a prevents the formation of any scale buildups.

Specifications

• Item Weight – 8 Pounds
• Item Dimensions – 5 x 5 x 24 inches
• Maximum Flow Rate – 15 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 115 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Carbon Filtration

Features

• prevents sediment buildups
• does not demineralize water

The Nuvo H2O Dphb-a has a long-lasting cartridge that lasts for 6 months! This means that the annual maintenance cost after replacing cartridges twice every year falls around $100.

Customer Rating – 4.3 out of 5 stars

Check out our NuVo H2O water softener review to learn more.

9. Aquios FS-220

The Aquios AQFS-220 is a salt-free technology for soft water supply that delivers you clean and fresh water without demineralizing it of essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium.

This water softening system helps prevent the formation of sedimentation or scale buildups in pipes and other appliances.

This product also does not alter water flows and has a flow rate of about 12 gallons per minute.

Above all, it also offers a warranty for 20 years.

Specifications

• Item Weight – 7.5 Pounds
• Item Dimensions – 5 x 23.5 Inches
• Maximum Flow Rate – 12 Gallons Per Minute
• Lower Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 115 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Coconut Carbon Block Filtration

Features

• removes up to 98% taste and odor of chlorine
• 40,000 gallons capacity
• 5 micron water filter
• the point of entry system removes sediments like sand, dirt, rust, silt, rust, etc.

The Aquios AQFS-220 needs to have its cartridge replaced every 3 months on average. However, you might need to replace it every 1-2 months if your water is highly contaminated.

Depending on how often you have to change the cartridge, the annual maintenance cost falls over $150.

Customer Rating – 3.7 out of 5 stars

To learn more, please visit our Aquios FS-220 water softener review now.

10. SpringWell FutureSoft

The SpringWell FutureSoft salt-free softener tends to neutralize essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium, crystalizing them instead of removing them completely.

This salt-free water softener uses TAC  (Template Assisted Crystallization),  which converts all the hard minerals of water into a form that can easily flow through drains and pipes without causing scale formations or clogging filters.

The SpringWell FutureSoft salt-free system for softening hard water also uses premium certified components, which add to this product’s credibility.

Specifications

• Item Weight – 60 Pounds
• Item Dimensions – 6 x 39 x 6 Inches
• Maximum Flow Rate – 3 Different Options Available (12, 15, and 20 Gallons Per Minute)
• Lower Temperature Rating – 34 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Upper Temperature Rating – 120 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Purification Method – Carbon Filtration

Features

• provides 99.6% scale prevention
• provides ultraviolet disinfection
• eliminates all hard chemicals but not the essential minerals
• uses TAC technology

Normally, the SpringWell FutureSoft salt-free water softener needs a cartridge replacement every 3 months. But it can also need a replacement before reaching that 3-month mark, depending on the contamination of incoming water.

The annual replacement cost is around $150.

Customer Rating – 4.4 out of 5 stars

What Is a Salt-free Water Softener?

As its name suggests, this type of water softener doesn’t use any salt to turn hard water to soft water.

So, how does a salt-free water softener works?

Salt-free water softeners essentially convert the magnesium and calcium in your hard water into their crystallized forms that cannot adhere to the pipes or filters. This neutralization thus prevents any damage that could potentially come from these minerals, while also preventing the demineralization of your water.

This is contrary to traditional water softeners, such as a saltwater softener, which completely removes such minerals from the hard water that is being processed.

Salt-free water conditioners are becoming increasingly popular today due to their ability to provide you water with low ion density without damaging the environment at all! These salt-free systems are designed to be eco-friendly.

Salt-based Vs. salt-free Water Softeners

Both traditional water softening systems that use salt, as well as saltless water softening systems, change hard water into soft water that is safe to use.

To help you narrow down the better option from the two soft water systems, we have listed all the important benefits and drawbacks of using the two.

Salt-based Water Softening System

• a salt-based softener reduces scale formation, as well as prevents existing scale build-up on doors, glassware, pipes, etc.
• a salt-based water softener allows more soap lather to be produced, making it more suitable for uses in a washing machine
• reduced water hardness gives you healthier and softer hair and skin
• a saltwater conditioner increases the efficiency of water-using appliances
• demineralizes water and removes its beneficial minerals
• requires regular maintenance due to its need for salt
• a salt-based softener also causes the production of wastewater

Salt-free Water Softening System

• reduces scale formation, as well as prevents existing stain or scale build-up on doors, glassware, pipes, etc.
• saltless water softeners do not demineralize water; they convert the magnesium and calcium ions into more beneficial structures of sodium
• salt-free systems also increase the lifespan of other appliances, such as a dishwasher or a electric water heater, etc., and prevent the formation of water lines on them
• most salt-free softeners are said to condition water more than softening it
• a salt-free system is said to have virtually no maintenance as no salt needs to be added regularly
• salt-free softeners do not need electricity to work
• salt-free softeners also do not produce any wastewater
• they are more expensive than salt-based water softening systems but are designed to be  eco friendly

To learn more, check this salt-free vs salt-based water softeners post.

 Frequently Asked Questions on Salt-free Water Softeners

Conclusion

Essentially, salt-free water softeners change the structure of minerals that salt-based water softeners otherwise completely remove. This way, they prevent any issues arising from that hard water while preserving the benefits of their minerals as well.

While all the above-mentioned saltless water softener systems have been carefully chosen to suit your needs, the SoftPro Elite is our top pick for the best salt-free water softener. However, you should feel free to purchase the saltless water softener that fits your needs.

Happy shopping!