10 Best Water Softener For Well Water

Minerals such as calcium and magnesium make water hard, and well water tends to contain a high concentration of these minerals!

Therefore, it’s important to soften water through good water filtration and softening system.

Essentially, there are two main types of soft water systems: salt-based systems and the other that is salt-free water softeners.

Our goal through this article is to help you look into both of these options and pick the best-suited high-quality water softener.

To learn more about the best water softener for well water, let’s jump right into it!

DISCLOSURE: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Our Top Pick

4.7/5

SpringWell FutureSoft

The SpringWell FutureSoft provides 99.6% scale prevention and comes with a 5-micron pre-filter to remove sediments from the water. It comes with a Lifetime warranty and definitely a recommended water softener.

Types of Water Softeners

Water softeners are usually divided into 6 different types based on their purification methods and regeneration cycles.

Salt-Based Softeners

A salt-based softener is also referred to as an ion-exchange water softener, because of its regeneration process to give soft water. These are the traditional and most commonly used water softeners that add softening salt to hard water and use the process of ion exchange to replace harsh minerals such as calcium and magnesium with sodium.

These water softeners have long lifespans between 10 to 30 years but need their salt supply to be refilled or replaced every now and then.

Salt-Free Softeners

A water softening water conditioner that does not need salt usage is known as a salt-free conditioner.

Because of their nature, salt-free water conditioners are maintenance-free and they do not need any salt tank replacement. They are also more expensive than salt-water softeners but prove to be cheaper in the long term.

They also do not add any extra sodium to your water.

Reverse Osmosis Water Softeners

Reverse osmosis water softeners are usually not categorized as water softeners. However, they not only rid water of harsh minerals but also introduce new beneficial minerals to the water.

This makes the water more suitable to become drinking water with these added beneficial and essential minerals.

However, a reverse osmosis system can only give you soft water in one faucet at a time.

Magnetic Water Softeners

Magnetic water softeners have only recently been introduced to the market and more commonly known as a water softener alternative.

These water softeners are known as alternatives because they do not necessarily remove any hard chemicals from the hard water. Instead, they neutralize those minerals to make them more soluble and less harmful by using a magnetic field.

Because a magnetic water softener uses a magnetic field to soften hard water, it does not need any cut-up pipes to be adjusted or connected to the system.

Best Water Softener for Well Water Comparisons

Image PRODUCT/ Features Rating  
Top PickComparing SpringWell FutureSoft SpringWell FutureSoftFeatures: removes up to 3 parts per million of free chlorine
Suitability: 1 to 7+ baths
Warranty: limited lifetime
Maximum Water Hardness: 12 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 10 to 15
Read Full Review
Iron RemovalComparing Iron Pro 2 Iron Pro 2Features: includes a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve for higher efficiency
Capacity:
32,000 grains
Suitability:
1 to 2 baths
Warranty:
up to 5 years
Maximum Water Hardness:
14 gallons per minute
Lifespan:
15 to 20 years
Read Full Review
Salt-Free PickComparing Pelican NaturSoft® Pelican NaturSoft®Features: IAPMO certified NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 42 for structural integrity
Suitability: 1 to 6 baths
Warranty: limited lifetime
Maximum Water Hardness: 15 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 25 to 30 years
Read Full Review
Budget PickComparing Fleck 5600SXT Softener Fleck 5600SXT SoftenerFeatures: includes a solid-state SXT technology control valve
Capacity: 5 options available (24000, 32000, 40000, 48000, and 64000 grains each)
Suitability: 4 to 5 baths
Warranty: up to 10 years
Maximum Water Hardness: 4 options available (07, 10, 15, and 20 gallons per minute)
Lifespan: 25 to 30 years
Read Full Review
Comparing SoftPro Elite SoftPro Elite Features: includes a Mediaguard KDF chlorine filter
Capacity: 64,000 grains
Suitability: 5 to 6 baths
Warranty: limited lifetime
Maximum Water Hardness: 14 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Read Full Review
Comparing Aquasure Softener Aquasure SoftenerFeatures: includes the Aquatrol Advanced Digital on-demand meter control head
Capacity: 32000, 48000, and 64000 grains
Suitability: 3 to 4 baths
Warranty: up to 5 years
Maximum Water Hardness: 12 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Read Full Review
Comparing AFWFilters 5600SXT AFWFilters 5600SXT Features: controlled by the Fleck 5600sxt digital meter valve
Capacity: 48,000 grains
Suitability: 2-5 baths
Warranty: up to 5 years
Maximum Water Hardness: 12 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Read Full Review
Comparing ABCwaters Softener ABCwaters SoftenerFeatures: includes the Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered control head
Capacity: 48,000 grains
Suitability: 2-5 baths
Warranty: up to 10 years
Maximum Water Hardness: 12 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 25 to 30 years
Read Full Review
Comparing Pentair WS48-56sxt10 Pentair WS48-56sxt10 Features: includes the Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered control head
Capacity: 48,000 grains
Suitability: 1-4 baths
Warranty: up to 10 years
Maximum Water Hardness: 14 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Read Full Review
Comparing Express Water Express WaterFeatures: NSF/ANSI certified filters
Capacity: 100,000 gallons
Suitability: 3 to 6 baths
Warranty: up to 1 year
Maximum Water Hardness: 15 gallons per minute
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Read Full Review

Best Well Water Water Softener Reviews

To further help you understand the differences between the given products, we have compiled a detailed review section for you!

1. SpringWell FutureSoft

review of SpringWell FutureSoft

Providing up to 99.6% guaranteed scale prevention and riddance, the SpringWell FutureSoft water softener is a favorite softener for all valid reasons!

Not only does it remove any harmful and harsh minerals from your hard water, but this water softener also helps retain the essential minerals in your water and prevents the accumulation of sodium in it as it’s a salt-free system.

It also helps remove up to 3 parts per million of chlorine from your water.

Above everything else, this water softener comes with a limited lifetime warranty!

Specifications

  • Item Weight – 60 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 6 x 6 x 39 Inches
  • Item Model Number – SpringWell FutureSoft
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 12 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 34 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 120 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Free Water Softening System

Features

  • provides 99.6% scale prevention
  • removes up to 3 parts per million of free chlorine
  • helps retain essential minerals in your water

The SpringWell FutureSoft water softener is essentially maintenance-free since it does not need a replacement at all. The only part that needs to be replaced, every time a decrease in its efficiency is observed, would be the pre-filter, every 6 to 9 months.

Since this is the only annual cost and no salt is used in this softener, it does not take more than $40 annually to keep your water softener working its best.

Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ ensures zero drops in water flow rate or pressure
+ does not discharge salt brine
+ does not produce any waste-water
+ does not use electricity to be operated
+ extends the lifespan of your appliances
+ sized for larger homes, with 1 to 7+ baths
+ offers a limited lifetime warranty
CONS
tends to condition hard water more than softening it

2. Iron Pro 2

review of Iron Pro 2

The Iron Pro 32k water softener also includes the Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve for higher efficiency. This digital water softener can water hardness up to 75 gallons per minute!

This water softener also includes an iron filter, which means that it is well suited for hard water that has a high concentration of iron in it as well.

The softener is a complete system that includes all tanks and other essential components, such as the resin tank or the brine tank.

This product has a 5-year limited warranty.

Specifications

  • Item Weight – 53 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 9 x 9 x 48 Inches
  • Item Model Number – Iron Pro 32k
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 14 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 110 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method -Salt Based Water Softening System
  • Capacity – 32,000 Grains

Features

  • includes a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve for higher efficiency
  • removes water hardness up to 75 gallons per minute
  • includes an iron filter

The life expectancy of Iron Pro 2 is estimated to be around 15 to 20 years since it also includes an iron filter in its system. This long lifespan of this water softener makes it almost maintenance-free!

However, there is always an annual cost of about $500 to $700 for the replacement of salt every 3 to 4 weeks.

Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ includes LCD display
+ has touchpad controls
+ easy programming
+ supports high water flow
+ complete system with a fine resin mesh and brine tanks
+ sized for smaller homes, with 1 to 2 baths
+ offers warranty for up to 5 years
CONS
tricky to install without professional help

Check out our latest review of the Iron Pro 2 now to learn more.

3. Pelican NaturSoft®

review of Pelican NaturSoft®

Both the NS3 and NS6 water softeners by Pelican NaturSoft® are certified 99.6% effective. These water softeners are NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 42 certified by the IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials), which is proof of their structural integrity.

Both these water softeners by Pelican NaturSoft® ensure that your hard water is softened enough for healthy usage, but is still not drained of any essential and healthy minerals in your water.

The water softeners also have a limited lifetime warranty.

Specifications

  • Item Weight – Around 120 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 18 x 18 x 49.4 Inches
  • Item Model Number – NS3 and NS6
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 15 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 36 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 120 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Free Water Conditioning System

Features

  • certified 99.6% effective
  • IAPMO certified NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 42 for structural integrity
  • helps retain essential minerals in your water

Since both NS3 and NS6 do not require any salt, they are virtually maintenance-free.

In fact, your Pelican NaturSoft® will have an average life expectancy of 25 to 30 years.

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ highly durable
+ does not discharge salt brine
+ does not produce any waste-water
+ does not use electricity to be operated
+ easy installation
+ sized for larger homes, with 1 to 6 baths
+ offers a limited lifetime warranty
CONS
tends to condition hard water more than softening it

4. Fleck 5600SXT Softener

review of Fleck 5600SXT Softener

The Fleck 5600SXT fleck water softener is known for offering on-demand frequency for the regeneration process for hard water. This ensures maximum efficiency with regard to the regeneration requirements of the incoming water supply.

This water softener also includes a solid-state SXT technology control valve. A control valve as such allows you to alter the water flow to suit your need by positioning the control valve with an actuator.

The resin tank in this water softening product also has a long-lasting 10% crosslink resin.

Above all, it offers a 10-year warranty on the complete product, with a 5-year warranty on the digital control head.

Specifications

  • Item Weight – 20.7 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 27 x 17 x 62 Inches
  • Item Model Number – Fleck 5600SXT
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 4 Options Available (07, 10, 15, and 20 Gallons Per Minute)
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 34 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 110 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Based Softening System
  • Capacity – 5 Options Available (24000, 32000, 40000, 48000, and 64000 Grains Each)

Features

  • includes a solid-state SXT technology control valve
  • offers on-demand regeneration frequency for increased water demand
  • efficiently ensures minimum regeneration requirements
  • has a long-lasting 10% crosslink resin

The Fleck 5600sxt is a long-lasting water softener for well water that lasts up to 25 to 30 years. Although the brine tank needs to be refilled with 40 pounds of salt every 3 to 4 weeks depending on the hardness of incoming water, the softener tends to pay for itself within 3.5 years of its usage!

Thus, the only maintenance cost comes from the replacements of salt in the brine tank. This alone makes about $500 to $700 annually.

Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ includes an easy-to-use electronic interface panel
+ has a user-friendly digital controller
+ allows you to control each step of its functioning
+ easy to set up
+ includes a safety float and overflow drain to prevent
+ overfilling in the brine tank
+ easy step-by-step installation
+ sized for larger homes, with 4 to 5 baths
+ offers a warranty for up to 10 years
CONS
reduces water efficiency to some extent

5. SoftPro Elite

review of QWT SoftPro Elite

The QWT SoftPro Elite has a Mediaguard KDF chlorine filter. This chlorine filter ensures an improved filtration of the passing water. It mainly removes chlorine and heavy metals from the water, also inhibiting bacteria growth in pipes and appliances, etc.

The 1-inch bypass valve is fitted to make sure that when needed, you can stop the softener from functioning without altering the normal supply of water in your house.

This product also has a long-lasting 10% crosslink resin in its resin tank.

The QWT SoftPro Elite offers a 10-years warranty on the control head and a lifetime warranty on the mineral and brine tank!

Specifications

  • Item Weight – Around 150 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 27 x 17 x 62 Inches
  • Item Model Number – QWT SoftPro Elite
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 14 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 110 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Based Water Softener
  • Capacity – 64,000 Grain

Features

  • includes a 1-inch bypass valve
  • has a 10% crosslink resin
  • includes aMediaguard KDF chlorine filter

This QWT SoftPro Elite water softener not only has no added maintenance cost, it even pays for itself within the use of 3.5 years.

Only the salt bag is to be replaced before it completely runs out.

Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ uses lesser salt as compared to other similar products
+ does not interrupt the high water flow rate and pressure of water
+ includes LCD display
+ has touchpad controls
+ easy installation
+ includes an additional protective tank jacket
+ sized for larger homes, with 5 to 6 baths
+ offers a limited lifetime warranty
CONS
tricky to install without professional help

Check out our latest Softpro water softener review.

6. Aquasure Softener

review of Aquasure Softener

The biggest benefit of using an Aquasure Softener is that it includes an Aquatrol Advanced Digital on-demand meter control head. It also includes a 1-inch NPT Male Adapter for its users’ convenience.

This digital water softener also has a 5-year warranty on it.

Specifications

  • Item Weight -3 Options Available (88, 120, and 149 Pounds)
  • Item Dimensions – 3 Options Available (9 x 9 x 54, 10 x 10 x 60, and 56.5 x 30.25 x 16.5 Inches)
  • Item Model Number – AS-HS48D
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 12 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 110 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Based Water Softening System
  • Capacity – 3 Options Available (32000, 48000, and 64000 Grains)

Features

  • includes the Aquatrol Advanced Digital on-demand meter control head
  • has a 1-inch NPT Male Adapter

This water softener by Aquasquare will last you a long time! The only replacement needed would be for the emptying 80-pound salt bags, about twice per year, or less.

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ 1.5 CF pre-filled premium-grade resin
+ the control head is fully customizable
+ durable bypass valve
+ has a manual double backwash for optimum regeneration
+ made of corrosion-resistant fiberglass lined polyethylene tank
+ sized for larger homes, with 3 to 4 baths
+ offers warranty for up to 5 years
CONS
tricky to install without professional help

7. AFWFilters 5600SXT

review of AFWFilters 5600SXT

The AFWFilters 5600SXT is another example of a durable and efficient fleck water softener that has parts, filters, and media that are all approved by the NSF.

The 10% resin media is, in fact, long-lasting with 8% crosslink.

This fleck valve, controlled by the Fleck 5600sxt digital meter valve, offers a 5-year warranty on the control head and a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Specifications

  • Item Weight – 150 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 27 x 17 x 62 Inches
  • Item Model Number – 5600SXT
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 12 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 110 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Based Water Softener
  • Capacity – 48,000 Grains

Features

  • has a high capacity resin with 8% crosslink
  • includes 10% resin media
  • NSF approved parts, filters, and media
  • controlled by the Fleck 5600sxt digital meter valve

This AFWFilters 5600SXT will last you a long time! The only replacement needed would be for the salt bags, that too only about twice per year or less.

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ has upflow carbon filtration media
+ made of 100% polyglass tank
+ easy installation
+ convenient programming, cycles can be altered to suit needs
+ sized for larger homes, with 2-5 baths
+ offers warranty for up to 5 years
CONS
reduces water pressure and flow rate to some extent

8. ABCwaters Softener

review of ABCwaters Softener

The ABCwaters Softener is yet another one of the long-lasting fleck water softeners, equipped with 10% resin media. It is controlled by the Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered control head that comes with a 5-year warranty!

The tanks that come with the softener also have a 10-year warranty to guarantee you quality.

Specifications

  • Item Weight – 95 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 10 x 10 x 54 Inches
  • Item Model Number – 48k-10
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 12 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 110 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Based Softener
  • Capacity – 48,000 Grains

Features

  • includes the Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered control head
  • uses long-lasting 10% resin media
  • includes a pair of stainless steel flexible water line connectors

The ABCwaters Softener is salt water softener, which means that it needs a salt bag replacement at least once every week.

However, this water softener pays off its price in the long-term because it lasts for up to 25 to 30 years!

Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ includes a pair of stainless steel flexible water line connectors
+ Includes an installation kit for easy installation
+ fleck digital control comes pre-programmed
+ sized for larger homes, with 2-5 baths
+ offers warranty for up to 10 years
CONS
needs to be handled with care

9. Pentair WS48-56sxt10

review of Pentair WS48-56sxt10

The Pentair WS48-56sxt10 is also an ion exchange based fleck water softener with a Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered control head.

This product has a long-lasting resin tank with 10% crosslink resin.

It even has a 10-year warranty.

Specifications

  • Item Weight – 130 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 10 x 10 x 54 Inches
  • Item Model Number – WS48-56sxt10
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 14 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower-Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 110 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Based Water Softening System
  • Capacity – 48,000 Grains

Features

  • includes the Fleck 5600Sxt digital metered control head
  • includes a 10% crosslink resin

Like most other water softeners discussed, the Pentair WS48-56sxt10 also lasts you about 15 to 20 years! The only annual replacement comes from replacing the salt bags.

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ has a digital display
+ convenient touch-based control panel
+ complete system with brine tank, mineral tank, valve with bypass, and adapter
+ sized for larger homes, with 1-4 baths
+ offers a warranty for up to 10 years
CONS
tricky to install without professional help

10. Express Water

review of Express Water

The WH300SCPS by Express Water is a water softener that uses sedimentation, Poly-Phosphate, and Activated Carbon Block for purification of the water that crosses it.

These ensure that the incoming water is softened to its best extent. It also includes a water filter to filter out the heavy metals from the hard water.

Although rather short, this water softener also offers a 1-year warranty on it.

Specifications

  • Item Weight – 65 Pounds
  • Item Dimensions – 23.5 x 8.5 x 30 Inches
  • Item Model Number – WH300SCPS
  • Maximum Flow Rate – 15 Gallons Per Minute
  • Lower=Temperature Rating – 40 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Upper-Temperature Rating – 100 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Purification Method – Salt-Free Water Softener
  • Capacity – 100,000 Grains

Features

  • uses sedimentation, Poly-Phosphate, and Activated Carbon Block for purification
  • includes heavy-metal water-filter
  • NSF/ANSI certified filters

The WH300SCPS by Express Water water softener system is a salt-free softener that only needs a replacement every 6 to 12 months for its cartridges.

Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ made of stainless steel
+ highly durable built
+ includes a free-standing frame
+ carbon filters include pressure gauges, easy release, and 1-inch connections
+ sized for larger homes, with 3-6 baths
CONS
only offers a warranty for up to 1 year
tricky to install without professional help

What is a Water Softener?

A water softener is a type of whole house water filter system that sends an incoming hard water supply into regeneration cycles to change it into soft water.

This is done through an ion exchange process that removes hard minerals such as magnesium, calcium carbonate, etc., from water that causes water hardness into minerals such as sodium chloride, or simply sodium ions.

Water softeners are becoming increasingly popular due to their high efficiency in softening water effectively.

Without water softeners, you would have to deal with repeated limescale buildup on your appliances and in your pipes, use extra detergent in your washing machines, and end up struggling to create lather with your soap while you shower! In fact, these are only a few of the prominent problems that come with hard water.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

A whole house water softener is a filtration system that removes water hardness to give us soft water.

Water hardness is caused by a high concentration of certain hard minerals in the water, such as calcium, magnesium, etc. Water softeners essentially filter out these hard minerals from the incoming water supply by replacing them with other minerals, such as sodium ions.

This regeneration cycle for incoming water supply is referred to as the ion exchange process. The ion exchange is so effective that it can increase the water quality enough to convert it into drinking water.

As the hard water is made to enter the water filter, it goes into the mineral tank. Here, a resin tank has a bed of resin beads, usually made of polystyrene.

These resin beads contain a negative sodium ion each. Hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium are positively charged, hence attracted by the anions in the resin tank. Eventually, this attraction causes the hard water to lose its mineral ions to the resin bed.

This loss of cations by the hard water because of the fine mesh resin is what gives us softened water. Click here to learn more.

Some water softeners also have dual resin tanks to allow one to recharge while the other is used. These are known as dual tank water softeners.

Water Softener Installation

Benefits of Water Softeners

Hard water should be softened into soft water through ion exchange as it improves not only the water quality but also your health and the life expectancy of the appliances at your home.

The following is a list of a few of the most significant benefits that a water softener for well water can bring to your life.

  1. Soft water is extremely beneficial for the health of your skin and hair. Water that comes from a house water softener will significantly leave you with softer and smoother skin and hair as it does not take away any moisture from them, unlike hard water.
  2. It also allows you to form soap lather during your showers easily.
  3. This also applies to detergents and dish soaps. As the soaps can easily lather underwater coming from water softeners, you get brighter and cleaner utensils as well as clothes!
  4. It also gives you an easier time cleaning faucets, pipes, showers, and other electronic appliances as soft water do not allow any limescale build-up, scale buildup, mineral buildup, or other similar sedimentation buildups.
  5. Water softeners, whether salt-free systems or salt-based water softeners, also save you money in the long term! This is because soft water gives your appliances a longer lifespan, prevents potential pipe damage, and makes lesser amounts of soaps and detergents more effective, etc.

What to Consider Before Buying a Water Softener for Well Water?

Before you make a final purchase, it’s always better to consider a few important factors in any whole house water softener to know that you are investing your money in the right place.

Find Yourself the Right System

There are essentially 4 different types of water softeners. All these water softeners are good as long as they fulfill your specific needs.

It’s very important to narrow down all the water problems you are having in order to conclude with the type of water softening system that suits your household the best.

Ensure High Efficiency

One way to see if the water softener that you are looking to purchase is worth the investment or not is by looking at its functioning. By understanding the working of a softener in detail, one can decide whether to buy it or not.

Reading other people’s experiences with the said water softener can also help you analyze your decision better.

Another factor that adds to the efficiency of a water conditioner is whether it is cost-friendly or not. Most water softeners are expensive on purchase but prove to be cheaper in the long term. If a water softener does not offer this, then it’s not the right one for you.

Ensure High-Quality Components

The efficiency of a water softener also depends on its ability to stay put.

A good water softener should be highly durable with a strong build.

Size Your Water Softener Correctly

Remember that if a water softener is too small or too large for your house, you are putting your money in the wrong place.

It’s very important to know how to correctly size the water softener for yourself so that you can purchase exactly the product that you and your household hard water needs.

In fact, on checking for the size of a water softener that you need, you might as well realize that you need more than one in case your house is too big or your water is too hard!

Make a Price and Quality Comparison

With the vast number of options available in the market today, it can become rather hard to pick the perfectly right water softener for yourself.

The easiest way to pick a good water softener for yourself from the available options is by comparing their prices as well as the quality. Any water softener that offers the best qualities and a high number of features and is priced lower than its alternatives is the best water softener for you.

How to Size a Water Softening System?

A water softener is only as good as your fulfilled needs. Hence, one important step to take before purchasing water softeners is looking for the ones that produce soft water enough for your whole house to have uninterrupted water pressure and flow.

In order to size a water softener, one should know the hardness of their incoming hard water, along with the average water consumed in the whole house.

Water hardness is a measure of the concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium in hard water. To check the hardness level, you should get your hard water supply tested. Depending on the type and place of the test, you will get a water hardness scale in either milligram per liter or gallons per minute.

It’s never a good move to guess the hardness of your incoming hard water. To size the softener correctly, the water should always be tested accurately.

As far as household water consumption is concerned, you can easily find that on a water bill. In case you don’t have this information readily available, you can multiply the number of people in your house by 75 gallons to get a fair average for a day.

To size water softeners, you are to multiply the everyday water consumption with the water hardness level. This gives you the daily softening requirement of your house.

This number multiplied by 7 gives you a number that represents the needed capacity of a water softener for well water in your house since the best water softener systems undergo regeneration cycles once a week.

How to Install a Water Softener?

Before jumping into the installation process for a water softener, it is important to know that it’s best to install a water softener nearest to the starting point of your incoming water. This ensures that most of your pipes and appliances get to enjoy the benefits of soft water crossing them.

Similarly, it’s also important to make the water softener installation before an electric tankless water heater as hard water brings a lot of damage to hot water appliances!

With these points in mind, you can decide on an optimum location for the water softener and turn the bypass valve to suit you. In case your water softener does not have a bypass valve, it’s best to build a control valve to bypass the equipment yourself.

You would then have to follow the stated steps to install your water softener correctly.

  1. Turn off the complete incoming water supply of your house before beginning and then drain any pipes near the chosen location for the water softener.
  2. Check that the inlet and outlet of the water softener are positioned correctly.
  3. Cut into the mainline of your water supply to adjust the filter there. Make sure that any pipes you use to connect the products are measured to precisely be the right size.
  4. After each regeneration cycle, the brine tank needs to be drained. So, a drain hose is to be attached as well.
  5. To further prevent any drainage of the brine tank after a regeneration cycle, extra overflow tubes should also be connected to the septic system – specifically water softener systems in this case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will a water softener remove iron from well water?

Yes. A lot of water softeners do remove iron from your well water through an iron filter.
However, most of the standard water softening systems do not have an iron filter and therefore cannot remove high levels of iron from well water. This is why it’s recommended that if this is your need, you buy a specific water softener system with an iron filter to help you!

Can you drink softened well water?

Yes, but not always! Softened water is considered safe to drink. However, this largely depends on the initial water hardness. If the water supply is very hard, the softened water will either still be somewhat hard, or will contain high levels of sodium from the salt-based water softeners.
In either case, it’s then preferred that you do not take the softened water as drinking water unless otherwise stated.

How long does a water softener last?

Most water softening systems last up to 10 to 20 years, and even 30 if they are good enough!
Usually, a single tank water softener will last you a little lesser than a dual tank water softener

Do you need a water softener for well water?

Yes! There is never a requirement to soften your water supply. However, if the water hardness is higher than 7 gallons per minute, then it’s almost necessary that you use a water softener system.
Well-water should go through a water treatment system before its use because it sometimes even has a water hardness of 14 gallons per minute!

Conclusion

Fairly speaking, both a salt-free softener and a salt-water softener would have their own list of pros and cons. What makes your purchase worthwhile is whether the water softener system fulfills your need or not!

To help you find the best water softener for well water, we compiled this article. Happy shopping!

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