Best Water Softener Reviews
- Pelican NaturSoft – Best Water Softener System
- Genesis Upflow – Best Upflow Water Softener System
- Fleck 5600SXT – Best Salt Based Water Softener
- SoftPro Elite – Best Value Salt Based Water Softener
- Iron Pro 2 – Best Iron Removal Water Softener
- On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT – Best On The Go Water Softener
- Aquasana Simplysoft – Best Salt-Free Water Softener
- Aquapure AP904 – Budget Salt-Free Water Softener
- FilterSmart FS500 – Best Value Salt-Free Water Softener
- Springwell FutureSoft – Popular Salt-Free Water Softener
- Eddy Water Descaler – Best Electronic Water Descaler
- iSpring ED2000 – Budget Electronic Water Descaler
- Capacitive Yarna – Best Value Electronic Water Descaler
Pelican NaturSoft – Best Water Softener System
The Pelican NaturSoft is a salt-free water softener designed for users who are looking for premium and maintenance-free water softeners.
Background – Pentair is a water solutions company based in America. Over the course of the company’s journey, Pentair has been recognized and trusted by many other companies including Google, BBB, and Water Quality Association.
Key Features – The Pelican NaturSoft process water is quite similar to others which converts minerals into hardened crystals that separate from the water. It requires 3 seconds of contact with the water. This is pretty fast compared to other water softeners which require 9 seconds.
NaturSoft is DVGW certified 99.6% scale build-up prevention which ensures it has met the quality standards. It is IAPMO Certified NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 42 which ensures high-quality and structural integrity.
Maintenance – Like the other salt-free water softeners here on the list, the NaturSoft does require minimal maintenance which involves replacing the sediment filter. Pentair recommends that you replace the sediment filter every 6-9 months. A 1-pack 5-micron sediment filter that Pentair offers cost around $23 each.
The annual spending on maintaining the system is about $46. Pentair provides lifetime warranty on all filter housings, tanks and more against manufacturing defects.
Customer Rating –4.7 | Our Rating – 4.8
+ Sediment Pre-Filter Include.
Genesis Upflow – Best Upflow Water Softener System
Genesis is one of the recommended brands which are using a different technology as compared to others such as Fleck. Let’s take a look in detail.
Background: There is not much information about the company that produces Genesis water softeners.
Key Features: One of the major key difference that Genesis has is the flow of the softener. It is using the latest upflow technology as compared to the downflow that is used by Fleck.
This creates a swirling motion up through the resin from the bottom of the tank unlike the traditional downflow technique might compress the resin and creates tunneling and channels.
The highly efficient Genesis will save up to 75 percent of salt and up to 64 percent of water when conducting the regeneration process as compared to the Fleck system.
Maintenance: For all salt-based water softeners, the resin normally can last about 15 years or more. The only maintenances are salt in the brine tank for the regeneration process.
The Genesis Upflow will require about 9 lbs of salt in the brine tank for a regeneration process for 48,000 grains model.
The annual spending on maintaining the softener is about $150 on salt plus the water usage for over 2000 gallons.
Customer Rating – 4.7 | Our Rating – 4.8
+ Pre-programmed to perform regeneration every 7 days.
+ Effectively remove calcium and magnesium from source water.
+ Affordable maintenance cost.
+ 7 years warranty of valve, lifetime warranty on tanks.
+ Design and Manufacture in the US.
– Does not remove iron.
– Low flow rate of 14 gallons per minute.
Fleck 5600SXT – Best Salt Based Water Softener
When it comes to the salt water softener, you probably heard of Fleck 5600SXT as they are one of the best water softeners brands in the market.
Background: Fleck is a US-based water treatment company that produces water filtration, softener, and the digital controller valve. Their focus is on the whole house point of entry filtration system which provides clean and soft water to the entire home.
The digital controller valve is a masterpiece which is licenses to a lot of the company which is producing the water softeners.
Key Features: The grains are the heart and soul of the Fleck 5600SXT system. It will trap the hardness (calcium and magnesium) in the grains to make sure that it doesn’t go into your home.
What is best about it is it comes with a Fleck digital valve which makes regeneration more routine and seamlessly done as what was programmed by the owner. It uses low energy consumption and has up to 48 hours of battery life if power was lost.
This water softener is capable of support up to a 6 person household based on the average water usage and calculation.
It comes with a bypass valve which is easier for backwashing and servicing.
Maintenance: The grain is expected to have a minimum lifespan of up to 15 years. Filling up the brine tank with salt is the only maintenance to clean and rinse the grains that were filled with calcium and magnesium.
As this is a downflow system, the Fleck 5600SXT is expected to use more water and water softener salt for the regeneration process. It is estimated to cleanse the grains every week.
Based on research, the 48,000 grains softener from Fleck will use as much as 15 lbs (780 lbs yearly) of salt and up to 89 gallons (4628 gallons yearly) of water per regeneration.
You will be looking at spending at least $225 per year on salt plus the water usage for over 4000 gallons for regeneration.
Customer Rating – 4.5 | Our Rating – 4.6
+ Effectively remove calcium and magenesium from source water.
+ Comes with a bypass valve.
+ 5 years warranty of valve, 10 years warranty on tanks.
+ Design and Manufacture in the US.
– Expensive in initial and maintenance cost.
– Does not remove iron.
– Low flow rate of 12 gallons per minute.
Check out our Fleck 5600SXT water softener review now to learn more.
SoftPro Elite – Best Value Salt Based Water Softener
SoftPro Elite salt water softener is one of the highly-rated water softeners from many satisfied customers. It is praised for its water quality, flexible configurations, and reliability.
Background – SoftPro is a water treatment company that provides high-quality water filter systems and high-efficiency water softeners for both city and well water. They also offer excellent warranty and flexible configuration.
Key Features – The SoftPro Elite water softener comes in with many excellent key features. First and most prominent feature of all is that it has an Upflow Regeneration technology which saves up to 64% of water and salt usage up to 75% every regeneration cycle. Unlike traditional water softeners which you’ll go through 2-5 bags of salt a month, here it is around 1-5 bags a year. This is a huge saving.
Another key feature is the smart settings which do most of the job for you such as automatic backwash, vacation mode, proportional brining, automatic reserve, etc. This makes it easier to manage and provide water without going through a lot of hassle.
You can also choose your grain capacity for your water softener thus giving you more flexibility choices. This ranges from the basic 24,000 the more expensive 110,000.
Maintenance – In terms of maintenance, the SoftPro Elite has a backwash feature that automatically maintains the filter media on its own, therefore lasting for a very long time. This also reduces any maintenance cost to only the salt cost. In terms of warranty, SoftPro Elite includes a 10-year warranty which is more than enough.
Customer Rating – 5.0 | Our Rating – 5.0
+ Smart Features.
+ RGrain Configuration Choices.
+ Low Salt Usage.
+ Low maintenance cost.
– Requires Electricity to operate.
To learn more, please refer to our Softpro Elite water softener review.
Iron Pro 2 – Best Iron Removal Water Softener
Have you ever experience rusty brown stains when flushing the toilet? You probably have a serious iron contamination in your well water source.
Key Features: The Iron Pro 2 uses the Fleck 5600 SXT as its controller to schedule the regeneration process.
The Iron Pro 2 is just like other salt water softeners, which are filled with grains to trap hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium in your well water.
In addition, it comes with an iron filter that removes excessive irons until a non-detectable level. The flow rate is about 14 gallons per minute for Iron Pro 2.
It comes with a 5-year warranty on the digital valve and 10 years warranty for the tanks.
Maintenance: The grains and iron filters are expected to last for at least 15 years. Like the Fleck 48,000, all you need is salt and water to rinse and cleanse the grains for the regeneration process.
For every regeneration, the Iron Pro salt water softener is required to have as much as 15 lbs of salt in the brine tank and up to 89 gallons of water. With a pack of salt that causes $15 in Walmart, you are expecting to spend about $225 per year on salt.
Customer Rating – 4.5 | Our Rating – 4.6
+ Effectively remove calcium, iron and magenesium from source water.
+ Comes with a bypass valve.
+ 5 years warranty of valve, 10 years warranty on tanks.
+ Design and Manufacture in the US.
– Expensive in initial and maintenance cost.
– Low flow rate of 14 gallons per minute.
Head to our detailed review of the Iron Pro 2 to learn more about this softener.
On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT – Best On The Go Water Softener
The OTG4-DBLSOFT water softener is On The Go’s mid-range water softener that provides twice the capacity as their standard one. It receives a good amount of ratings from its satisfied customers.
Background – On The Go is a US Based company founded in 2004 that develops portable water softening products for RV vehicles. Their flagship product is the portable water softener which is easy to use, affordable and easy to maintain. They also offer accessories, refill kits, and a road wave pressure washing system to go along with the water softener.
Key Features – Designed for use in RV vehicles in mind, one of the features is portability. Its compact and space-saver design allows it to fit in almost everywhere, even in the tightest places without any compromise in water flow. It is also easy to carry and requires no tools or electricity to install and work.
The OTG4 water softener uses a 16,000-grain unit which can supply around 40% more soft water than the others. It also includes a back-flush adapter for quick reverse connection.
Maintenance – Like every other salt-based water softener, each tank can last for a very long time with the only maintenance having to be on the salt refills and resin. The Resin has a lifespan of around 7-10 years and cost around $125 for the refill kit.
OTG4-DBLSOFT can provide up to 1600 gallons or up to 40 days of softened water before regeneration is required, this is done by using ordinary table salt and takes around 30 minutes before it can be used again. Each On The Go requires a different amount of salt. In the case of the Double Model, it requires 2 boxes of table salt ($2.99 each).
The annual spending on maintaining the system is about $72 on salt refills plus the water usage of around 1600 gallons/month. Warranty is around 1-year and is included.
Customer Rating – 4.7 | Our Rating – 4.8
+ Portable.
+ 40% more soft water due to 16,000 grain unit.
+ Affordable Annual Maintenance Cost.
– Average Flow Rate.
Aquasana Simplysoft – Best Salt-Free Water Softener
Moving to our salt-free water softeners, the Aquasana SimplySoft is one of the many customers who appreciate the clean taste of the soft water, long-lasting tank media, and easy to installation.
Background – Aquasana is a Canadian company that offers different solutions for better clean water. Their wide variety of products include whole house water filters, under sink water filters, and more. Furthermore, they also do provide replacement filters and tanks which can be purchased.
Key Features – One of the many features found in the Aquasana SimplySoft is the Scale Control Media (SCM) salt-free technology. What it does is it inhibits scale build-up by transforming hard minerals into inactive microscopic crystal particles that separate from the water.
This prevents any scale build-up that can negatively affect your plumbing and appliances. This also softens your water. It also has a pretty decent flow rate of up to 7 GPM which is enough for a small to medium-size household. Furthermore, another decent feature is the long-lasting media which is around 6-years.
Maintenance – In terms of maintenance, the Aquasana Simplysoft does not require any special maintenance unlike salt water softeners. This means that it does not need any complicated salt water replacement. However, the SimplySoft tank media itself does need to be replaced for optimal performance. Fortunately, it has quite a long lifespan of about 6-years but it is quite expensive.
The annual spending on maintaining the system is about $0. However every 6-years, you are required to change the whole tank which costs as much as your first purchase.
Customer Rating –4.0 | Our Rating – 4.5
+ Long Lasting Tank Media.
+ Decent Flow Rat.
Check out our Aquasana Simplysoft water softener review now to learn more.
Aquapure AP904 – Budget Salt Free Water Softener
If you are living in an urban area and have a limited budget for whole house water filtration and softener, the 3M Aquapure is your solution.
Background: Aquapure is a water treatment company that focuses on whole house and drinking water filtration. It was eventually acquired by 3M as part of its subsidiary.
Their flagship model is the 3M Aquapure AP904 whole house water filter series.
Key Features: The AP904 has 3 filtration media which is used to filter sediments, chlorine taste, and odor as well as conditioning the hard water minerals.
The method that is used by this system is breaking the strong bonding of the calcium and magnesium. It is a common method that is used by salt-free water softeners.
The size is just nice to be installed in an urban city apartment and is having a high flow rate of 20 gallons per minute.
Maintenance: There is not much maintenance needed for the AP904 other than replacing the filter.
As it is a filtration and a hard water removal system, it is suggested to replace the filter every 12 months of 100,000 gallons of water.
It will set you back approximately $170 yearly on the replacement cost.
Customer Rating – 4.1 | Our Rating – 4.4
+ Small size and fit in urban living.
+ Easy installation and replacement.
+ Affordable initial and maintenance cost.
+ High flow rate of 20 GPM.
– Required a pre-sediment filter to avoid clogging.
– Short 1 year limited warranty on the filter.
To learn more, check our Aquapure AP904 review to understand how this water softener will help you.
FilterSmart FS500 – Best Value Salt Free Water Softener
When looking for water softeners, Filtersmart FS500 may be the right choice for you. It is one of the best water softeners and backed by a well-known company.
Background – Filtersmart is an American company that specializes in producing non-electric whole house water filters and salt free water softening system. Furthermore, they offer free shipping, 90-day guarantee, and lifetime warranty for all of their products. They are featured on several TV networks like CBS, FOX and NBC.
Key Features – The Filtersmart FS500 uses Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) technology to process hard water by acting as a catalyst to reduce certain chemicals like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate ions from clumping together to form crystals. It has been tested already by the Arizona State University with scale reductions of 90%.
Another unique feature is it includes a sediment pre-filter kit. It is actually designed to filter and remove fine sediments such as dirt and debris from the water. These kinds of filters are usually found in whole house water filters but it is a nice touch to have one in water softeners.
In terms of options, you can choose different configurations for this water softener based on the number of bathrooms your household has. The base option can provide softened water for 1-3 bathrooms at 12 GPM while the other one can do it for 4-6 bathrooms at 15 GPM.
Maintenance – For maintenance, the Filtersmart FS500 comes in with a sediment pre-filter kit. Filtersmart recommends that you replace the filter every 8-10 months. There’s a 4-pack sediment pre-filter replacements that Filtersmart offers which are reasonably priced at $78.
The annual spending on maintaining the system is about $78. Furthermore, Filtersmart FS500 also includes a 90-day guarantee and lifetime warranty for all tanks and valve heads from manufacturing defects.
Customer Rating –3.8 | Our Rating – 4.0
+ Sediment Pre-Filter Included.
+ Reasonable Maintenance cost.
– Leaking reported by some customers.
Springwell FutureSoft – Popular Salt Free Water Softener
SpringWell FutureSoft is another great whole house salt-free water softeners that you can add to your household. It is compatible with both well water and city water. This one is well known for its faster flow rate.
Background – SpringWell is a water filter solutions company based in America. The company provides water solutions for different needs such as a whole house water filter, water softeners (both salt-free and salt-based), and filter replacement kits. You can read more about them here.
Key Features – SpringWell FutureSoft is without a doubt has some of its unique features. First, it uses TAC technology as well which converts hard water minerals into hardened crystals that separates from your water thus softening it.
SpringWell claims that it provides 99.6% scale build-up prevention which is beneficial for extending the lifespan of many appliances and also makes cleaning easier.
What makes it really shines is its flow rate. It uses its signature ActivFlo Technology which ensures that the product can operate at different flow rates which prevents any drop in water pressure. The SpringWell FutureSoft comes with a sediment filter which does the job of separating dirt and other debris from the water before softening it.
Maintenance – For maintenance, it is fairly low maintenance. It does however require constant change of sediment filter every 6 months. SpringWell does offer filter replacement in 2-packs which cost around $40.
The annual spending on maintaining the system is about $40. Furthermore, SpringWell FutureSoft also includes a very long 6-months satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty for all tanks and valve heads from manufacturing defects.
Customer Rating –5.0 | Our Rating – 5.0
+ Sediment Pre-Filter Included.
+ Optional Springwell UV System.
Eddy Water Descaler – Best Electronic Water Descaler
Electronic descaler is a new method of removing hard water problems. You will not miss out the Eddy if you are looking for an electronic descaler product.
Background: Eddy is founded by 2 engineers in London before the year 2000. They are exploring the possibility of removing hard water in an affordable way without breaking the bank.
Key Feature: Electronic scale inhibitor has been quite common in the recent years due to the affordability and zero maintenance.
It uses electromagnetic waves to alters the crystal particles of calcium and magnesium to make it softer. This breaks the bonding among the molecules of those minerals.
Unlike salt-based water softeners, there is no waste water involved in rinsing the softener. It is all done electronically.
It stands behind their product in providing a 12-month money-back guaranteed and a lifetime warranty against product breakdown and repair.
Maintenance: Eddy doesn’t require any maintenance. You literally install it and forget about it.
The installation is pretty simple that comes with a DIY instruction which doesn’t require plumbing.
Customer Rating – 3.8 | Our Rating – 4.3
+ High tech method of electronically descaler.
+ Lifetime warranty against repair.
+ Maintenance free water softener.
+ Design and Manufacture in the UK.
– Not very effective in very hard water.
– No filtration of iron or any other contaminants.
iSpring ED2000 – Budget Electronic Water Descaler
Moving on to our next water softeners and that is the Electronic Descalers which function way different from the regular salt-based and salt-free water softeners. The iSpring ED2000 is a great Electronic Descaler that works right out of the box and requires no plumbing thus easy installation.
Background – Located in Alpharetta, Georgia, iSpring Water Systems LLC is a family-owned company that provides water solutions such as under the sink, whole house water filter, and more.
Key Features – The iSpring ED2000 is designed for handling hard water (10-19 grains) which is processed by using electromagnetic waves to change how the minerals and chemicals behave in the water. It does not leave any crystals or use salt unlike the others so the minerals retain.
It is easy to install which only requires wrapping the coils around the water pipes (PEX & PVC works too) and attaching the main descaler on the wall. The power supply cable is pretty long (around 16 feet) which you can plug away from the pipes to avoid any malfunctions caused by possible water leakage.
Maintenance – iSpring ED2000 does not require any maintenance so the annual spending on maintaining the system is about $0. iSpring provides 1-year-money-back and lifetime tech support. It does not however offer any warranty.
Customer Rating –4.0 | Our Rating – 4.5
+ Magnetic Wave water softening process.
+ Requires no maintenance.
– Some customers report no changes in water quality.
Capacitive Yarna – Best Value Electronic Water Descaler
Capacitive Yarna CWD24 is the best electronic descaler on this list. Its streamlined design of the body and the coils, water treatment process, easy installation, and a long 10-year warranty makes it worth considering to add to your water treatment system.
Background – Yarna is a water solutions company dedicated to treating hard water by utilizing their innovative electronic descaler products. Most of their products have been featured in many tv networks such as NBC, CBS, FOX, and The CW. Furthermore, it is also a member of associations such as the Water Quality Association and USGBC. Yarna received many positive ratings on Amazon (4.5 out of 5.0)
Key Features – Like every other electronic descaler, the Capacitive Yarna CWD24 uses electromagnetic impulses generated by the Ultra Flat Impulse Bands. This changes the properties of minerals found in the water which prevents it from forming crystals that will not stick to anything such as appliances.
One of the most unique features found in this particular electronic descaler is its capacitive effect. The capacitive effect (or known as cathodic protection) is a process that protects metal against corrosion. This is very essential for metal pipes which usually corrodes over time due to the minerals found in the water.
It is also easy to install and it can work on any type of plumbing system made out of either iron, copper, stainless steel, or even plastic. However, it does require 10” of pipe space for the coils to properly fixate it.
Maintenance – The Capacitive Yarna CWD24 does not require any maintenance so the annual spending on maintaining the system is about $0. Yarna offers a 1-year warranty but it can be extended up to 10-year warranty if the product is registered on their official website.
Customer Rating –4.5 | Our Rating – 4.8
+ Ultra Flat Impulse Bands for easy installation.
+ Capacitive Effect.
– Some customers report no changes in water quality.
Wrap Up
Selecting the right water softener system can greatly enhance your home’s water quality by addressing hardness issues and reducing mineral buildup. The systems featured in this article are chosen for their effectiveness, ease of use, and reliability.
Choose the best option to enjoy softer water, protect your plumbing, and maintain the efficiency of your appliances.
