10 Best Water Softeners Reviews [2022] – Top Picks & Buyer’s Guide

When water is contaminated with magnesium and calcium, it becomes hard. The best water softener is the only solution here. Because it is a little difficult to transform the hardness of water into softness by traditional means.

Though it is possible by discovering a way to soften water without a water softener but doing this brings a lot of tension. The ideal and the easiest way to soften water is by getting the best water softener. But which one? Here is the answer!

In a Hurry? Check Our 2 Top Picks for Best Water Softeners.

There are no traditional techniques for softening water, but there are some products for this purpose. In this article, you will get to know about the top 10 best water softeners in the market by top customer reviews, rating, experts opinion, price, durability, and reliability. You will also be enlightened with buying tips, in the buyer’s guide.

Editor’s Choice: 10 Best Water Softeners for 2022 Compared

The buyer’s guide in this content will help you to understand the complete process of buying a water softener and let you know about the various factors to consider when buying.

The products reviewed here are all hard water dealers and are also able to battle the presence of iron in the water. Every model listed in this content is rated for its lifespan, price, usage, maintenance, and efficiency.

Best Water Softeners Reviews in 2022

All the whole house water softeners given above received the highest water softener reviews ratings from consumers and industry experts, but there are still some significant differences between these models.

Just keep reading and take a look at our evaluated products, which, according to many users and us, have proven to be the best water softeners in the entire market.

Review Order

1. Pentair 5600sxt-48k-10 (Our Top Pick)
2. Fleck Iron Pro (Most Affordable Fleck)
3. Fleck 5600sxt BR8 (Top in Fleck Softeners)
4. Pelican Salt-Free Water Softener (Best Salt-Free)
5. iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage (Most Selling Salt-Free)
6. Aquasana EQ-600-AMZN (Best Whole House)
7. Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System
8. Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 (Best Compact)
9. Aquasana Carbon & KDF Home Water Filtration
10. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable (Best Portable)

1. Pentair 5600sxt-48k-10 Water Softener (Our Top Pick)

 

Want to learn more? Read our full Pentair 5600sxt review.

2. Fleck Iron Pro – Best 2 Combination 64k Grain Water Softener

 

Want to learn more? Read our full Iron Pro review.

3. Fleck 5600sxt BR8 – Best 48,000 Grain Water Softener

 

Want to learn more? Read our full Fleck 5600sxt review.

4. Pelican Salt-Free Water Softener

 

Must Read: What is Salt Mushing in a Water Softener

Want to learn more? Read our full Pelican Salt-Free review.

5. iSpring Whole House Water Softener

 

Want to learn more? Read our full iSpring Whole House review.

6. Aquasana 6-Year, 600,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter

 

Want to learn more? Read our full Aquasana Whole House review.

7. Aquasana 5-Year, 500,000 Gallon Well Water Whole House Filter

Part Number: EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST | Item Weight: 29.9 pounds | Product Dimensions: 69 x 10.5 x 57 inches | Style: 5-Year Well Filter System + Conditioner + UV | Size: 500,000-Gallon | Flow Rate: 7 GPM | Batteries Required? No | Shipping Weight: 29.9 pounds | Warranty & Support: Yes

Want to learn more? Read our full Aquasana Whole House review.

8. Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Softener. Compact Water Softener

 

Want to learn more? Read our full Whirlpool WHES30E Review.

9. Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter with Salt-Free Softener

 

Want to learn more? Read our full Aquasana Whole House review.

10. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener

 

Buying Guide For Water Softeners

When the need arises to buy the best water softener, one gets confused. If you are a newbie to this “water softener” world, then there are some things that you must know.

You have to have an idea about the size, metered or regeneration, and type of water softener you wish to purchase.

Your main goal is to find a unit that fits your requirements perfectly. Do not struggle at the moment, this buyers guide will be of big help to you, and you will find what you are looking for.

First of all, let’s discuss the basics of water softeners.

The kinds of Water Softeners

Every kind of water softener has its benefits and flaws and discovering the right water softener is not a child’s play.

The purpose of explaining the types of water softeners is to make you realize your demands and circumstances so that you’ll make your decision correctly.

1. Ion Switch Water Softeners

In easy words, a water salt-based water softener that functions under the process of “ion switch” for removing ions like calcium and magnesium from the water to make it soft by replacing them with sodium or potassium ions.

The surface of the resin is made from small particles of Sodium ions. As soon as the water interacts with the resin, the Sodium particles overcome the magnesium and calcium ions and remove them from the entire water, leaving the water soft and ready for use.

This is a very common and reliable method for water softening. After some time, the sodium ions will deplete, and the resin particles will cover the hardness causing ions. This is known as the moment when the water softener has to perform the regeneration processes.

The next step is to dissolve a saturated solution of brine from the resin tank into the water. The ions that cause water hardening to dissolve once again into the water and the resin beads become triggered again.

In the end, the brine is filled with magnesium and calcium, which gets flushed into the drain. Now, that’s not that complicated.

Advantages of Ion Switch Water Softeners

Following are some interesting advantages caused by the ion switch water softeners.

Disadvantages of Ion Switch Water Softeners

With providing loads of benefits, the ion switch water softeners also have some cons, which are discussed below:

2. Salt-Free Water Softeners

Other than salt-based water softeners, we have salt-free water softeners. However, these are not particularly called softeners, but conditioners. Why is that so?

The reason behind this is that no matter what amount of methods you use to remove contaminations from the water, they will not go away. Their main purpose is to make the minerals less harmful and decrease their build up in the water.

They are more likely to contain a de-scaling technique. The idea you should be getting from this is that no-salt conditioners are much better than water softeners. However, salt-fewer conditioners do not offer high-end benefits like salt-based water softeners.

Advantages of Salt-free Conditioners

Salt-free conditioners offer the following pros:

Disadvantages of Salt-free Conditioners

Here are the disadvantages of salt-free conditioners:

3. Dual Tank Systems

The basic purpose of a dual tank water softening system is to make two regenerating systems available to offer soft water whenever needed.

 If you want to purchase a dual tank system, keep in mind that dual tank systems are bulky and require more space.

4. Portable Units

Portable water softeners are used for smaller tanks. They have a small size, and they can only handle a limited amount of water. What’s more? Portable units often require manual regeneration.

Other than that, portable units are very cheap.

5. Point of Entry P.O.E Units

The best water softener used for providing care for the whole house, the P.O.E. unit. Before water is transferred to all the water taps, it is first softened. Point of entry units is perfect for whole-house systems.

Point of Entry units is a bit expensive than the portable units.  

Important Aspects to Consider Before Purchasing – Buyer’s Guide

So, now you know about the types of water softeners. Your choices must be clear now. Other than choosing the “kind of water softener,” there are some other related aspects to your decision as well. Some thoughts and factors accompany every buying process.

All the factors and considerations related to water softeners are discussed below to help you find the best water softener.

Cost

The price of a water softener depends on its brand, features, size, and type. In clear words, you can end spending thousands of dollars.

After buying a water softener, the next step is the installation. You can prefer to install it yourself, only if you know your way around appliances. However, if you can’t, hiring a team of professionals to install it will cost you at least $500.

Timer-Based or Metered Regeneration

This is entirely your choice. These days, many like to use metered regeneration techniques, known as Demand-Initiated Regeneration.

You must know, some DIR systems contain small tanks to accommodate small regeneration stages. The purpose of this is to decrease the chance of water wastage.

On the other hand, some DIR systems come with two resin tanks – dual tank systems. Some contain such advance technology that can calculate and absorb the number of times you need soft water and work accordingly.

Let’s move on to Timer-based water softeners. The name says it all; regeneration is based on the clock. Regardless of the consumption of water, the regeneration will start according to the time set.

You only get to set the timer-based softeners once, so you have to make sure that you set the correct settings. Timer-based water softeners can cause a lot of water wastage if the intervals are not set properly. If you waste a lot of water, you won’t be left with any. So, be alert.

In the end, the choice is yours. It would be best to consider your requirements in the purchasing process.

What will you do when you go on a vacation? Will your water be still in use? What will happen to the regeneration stages? Consider these aspects and then make a move.

But, just for competition, it is best to use manual water softeners. Metered of timer-based water softeners have a lot of maintenance requirements and follow-up demands, which not everyone can keep track of.

Flow Rate and Size

By the size, you can determine the number of grains a water softener can handle before it regenerates. The capacity of grains can start from 8,000 – 80,000.

Water softening is not something that can be done immediately; it takes some time. The size determines the flow rate, means how many soft water-producing outlets you can use at the same time. The verdict to this is, you have to choose the right size to receive the right amount of water flow.

Do you want to know the process of sizing a water softener correctly? The first step is to determine the hardness rate of your water and figure out the daily consumption of water to add the correct grain quantity.

Advanced Technology

If you want to purchase the best water softener, then you must know how to sense modern technology. You always search for those products that are being used in households for a long time and been in the market for a long time as well. Anything, that is being used for a long time means it is built with strong and reliable technology.

If you want to surf the web to find some reliable water softeners, then you don’t have to do that. Just by reading this content, you can fill your mind with a lot of information, and with the products reviewed in the beginning, you can have your pick.

Digital Functions

A water softener must contain modern technology to have easy operations. A water softener that contains a digital control unit offers an easy setting and operating. Plus, whenever there is an error going around in the unit, a message will be displayed on the screen.

Maintenance

Maintenance is a very important consideration when purchasing water softeners or water filters. It is important to remember, a water softener that requires less maintenance is probably made to last long. With maintenance, the parts of the unit should also be easily attachable and removable.

If your unit lasts longer than you expected it to, this means that it is built from durable technology. Some water softeners have complicated valves and injectors that require a heavy load of knowledge to work with.

If you consider exchanging dialogue with the dealership about the maintenance of the unit, you will know what you are getting yourself into.

Other Components

If your water softener needs a new spare part, it is important to have some alternative components. It can be hard to replace a component of a specific brand that has stopped producing appliances years a long time ago.

Bypass Valve

A water softener that contains a built-in bypass valve is better than going through the troubles of installing a valve yourself. The bypass valve is useful when you have to repair or service the system for a certain period. So, make sure to buy a water softener that contains a built-in bypass valve.

Warranty

Seller

Buying online or from a dealership? That is up to you.

Make sure to ask whatever comes to your mind and stay away from the sellers that pressurize you into making a decision.

Public Regulations

You must know that some local companies do not offer salt-based water softeners. The reason behind this is that salt-based water softeners produce a lot of environmental hazards.

A lot of companies offer salt-free water softeners because they are free from any hazards. Other than being safe to use, salt-free water softeners offer a lot of benefits. So, chose wisely.

The Certification

All of the water-related products are tested from the NSF International organization. This organization contains all the proof needed to buy a good water softener. Other than the NSF, there are some other certification agencies as well that test water equipment.

If the water softener contains a WQA Gold Seal, this means that it is worthy of the purchase. This determines not only the quality of the product but also its preference.

The Company from which you purchase

When buying a good water softener, considering the company is a very vital step.

When you buy from a company, you will receive a warranty card as well. Other services may also come your way like a replacement of the parts.

If the company is good, the controls attached to the water softener must also be commendable. Always buy a water softener from a certified company, because that can be very helpful whenever you need assistance understanding the unit.

Conclusion

Never rush yourself into making a decision while purchasing best water filter. This entire content is posted just for you to make a decision. Some of the best water softeners have been reviewed in the beginning, and each of them offers a lot of features and benefits.

A lot of professionals recommend performing proper research before you purchase anything. It’s essential to be mindful of potential issues, such as problems caused by too much salt buildup in the water softener system.

If any of the mentioned products suit your requirements, lock them up and buy them. The range of products available in the market can rattle a buyer but don’t worry; we are here to guide you.

We have pretty much covered every aspect that might come in the way of purchasing reliable and affordable water softener.

Now Hurry Up and get the best one for you!

Last update on 2024-04-23 at 22:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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