Best Water Softener Reviews 2019
Top Rated Systems & Comparisons
The Good, The Bad & the Ugly
So you’re looking for a water softening system for your home or RV? Finding something that can improve your water situation?
Then you’ve come to the right place. Check out our review of the best water softening systems that we have today!
Water Softener Comparison - Top 10 Water Softener Reviews 2019
MODEL | DETAILS | OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
 FLECK 5600SXT | 4.8
out of 5
| |
 MORTON | 4.5
out of 5
| |
 FLECK 7000 | 4.8
out of 5
| |
 FLECK IRON PRO 2 | 4.8
out of 5
| |
 GE | 4.0
out of 5
| |
 NUVO H20 | 4.5
out of 5
| |
 AQUASANA | 4.0
out of 5
| |
 EDDY ELECTRIC | 4.3
out of 5
| |
 WATTS RV SOFTENER | 4.3
out of 5
|
Hard water is fine to drink, but it is well known for its negative side effects when used throughout your home, and because of this, Deciding to add a water softener system to your home is an easy decision to make because it does have plenty of health benefits that regular H2O just doesn’t. Over time, many people have gone out to share their experiences after making the upgrade to their filtering or softner systems.
A not-so-easy decision to make is: how the heck are you supposed to find and choose the best water softener system?
There are many different systems out there, and they work in different ways to remove hard water from your pipes. To make matters worse, you then have to choose between many different brands, sizes, features, and price ranges. This is why we have taken the time to review all the different brands, products, models that we have today. Our main goal is to help out regular buyers when it comes to their water softening needs. As we all know, this kind of technology is now a necessity rather than a luxury for the average homeowner. So, with all that said, are you ready for what’s to come?
Is anyone else confused?!
Our aim here at the Water Softener Critic is to help you find the right water softener system for you; which will also be the best performing system for your house and circumstance. Take a look at some of our in-depth water softener reviews below...
How Does a Water Softener Work?
In order to understand how a softener system works, you must first understand what hard water is.
Let’s start with the following 3 important questions:
What Is Hard Water?
Why Is Hard Water Bad?
When you Run hard water through your pipes, eventually, How Can I Find Out How Hard My Water Is?
Types Of Water Softener Systems
There are 4 different types of water softener available for you to purchase in your home, which are whole house systems (for shower head water softeners, visit this page), shower heads, faucet, and a bunch more. These products are such important for a home because it includes the health of everyone living in it. Softened water is such a necessity these days especially with how the supplies are running out everywhere and clean drinking water is so critical to survival. Millions of people die each and every day because of this issue, and buying these kinds of products surely solve the problem at hand. If you are still unsure about the benefits of these products then you can just read on to find out more about the importance of these devices.
The reason they are different is because they soften hard water in different ways. Some system types may be ideal for your home, and some may not. This water softener system reviews page will go through all the top brands that currently exist and we will give you all the details of their specialties. So, sit back, relax and we’ll give you a run down of all the information about each type of system.
The 4 water softening system types are...
- Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Salt Based Systems
- Salt-Free Systems
- Magnetic Systems
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The Reverse Osmosis System
This type of system uses pressure to push hard water through a special membrane that removes impurities. In simple terms, water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane, and only pure H2O goes through. This treatment process is getting quite popular these days as it is among the top ways to clean whatever it is that goes through your pipelines. People that have used this process for a long time will attest how effective it is and how helpful it has been for its users as well. You will be left with only a pure drink in hand once you start using the reverse osmosis system.
The hard water impurities don’t make it through, and thus, are not in your water supply. That is why we have decided to compile our very own water softeners reviews page. Hopefully, this page will be able to guide you through the challenge of finding the right product for your home. We definitely know how tough it is to choose one from the horde of quality products that you can find on the internet. So, let’s get into more about the ROS types to expand our knowledge on what will fit our needs best.
This softener system works to fill a tank with softened H2O, and then it shuts off until more liquid is needed.
We recently revealed the best reverse osmosis water filters as rated by thousands of customers, however, please don’t confuse an RO system with a kitchen faucet water filter unit, which is much smaller, cheaper but is also less efficient.
Reverse Osmosis systems are actually water filters rather than water softeners, so if you’re looking for a water softener (to reduce hard water) DO NOT choose this type of system.
Often referred to as ‘water filters‘ so they differ from a water softener in a number of ways. If you would like to check out some of the best water filters, visit this page for water filter reviews. Alternatively, for a quick, low cost option, try out a water filter pitcher (read our guide on water filter pitchers here)
PROS
- No Additives (e.g. salt) are required
- In-expensive
- Low running costs
- Compact in size
CONS
- Also removes the beneficial nutrients in the tap
- Not as effective at reducing hardness
Salt Based Systems
Without getting too technical: this type of softener system uses a process where by hard-water ions are exchanged for soft-water ions. The soft water ions in this case are sodium (salt) ions, so you’re required to have a salt chamber (brine tank), which you need top up occasionally for the system to work. After reviewing the whole softening system, we do not recommended it for drinking water as there are high levels of sodium in the softened water, however it’s possible to use this system and leave certain taps (usually one or two) with hard water, for cooking and drinking. The best performing systems are made by FLECK – you can see reviews of their top 3 units right here. They have many different products ranging from the cheapest, most effective, durability and some of them are best-rated ones in the market. You might even be able to find a discount through the internet for that brand.
Salt Based Systems are the one of the EFFECTIVE type of systems when it comes to removing hard water. Based on our countless reviews, there is better for treating hard water than this system.
These systems require a regular ‘regeneration’, which is when all of the hard water irons have built up in the chamber and need to be flushed out. This process is what makes this type of softener such an effective tool for your home. With a clean tap, your health will surely improve over the course of a couple of months. That is something that you really can’t put a price on. Like what the old saying goes “Health is wealth”.
There are 3 common regeneration systems available today: timer regeneration, meter regeneration, and manual regeneration. Meter generation means the your water softener will regenerate (recharge) based on your usage, and hence is the most hands-off and most popular!
In 9/10 cases, using a salt based system is the best choice for effectively dealing with hard water issues. Click here to find out more about the ongoing debate between salt-based systems vs. salt-free systems.
PROS
- Will reduce hard water problems 100% of the time
- Will save you money in the long term
- You will see the maximum benefits of soft water (e.g. soft skin, easier to clean etc)
- Most good models are 'set and forget' meaning little to no maintenance
CONS
- Are usually large machines - you will need some space to have it installed
- A drain is required nearby (so the brine tank can discharge)
Salt Free (Salt-Less) Systems
Salt free systems are very popular today, however you should always remember that nothing is as effective as a salt-based system, no matter what the manufacture claims!
These systems involve a very complex process whereby nano-technology is utilized and two things happen:
(1) Existing scale and matter build up in your pipe (which comes from hard water) is removed.
This is great because all of that build up adds to the hardness of water running through your pipes. In addition, when using this type of softener, scale and matter build up will no longer take place.
(2) The water’s atom structure is altered in a way which greatly reduces the hardness of the liquid.
One of the great brands that we have reviewed in the salt-free industry is Aquasana – check out some of their models here. They have a lot of top-rated water softeners.
Salt-Free systems are a great choice for you IF your tap is not extremely hard. There are differing opinions in the market about how effective they really are at reducing hard water effects.
PROS
- No need for additives (i.e salts) so running costs are lower + maintenance is easier
- Removes existing scale in your plumbing system
- 100% environmentally friendly
- No drain required for installation
CONS
- Does not eliminate all hardness
- Not suitable for water over 8 GPG's in hardness
Magnetic Systems
These systems are becoming popular because they are very small and inexpensive, but again, there effectiveness at doing the job (of softening hard water) is questionable.
Magnets, or wires (which alter the liquid structure) are placed around your pipes- and magnetic fields in turn soften your water. Its hardness becomes ‘paralyzed’ for up to 48 hours, however it reverts back to hard water after this time.
These systems are only recommended if your water hardness is medium – low
PROS
- No need for additives (i.e salts) so running costs are lower + maintenance is easier
- Easy to install yourself
- No drain required for installation
CONS
- Not a permanent solution as the liquid reverts back to its previous condition after 48 hours
- Not suitable for water over 8 GPG's in hardness
- Effectiveness in softening hard liquid is debatable.
So Then, What Size Softener Do I Need?
As we have outlined in our review above , a salt-based system is the most effective at softening hard water, so if you’re looking for a real, long lasting solution, choosing a top-rated salt-based system such as this one will solve all your problems.
Salt-based systems come in different sizes. Let’s work out the right size for your household – run through the following steps:
Determine The ‘Hardness' Of Your Water
The average hardness of water in the united states is at a level of 10.
Determine Your Daily & Weekly Household Water Usage
The average person uses an average of 80-100 gallons of water per day. Simply take this average number, and multiply it by the number of people living in your home.
E.g. if you have a family of 4, that’s 4 x 90 = 320 gallons per day,
320 x 7 = 2240 gallons per week
Determine How Many Hard Water Grains You Need To Remove Weekly
Multiple your daily house water usage by the number of hard minerals.
E.g. 2240 gallons x 10 Grains =22 240 grains per week (that need to be removed)
Find The Right Water Softener Capacity
Water softeners generally come in the following capacities: 15 000—24 000—32 000—40 000—48 000—64 000—80 000—100 000
Now all you have to do is ensure that your weekly hard liquid grains to be removed number does not exceed your water softener capacity.
This is to ensure regeneration does not occur more than once weekly
So, for the example above (22 240 grains/week) a 24 000 capacity softener would be the best fit, but it would not hurt to go up to a 32 000 capacity softener (as an example, you may have guests staying over and your water usage will increase)
Buying a size too small will lead your system will be regenerating more often which will cost you more.
Buying a size larger than you need will cost you more initially, BUT will save you money in the long run (as it will regenerate less frequently)
Why Should I Use a Water Softener?
The vast range of cost and convenience related benefits you'll see around your home is just too great to ignore. Get excited, because you'll be benefiting from the following advantages:
#1 No More Lime Scale - A water softener system prevents lime scale—white, chalky residue from calcium carbonate minerals in water—from forming on dishes, glasses, and cutlery, making them feel and look cleaner.
#2 'Softer' Feeling - The feel of softened water on skin and hair has a noticeable difference from hard liquid, with soft water feeling smoother, softer, and cleaner for your entire household. You will notice a huge difference once you make the switch.
#3 Cost Savings on Soap Use - With a water softener, even a small amount of soap will lather very quickly, helping you save time when bathing and helping cut back soap costs by as much as 70 percent.
#4 Spend Less Time Cleaning - Any liquid treated by a water softener eliminates the formation of soap curds, making cleaning with detergent faster and more efficient. Less time in front of the sink and more time for yourself!
#5 The Ability To Use Chemical Free Soaps - Having soft water makes it possible to use chemical-free soaps and laundry detergents. The use of chemicals ensures these soaps will form a rich lather, counteracting any minerals found in hard liquid. With soft water, this is no longer an issue.
#6 Everything Feels Softer - Water softeners also make fabrics feel softer and smoother, eliminating the problem of hard minerals being trapped in the threads, which in turn helps fabrics last longer. Whites also stay white with soft water, eliminating the graying minerals found in hard liquids.
#7 Your Appliances Will Last Longer - Water softeners improve the performance and lifespan of appliances such as dishwashers, coffeemakers, washing machines, water heaters, and ice-makers among others. These appliances also stay more efficient in its top condition with soft water running through its systems, reducing energy consumption by more than 25 percent.
Our Picks For The Best Water Softeners Systems- Water Softener Reviews & Water Softener Ratings
Here are our picks for the best rated water softener systems – we’ve included a system from each category on our review (e.g. salt based vs salt-free) however we always suggest a salt-based system if your water hardness is over 8 GPG’s.
4.7 out of 5
The best water softener - the Fleck 5600 SXT
Fleck is a big player in the water softener market, and this system is one of their most popular choices - it's a best-seller system for medium to large households, and its easy to see why. They have many different models and products that are on sale, you will be able find cheap, and maybe even discounted ones if you look hard enough. Fleck surely is one of the best-rated brands on the market today.Full disclosure - this is our favourite out of all the top-rated water softening systems!It's a salt based system, which is the best method for truly softening hard water. A great performing, smart water softener system, that can handle VERY hard water - piece of cake.
4.7 out of 5
Another popular system made by Fleck, the Fleck 7000 water softener has a 64,000 grain capacity and is therefore a powerhouse softening system - much the same as the Fleck 5600 SXT but made for larger households. This is a very efficient machine that will guarantee you a softer and cleaner tap as soon as you install it.
Consider this top-rated system if you have a large household, you use lots of water, or even for light commercial applications. Comes with a handy by-pass valve, and a smart computer system to make sure you keep costs down when usage goes up. Surely, one of the better products in the market.
4.7 out of 5
Another popular system made by Fleck, the Fleck 7000 water softener has a 64,000 grain capacity and is therefore a powerhouse softening system - much the same as the Fleck 5600 SXT but made for larger households. This is a very efficient machine that will guarantee you a softer and cleaner tap as soon as you install it.
As the name suggests, the Watts RV pro is a system made for RV’s – it’s a portable system so you can take it with you no matter how badly you hard the water is. It is regarded as one of the most highly-recommended brands right now that is available on the market and we would agree with that statement.
This is a manual regenerating system and it does lack a few features, however the compact size and power more than makes up for it. Not ready to invest in a permanent whole house system yet? give this a try!
4.2 out of 5
Typically referred to as a ‘water softener alternative’ but in actual fact, its really a magnetic-based water softening system.
Easy to install, very small, and maintenance free. The Eddy Electric Water Descaler is cheap (when compared with other softening systems) and comes with a warranty, and money back guarantee.
Not suitable for every household, and there are very mixed customer reviews, so make sure you check out our review before purchasing to see whether its the best for your household.
Read our in depth review of the Eddy Electronic Eater Descaler water softener
4.5 out of 5
The Nuvo H20 manor complete salt-free water softening system is has received some great customer reviews, and offers many solid benefits. Having said that, the Nuvo H20 deserves a spot on our list for being such a good product.
As we keeps saying, salt free systems are the best option, however this salt-less system has some benefits that are good to overlook; besides the customer reviews, it comes with an iron-clad money back guarantee and a huge warranty, so if you’re in the market for a salt free system, be sure to read more about this top-rated product.
Read our in depth review of the Nuvo H20 salt-free water softener
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed learning about the best water softeners. If you would like to read reviews, ratings or just see some more water softener comparison information, view the table at the top of this page (the ’10 best water softeners’) or visit our reviews page here below.
So, now you know how important having water softeners really is, and how much it can affect our health especially in the long term. Most people do not realize this issue, but once they do and have made the change to an improved water filtering system then there is no looking back after that. It’s just so much better when it comes to taste as well as health benefits. We truly hope that you make change as well to experience the real benefits on these amazing products.
For information on water softeners, including tips on how to get the most out of your system, check this page out.