12 Best Water Softeners of 2020 – Reviews of Different Systems and Consumer Buying Guide

The experts at WSR have done a very thorough research into different water softening systems that are currently available on the market and has concluded the Fleck 5600SXT to be the best water softener you can get it 2020. We highly recommend salt-based systems for medium to high hard water level. For slight or moderate hardness levels, you can get by using a salt-free system such as the Nuvo H2O or the Pelican NaturSoft system.

But for Hard water to very high levels of water hardness (i.e. 120-190+ mg/L of minerals), the Fleck 5600SXT has been found to be the most efficient one and would be your safest bet in 2020. Using this softener will ensure enough supply of soft water for a medium household with 3 bathrooms and having 5 to 6 members.

Not only for home, but both Fleck 5600SXt and 7000SXT are highly popular for use in commercial buildings too. The 5600SXT model is a great set-up for 3/4′ or 1″ lines. Great valve too. The 7000SXT is a bit bulkier (130-150 pounds), but bulletproof. This system will treat up to 12 GPM and can work effectively for up to 5-6 bathrooms.

 

Fleck 5600sxt is the best water softener you can get for your home. Fleck is a well known and best brand, which offers home appliances for an extended period. Fleck is a brand which is reputed for offering products that last longer than other brands. They also provide you best performance.

Fleck 5600sxt prevents your household plumbing pipes from getting corroded with hard water. 5600sxt is the best model and it is capable of supplying water for your entire household. You will forget the issues that you had to face due to hard water and will stop worrying about the quality of water you use.

Fleck 5600sxt removes magnesium and calcium ions from water, which is responsible for the water to become hard, and provides you water that is soft and pleasant to taste. You can also use this water for other purposes like bathing, cooking, washing and so on.

The features of this water softener are very satisfactory. The best feature of this water softener is that it has on-demand control valve. The water softener performs more efficiently and in a better way because of this on-demand control valve. This means that the water generated is based on your requirement. It generates water only when you need the water. At other times it does not regenerate water. So, there is no wastage of water.

This model has an onboard capacitor and this helps in maintaining the right time up to 48 hours even when there is power cut. This system has also comes with a digital control head, with touch controls. This provides you the facility to control the functioning of water softener system. This feature makes the system very user-friendly. You find it very easy to use. This feature was not there in the previous models of the system.

The tank is made of a very durable material, poly glass. You get 10 years warranty for the tank by the manufacturer. There is 5 years warranty for the electronics used in this water softener. Fleck 5600sxt has the capacity to supply soft water for a household with up to 6 members. The brine tank that comes with this system has a capacity of 250 lbs. It also has a safety float to prevent overfilling of the tank. It is very simple and easy to install this water softener. You can follow simply follow this guide for installation.

NuvoH20 Manor is a very good water softener. Though there are so many salt-free water softeners available in the market today, this is the best of all of them.
One of the major features of Nuvoh20 is that it doesn’t use salt for softening the water and hence is a salt-free water softener.
The water purified by nuvoh20 is not affected by any adulterants or salt.The manor purification system used in the model helps in lowering the pH level through a chelation process.
Chelation is a process in which all the hard minerals and corrosion causing substances in the water are made soluble so that they cannot stick to the plumbing pipes are appliances. The major advantage of using nuvoh20 water softener is that it provides complete assistance for hard water build up and corrosion. This water softener can be used for households with more than six people and be having a space of 2000 sq.ft.

If your job is such that you need to travel from place to place or offer service in a truck throughout the city, then the ideal water softener for you is Watts RV PRO-1000. The advantage of this water softener over others is that it is portable; so that you can carry it with you wherever you go. So, next time when you go for camping or for any other tasks around the country, carry Watts RV PRO-1000 or M7002 with you and do not worry about hard water.

You can carry this like you carry other luggage with you. It has 8 x 22 size. Another great advantage of this softener is that you don’t have to carry heavy bags of specialized water softener salt as in other water softeners. This is because you can use normal table salt in this system. For every regeneration process you need 2 lbs of salt. The regeneration is very fast with this model. It takes only 20 minutes to complete the process. The installation is also very easy and simple. You can do it yourself. You get test strips with this model, which allows you the facility to test the hardness of water before and after the process of water softening. The weight of this model is about 9 pounds and it is considered as one of the best portable water softeners you can get. The reviews on this model are very positive.

Waterboss 220 is one of the best water softeners and provides you a good supply of soft water for the entire house. It has the grain removal capacity of 22,000 grains. This softener can soften more than 70 grains per gallon of water. It reduces the levels of iron, dirt and sediments in the water to up to 20 microns. If you have a family of up to four members, this model is a good option for you.

Waterboss water softener has a compact design which makes it possible to fit it in a compact space. However, the compact size of this model does not affect its functioning. The manufacturers of this model state that this model can complete regeneration in 18 minutes by utilizing 2.5 salt setting. Since very little time is taken for regeneration process, the water is utilized in very less amount.

Tip: more the time taken by the water softener for softening water more is the amount of water utilized.

You get three years warranty by the company for this model along with the electronics used in this system.

It is easy to install this water softener. You can install it yourself as this model comes with all the necessary things that are needed to fit it. Using Waterboss 220 offers you safe and healthy water.

Morton Salt MSD34C is also a compact model perfect for a small household. It does not occupy much space. It has the ability to supply soft water for the entire house in spite of its compact size. The compact size of this model is because the tank and brine container are combined to form a single unit. This serves both the functions.

This model is one of the most cost effective models you can buy. It utilizes only half the amount of salt compared to other models. Common ion exchange technology is used for softening water in this system. This means that calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged with softness causing ions like sodium. There are tiny resin beads placed in the chamber in this system. As the water passes through this chamber, exchange of ions takes place.

Morton Salt MSD34C has a capacity of about 34,000 grains. So, it may not be suitable for very large households.

Installation of this water softener is not a difficult task. It has all the things required for installing along with the guide. This helps you to install it without any hassle. You can install it within an hour. It has a weight of 91 pounds.

Iron PRO 2 Combination Water Softener is all in one model consisting of water softener and water filter. This system is considered as the best option for the household. It helps in softening the hard water and has a grain capacity of 6400 grains. It also has a fine mesh resin that helps in removing iron from hard water.

It can remove hardness up to 75 gpg. It is also capable of removing iron, manganese, sand, sediments and dust from the water. This makes the plumbing fixtures and the pips to stay in good condition for a longer time. The best feature of this system is that the red staining caused because of iron and magnesium deposits get eliminated.

Fleck 5600SXT digital control valve is used in this model. This valve helps you monitor the water you use. You can regenerate using a little amount of salt and water.

If you are looking for a cheap water softener with various features, Aquasana EQ-SS20 is the right option for you. This model offers you salt free water softening technology called SLOW PHOS.

SLOW PHOS is a patented technology developed by aqua sauna. It helps in conditioning and softening hard water. This prevents plumbing pipes from being corroded. This technology alters the ionic charges of the carbonate crystals responsible for causing hardness of water, and reduces the attraction of ions in water.

Because of the alteration of ionic charges the hard minerals are unable to remain attached to each other or clump to the pipes leading to corrosion. While other salt-based water softeners remove minerals from water, Aquasana EQ-SS20 does not cause demineralization of water. It just adds limited sodium as required. So, this water softener is named as eco-friendly as there is no negative effect on the environment.

Most people who have purchased Aquasana EQ-SS20 are satisfied with its performance and have given positive reviews. It offers you value for the price. In addition to water softeners Aquasana also manufactures Aquasana shower filters.

Aquios full house water softener is another salt-free model for softening water. People around the world have given good reviews for this water softener. This system is a complete solution for conditioning water, filtering water and for removing scales without pressure loss.

Aquios Full House Water Softener is all-in-one unit and very compact. It softens as well as filters water. There is no need for you to program or supply electricity to this model. The cartridge in it has a six-month life and this model is considered as one of the best options for commercial water conditioning. This softener provides you water that is clean and healthy, and devoid of magnesium calcium, chlorine and other pollutants that can cause hardness of water.

Clearwave electronic water softener system is different from other water softeners and is known as salt-free water conditioner.

It is called electronic water softener because in this system electromagnetic waves are used for conditioning water. This model is considered best because it works well for hot water as well as cold water. It helps in getting rid of scales from water. With the use of this water softener system there will be less scales and stains in faucets and toilets.

Eddy electronic descaler is very efficient and prevents magnesium, calcium and manganese from getting deposited to the faucets or bathroom. It has the ability to reduce the effects of the above mentioned salts. As a result, they do not get deposited in the taps. Unlike conventional water softeners, this system does not use extra water or waste water. In this system electromagnetic waves are used for softening hard water.

You do not need the service of plumber to install eddy electronic descaler as it is very easy to install it. No salt is needed t soften water. This model has two coils which are placed around the incoming water supply pipe. Through these coils electromagnetic waves pass to water. This way scaling is prevented.

Eddy electronic descaler is not a water softener. The main function of this model is to prevent scaling deposits on the pipes. If the water is very hard, this system may not work well.

On the Go OTG4 has the capacity to produce twice the gallons of water when compared to standard models. This model is the largest one that comes in compact size in the market. With a capacity of 16000 grains it can supply 40% more soft water. It also regenerates fast, within 30 minutes. You need two boxes of salt to regenerate it.

It has high grade resin of premium quality. The opening through which salt is poured is large, which makes it easy to carry and add salt. It is easy to install and does not require any tools. The compact design of this water softener allows you to store it easily anywhere you choose. If you move from one place to other frequently and you need a water softener with large capacity and which takes less time to regenerate, On The Go OTG4 is the perfect water softener for you.

This water softener is available in four different sizes. If you want to soften water in only one area like the kitchen or bathroom, you can buy a small unit. If you want to soften the water in your whole household, you can buy the largest size. If your area has harder water, make sure to get one with larger capacity.

The digital controls of this system give you the facility to regenerate on a particular day or after the removed sediments have attained a certain level. These controls also allow you to set the flow of water, which means you can control the speed with which the water flows into the softener and gets treated before reaching to different places in your home. US water Aquatrol water softener comes with all the basic electrical and plumbing connections needed for its installation.

This model’s tank comes with a lifetime warranty. The valve and electronics have a warranty of five years. However, US water Aquatrol water softener cannot be used for the removal of magnesium or iron present in hard water. If you do so, it voids all warranties and the unit may break.

You will get any of the following results for the above experiment:

 

Important Note: you should use a water hardness testing kit to measure the water hardness correctly and accurately.

 

If you are searching for a water softener system for your home, you have come to the right spot!

Generally four types of water softening systems are there. Each has its own set of benefits and works awesome. You can pick one depending on your requirements. Here each one is explained with the feature. This will help you choose the ideal system for your home!

Here the water is softened using salt ions. In this system the hard ions are replaced with soft ions like sodium ions or salt ions. The machine has a compartment known as brine tank. For the softener to work efficiently you need to top up the brine chamber regularly.

As mentioned earlier, regular regeneration is needed for this system to work smoothly. This means when the chamber is filled with ions, you need to flush them. The system also includes a timer, meter or manual regeneration. Get the unit with meter regeneration. If you want to pick the best water softener with meter regeneration, Fleck 5600 SXT is the best for you.

 Important Note: 

It is better not to use salt based system if you want filtered water for drinking purpose. This is because the water thus you get may have high levels of sodium in it. This is not good for your health. So, don’t use this water for cooking or drinking.

Recently salt-free water softening system is the trend. However, it is not as effective as the salt based system. But it works great!

The main feature of this water softener is the nanotechnology used in it. Using salt free water softeners does not help in removing calcium and magnesium from hard water. What they do is to chemically change the calcium and magnesium. As a result they do not get collected on the surface and form scale or scum. So, salt-free water softeners do not soften hard water but they condition the water. The minerals are transformed and still remain in the water. With this technology no scale builds up on pipes. So, smooth flow of water is ensured. The nanotechnology leads t a change in the atomic structure of water so that the hardness in water is reduced.

 Important Note: 

They

are not as useful and beneficial as the salt based system. If stronger water softener is what you need, then 5600SXT is the best option!

Magnetic water softeners are small in size and not very expensive. This has made it very popular with people. However the efficiency of magnetic water softener is not as good as that of salt-based systems. Here the softening of water is done with the help of magnetic wires or bars. The magnetic field created by this system changes the atomic structure of water.

In this process the softening is done for a specific time period. For 48 hours the magnetic system paralyzes the hardness of water. After this time period the water becomes hard again.

The reverse osmosis system works rather like a filter than a softening system!

In this system the water is allowed to pass through a thin semi-permeable membrane under pressure. This thin film is so designed that it removes all impurities from the water. It is so thin that only pure water can pass through it. This system consists of a tank that gets filtered water.  The supply of water is shut down once the tank becomes full.

As mentioned above, you cannot say that this system is a pure water softener. If the water you use is causing too much of damage, this machine is not the one for you. But we have one unit that is a filter but also does the job of water softening. I am talking about Fleck 5600SXT with Iron Pro 2.

It is important that you get the right size when you buy a water softener. Salt-based water softener is the best option if you are looking for a long lasting solution. You get salt based water softeners in different sizes. This is how you can determine the right sizes you need for your household.

• Check and determine how hard your water is – water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG). It ranges from 3 to 20 grains. If it is 3 it means the water is relatively soft. If it is 20 it means water is extremely hard. Average hardness of water in United States is around 10. You can check water hardness yourself with the help of a water softener testing kit. Else you can call in your plumber and let him do the testing for you.
• Determine daily and weekly water usage of your household – it is estimated that about 80 to 100 gallons of water is used by a person per day. So, multiply this with the number of people in your home and you will know the water usage per day in your home. This answer multiplied by seven gives your average weekly usage of water.

For example if there are 5 members in your household 5 x 90 = 450 gallons per day is your water usage. Your weekly water usage will be 450 x 7 = 3150 gallons of water.

• Check how many hard water grains are to be removed weekly – for this you have to multiply the daily water usage of your household by the number of grains in hard water. For example 3150 gallons x 10 grains = 31500 grains a week.
• Check the water softener capacity right for your household – You get water softeners with capacities like 15000, 24000, 32000, 40000, 48000, 64000, 80000, and 100000. Now that you have measured the weekly liquid grains that need to be removed, make sure that the number is lower than the water softener capacity that you buy. This is to make sure that regeneration occurs only once in a week.

If you buy water softener that is too small in size, it will regenerate more frequently and this may cost more. If the size is larger than you require, then the initial costs would be higher but it will be regenerating less frequently and this helps in saving money after the initial expenditure.

Now that you have read about the top water softeners you can get in the market, it may not be a difficult task to choose one that suits your requirements and budget. Most of the water softeners listed here are capable of supplying water to the house including basin, shower and kitchen. Other options like reverse osmosis, in-line water filters are also there, which can purify hard water to a great extent. So, analyze carefully your requirements and choose the best product for your house.