Water hardness is caused by high levels of minerals such as magnesium and calcium in your water. Hard water can cause all sorts of problems in your home- from spots on your dishes and glasses to scale buildup on your faucets and showerheads. Not only is this unsightly and inconvenient, but it can also shorten the life of your appliances.
A water softener is a perfect solution for anyone experiencing water hardness issues. By removing the minerals that cause these problems, a water softener can help you get your home back to normal. So, if you're planning to buy a water softner, you should find the best. Here are some of the best water softeners on the market today.
GE GXSH4OV Water Softener
This is a salt based water softener that is described in two ways, smart and efficient. This is a popular whole house water softener that is perfect for anyone with a small to medium sized home. This unit is NSF certified and requires little maintenance.
The GE GXSH4OV water softener uses a smart device that allows you to monitor your water usage and salt levels. This unit also has an efficient design that helps to reduce the amount of water and salt that is wasted. It's also easy to install as it takes only 30 minutes, which is much less time than other water softeners on the market.
One of its unique features is its blending valve which allows you to adjust water hardness to match your needs. Using the digital controller, you can adjust water hardness levels, conserve salt usage, or increase water softness to suit your preference.
Springwell Salt Based Water Softener
Salt based water softeners are the most popular type of water softeners on the market. They are also the most affordable. A salt based water softener works by exchanging sodium ions for hardness ions in your water. This process is known as ion exchange.
A Springwell salt based water softener is the most reliable ion exchange water softener on the market. Springwell salt based water softener softens water through ion exchange. Spring well is a company certified for the use of premium certified components in the manufacturing of their filtration system. This guarantees not just durability but optimum performance.
Hard water often occurs as a result of mineral buildup. This becomes a problem when it comes to your home's plumbing and appliances. Using the Springwell salt based water softener system will extend your household appliance's lives by reversing the damaging effect of corrosion.
With breakthrough innovative technology, the Springwell salt based water softening system head gives you complete control over your system. This system is also equipped with Bluetooth technology, accessible from your phone. As far as water softening systems go, this is a pacesetter in water softening and filtration technology.
GE GXMH31H 31,100 Grain Water Softener and Filter in One
The GE GXMH31H water softener is a 31,100-grain unit that uses quick connect fittings for easy installation. This model also comes with a filter to remove sediment before it enters your home. The LCD display is user-friendly and provides information on the system's status, including when to add salt.
This water softener system is capable of reducing hard water up to 120 grains per gallon and can filter 31,100 grains before regeneration. In addition to softening water to your preferred hardness using a custom blending valve, the GE Water Softener and Filter in One reduces chlorine taste and odor in your water. This makes it the best whole house water filter for a clean water supply.
Aquasure Harmony Water Softener With Fine Mesh Resin for Iron Removal
If you have hard water with high iron content, the Aquasure Harmony Water Softener is the best water softener for you. This system's fine mesh resin removes iron from your water supply up to 8 ppm.
It has the ability to filter water with a hardness of up to 10 GPG. You can choose between 32,000, 48, 000 and 64 000 GPG before regeneration. The regeneration cycle uses 40 gallons of water and lasts 98 minutes. Regardless of the size tank you choose, this water softener has a digital control console that monitors water consumption and regulates the frequency of regeneration.
SpringWell Future Soft Free Water Softener
If you're looking for the best salt free water softener, the SpringWell Future Soft is the way to go. This system uses a catalytic converter to change the hardness minerals in your water into crystals. These crystals are then flushed out of your system through the drain.
The advantage of a salt free water softener is that it doesn't add any salt or chemicals to your water. It's also low maintenance since there's no need to add salt or clean the system. Unlike traditional water softeners, which use salt and sodium, the Future Soft salt free water softening system utilizes a physical process called template assisted crystalization.
As a salt free water softener, this system doesn't soften the water. Instead, it neutralizes it, meaning the minerals are crystallized instead of completely removed. They're still present in the water but in the form of crystals that do not pose a threat to your plumbing and household appliances. Therefore, a water hardness test will not display any improvements.
Springwell future soft salt free water softening system extends the life of your appliances and can be a great aid when it comes to your clogged pipes. If you live in a home with worn out plumbing, this salt free water softening system will work magic in your pipes.
This salt free water softening system crystalizes the hard water minerals, usually calcium and magnesium, without the use of salt and sodium. This means that it doesn't produce any wastewater and never needs to be replaced. The template assisted crystalization technology also requires no electricity, unlike traditional salt softeners. Another great advantage of this best water softener is that it doesn't leave you with a drop in water pressure.
Scale Blaster SB-75 Electronic Water Conditioner
This is the best electric water softener if you want something that will be very effective and will save you money on your energy bills. Installation is simple in comparison with larger conventional salt based water softeners. It requires a coil to be wrapped around the incoming main water line and plugged into a nearby electrical outlet.
Some electric water softeners are only compatible with specific types of water pipes, but the SB-75 can be used with copper, PVC, CPVC, and PEX pipes. Also, note that this type of water softener is also limited in treating water with a hardness up to 19 GPG. It works by sending out an electrical current that alters calcium molecules, preventing them from adhering to pipes and fixtures.
Pelican Advantage Series Salt Water Softener
The Pelican Advantage series salt water softener provides softened water using salt and or potassium. Three phases are involved, including the backwashing phase, the regeneration phase, and the rinse phase. Backwashing is the step where dirt is removed from the water. Although it's acknowledged as a phase on its own, it's a part of the regeneration process.
The regeneration phase involves the introduction of sodium to displace calcium and magnesium, causing the hardness of the water. The water from the regeneration phase is then filtered of dirt in a process called backwashing.
What to Consider in a Water Softener
Before you settle for the best water softener shower head on the market, note that there are certain factors you need to consider in order to make the right decision. These include:
Type
There are three types of water softeners. These include salt based water softeners, salt free water softeners, and electrocmagnetic conditioners. Salt based water softeners are the most popular systems for residential use. However, they do require ongoing attention and maintenance.
Homeowners will need to regularly purchase a supply of sodium chloride or potassium chloride and keep the salt holding tank full for regeneration. Resin media has about a 10-year lifespan, depending on water quality and usage.
Salt free and electromagnetic conditioners don't remove calcium and magnesium particles from the water. Instead, they neutralize the particles to eliminate their ability to stick to plumbing fixtures and appliances. The benefit of conditioned water is that it prevents scale buildup without the need to regularly buy salt and add it to the system.
Capacity
Capacity is also another important factor when choosing a water softener. This is because the unit will need to be able to regenerate often enough to keep up with the amount of water your household uses on a daily basis. Capacity generally ranges from about 28 000 grains for small water softeners to 80 000 grains for heavy duty softener systems. An average water softener for three to four person households is usually in the range of 32,000 to 40 000 grains.
Bypass Valve
A bypass valve is a must-have feature on any quality water softener. This valve allows you to take the unit offline for maintenance without having to turn off your home's water supply. When turned on, the valve will direct the flow from your water pipe past the softener system, enabling you to work on the softener without shutting off water to the whole house.
FAQs on the Best Water Softener
What brand of water softener is best?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different brands offer different features that may be more or less appealing to different people. However, some of the most popular brands of water softeners include Morton, Aquasana, and Fleck.
What is the best water softener for well water?
Aquasure harmony water softener with fine mesh resin for iron removal is the best water softener for well water.
What is the best whole house water softener system?
GE GXSH40V water softener is the best whole house water softener system.
Final Thought on the Best Water Softener
A water softener is an important element to have at home, especially if you live in an area that's prone to hard water. However, when shopping for a water softener, it's important to shop for some of the best water softeners and know about how much does a water softener cost from Culligan to be sure you're getting a quality product.
