Water softeners are an essential part of maintaining a healthy home. You can provide your family with the cleanest, safest water possible with the right system. The best water softener system provides powerful filtration technology that removes hard minerals, chemicals, and other impurities from your water supply.
It provides better-tasting and smelling water and helps protect plumbing and appliances from hard water damage. It can be challenging to decide which water softener system is best for you and your family.
So, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best water softener system.
Comparison Of Best Water Softener System
IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | COST | RATING |
 | On The Go Portable Water Softener | Supplies approx. 40% more soft water than most units, Soft water up to 1600 gallons, Requires no tools or electricity | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | GE GXSH40V Water Softener | Electronic controls with status light indicator, Plumbing connection up to 1″, 30,400 grain capacity | CHECK PRICE | 4.2 / 5 |
 | Whirlpool 40,000-Grain Water Softener | Ideal for households of 1-6 plus people, Removes 10 ppm of clear water iron, NSF certified | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
 | DuraWater 48,000-Grain Water Softener | Upgraded 10% cross linked water softener resin, Upgraded 10% chlorine resistant resin, Brine tank with safety float | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Rheem Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener | Ideal for households of 4 people, Angled tank design for easy loading of salt, Inner tank light for low light conditions | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | GE 31,100-Grain Water Softener and Filter | Up-front electronic controls with status light indicator, Plumbing connection up to 1″, Uses up to 20% less water | CHECK PRICE | 4.2 / 5 |
 | iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Descaler | Electronic usage, 5 Liters volume, Easy installation | CHECK PRICE | 4.1 / 5 |
 | Aquasure Harmony Water Softener | Reduces water hardness, Eliminates scale, spot build up, 5 year manufacturer warranty | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Waterboss 36,400 Grain Water Softener | 10 gpm water flow rate at 15 psi drop, Sedimentation purification method, Consumer friendly controls | CHECK PRICE | 3.5 / 5 |
9 Best Water Softener System In 2023
Here are the best water softener system:
1. On The Go Portable Water Softener
SPECIFICATIONS
- Supplies approx. 40% more soft water than most units
- Soft water up to 1600 gallons
- Requires no tools or electricity
- 3 gpm flow rate
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Provides soft water & prevents hard water and rust stains + Softens and is easy to recharge + Compact and space-saver design + Great portable water softener + Excellent quality + Great for Motorhome + Perfect for RVs + Easy to use | – Requires frequent regeneration |
If you need a small, lightweight, and portable water softener, the On The Go Portable Double Standard Water Softener is the perfect solution for RVs, boats, buses, or any other situation.
The capacity of this water softener is 16,000 grains. However, it compensates with a simple regeneration process completed in less than half an hour.
The On The Go system has a wide open mouth, making regeneration quite effortless. Depending on the hardness level of your water, its high grain capacity delivers between 640-1,600 gallons of softened water between regenerations.
On The Go offers a wide range of attributes that make it perfect for individuals who often take it off and put it back on in different spots. This item features 22 x 9.5 inches dimensions and has a handle on the top for convenient carrying. It comes with a lid & a plug to ensure no leakage in transportation. It utilizes a standard hose connection and requires no tools for installation.
This water softener maintains a flow rate of 3 gallons per minute to provide a shower for a recreational vehicle or a boat. In addition, it comes with hardness test strips, a cradle base, and hose adapters for stable installation.
The On The Go brand offers a more compact & portable water softener featuring a lower capacity. However, I strongly suggest that customers purchase the higher-capacity version.
2. GE GXSH40V Water Softener
SPECIFICATIONS
- Electronic controls with status light indicator
- Plumbing connection up to 1″
- 30,400 grain capacity
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Excellent customer service + Great water softener + No tech support required + Easy to install + Value for money | – Minor issues |
This salt-based water softener uses intelligent technology to monitor your water consumption and regenerate itself when needed. It has 95 grains per gallon maximum hardness-removal capacity and removes 7 PPM of iron.
This softener is an excellent option for those looking for a limited space. It has a compact design. Additionally, it offers superb value for your money with its 40,200-grain capacity.
The device is simple to operate due to the upfront electronic controls. The up-front electronic controls come with a convenient status light indicator that shows how many days are left until it’s empty, so you don’t need to guess when to refill the salt tank.
This product is sent out within two working days and contains a simple guide for installation, which customers claim is simple for anyone to install.
3. Whirlpool 40,000-Grain Water Softener
SPECIFICATIONS
- Ideal for households of 1-6 plus people
- Removes 10 ppm of clear water iron
- NSF certified
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Reduce potential scale problem + Softens water for home + Value for money + Easy to install | – Customer service needs improvements |
Whirlpool’s single tank is a salt-based water softener that upgrades the water quality by eliminating hard minerals from the water source.
Homeowners save money by avoiding the expense of changing plumbing fixtures and appliances because of accelerated wear and tear caused by hard water.
This approach addresses the issue at its core, meaning the hard water does not affect the other plumbing parts. Minimal salt must be in the water during the ion exchange process. The supply should be topped up regularly to guarantee that the salt levels stay consistent.
This specific water softener holds up to 40,000 grains and can recharge through a metered procedure.
4. DuraWater 48,000-Grain Water Softener
SPECIFICATIONS
- Upgraded 10% cross-linked water softener resin
- Upgraded 10% chlorine-resistant resin
- Brine tank with safety float
- 1″ male threaded bypass
- Simple design
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + High-quality softener + Cleans the water nicely + Excellent customer service + Easy to install + Affordable + Effective | – Loud system |
Although this water softener from DuraWater is somewhat expensive, it is an excellent choice for a home with a medium to large family. It holds up to 48,000 grains.
This water conditioning unit utilizes salt and eliminates magnesium, calcium, and small quantities of iron to safeguard plumbing, garments, and hair from the consequences of hard water.
An LCD screen with a touch-sensitive panel regulates the water softener. This enables users to modify the unit’s timed regeneration setup to align with their weekly plans.
The monitor checks the error codes for troubleshooting assistance. The unit weighs 53 pounds and comes with a bypass valve and an instructional guide for those who prefer to do the installation themselves.
5. Rheem Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener
SPECIFICATIONS
- Ideal for households of 4 people
- Angled tank design for easy loading of salt
- Inner tank light for low light conditions
- Light illuminates and flashes for alerts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Proven, industry-leading valve technology for maximum performance + Resin bed agitator keeps resin bed free of contaminants + Value for money + Affordable | – Minor issues |
This specific Rheem water softener maximizes the efficiency of salt usage, water consumption, and the regeneration cycle. Its metered system regenerates when it is necessary.
This salt-based water softener can treat up to 32,000 grains, making it an ideal option for 4 people’s households.
The built-in Rheem Learning Technology learns your water usage patterns and saves money by optimizing salt and conserving water and energy.
It is normal for a salt-based system to add a small amount of salt to the water in return for the minerals with a high density. This water softener comes with a low-salt indicator light, so users know when to refill the salt.
6. GE 31,100-Grain Water Softener and Filter
SPECIFICATIONS
- Up-front electronic controls with status light indicator
- Plumbing connection up to 1″
- It uses up to 20% less water
- 30,400 grain capacity
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Easy-to-read status light indicator + Salt Capacity of 200 lbs + Easy to install + Great quality + Value for money | – Minor issues |
The GE GXMH31H Water Softener allows water softening and filtering in a convenient, streamlined device. This water-softening apparatus can soften up to 120 grains per gallon and process 31,100 grains before regeneration.
When combined with filtration tools, this water softener set-up reduces the mineral concentration in your water supply and enhances the odor and flavor of your drinking water.
The regeneration process may last a substantial period, ranging from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 32 minutes, and necessitate a large quantity of water (54.7 gallons) compared to other softening systems.
The GE Water Softener allows you to customize the water hardness with a blending valve and eliminates any traces of chlorine taste and smell from the water.
7. iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Descaler
SPECIFICATIONS
- Electronic usage
- 5 Liters volume
- Easy installation
- Environmental friendly
- Reliable descaler
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Improves water quality + Its a well-built unit + Great water cleaner + Maintenance-free + Worth the money | – Minor issues |
The iSpring ED2000 water descaler is a cost-effective way of dealing with calcium accumulation and other minerals on appliances, faucets, and shower heads.
Unlike other magnetic water softening systems, this water softener cannot remove heavy minerals from the water. Thus, it results in the fading of clothes at a quicker rate.
This water softener is suitable for easy setup on any pipe, such as PEX and PVC. All it takes is to wrap the two antenna cables around the water pipe from the softener and connect the unit to an electrical outlet.
The softened water stops the limescale development and dissolves the existing limescale, making the house look more hygienic.
8. Aquasure Harmony Water Softener
SPECIFICATIONS
- Reduces water hardness
- Eliminates scale, spot build up
- 5 year manufacturer warranty
- Dedicated US Based support team
- Built for performance & efficiency
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Excellent water softener at an excellent price + Great performer + Easy DIY instructions + Solid product + Good value | – Minor issues |
Aquasure water softener comes with an iron filter. This additional filter benefits household that acquires their water from a well. It reduces the iron and rust marks on fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.
Aquasure’s Harmony set includes a fine mesh resin that can hold onto minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It can filter liquid with a hardness level of up to 110 GPG.
When selecting a water softener, you have three capacity options: 32,000 GPG, 48,000 GPG, or 64,000 GPG. The regeneration cycle requires 40 gallons of water and finishes within 98 minutes.
It does not matter if you select a big or small tank; the Aquasure has a digital control system that keeps track of water usage and adjusts the regeneration rate accordingly.
9. Waterboss 36,400 Grain Water Softener
SPECIFICATIONS
- 10 gpm water flow rate at 15 psi drop
- Sedimentation purification method
- Consumer-friendly controls
- Compact & convenient
- Highly efficient tank
- DIY installation
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Designed for convenience and small spaces + Features a safety shut-off system + Works for city and well water + Perfect for large families + Easy to install | – Customer service needs improvements |
The Waterboss 900 provides an affordable alternative. When it comes to water softener systems, the cost can range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the filtration type and the features. The 10 gpm water flow rate at 15 psi drop helps provide minimal pressure drop to your shower and appliances.
This efficient and inexpensive water softener is small but can still adequately meet the water needs of a family of 3-4 members. It softens up to 90 grains per gallon & reduces 10 ppm of ferrous iron, and filters dirt & sediment.
Waterboss 900 has a 36,400-grain capacity and filters water with a 90 GPG hardness. This small water-softening system has an integrated bypass valve to prolong the life of the media.
It has a safety shut-off system for safe operation and a space-saving tank designed for convenience and small spaces.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Best Water Softener
Before selecting the best water softener, you need to consider certain factors. Here are those factors:
Capacity
Water softener capacity specifies the number of particles the system can filter before a regeneration cycle. It ranges from about 28,000 grains for small softeners to 80,000 for heavy-duty softener systems. An average-sized water softener for 3-4 person households ranges from 32,000 to 40,000 grains.
Area
You need to measure the area where the water softener will be installed. And then compare it to the manufacturer’s installation specifications.
Salt-based and dual-tank water softeners take up a lot of space and are perfect for medium to large homes. Most salt-free water softeners are smaller than salt-based models and are fit for small, medium, & large households.
You can use portable salt-based water softeners for small homes or RVs that favor a salt-based model to remove heavy metals.
Magnetic water softeners take less space & are easy to install. Moreover, these small softeners can be mounted directly on the pipe. They don’t interfere with floor space and are perfect for smaller homes, RVs, or apartments.
Type
Salt-based water softeners are widely used in homes. However, they require regular maintenance and attention. Homeowners should regularly buy either sodium chloride or potassium chloride to keep the salt tank full for the regeneration process. Resin media generally has a 10-year lifespan, but it depends on water quality & usage.
Salt-free & electromagnetic water conditioners don’t take out calcium and magnesium particles from the water. Instead, they neutralize the particles to remove sticking to the plumbing fixtures and appliances. Moreover, water conditioners stop scale build-up.
Bypass Valve
A bypass valve allows for diverting water from the softening system, which can be advantageous in several scenarios. The valve will channel the stream from your water source around the water softener system when activated. It will allow you to repair the softener without cutting off the water supply to the whole house.
A bypass valve may be beneficial when dealing with a water volume where the water quality is not an issue.
For instance, if you are doing activities in the garden, it might be sensible to divert the water away from the softener. This prevents the resin media from straining water unnecessarily. Thereby increasing the time frame until the subsequent regeneration cycle.
Regeneration Cycles
Salt-based water softeners need to be regenerated or refreshed when you add salt or begin a regeneration cycle. You can regulate this by using a metered system or a timed system.
Meter-based water softeners track how much water passes through the softener and regenerate themselves when needed. This setup is perfect for holiday homes or cabins left unused for extended periods, as the system replenishes only itself when required.
Automatic water softeners renew their salt supply at a predetermined interval. These softeners allow the user to determine the regeneration times, but if the intervals are too infrequent, the amount of salt used will be greater than necessary. The pipes could become clogged with hard water deposits if the regeneration period stretches too long.
Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free water softeners don’t soften H2O but condition it by crystallizing mineral ions to stop the scale buildup on pipes. These softeners make use of a template-assisted crystallization system that comprises polymeric beads which contain minuscule nucleation sites.
When heavy minerals stick to certain areas, they form crystals through an equalizing process. Once formed, the crystals don’t bond to anything, so there is no mineral gathering and scaling from hard water.
Salt-free water softeners cost more initially. It lasts for 3 years without electricity or recharging. They are smaller than salt-based systems, so they can be used for small- to large-size houses.
However, it may be difficult for salt-free water softeners to handle very severe cases of hard water and households with an above-average water usage.
Salt-Based Water Softeners
Salt-based water softeners are available in various sizes and can be used in any residence, whether a recreational vehicle or a large house. These water-softening systems use an ion exchange procedure to remove hard minerals from drinking water, such as calcium and magnesium.
During the softening procedure, certain minerals in the water are replaced by sodium ions (salt) as they are pulled into the resin inside the softener. This renders the drinking water in a household safe and balanced, avoiding any harm to plumbing fixtures and taps and preventing one’s skin and hair from drying.
Although salt-based systems do put a small quantity of salt into the water, it is so little that it is usually not detected. A negative aspect of salt-based softeners is that the resin’s positively charged sodium ions will eventually deplete and must be replenished with salt weekly. These water softeners are bigger than the magnetic or salt-free varieties, so they are unsuitable for restricted areas.
Magnetic Water Softeners
Magnetic water softeners are perfect for small spaces, as they sit on a water pipe and take up almost no space. It is not necessary to open the water line for installation, but some models must be connected to a residence’s electrical system.
Even after being installed, the highest quality electronic water softener will function properly without being concerned about unintentionally disconnecting it.
These water-softening systems do not eliminate the high mineral content of the water. Instead, they use an electromagnetic force to remove either the positive or negative ions from the large minerals, thereby neutralizing them.
When the minerals have lost their positive or negative charge, they fail to adhere to each other and remain completely dissolvable in the liquid. Magnetic water softeners are cost-effective for low to medium hard water levels.
Dual-Tank Water Softeners
A salt-powered double-tank water softener is the ideal choice for residences that rely on groundwater. It consists of two resin tanks. While one of the storage containers is undergoing renewal, the other one is still providing drinking water that has been softened to the home.
Dual-tank softeners are not typically required for residential dwellings, and the setup can be complex due to their substantial size. These models cost more than other water-softener systems and need periodic refilling.
Nevertheless, a dual-tank water softener can process more water during each regeneration cycle and will never deplete the softened water supply.
Tips For Using The Best Water Softener System
A newly installed water softener’s salt levels need checking at regular intervals of 4-6 weeks. If there is a decrease in the salt content, the water supply to the house will become hard again.
It is essential to monitor the salt quantity in the brine tank and inspect it for salt build-up that may have occurred over time.
If the resin beads in the water softener are blocked, it can stop it from delivering its intended purpose. These bridges must be cleared to ensure everything is working correctly. Additionally, here are a few other things to consider:
- Choose the right kind of salt by using the user manual. And use the correct salt in the water softener.
- You must flush the resin bed with a water-softener cleaner regularly. This removes iron and other heavy metals from the beads & allows them to regenerate with salt properly.
- Once you clean the unit, properly discard excess salt. You can consider disposing of excess brine by diluting it with equal parts water and stirring vigorously. After that, slowly pour it down into the kitchen sink drain. Then, run the water before and after dumping to ensure that the brine is flushed properly.
Benefits Of Owning The Best Water Softener System
Water softeners are great for homes with light to heavy hard water. Heavy minerals in hard-water tests prevent moisture permeation in skin & hair. This causes color fade in the washing machine. Items that come out of the dishwasher look chalky or spotted.
A water softener eliminates all these problems by preventing heavy minerals from adhering to or going through the water. These hard-water treatment systems:
- Nourish hair and skin
- Clean dishes nicely
- Saves money in the long term
- Brighten & soften clothes
- Reduce time spent in cleaning
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) On The Best Water Softener System
1. What is the best water softener on the market today?
GE GXSH40V Water Softener is the best water softener on the market. It has a high grain capacity and digital controller and optimizes its regeneration schedule during peak water usage.
2. Which is a good water softener?
The WaterScience CLEO Multi Flow Shower filter is a good water softener. It is suitable for hard water as it purifies & conditions water to reduce the effects of hardness and other impurities.
3. How do I know which water softener to buy?
Calculate the average number of gallons that a household uses in a day. Then, multiply the number of people in the home by the average daily gallons (usually around 75). It will help you purchase the perfect water softener for you.
4. Are water softeners worth it?
Yes, water softeners are worth it. They prevent mineral scale buildup inside pipes, fixtures, and water heaters. In addition, they lengthen the life of some appliances. Water softeners prevent mineral spots on glassware and reduce soap films and detergent curds in sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines.
Summary: Best Water Softener System
When choosing a water softener, you must decide between a salt-based system, an ion exchange softener, and a resin media system. Salt-based systems are the most affordable and popular types of softeners.
They consist of a salt container containing a certain amount of sodium chloride. When you turn on the water, the salt mixes with the water and starts to expand. The expanding hot salt particles damage the scale, making them easier to remove and preventing them from forming again in the future.
A resin media system is more expensive and works differently. It contains tiny beads or pellets of hard-to-break-down resin. When heavy minerals enter the water system, the resin slowly breaks down and eliminates the minerals from the water. This system takes longer to regenerate than a salt-based system but produces more.
I hope this article on the best water softener system sounds helpful!
