Best Water Softener For Hard Water (2024 Updated)

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If you live in an area with hard water, you may have noticed that your skin feels dry and itchy after showering, your dishes have spots, and your laundry may not come out as clean as you'd like. Installing a water softener can help alleviate these issues, but with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your needs.

Here are five key points to keep in mind when searching for the best water softener for hard water:

1. Water hardness level: Before purchasing a water softener, you need to determine the level of hardness in your water. This can be done by using a water hardness test kit or having your water professionally tested. Knowing the level of hardness will help you choose a water softener that is capable of handling your specific needs.

2. Type of softener: There are several types of water softeners available, including salt-based, salt-free, and magnetic. Salt-based softeners are the most common, but they require regular maintenance and can be expensive to operate. Salt-free and magnetic softeners are more affordable and require less maintenance, but they may not be as effective as salt-based models.

3. Size: The size of the water softener you choose will depend on the size of your household and your daily water usage. A larger unit will be required for a larger household, while a smaller unit may be suitable for a single person or couple.

4. Regeneration cycle: Most water softeners require a regeneration cycle, which involves flushing out the accumulated minerals in the system. Some models have a timer-based regeneration cycle, while others use a demand-based system that regenerates only when necessary. The latter is more efficient and can save on water and salt usage.

5. Warranty and customer support: Look for a water softener that comes with a warranty and good customer support. This will give you peace of mind in case something goes wrong with the unit.

By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be able to make an informed decision when choosing the best water softener for hard water.

10 Best Water Softener For Hard Water

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1. Kenmore 350 Water Softener: High Flow Valve, Whole Home, Easy Install, Reduce Hard Water & Clear Iron.

The Kenmore 350 Water Softener with High Flow Valve is a whole-home water softener designed to reduce hardness minerals and clear water iron, leaving your home water cleaner and safer to use. With a capacity of 32,000 grains, this water softener can reduce damaging hardness mineral levels up to 90 grains per gallon (GPG) and clear water iron up to 8 parts per million (PPM).

The Kenmore 350 water softener is built with IntelliSoft Technology that adjusts to your water needs, saving you money in salt, water, and energy bills. This system never runs out of soft water, so you can enjoy the benefits of soft water all the time. The space-saving design of this compact whole house water softening system makes it easy to install in tight spaces, making it an ideal and convenient fit for your incoming water line.

The advanced display board of the Kenmore 350 water softener allows you to easily monitor the salt levels and current water flow, ensuring you have a constant supply of soft water. The ultra-cleansing feature of this system has a built-in screen that keeps larger particles of sediment from entering your home's plumbing system, providing protection for your water-using appliances.

The Kenmore 350 water softener has many benefits for your home, including reducing the damage caused by hard water and extending the life of your water-using appliances. It also improves the taste and smell of your water, making it more pleasant to use. It is an effective solution to the problems caused by hard water, such as dry skin and hair, mineral buildup in pipes, and stains on clothes and fixtures.

Overall, the Kenmore 350 Water Softener with High Flow Valve is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce hard water in their home. It is easy to install, space-saving, and cost-effective, making it a smart investment for any homeowner.

2. Ispring Ed2000: Electronic Salt-Free Water Descaler For Whole House, Reduces Limescale And Prevents Build-Up, Not A Water Softener.

The iSpring ED2000 Whole House Water Descaler is an innovative and environmentally friendly solution for hard water problems. This alternative electronic salt-free hard water conditioner is designed to improve water quality without the need for chemicals, salt or maintenance. It keeps healthy minerals in the water while preventing the formation of scale deposits and allowing existing scale to break down.

The reliable descaler is particularly effective in hard water areas with 10-19 grains per gallon. It descales the entire water system and prevents scale buildup in pipes. The average one year payback period reduces energy consumption, making it a great option for those looking for energy-efficient solutions for their homes. It is also ideal for individuals on salt-restricted diets and those who want healthier skin and hair.

The iSpring ED2000 Whole House Water Descaler is an environmentally friendly solution that extends the lifespan of appliances and saves energy. Unlike traditional salt water softeners, the ED2000 does not change the chemistry of the water, ensuring that the water remains safe and healthy.

Installation is easy and requires no plumbing modifications. It works on any pipe, including PEX and PVC. The device is maintenance-free, with a 1-year money-back guarantee and lifetime tech support from iSpring.

In summary, the iSpring ED2000 Whole House Water Descaler is a reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution for hard water problems. It ensures that the water remains safe and healthy while preventing scale buildup in pipes, extending the lifespan of appliances, and reducing energy consumption. Its easy installation, maintenance-free operation, and long-term support from iSpring make it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a healthier and more effective way to improve their water quality.

3. Kenmore 520 Water Softener: Nsf Certified, Reduces Hard Water, Programmable, Easy Install.

The Kenmore 520 31k Grain Water Softener is a fully programmable, easy-to-install 2-in-1 system that reduces hard water in your home. With its NSF International certification, this water softener is designed to remove minerals, barium, radium, and chlorine taste and odor.

This water softener is equipped with a carbon media filter that provides great-tasting water throughout your entire home while reducing hardness up to 100 grains per gallon and clear water iron reduction up to 3 parts per million (PPM). The system cleans itself upon regeneration, eliminating the need for filter changes.

The Kenmore Elite Hybrid Water Softener With Integrated Whole Home Filter is NSF International Certified, ensuring that it meets industry standards for reducing harmful contaminants. The IntelliSoft Technology is built with intuitive technology that adjusts to your water needs, saving you money in salt, water, and energy bills. Plus, you'll never run out of soft water.

The advanced display board is designed to make it easy to monitor your Kenmore Elite's Water Softener's salt levels, water flow, and average daily water usage. This feature ensures that you'll always know when it's time to add more salt or perform maintenance on your water softener.

Overall, the Kenmore 520 31k Grain Water Softener is an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce hard water in their home. With its easy installation, intuitive technology, and NSF International certification, this water softener provides clean, great-tasting water for your entire family.

4. Aquasure Harmony Water Softener – 32,000 Grains, Automatic Control Head, Improves Water Quality For 1-2 Bathrooms.

The Aquasure Harmony Series 32,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener is a professional-grade water softener designed to provide ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire home. This system is perfectly designed for 1-2 bathrooms and is capable of treating up to 32,000 grains of hardness.

Hard water can cause damage to your plumbing and appliances, leading to increased maintenance costs and decreased lifespan of household appliances. The Aquasure Harmony Series effectively reduces water hardness and eliminates scale buildup, protecting your appliances and prolonging their lifespan.

This water softener is rated to remove skin-damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that clog up skin pores and cause irritation. By removing these minerals, you can enjoy cleaner water throughout your home.

The Aquasure Harmony Series features an automatic digital metered control head with a fully programmable backlit digital display. This allows for easy customization of auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and usage. The digital display also allows for easy monitoring and hassle-free maintenance.

Constructed with a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, fiberglass-lined polyethylene tank, durable bypass valve, and prefilled premium-grade resin, every Aquasure Water Softener is of premium quality. Additionally, Aquasure stands behind its products by providing a 30-day money-back guarantee, 5-year extended manufacturer warranty, and lifetime free US-based tech support when you activate your product online within 60 days.

In summary, the Aquasure Harmony Series 32,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to protect their plumbing and appliances from damage caused by hard water. With its automatic digital metered control head and high-quality construction materials, this water softener offers hassle-free maintenance and long-lasting performance.

5. Ecopure Ephs: Salt-Saving Water Softener & Filtration System (Nsf Certified)

The EcoPure EPHS Conditioner is a water softener and filtration system hybrid that offers an effective solution for reducing hard water levels and harmful contaminants in both urban and rural areas. This NSF-certified system comes equipped with Autosense Technology, an exclusive feature that calculates the necessary amount of salt and water required to regenerate the system, resulting in a significant reduction in salt and water usage.

The EPHS is an ideal choice for those living in both urban and rural areas, as it is designed to work with both city and private well water sources. It is capable of reducing hard water levels and harmful contaminants, including lead, chlorine, sediment, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

The EcoPure EPHS Conditioner is easy to set up and maintain, thanks to its intuitive programming controls, low salt indicator light, and compact single tank design. It requires minimal maintenance and provides an easy and effective softening solution for homeowners.

One of the standout features of this system is its salt-saving technology. Autosense Technology calculates the exact amount of salt and water needed to regenerate the system and only uses what is necessary. This results in a significant reduction in salt and water usage, making the EPHS an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for homeowners.

The EPHS is a whole-home system that provides softening and filtration in one. It is NSF-certified to reduce hard water levels and harmful contaminants, making it a reliable and effective choice for homeowners looking to improve the quality of their water.

In conclusion, the EcoPure EPHS Conditioner is a high-quality water softener and filtration system hybrid that offers an effective solution for reducing hard water levels and harmful contaminants in both urban and rural areas. Its salt-saving technology, easy setup and maintenance, and whole-home softening and filtration capabilities make it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to improve the quality of their water.

6. Pro+aqua Portable Rv Water Softener Protects Water Systems From Hard Water Deposits, Corrosion, And Scale. It Has A 16,000-Grain Pre-Filled High-Capacity Resin With A Neoprene Shield, Connectors, And Is Easy To Use.

The PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener is a high-quality solution for RV owners looking to protect their water systems from hard water deposits, build-up, corrosion, and scale. Designed with premium features, this water softener is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while providing efficient and reliable performance.

With a wide 10-3/8" base for maximum stability on uneven surfaces and high flow ports for minimal pressure drop and 5 GPM flow, the PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener offers superior performance compared to other models on the market. Its 16,000 grain capacity provides up to 40 days (2,000 gallons) of softened water depending on your hardness and usage, making it an ideal choice for serious RV/boat owners, carwash detailers, or any outdoor person or professional.

The PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener is also designed for premium value, producing twice the gallons compared to a standard model and offering the best compact RV softener on the market measuring about 10" x 19.5" total size. It can condition both well or city water, reducing calcium, magnesium, iron, lead, radium, and other heavy metals to provide clean and safe water.

Built with high-grade NSF materials, this mini mighty unit will keep on producing great soft water for years to come. The tank inner shell is made of high-grade Polyethylene and reinforced with a durable fiberglass wrap. The Polyethylene inner shell houses the NSF Certified food-grade premium resin. The unit has 3/4" high flow in/out Garden Hose ports with a removable head and comes fully assembled with riser tube and premium top and bottom distributors.

The PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener is also easy to use and requires no tools or electricity to operate and get started. The standard garden hose connections allow it to easily connect between the park faucet and your RV, Boat or Pressure Washer. The unit comes fully assembled, charged, and ready for use. Additionally, it regenerates in under 30 minutes, with 2 boxes of table salt, to get you back on the open road.

Overall, the PRO+AQUA Portable RV Water Softener is a top-of-the-line solution for RV owners and outdoor enthusiasts looking to protect their water systems from hard water deposits, build-up, corrosion, and scale. With its premium features, top capacity, and built-tough design, it is the ideal choice for anyone looking for the best mobile softener on the market.

7. H2oelitelabs Ewc-Max I: Electronic Water Conditioner And Descaler For Whole House Protection Against Limescale Buildup, Salt-Free Softener Alternative.

The H2oEliteLabs EWC-Max I Electronic Water Conditioner is an innovative solution for protecting your home's plumbing system from the damaging effects of lime scale and calcium hardness buildup. This compact device helps improve water efficiency in washing machines, coffee makers, heating elements, and irons, among other appliances.

Unlike traditional water softeners that use salts or chemicals to eliminate minerals like calcium and magnesium, this whole house water descaler system prevents mineral particles from sticking together and forming scale deposits. This chemical-free and maintenance-free technology is eco-friendly and doesn't require harsh cleaners for descaling toilets, faucets, and showerheads.

The H2oEliteLabs EWC-Max I Electronic Water Conditioner is an excellent alternative to salt-based water softeners, as it doesn't remove beneficial minerals from the water. Instead, it protects the entire plumbing system, including showers, sinks, faucets, pipes, and hot water heaters. This system is suitable for indoor use in homes up to 5,000-sq. ft., and it can handle up to 35 gpg (grains per gallon) or 598 ppm of calcium hardness.

The installation process of this system is straightforward and can be done on any type of pipe, including Copper, PVC, CPVC, and PEX, with a diameter of up to 1.25 inches. Depending on the scale buildup and age of your pipes, as well as the grains per gallon of your water, it can take up to 90 days to have noticeably cleaner pipes.

In addition to protecting your home's plumbing system, the H2oEliteLabs EWC-Max I Electronic Water Conditioner also saves time, money, and water. With higher water efficiency, it results in lower water usage, especially in larger appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

In summary, the H2oEliteLabs EWC-Max I Electronic Water Conditioner is an excellent salt-free hard water softener alternative that protects your entire plumbing system and improves water efficiency. Its eco-friendly and maintenance-free technology eliminates hard water material buildup without the use of harsh chemicals or salt, making it an excellent investment for any homeowner looking to protect their plumbing system and save money on water usage.

8. High Efficiency 48,000 Grain Digital Whole House Water Softener System With Pre-Filled Mineral Tank And Cation Resin For Everyday Water Softening And Home Water Filtration.

The Tier1 Digital Whole House Water Softener System is a high-efficiency solution to hard water problems. This complete water softener system includes a brine tank, pre-filled mineral tank with 1.5 cubic feet of Cation Resin, control valve, 3/4 inch water line connections, brine tubing, drain line, and mechanical components necessary for the standard installation to pre-installed water softener connections. Homes plumbed with PEX or CPVC supply tubing may require the use of compression fittings, such as the Sharkbite brand, purchased separately.

One of the key features of this water softener system is the digital meter head control valve. The LCD display and electric plug-in make it easy to operate and provide improved features compared to the Fleck 5600SXT. This system is designed to improve water quality throughout your entire home, protecting fixtures, pipes, and appliances from harmful scale. It prevents damage from hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium buildup and enhances the effectiveness of soaps and detergents to keep skin soft, hair shiny, and laundry bright.

The Tier1 Digital Whole House Water Softener System is also designed with a smart space-saving design. Its unique precision turbine meter is incorporated in the system bypass valve, saving over 4 feet of floor space. The mineral tank is 10 x 54 inches, and the brine tank is 15 x 34 inches.

Installation of the system is relatively straightforward, and all necessary components are included. However, homes with PEX or CPVC supply tubing may require additional compression fittings, which are available for separate purchase.

Overall, the Tier1 Digital Whole House Water Softener System is an excellent solution for homeowners looking to improve the quality of their home's water supply. With its high efficiency and smart space-saving design, this water softener system is an ideal choice for families looking to enjoy softer, better-quality water throughout their entire home.

9. Pureaction Shower Head Filter For Hard Water With Chlorine & Fluoride Filter, High Pressure Rain Showerhead, 2 Replaceable Filters For Dry Skin & Hair.

The PureAction Water Softener Shower Head Filter for Hard Water is a highly effective and innovative solution for those looking to improve their shower experience. This filtered shower head removes chlorine, fluoride, chloramine, and softens well water by filtering up to 99.9% of rust iron, heavy metals, calcium, and sediments. It is an excellent investment for those living in areas with hard water, as it takes care of your shower and revitalizes your body, hair, skin, and nails.

The PureAction Water Softener Shower Head Filter for Hard Water is designed to reduce dry, itchy skin, dandruff, and eczema. Its unique filtration system removes harmful chemicals and minerals that can cause skin irritation and hair damage. With its advanced technology, it also helps to balance the pH level of your water, making it gentler and more nourishing for your skin and hair.

One of the standout features of this water softener shower head is its ability to save water without sacrificing output pressure, even at weak or low flow water pressure conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a hotel spa shower experience. The PureAction Water Softener Shower Head Filter for Hard Water is easy to install and comes with three settings: rain, power rain, and massage. It easily connects to any standard wall-mounted and fixed showers in minutes, making it a hassle-free solution for anyone looking to upgrade their shower experience.

As a premium gift and bonus, the PureAction Water Softener Shower Head Filter for Hard Water set includes two free replacement cartridges, Teflon tape, a luxury gift box, and a one-year warranty. For those who need replacement filters, they can be easily purchased by searching for B07D99ZB4V. For those who buy together, they can get 30% off immediately.

Overall, the PureAction Water Softener Shower Head Filter for Hard Water is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to improve their shower experience. With its advanced filtration system, water-saving technology, and easy installation process, it is a must-have for those living in areas with hard water. Whether you are looking for a revitalizing shower experience or want to reduce the harmful effects of hard water on your skin and hair, the PureAction Water Softener Shower Head Filter for Hard Water is the perfect choice.

10. Aquasure Water Softener With Digital Head And Triple Purpose Whole House Water Filter (64,000 Grains)

The Aquasure Harmony Series is a professional-grade water softener that is perfectly designed to cater to households with 4-6 bathrooms. This water softener delivers ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire home.

The Aquasure Water Softener is rated to treat 64,000 grains of hardness, effectively removing skin-damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that clog up the skin pores and cause irritation. Additionally, the Triple Purpose Sediment/GAC/Zinc Pre-Filters effectively remove 99% of water contaminants such as chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, bad odors, taste, soil, silt, sand, rust, heavy metals, and sediment.

The Aquasure Water Softener not only provides ultra-softened water but also protects your appliances by reducing water hardness and eliminates scale buildup while preventing damage to your plumbing and prolonging the lifespan of household appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, etc.

The Aquasure Water Softener comes with an automatic digital metered control head, which is fully programmable with a backlit digital display. This feature allows you to easily customize your auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and water usage, making it easy to monitor and maintain.

Every Aquasure Water Softener is constructed with a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, stainless steel, durable bypass valve, and prefilled premium-grade resin. Besides the 30-day money-back guarantee, Aquasure stands behind its products by providing a 5-year extended manufacturer warranty and lifetime free US-based tech support when you activate your product online within 60 days.

In conclusion, the Aquasure Water Softener is perfect for households with 4-6 bathrooms, providing ultra-softened water and protecting appliances from damage. Its automatic digital metered control head enables easy customization and hassle-free maintenance, making it the perfect water softener for any household.

Best Water Softener For Hard Water FAQs

Can a water softener be installed in a home with extremely hard water?

Yes, a water softener can be installed in a home with extremely hard water. In fact, it is recommended to install a water softener in homes with hard water to prevent damage to appliances, prolong the lifespan of plumbing systems, and improve the quality of water.

However, it is important to choose the right type and size of water softener for the specific needs of the household. A professional plumber or water treatment specialist can assess the water hardness level and recommend the appropriate water softener system.

Additionally, it is crucial to properly maintain the water softener system by regularly adding salt and cleaning the resin tank to ensure optimal performance. With proper installation and maintenance, a water softener can effectively remove minerals and other contaminants from hard water, providing a significant improvement in the quality of water in the home.

How do I know which water softener is best for my home's hard water?

To determine which water softener is best for your home's hard water, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the size of your home and the number of people living there. This will help determine the capacity of the water softener that you need. You should also consider the level of hardness in your water and the type of minerals causing the hardness. This information can be obtained through a water test. Additionally, you should consider the type of water softening system that you prefer, such as salt-based or salt-free. Salt-based systems are typically more effective but require maintenance and regular salt refills. Salt-free systems are generally less effective but require less maintenance. Finally, you should compare various brands and models, looking at factors such as efficiency, durability, and warranty. Consulting with a professional plumber or water treatment specialist can also provide valuable insights into selecting the best water softener for your home.

How much does it cost to install a high-quality water softener for hard water?

The cost of installing a high-quality water softener for hard water can vary depending on several factors. On average, the cost can range from $500 to $2500, including installation fees. However, the cost can be lower or higher depending on the size of the unit, the type of technology it uses, and the complexity of the installation process.

A basic water softener system can cost around $500 to $1000, while a more advanced system with additional features can cost upwards of $2500. The cost of installation can range from $200 to $600, depending on the complexity of the installation and the location of the unit.

It is essential to get a professional assessment of your water hardness levels and specific needs to determine the best system for your home and budget. Additionally, it is important to consider the ongoing maintenance costs of the system, such as salt or potassium chloride refills, to ensure that you can afford to maintain the system over time.

What are the key features to look for in a water softener for hard water?

When looking for a water softener for hard water, there are several key features to consider. Firstly, the capacity of the softener should be appropriate for the size of your household and the level of water hardness. The regeneration process of the softener should also be efficient and effective, using the right amount of salt and water. It is important to choose a softener that uses a reputable brand of resin, which is responsible for removing the hardness minerals from the water. The control valve should be easy to operate and programmable to suit your needs. Additionally, the warranty and maintenance options should be considered, as well as the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance. With these features in mind, you can select a water softener that is effective, efficient, and affordable for your household's needs.

What are the top-rated water softeners for hard water?

There are several top-rated water softeners for hard water available in the market. Among them, the Fleck 5600SXT is considered the best overall due to its efficient performance and user-friendly features. It has a digital control head that allows for easy customization of settings and monitoring of water usage.

Another popular choice is the GE GXSH40V, which has a high capacity of up to 40,000 grains, making it suitable for large households. It also features a smart water softening system that can adjust to the water usage patterns of the household.

The Aquasana EQ-1000 is another top-rated water softener that uses a salt-free technology to remove hard water minerals. It is eco-friendly and requires minimal maintenance.

The Waterboss 220 is another popular option that is compact and easy to install. It has a high flow rate and can soften up to 70 grains per gallon, making it suitable for small to medium-sized households.

Overall, the best water softener for hard water depends on factors such as the size of the household, water usage patterns, and personal preferences. It is important to consult with a professional to determine the best option for your specific needs.

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