The 7 Best Water Softener Systems of 2020 (Reviews)

The Best option for handling water hardness has been a Water Softener for a long time. Here we have listed Best Water Softener Reviews of 2020, and they have been evaluated by performance, salt consumption, water usage.

Our Top Recommendation is the Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Softener.

This system has been in the top rankings for a very long time (since 2017), and people are still loving it! Best known for it’s efficiency, easy handling, and the warranty!

Softeners can reduce the after-effects of hard water, which is visible on different water using appliances, clothes, utensils.

The 10 Best Water Softeners of 2020

The hardness causing minerals are calcium and magnesium. While the softening process takes place, the hard minerals are replaced with sodium ions. This complete process is termed as ion exchange process, in which the hardness causing elements are replaced.

The Top recommendations for Softener systems are given as follows:

1. Best: Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener

The purpose of using water softeners is to reduce the hardness of the water. And this is done by removing the hardness causing elements like magnesium and calcium from the water. If you find buildups formed on the surface of water-dependent systems, then this is a sure sign of hardness in water.

Hardness is also visible when you notice a decrease in the efficiency of the soap. Talking about this Fleck 5600SXT, it contains high capacity resin, and this results in efficient performance and long life of the water softener. This USA made softener is mainly a poly glass tank.

Fleck 5600SXT is Best for:

This softener is best suitable for a family of 6 persons. Any level of hardness can be treated using this Fleck system, so if you have got a high level of hardness, then get one Fleck asap!

Fleck 5600SXT less preferable if:

If you have less number of people at your place, then it won’t be a good choice. This is because the softener is huge, and heavy-duty one. So make sure that you opt for the system, which suits well for a household like the one you have got.

The method adopted here is ion exchange process, where the calcium and the magnesium ions are removed, and they are mainly replaced with sodium ions. Thus the resulting water will be salty in nature.

Here checking out the programming part, it works by different cycles. There is another process called regeneration.

Now, the Fleck uses Meter-Based regeneration. In this type, regeneration is only performed when there is the need of it. Otherwise, it won’t perform the process on its own.

Even though it is costly we found it all worth the working and the performance of this water softener. This makes it less accessible to all the users, and those who are willing to spend any amount can get the benefits undoubtedly!

SXT is the latest of all the Fleck controllers and comes with great warranty feature. The tank which is used here come with a ten years warranty! What else can you ask for? We only got to say, Go For It!

2. Budget Pick: Eddy Water Descaler Electronic Water Softener

Eddy acts greatly on limescale buildups, and this product is a bit different on the functionalities part. In the name itself, you will find Descaler, and the simple definition of it is to remove the scales found on the surface of different appliances.

Here the installation part is easy, only the metal and some plastic pipes are to be joined. It works on the water in such a manner that the TDS level is not altered, and only the water is softened here. Also, you won’t require any plumbing work to be done.

Eddy Water Descaler is Best for:

If you wish to get the buildups removed, then this water softener is the best solution out of all. Also if you don’t want to spend any penny on purchasing salt, then you can’t get anything better than this descaler system. Also, it helps with retaining essential minerals back in the water.

Eddy Water Descaler less preferable if:

If you are looking out for a water softening product, then this won’t work for you. That is because, Eddy Descaler is not a softening system, and this is mentioned in the product description as well. It acts on the scale buildups, and not on the hardness of the water.

This descaler also does not require any salt for the working and helps in cutting an incredible amount of cost which is incurred using salt-dependent water softeners. The main role played here is by the electromagnetic wave produced between the two coils.

Water is being subjected between these coils, and the changing electromagnetic do the main softening work. This helps with removing limescale buildups, and also make sure that the surface does not get affected later as well.

Another point to note here is that TDS is not altered. Thus the benefits of the calcium and other minerals are maintained back in the water.

This complete setup is compatible with all kinds of water pipe, except for the lead and the iron pipes. This product can be easily set up in your residence as well as workplace area. Eddy Descaler has been running in the market for more than 15 years now.

This product has been performing well lately, and also the users love it. There are people who still are confused about the purpose of this descaler, and we have to say it does not soften the water! Instead, they are used to change the affects of the hard water on different appliances.

3. Portable Pick: Watts RV PRO-1000 Portable Water Softener

You might have got pretty good information from the name of the product itself. RV is for the recreational vehicle, and the water softener is also portable in nature. Thus, if you are looking out for some portable softeners for traveling, then this Watts RV is the best choice you can make!

Watts RV Pro-1000 the Best for:

The main consideration is the Recreational Vehicles! If you are specifically looking out for RVs, then this water softener can never go wrong for you. Also, people who have got less household can opt for this. The reason is it is portable and can be easily handled. This softener comes at a low price too!

Watts RV Pro-1000 less preferable if:

This softener is not at all preferred for those who have got large household. If you have got more than one washroom at your place, then this softener system won’t be a smart solution. This is because the softener is designed mainly for the RV purpose.

So they demand less household for better performance.

Now, the matter of concern is how much efficient is this softener? Can this work the similar way as your whole house softeners? We will check it out.

You will get test strips along with this water softener, and they can be used in testing the hardness before and after the processing. Here the regeneration process is efficient since the amount of salt used is less. Time taken for regeneration is also found to be less.

It makes use of a high-quality resin which runs for a pretty good time. And the salt amount is also less wasted here, thus making the system work at an efficient investment.

So our verdict is that if you are only searching for some compact water softening solution irrespective of quantity, then this system is the ultimate option! The cost is also reasonable, while the ratings of the softener are also great with many five stars rating.

4. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable Softener

Next on the list is the On The Go, and they produce water twice the size of a standard water softener under this brand. Again another contrasting point about this softener – it is suitable for RV since it has got a compact design.

On The Go Portable Softener is Best for:

If you require a large amount of softened water while on the go, then this On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT softener is one among the top recommendations. Also for those who have got less space availability, they can easily opt for this portable softener.

On The Go Portable less preferable if:

For household needs, this will do wonders for you if you have got large family! For small houses, this softener will be less recommended from our side. So make sure that you choose the softener which fits your needs.

This water softener can handle upto 16,000 grains, and it can provide the user with almost 40% more softened water compared to other softeners.

With the compact design it has got, you can install this even in small space smoothly. It comes with a large mouth on the top, and this helps when you are adding salt in the softener.

Another feature of this softener is that you will find high flow rates in the water. Softened water at the right pressure, what else you wish for?

It comes with a handle on the top, and using this you can carry the softener wherever you wish to. And the resin used within the system is of the high quality. You will also find a 360° swivel rotation, and this assists well while making connections on the inlet hose.

This softener does not require any tools for the processing, and this runs without the presence of electricity. You can easily store it in a dockside locker since it has got a compact design.

Here the drawbacks are not related to the softener performance, and they can also vary from one customer to another. For example, the pricing factor affects only one section of the buyers out there, while rest all who are capable of spending can invest easily.

We found that the product has not been much reviewed on Amazon. More than half of the users have given a full stars rating for this softener.

5. Best Alternative: Iron Pro 48K Combination Water Softener & Iron Filter

This water softener is brought to you by Fleck brand only, and it includes a combination of softener and iron filter within it. The feature of filtration is like an addon with the softener in this, and especially for those who wish to get a 2-in-1 product.

Iron Pro 48K the Best for:

This product is found to be best suitable for a household of 2-5 persons. Also, the number of washrooms recommended here is around 2-3. It includes a DIY manual. Still, it is reportedly complicated. Professional installation is suggested.

Iron Pro 48K preferable if:

Don’t go for this softener if you have a small household. Moreover, if the water in your home does not contain iron in a significant amount, then this water softener won’t do any better for you. So, in that case, check out other models which may serve your need well.

Not everyone receive water containing iron elements at their homes. This softener is mainly designed to work on the iron component. The rate of treating hard water is given as 14 grains per minute. It includes a special resin in the form of a mesh, which performs in the softening as well filtering process.

Using this softener system, you will be now able to remove the hardness as well the iron elements. All-in-one solution! Thus you will be able to remove the scale buildups formed on the appliance, and also the rust causing iron elements from the water.

All the hardness causing minerals are removed completely, and the iron content in 6-8 ppm range are filtered out from the water. Along with this manganese are also handled well, and they are removed in the range of 6-8ppm range. The regeneration is based on meter readings, and this means it will only regenerate the amount according to the need of the user.

You will find the Fleck 5600SXT metered valve, and this helps with providing efficiency here.

The cost of the system is high compared to the other softeners. Therefore, not all the people willing to get this could afford it easily. Analyzing the reviews, it has received amazing ratings on Amazon.

6. Aquasana EQ-SS20 SimplySoft Salt-Free

It mainly performs the process of conditioning the water, and you won’t find calcium minerals added in the resulting water. Aquasana EQ-SS20 can work as a standalone system, or it can also serve as an up gradation section in your existing whole house setup.

Aquasana EQ-SS20 the Best for:

This softener is best suitable for the areas where water is so contaminated that it affects the skin and many other dependent things. With the UV filtration feature, you could deal with a good amount of bacteria which is present in the water.

Aquasana EQ-SS20 less preferable if:

If you have got high amount of hardness in water, they check out some other softener. The reason is that Aquasana EQ-SS20 is a conditioning system. And so, they won’t act rightly on the hardness of the water. They only work in reducing the after affects caused by hard water.

The taste of the water is enhanced after it is processed within the softener. The softener removes almost 97% of the chlorine content of the water. Other heavy metals like mercury and lead are also removed during the Aquasana softener is run.

This softener is a long lasting, and high performing system. It provides immense support in removing any case of clogging within the channel. You will also find easy installation while dealing with the brass settings to be done on this Aquasana softener.

Overall review is found to be great, with all the advanced pro tool kit included for the installation. The cost of this softener is found to be a bit expensive, but it is found to be all worthy considering the performance.

7. Morton System Saver 30,000 Grain Water Softener

Morton has been in the business of salt exporting for a long time. Now you will also find water softeners of the same brand. The model number is M30, and that helps in easily identifying the softening system from a pool of softeners.

The structure of this water softener is compact, and it could be set anywhere at your place. The reason is that the softener has got a compact shape. Compact shape lets you place this Morton Softener anywhere, and and it also adds up to making the softener a space-friendly machine.

Here the quantity of the salt used is also less. Thus you can save a good amount of bucks wasted on buying such salts. The compact design helps with storing it easily in a 1.3 sq. Feet space.

On this water softener, around 30,000 grains can be handled in the filter lifetime. You can run it for as long as 8 hours without any interruption. Still you won’t use it for that long time. If you plan to run for a long time, then do go beyond the 8 hours deadline.

You will also find all the necessary elements which are required for the complete installation along with the softener packing.

This was all about the Morton 30,000 Grain capacity softener system. Along with the benefits mentioned above, you will also get the benefit of solving your doubts with the free technical support provided.

Why Do I Need a Water Softener?

This question has been a matter of concern since long.

Do you need water softener at your home or anywhere? We have made a brief of some points which we discussed to understand the need for a softener. They are given as follows:

1. One of the major signs of all is the scale buildups formed on various electrical appliances which are water-dependent.
2. For those who are purchasing a new softener, choose the system which is Energy Star certified. And it is recommended to go with a non-electric system for those who are on a new purchase.
3. You can make use of different testing methods, and understand the water compositions. If you find a high level of hard minerals in it, then you have to get a new water softener.
4. Another visible reason is the fading of the clothes, and gray patches formed along with the fading.
5. If you find changes on your skin, and it is getting dried easily.

So, mainly if you have got hard water at your home, it is a good idea to get one water softener for yourself. The hard minerals are replaced with the sodium ions here, so softener won’t suit you if you are on a low-sodium diet.

How to Choose the Perfect Water Softener – Some Buying Tips

After you have decided that you need one water softener, next question is how to select the right Water Softener. We will check out some points to be considered before finalizing the softener to buy.

Water Usage depending on the Number of Persons

An average person makes use of 75 gallons in one day, and this number can change. If you got more laundry work, then the water usage can vary here. Also, if you have got high hardness in water, then the usage may go high in such cases.

Make a reading of the grains present in your water, and choose the softener which can rightly handle the number of grains.

Some facility of Water Filtration is good

Using a filter along with the softener is a good option. This can be called as a complete water solution system, since the contents of chlorine, cysts, lead, or any other chemical can be easily removed from the water. Also get the water softened, and thus making it all great for drinking as well.

Style of Regeneration adopted here

There are two types of regeneration styles mainly, one is timer based, and the other one is manual regeneration. In the timer regeneration, one timer of 4 days or 7 days is set. Then after the passage of the days, the system will regenerate on its own. This is performed regardless of the water used by you.

The other method is the manual one, and here regeneration is performed only on demand. This style is considered more efficient one, so it is recommended to opt for softened with manual regeneration.

Warranty

Do a double check on the warranty provided by the water softener. Make sure that you get the all the system warranties on different sections like replacement parts, labor, tanks, etc.

All these considerations are a must while buying one Water Softener. Read through them carefully, and follow them so that you make the best selection.

Hope this article on Best Water Softener Reviews helped with getting the up-to-date information about the softener systems. If you have got any query regarding the softener selection or any product detail, then get in touch with us by simply commenting below. Find more such similar articles on our page Water Peek.