Best Water Softener Reviews – Top Rated Whole House Systems 2019

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If you’re like most Americans, hard water is something you’ve been forced to accept. Glasses and silverware with water spots are pretty commonplace and getting rid of the issue often seems more trouble than it’s worth.

Unfortunately, when water contains high concentrations of minerals, the buildup you notice on your dishes and shower doors is the least of your worries. Those same minerals create layers of deposits on every surface of your plumbing system. When this goes unchecked, pipes, fixtures, and expensive household appliances are all at risk of premature leakage and failure.

While hard water isn’t a health concern, installing a water softener will rescue your plumping system. It might even leave your hair feeling extra soft and shiny, too!

Water Softener System Reviews – Ratings Comparison

SystemImagePriceOur RatingType 
Fleck 5600SXT Whole House Water SoftenerFleck 5600SXT Whole House Water Softener$$$4.7Salt-Based Water SoftenerCheck Price
Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000-Grain Water SoftenerWhirlpool WHES30E 30,000-Grain Water Softener$$$4.5Salt-Based Water SoftenerCheck Price
Iron Pro 2 Water Softener and Water FilterIron Pro 2 Water Softener and Water Filter$$$$4.6Salt-Based Water SoftenerCheck Price
Nuvo DPMB Manor Whole House Water ConditionerNuvo DPMB Manor Whole House Water Conditioner$$$$$3.6Chelating Water ConditionerCheck Price
Aquasana SimplySoft Water ConditionerAquasana SimplySoft Water Conditioner$$$$3.8Nucleation Assisted Crystallization Water ConditionerCheck Price
Eddy Electronic Water DescalerEddy Electronic Water Descaler$4.2Electronic Water DescalerCheck Price
On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable Water SoftenerOn The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable Water Softener$$4.4Salt-Based Water Softener, PortableCheck Price
WaterBoss 700 Water SoftenerWaterBoss 700 Water Softener$$$2.5Salt-Based Water SoftenerCheck Price
Watts Water M7002 Flow-Pur RV-Pro Portable Water SoftenerWatts Water M7002 Flow-Pur RV-Pro Portable Water Softener$4.0Salt-Based Water Softener, PortableCheck Price
Aquios AQFS220 Water Conditioner and Water FilterAquios AQFS220 Water Conditioner and Water Filter$$$3.0Polyphosphate-Based Water ConditionerCheck Price
P3 P7920 Magnetic Water ConditionerP3 P7920 Magnetic Water Conditioner$4.1Magnetic Water ConditionerCheck Price

How to Choose the Right Water Softener (On the First Try!)

Price Point

Needless to say, not all water softeners are created equal; you wouldn’t expect a $16,000 car to drive as smoothly as one that costs over 100K, right? The same goes for water softeners (and water conditioners). The most affordable systems start below the $200 mark, and for use in an RV or for water descaling they may fit the bill.

shopping cart iconMid-range units up to about $600 offer much more powerful water treatment with a broader range of features and more effective softening methods. Their water flow rates are higher, too, which is important for larger homes.

The costliest of water softeners can soar into the thousands of dollars and are more difficult to install, but for very large households and extreme water hardness levels, the jump in price is worth it if you can afford it.

Remember, unless you’re a fairly proficient plumber, you’ll likely have to budget a few hundred dollars to have your new water softening system installed, and there’re the annual maintenance bill and operating costs to consider as well. Regardless of which model you choose, the initial water softener system cost is nothing to scoff at. Considering how much you’ll save a few years down the line, however, it’s well worth the investment. Who would rather pay to repair 5K worth of water damage than to spend a few hundred dollars to keep the pipes in your plumbing leak-free?

Water Softening Capacity

While water filters measure their effectiveness in contaminant reduction percentage, water softeners are evaluated by grain capacity. Your water may have 10 “gpg”, or grains per gallon, hardness for example. If you use 500 gallons of water a day, your softener will need to be able to take on 5,000 hardness grains daily.

The problem is, water softeners need to regenerate, removing built up minerals inside them and replenishing the softening resin before they can continue to run effectively. The amount of grains a water softening system can remove before regeneration cycles is considered its capacity. For most families, the goal is to limit regeneration to once a week. To calculate the capacity you’ll need, multiply your water’s hardness by the number of gallons your household uses per week – although that’s not the full story. Factors such as iron content have to be taken into account, as well.

Water softener capacities can be as high as 120,000 grains, but the higher capacity, the larger the system. The price will be higher, too. The upside is that higher capacity models will run more resource-efficient, using less salt and wasting less water.

Water Flow Rate

A water softener is borderline useless if it can’t handle your family’s normal water usage. For one person, a low flow rate might not be an issue. For a household with six or more people that tend to use multiple water outlets at once, noticeable drops in pressure are highly likely. Doing so also puts additional strain on the water softener, resulting in bursts of hard water leaking through when too many people are competing for water at once.

Measured in gallons per minute (gpm), each faucet uses about 1 to 1.5 gpm, while showers run around 2.5 gpm. A washing machine can use as much as 25 gallons in a single load! For houses with at least two bathrooms, the lowest water flow rate you should opt for is 12 gallons per minute. Single-person households won’t want to drop below 7 gpm.

Method of Softening

The most common method of water softening relies on the use of salt. Salt-based systems use ion exchange to swap the minerals responsible for hard water, calcium and magnesium, with sodium or potassium. That’s why part of the expense of owning a water softener is refilling the salt as needed.

For those who hope to avoid the extra cost of purchasing salt or for those on a strict low-sodium diet, a water conditioner can reduce scaling, and thus the damage from hardness minerals, using chelation or magnetism among other methods. While few of them will remove hardness minerals altogether, they can help prolong the life of your plumbing and appliances.

Overall, if a salt-based ion exchange water softener is an option for you, it’s definitely the way to go. It will work much better than a saltless model, and you’ll probably be more satisfied with your purchase.

iron filters and softeners

Means of Regeneration

For a quick re-cap, ion-exchange water softeners collect hardness minerals gradually as water flows through them. Periodically, these types of water softening systems need to regenerate, rinsing away all the buildup and recharging their resin in order to continue working. There are three methods to regenerate, and one is much more convenient than the other two.

  1. Metered regeneration is by far the easiest to deal with. A water softener that has a meter is able to carefully measure water output and tell when it needs to regenerate. It then initiates the process all on its own. This method is both the most convenient and the most environmentally-friendly because it avoids using any excess water or salt.
  2. Timed regeneration is the next best thing, allowing users to determine a fixed regeneration schedule. You could set the softener to regenerate once a week at night when no one needs water, for example. Because a timer-based water softener always uses the exact same amount of salt and water, some weeks you might find yourself short on softened water while others will leave extra. The latter means that some salt and water will be wasted during the next regen cycle.
  3. Manual regeneration is the last option, and one that’s rarely seen except in very small, portable units. These units will require you to add in the salt by hand and wait until it replaces the stuck hardness minerals on the resin bed. Avoid water softeners that use this method of regeneration unless it’s the only one you can afford.

NSF/ANSI Certifications

We always hope that manufacturers are honest with their product claims, but it’s difficult to tell for sure. On any water softener, and all water purifiers in general, it’s a big plus if they have certifications to back them up. A Standard 44 certification is one to keep your eye out for, which ensures that a salt-based unit is made with safe materials, has structural integrity and works efficiently, and reduces hardness successfully. The WQA Gold Seal is another good sign that the product you’re purchasing is safe and reliable.

Warranties and Customer Service

When in doubt, purchase from a large, reputable company and shop around before you buy; even online, prices may vary from one retailer to the next. If you decide to purchase a system locally, take your time and don’t be swayed by a pushy salesperson. An honest professional will know what local water conditions are like and will be able to point you in the right direction without rushing you to make a decision on the spot.

Don’t forget to check the warranty, too. Some companies offer much more extensive warranties than others, and it’s always nice to have a little extra piece of mind.

A Few Pro Tips

  • Before you buy, check to be sure that salt-based water softeners are permitted in your area. Some local governments have banned them, but in most regions, it shouldn’t be a problem.
  • Water softening systems with separate tanks for brine and resin are a better choice if you have enough room for one.
  • Some companies design their products with branded components. Go with a company that uses universal parts instead. If you need replacement parts years later, they will be much easier to find!
  • In addition to choosing a product from a popular company, choose one that’s been around for a while but is continually updated technology-wise. Ideally, you want a product that’s tried and true, but not so old that the technology is outdated.
  • Systems that include a build-in bypass save you an extra installation step. This shouldn’t be a big priority, but it’s a definite bonus.
  • Water softeners with a digital controller make it easier to configure and check the system, and solve any problems should they arise.
  • The easier a model is to maintain, the longer it’s likely to last. Just think about it! You’re much more likely to clean and service a water softener that’s accessible and easy to work with than one that’s complicated and frustrating. Look for a system that’s known for ease of maintenance.

Best Water Softeners – The Top 10 of 2019

There are tons of water softeners available to pick from, so we did our research. Out of all of the current brands and models, the ten below offer a wide selection to accommodate every space and family.

1. Fleck 5600SXT Whole House Water Softener (Our Overall Favorite!)

The Good

Fleck 5600SXT Whole House Water SoftenerThe Fleck 5600SXT whole house water softener is at the top of our list for a reason.

  • It’s made in the USA.
  • It can soften even very hard water, and it’s an ideal choice for large families. The 48,000-grain capacity model has a water flow rate of 12 gpm, enough for up to 6 people. The 64,000-grain version can provide a full 16 gallons per minute.
  • For water that’s off the charts hard, there’s a double backwash cycle option to get the job done.
  • It’s easy to program and monitor because of the control head being digital.
  • It has metered regeneration which is a BIG plus, both for convenience and efficiency (no salt and water will be wasted during regeneration).
  • You can choose from different regeneration modes so that you can opt for the water softener to regenerate when it’s most convenient for you.
  • Need to treat ferrous/clear-water iron? If concentrations are 2 ppm or lower, the Fleck can handle them no problem.
  • The customer service experience, should you need it, is stellar.

The not so Good

  • Not all of the parts are as high-quality as we would expect. We always like to see stainless steel parts rather than plastic.
  • This model uses a flashing warning light to indicate low salt-levels. It’s not a huge issue, but an audible alarm would have been a nice touch.
  • Installation is time consuming, but you can expect any water softener to be a little tricky to install. Fortunately, instructions are clear and only basic plumbing skills are required. Fleck is owned by Pentair, which conveniently provides easy access to step-by-step installation videos.
  • A few customers complained that the product arrived missing the manual.

Bottom Line

For most homes, small or large with multiple bathrooms, the Fleck 5600SXT is the best water softener system and our go-to recommendation. It’s an all-around great water softener for moderate to very hard water.
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2. Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000-Grain Water Softener

The Good

Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000-Grain Water Softener

  • Being a true big seller, the American-made Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000-grain water softener is for water with medium to high hardness (up to 95 gpg NSF certified).
  • Clear-water iron of up to 8 ppm should not be a problem.
  • The 7.6 gpm water flow is sufficient for up to 4 people. Too small? The larger Whirlpool WHES40E with 40,000 grains is for up to 6 people.
  • Softening resin and salt storage come in a single, space-saving tank.
  • Regeneration is metered for highest water and salt efficiency.
  • If there is one water softener that you could install yourself, this is it. The manual includes detailed installation instructions and Whirlpool’s customer support is reliable.
  • Maintaining this water softener is simple. Just watch the low-salt light.

The not so Good

  • A split tank and a broken control unit is what customers had to deal with; nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that the Whirlpool support couldn’t handle.

Bottom Line

Whirlpool’s WHES30E might be the solution to your water hardness problems, no matter if there is clear-water iron involved or not. It uses efficient regeneration technology to save on resources and operates smoothly, making it legitimately one of our favorite water softening systems.
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3. Iron Pro 2 Water Softener and Water Filter – Best Option for Large Homes with Ferrous Well Water

The Iron Pro 2 is the best choice when it comes to big houses, especially those on private wells.

The Good

Iron Pro 2 Water Softener and Water Filter

  • 80,000 grains capacity is about the highest we’ve seen. This thing can handle practically anything you throw at it.
  • The high flow rate (18 gpm) means you can use the water as much as you’d like without worrying about any changes in water pressure.
  • It has the all-digital, easily programmed control head that one would expect such an advanced system to include.
  • The metered regeneration is especially important in systems of this size to avoid wasting large quantities of water and salt on unnecessary regeneration cycles.
  • The fine mesh resin it uses works like a charm for water with high iron levels; a prerequisite for well water in many areas.

The not so Good

  • Unless you’re a plumber yourself, skip the DIY installation and call in a pro. This is one installation job that requires some expertise. If you do decide to take it on yourself, we highly encourage you to research the process thoroughly before you begin. The last thing you want is to install the Iron Pro 2 water softener incorrectly and flush all your money down the drain!
  • It’s not cheap, but for how well it works this hardly counts as a con…it’s worth it!

Bottom Line

If you have the money and the space for it, the Iron Pro 2 is an excellent water softener. The capacity and water flow rate are more than enough for even the largest of homes with a very high water demand. If that sounds like your house, consider your choice made!
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4. Nuvo DPMB Manor Whole House Water Conditioner

The Nuvo DPMB Manor is 100% salt-free, the first big pro for those watching their sodium intake closely. But it’s still a powerful unit, and just about the nicest water conditioner available.

The Good

Nuvo DPMB Manor Whole House Water Conditioner

  • The unit uses unique chelating cartridges to lower water pH and bind hard water mineral ions to prevent the formation of scale and dissolve existing deposits. Skeptical? Don’t be! The Nuvo is stamped with NSF Standard 169 certification – aka scale control!
  • Salt-free water softeners are lower maintenance, with no necessary replacement salt and no wasted water. The lack of salt and water wastage makes salt-free systems better for the planet, too. This is especially true in areas prone to long, severe droughts.
  • Because of how they work, there’s no chance of running out of water or subsequent drops in pressure when the demand for water becomes too high.
  • Unlike salt-based water softeners, minerals are left in the water. This will improve its healthiness and flavor, and avoid that slimy sensation some people dislike in traditionally softened water.
  • Set up is very easy and free from any complicated programming.
  • The compact size makes the Nuvo DPMB Manor whole house water conditioner a good choice for small homes.
  • Each cartridge should last about 6 months; plenty enough to avoid constant maintenance needs.
  • The water flow rate (15-18 gpm) is really good and should serve even the largest family quite well.
  • Every unit sold comes with a limited lifetime warranty, plus a 90-day money-back guarantee. That’s a hard to beat deal!

The not so Good

  • The chelation process will only work if your water already has a pH of at least 7.2. Below a pH of 7.2, and the citric acid that causes the chelation will be rendered useless.
  • It’s not ideal to use the system to soften well water.
  • The harder the water, the less satisfied customers seem to be. Some reportedly used the product for a month or more and saw little results. Most likely, this was due to water that had an improper pH to begin with. We’re not thrilled with the lack of upfront information from the company that would otherwise have prevented customers with the wrong water conditions from wasting their hard-earned cash.
  • Replacement cartridges are much more expensive than the simple softening salt used in ionic exchange models. The same goes for the initial price tag. Seriously, this water conditioner is overpriced in our opinion.
  • With initial use, the water may turn a bluish hue. The effect dissipates after a few days of use and is harmless, but it’s a little startling if you’re not expecting it!

Bottom Line

If your primary worry is scale prevention and reduction, the Nuvo DPMB Manor whole house water conditioner is fantastic. It avoids adding sodium to the water, which many people love. If you have extremely hard water, however, you may not be satisfied with the results.

Likewise, those whose water has a pH under 7.2 shouldn’t give the Nuvo a second glance. Salt-based is a much better bet for overall satisfaction, as long as you can live with the slight addition of softening minerals to your water.
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5. Aquasana SimplySoft Home Water Conditioner

Another salt-free water softening system is the Aquasana SimplySoft.

The Good

Aquasana SimplySoft Water Conditioner

  • Nothing is added to your water. Instead, the water conditioner changes the way calcium and magnesium adhere to pipes etc., causing them to stick to each other instead of forming a film inside your home’s pipes and appliances.
  • The softening effect of the unit is powerful enough to soften skin and reduce the drying effects of hard water.
  • The SimplySoft comes with a pre-filter for added water purification benefits.
  • The conditioning tank lasts a whopping 6 years with no media changes required.

The not so Good

  • Results appear to be mixed, with some buyers claiming the product didn’t significantly reduce water scaling.
  • Installation isn’t the most straightforward, due to less than clear instructions. We don’t advise that you try a DIY installation on this one anyway. Why? Aquasana will void your warranty if you do!
  • 7 to 10 gallons per minute water flow won’t suffice for large homes.

Bottom Line

For small households, the Aquasana SimplySoft is a reasonably priced water conditioner that can help soften your water. That said, it’s unlikely to do as good of a job as a salt-based system. If you have very hard water and want to soften it as much as possible, go with a water softener that makes use of ionic exchange technology.
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6. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler

To start, it’s important to note that the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler works by creating an electromagnetic field. When it does, the minerals found in hard water begin to bind to each other. This helps prevent scale buildup from happening, and supposedly can help dissolve buildup that’s already there.

The Good

Eddy Electronic Water Descaler

The Eddy Electronic Water Descaler comes with several great benefits.

  • The purchase price and running cost are pretty much unmatched. For anyone on a tight budget, it should be a frontrunner!
  • Say goodbye to chemicals and additives! Nothing is actually being added to your water at all, so you don’t have to even think about it.
  • Up to water hardness levels of 20 gpg, the reviews are impeccable for the most part; most reviewers said they saw a distinct change in lime formation right after installation.
  • Because minerals aren’t actually being removed, your drinking water will taste a little better than those softened with a system that runs on salt.
  • It works well on both tap and well water, and on any types of plumbing materials besides iron and galvanized pipes or those larger than 1.5” diameter.
  • Installation is easy as pie, even for people who are clueless about plumbing. Install it, plug it in, and you’re good to go.
  • It’s pretty much maintenance free, too!
  • It’s both CE and FCC certified to meet standards in the US, UK, and EU.
  • It comes with one of the best warranties we’ve seen; a lifetime repair and replacement warranty! You can also try the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler for an entire year, and if you don’t like it for any reason you can get your money back.

The not so Good

  • Admittedly, no conditioner is perfect. Some reviewers said it didn’t help, but because of the 12-month money-back guarantee, this can hardly be seen as a con at all!

Bottom Line

Despite the fact that the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler can’t claim to be a true water softener, it CAN claim to effectively lower or even eliminate scaling. If you’re hoping for a full-on softener, keep looking. If you’re content to increase the longevity of your appliances and avoid annoying, crusty deposits, the Eddy is one of our favorites…especially for the price!
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iSpring ED2000
If you don’t like the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler, the iSpring ED2000 seems like a viable alternative. It’s for water with 10-19 hardness grains.

7. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT – Best Portable Water Softener

Ideal for camper vans and RVs, the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT is the best portable water softener.

The Good

On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable Water Softener

  • The flow rate of 3 to 4 gpm is very reasonable for use in an RV.
  • The 16,000-grain capacity is enough to effectively soften water and prevent the need for constant regeneration cycles.
  • The unit is compact enough for travel.
  • Regeneration cycles are quick and easy to accomplish with a little table salt kept on hand.

The not so Good

  • We said it was compact, but we didn’t say it was lightweight! Ringing in at around 32 pounds, it’s actually quite cumbersome. While most adults should be able to manage it just fine using the convenient handle, it’s still a bit of a pain and easier to maneuver with two people.
  • The manual regeneration is annoying, but to be expected for a model of this size and price.

Bottom Line

As long as you’re not expecting the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT portable water softener to furnish a whole house with gloriously softened water, this is one of our top choices. It’s perfect for anyone on the go or living in a mobile home. If you own your own car washing business, it can easily keep the cars you clean looking polished and spot-free, too!
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8. WaterBoss 700 Water Softener

The Good

WaterBoss 700 Water Softener

The WaterBoss 700 water softener has several strong claims to fame.

  • It can comfortably soften water for most average-small households. Think families of four or less. The capacity is 22,100 grains at 8 gallons per minute water flow.
  • The system can handle extremely hard water, and it can tolerate up to 10 ppm of ferrous iron, too!
  • It’s quiet.
  • The US-made water softener includes built-in, metered regeneration to help save money. It’s also more environmentally friendly than systems that use timers, saving significant amounts of water and salt.
  • The WaterBoss also includes an integrated pre-filter with a rating of 20 microns. The convenient filter prevents sediment from clogging the finer resin, prolonging the longevity of the entire system.
  • The water softener is quite compact so it shouldn’t be too much of an eyesore or space-hog.
  • The pre-installed bypass valve makes for an ultra-easy setup process. It will still take some time, but you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out with the included instructions.
  • The WaterBoss comes with an easy to read (and use) LCD display, so users can easily set the ideal water hardness level and adjust the programming.
  • The water softening system, as a whole, is very low maintenance. Just inspect the components annually, or a little more often if there’s visible sediment in the brine tank.

The not so Good

Just when we thought the WaterBoss was a perfect water softener, we saw the reviews. And they’re not the best.

Complaints have included:

  • Failed resin tanks
  • Severe leaks
  • Complete system breakdowns
  • Inadequate customer support
  • Refusal of warranty coverage that SHOULD be included under the warranty WaterBoss claims to offer

Yeah, we’re not impressed. The reviews are shaky at best, with far too many complaints than there should be. The potential lack of integrity from WaterBoss is particularly worrisome.

Bottom Line

Within the middle price range, the WaterBoss 700’s range of features SHOULD make it one of the top models on our list for mid-sized households. However, the concerning number of poor reviews has this one falling much lower than its description would have us assume. There are some great reviews in there, with positive comments on the effectiveness, convenience, and small size, but the reliability issues aren’t great. If you can afford a different brand, we’d recommend shelling out a few extra dollars for a water softener that can deliver more consistent results.
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9. Watts Water M7002 Flow-Pur RV-Pro Portable Water Softener

Another model ideal for camper vans and RVs, the Watts Water M7002 Flow-Pur RV-Pro has a lot going for it.

The Good

Watts Water M7002 Flow-Pur RV-Pro Portable Water Softener

  • For one, it’s about as small as a salt-based water softener can get. The compact size is ideal for use in RVs.
  • It softens even the hardest of water, as long as the water usage remains low.
  • It’s much more affordable than other water softening systems using the same technology.

The not so Good

  • The size is great for portability, but it’s never going to do what a $1000, fully-automated water softener does. Not even close!
  • Manual regeneration is your only option, which can be a pain considering you’ll have to do it as often as once a week.

Bottom Line

For those who spend summers traveling the country in a camper van, the Watts RV-Pro is a solid choice. It’s small, but it softens water as well as many larger water softeners do…just less of it!
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10. Aquios AQFS220 Residential Water Conditioner and Water Filter

The Good

Aquios AQFS220 Whole House Residential Water Conditioner and Water Filter

  • The Aquios AQFS220 water conditioner and water filter for home use is totally salt-free.
  • It relies on a polyphosphate, approved by the FDA, to cause changes in the way hard water substances interact to prevent and reduce unsightly scale. Supposedly, the additive leaves the minerals floating harmlessly in the water and can remove existing scale buildup as well.
  • It can handle up to 22 gpg.
  • Maintenance is low. All it takes is occasionally replacing the cartridge (about every 40,000 gallons).
  • The 12-15 gpm water flow rate is plenty high enough for most families, even those who frequently use water from multiple sources at once.
  • Installation should take 2 hours or less, with no help from a plumber!
  • Aquios has your back, including a 20-year limited warranty upon purchase.
  • BONUS: The Aquios AQFS220 includes a whole house carbon filter to rid your water of chlorine + other chemicals and sediments, for fresh, clean, soft water all in a single step. Did we mention it’s NSF Standard 42 certified?

The not so Good

  • Replacement cartridges don’t last terribly long before getting clogged. This can be pretty inconvenient, and the expense of repeatedly buying replacement filters adds up over time.
  • Some reviewers mentioned issues with leaks, and the customer service has mixed reviews.
  • Without any official certifications, there’s no confirmation that this model lives up to all its anti-scaling claims.
  • The special additive is effective at a specific water pH-range. Below 8 or above 10, and it’s unlikely to work nearly as well as users expect it to.

Bottom Line

Again, with the current technology we have at our disposal, it’s virtually impossible for a salt-free water softening system to match up with a salt-based one. The Aquios AQFS220 is good for what it is, as long as buyers start with water conditions that fall within the ideal operating range. If they do, it’s a reasonable option and worth consideration. Other water conditioners may be considerably cheaper but missing the nice touch of an added carbon filter.
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11. P3 P7920 Magnetic Water Conditioner

No list of water softeners would be complete without this unique conditioner.

The Good

P3 P7920 Magnetic Water Conditioner

  • Unlike most other models, the P3 P7920 magnetic water conditioner uses – you guessed it – magnets!
  • It’s insanely easy to install. It clamps around any standard ¾” water pipe with no batteries or moving parts, making it much easier to set up than any other model we’ve reviewed. At most, it should take a few minutes from the second you open the box to the first official trial run.
  • Without salt or filter cartridges to replace, this is the only truly maintenance-free water conditioning system we’ve come across.

The not so Good

  • How well does magnetism work to prevent scaling? If you read the customer ratings, then it seems to be working quite well. Just don’t expect amazing outcomes especially if you live in a place with excessively hard water.

Bottom Line

Clearly, we can’t say the P3 P7920 magnetic water conditioner is our favorite with such untested technology. Considering the ultra-low price tag, however, we’re willing to bet it’s worth a shot if you have moderately hard water you’re hoping to soften. The lack of maintenance costs and labor are a big plus, too!
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Questions? Ask Away!

Water softeners are major investments. If you have any lingering questions or confusion, shoot us a line and we’ll be happy to help. Once you take the leap, don’t forget to let us know what you think of your new water softening system, too!

Further Reading
If your thirst for knowledge is still not quenched, you might want to do some further reading:
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