If you are someone who’s tired of hard water problems at your home, and looking for a good water softener system to get rid of it, then you have come to the right place. We provide user based reviews of the best Water Softener systems in the market out there. All the reviews are based on average customer input and the countless surveys we organised to find out which is the best water softener out there. Don’t hesitate to go through all the free information on this site about Water Softener Reviews, and if you have any questions or need personal guidance on choosing the right water softening system, then you can reach out to me using the contact form on this website. I’ll try my best to help you out.
Water is an important element in our life. In fact, 60% of a human body consists of water and we need to consume enough water every day to stay healthy. But it is necessary that the water we use in our life is safe to use. Hard water is one such thing that not only affects our health in a bad way but it also doesn’t allow us to do day to day task properly.
Hard water is very hard to work with and if you try using it with a detergent, you will notice that it won’t let you make a good lather but it will turn into a scum like material. In these cases, we need a way to soften the water and this is where Water Softeners come in. But choosing the right and the most suitable Water Softer for your home is not an easy thing to do. There are tons of such products in the market, and choosing the best one from such a wide range can be confusing for sure. But don’t worry – we will help you find the best Water Softener in this article. We have prepared below a table including the best Water Softeners in the market right. They are tested, and proven to work best for thousands of customers. Check out the best Water Softener Reviews below.
You may not even realize it, but there’s a potential threat lingering right under your nose. In fact, it’s in your house right now! But don’t panic—it’s only water.
Best Water Softener Reviews 2016

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Fleck 5600SXT
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$$$
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48,000 grains
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Digitial SXT metered whole house system. Most effective system in the market. #1 Rated by our experts.

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Aquios Full House
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$$$
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64,000 grains
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Water Softener and Filter System Included in one. Full House System.

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Morton® System Saver®
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$$$
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30,000 grains
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Advanced technology and very efficient regeneration due to continuous monitoring of usage

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On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT
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$$$
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16,000 grains
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Portable 16,000 Grains RV Water Softener. Best Rated Portable Softener by our Experts.

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Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002
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$$$
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10,000 grains
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Efficient and Value for Money Portable Water Softener

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WaterBoss 220
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$$$
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22,000 grains
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Fast Water Softener. Top notch technology, quality softening and value for money softener
Hard Water
The water in your home may have some issues, but they can be easily solved, and they most likely aren’t harmful to you or to your family. One of the most common problems that faces tap water is the existence of too many calcium and magnesium ions, causing the water to be hard. Hard water forms when rainwater falls through dirt and rock, and catches minerals along the way. Although it is a very natural occurrence, it can be more than a little annoying!
The presence of hard water is an issue in many places, and it can cause problems of all sizes. And that’s when you start looking for Water Softener Reviews. But before going into that topic, let’s have a look at some of the problems caused by hard water:
- If you have ever washed your glasses, only to put them back on and find them spotty again already, then you are probably seeing the mineral deposits left behind by hard water.
- Faucets that are often exposed to hard water may become coated in a white, crusty film.
- Hard water can even make your hair lose its luster and look oily if you have the misfortune of having to shower in it.
- Hard water can also be detrimental to your skin. It can leave behind a soap-like substance when you wash in it, therefore causing your skin to dry out and to never feel completely clean.
- Even your clothes can suffer the effects of hard water: they will wear out more easily, and lose their color quickly, when subjected to hard water washing.
- Even more problematic than the effects on clothes and skin, however, are the problems hard water causes in pipes. Hard water causes scale to build up in water pipes and water heaters, too, causing damage to plumbing and increased utility bills.
So How Do Water Softeners Work?
The best way to avoid all this hassle is to install a water softener system. You may have heard the term before, but chances are that if you don’t already have a water softener in your home, you may not know much about how they work. Most people don’t!
What is a Water Softener?
To begin with, the water softener itself is a sturdy appliance encased in tough plastic that is installed most commonly in the home, garage, or a nearby shed. In some locations, a water softener can be installed outdoors, but it is important to note that water softeners should never be placed outside if there is a chance of the temperature dropping below freezing. Only in very warm climates should this be done.
Must Read: Water Softener vs. Water Filter – What are the Differences?
How do I Install a Water Softener?
The water softener system should be installed directly into the home’s plumbing. Although a plumber is usually more than willing to do this job, most softeners come with easy directions that require minimal plumbing knowledge, so you can save yourself a lot of money by installing your softener on your own.
How does it work?
Once the water softener system has been installed, it can begin its work. All the best water softeners work by removing the calcium and magnesium in the water and replacing them with another mineral—sodium. The type of sodium needed for the operation of your water softener will differ depending on the system you choose, but for most systems, even simple table salt works just fine.
Inside the softener, a tank filled with resin beads catches the unwanted minerals in the water as it moves through the internal filter. The water inside the tank is then flushed forcefully with water, which effectively flushes away the unwanted mineral ions. The system then flushes itself again to remove any sediment. At this time, the cycle is complete, and the water is ready to be used. Because of the unique method in which these softener systems work, they do produce water that is much softer, but may have a very slight salty taste to it. This is important to keep in mind when weighing your options, but most people find that a little sodium is much easier to manage than hard water!
How is it maintained?
Water softeners can be flushed and recharged manually, or they can do the job themselves automatically. Most full house sized softener systems regenerate either on a timer or based on how much water has been used, and how much is left in the tank. Some of these do not even require electricity to regenerate. These are great options for those who live in locations where the power is prone to going out.
Types of Water Softeners
There are two different types of water softeners: portable and whole house:
- Portable systems are small, compact, and lightweight. Their original design was intended for use in RVs and mobile homes, but they have expanded to be widely accepted as great choices for apartments, offices, and even small homes with just one bathroom. Portable water softener systems save on size and weight by removing most of the mechanical and/or electrical pieces that are included in their larger counterparts. This means that they must be regenerated manually. For the most part, these smaller systems are less powerful than others, but they still pack a punch that is often plenty for those who use them.
- Whole house water softeners can weigh anywhere between 30 and 100 pounds, depending on the model. There are two primary types of whole house systems—electric and non-electric. Both types have the ability to regenerate automatically based on various controls and settings. The only real difference is in the use of electricity. Electric whole house systems cannot run without power, but the non-electric variety can. Check out our expert’s list of the Best Whole House Water Softeners.
Regardless of whether or not a water softener is portable or whole house, it works on the same basic principle of flushing out calcium and magnesium and replacing these ions with sodium.
Salt-Based Ion Exchange Softener
These water softeners cycle the household water through two different tanks; one filled with special beads made from resin, and the other filled with a salt water solution. The salt-based softener utilises ion exchange, softening the water by using salt as a substitute for harder minerals such as calcium and magnesium which may be present in the water. In this way, the salt is exchanged for the minerals.
Pros
- The best, and most effective way to soften water
- Eliminated water spotting and scaling on glassware
- Clothes and skin will feel significantly softer
- No water scaling occurs at all
Cons
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- Not suitable for drinking water or for watering plants due to sodium levels present in the softened water
- Not suitable for use in people with sodium restricted diets
- Needs to be accompanied by a constant supply of salt which adds an additional cost
Salt-Free Softener
These softeners regenerate using a potassium salt substitute, rather than a salt-based solution. The salt-free softeners function as a descaler, meaning it doesn’t remove the minerals present in hard water, but rather prevents these minerals from depositing themselves in the water. By transforming the minerals, the softener prevents them from attaching themselves to the water. For this reason, it is more accurate to think of this method as water conditioning, than softening.
Pros
- Great for people who are concerned about their salt intake
- Suitable for drinking water, Environment friendly
Cons
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- Not as effective as salt-based systems
- Water quality not as smooth as that of other softener
Check Out: Best Salt-Free Water Softener Reviews
Dual Tank Softener
Dual tank water softeners are fantastic for big families who can’t afford for their water softener system to undergo any ‘down time’. When a water softener unit is recharging or regenerating, it is unable to be used or cycle any water through it. For this reason, regeneration is normally undertaken at night, but households with a lot of people or a large amount of water that needs to be softened may find that there is no real time when it’s convenient for the system to stop producing softened water. Dual tank systems are perfect for these situations. With two tanks present, one is always softening water, while the other is regenerating.
Pros
- Gives a more continuos supply of softened water
- No break in its service
Cons
- Can occupy a larger space
- Requires a drain for backwashing
Electromagnetic and Magnetic Water Softeners
These are a more controversial options, but are another option for those who wish to purchase a system that is salt-free. The electric or magnetic softeners are plugged in and clipped onto the incoming pipe. The softener will then go about setting up a magnetic field that changes the electromagnetic properties of the minerals present in the hard water. This allows minerals such as calcium to disperse into small particles, preventing them from scaling.
Pros
- Great for preventing soap scum and water marks
- Inexpensive compared to other softener systems
- Easy to install
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Creates water that is only suitable for 48 hours (if not used within 48 hours the water will re-harden)
- Water hardness reduction is not that significant
Phases of Water Softening
Water softening is comprised of two stages. The first is the softening phase, and the second is regeneration. Regeneration is comprised of three stages:
- Backwashing
Backwashing is a crucial phase in water softening as it removes the dirt from the system’s mineral tank. During the backwash phase, the residue from the water (excess mineral ssuch as calcium and magnesium that were removed during the softening process) is flushed out and disposed of.
- Recharging
Recharging takes place in order to recharge the resin beads in a salt-based unit. On a pre-set schedule, the water softening system will recharge itself, stopping the flow of incoming water in order to reset itself, ready for the next softening process. In salt-based units, this involves cleaning the resin beads so that they may catch the next lot of incoming minerals.
- Rinsing
The final phase involves rinsing the mineral tank so that it is ready to undertake a new cycle. This is the most simplest of the steps and involves the unit moving the softened water out of the mineral tank, and the new hard water in. After this has taken place the unit will need to be replenished (if it is a salt-based system then it will need a fresh supply of salt solution).
Water Softener Reviews – Best Water Softeners of 2016
When looking at water softeners, it is important to take note of their grain capacity. The higher the grain capacity, the more water the softener is able to process before it needs to regenerate. A larger home will need a water softener with a higher grain capacity, and vice-versa. Keep in mind the size of your home, your household, and the amount of water you usually use in a day in order to help narrow down your options for the perfect water softener.
There are many excellent water softener options on the market, and this article is here to walk you through the pros and cons of each one to help you choose the right softener system for your home.
Aquios Full House Water Softener and Filter System
- Very small and light weight at 9.4 pounds
- Best choice for anyone looking for a Sodium free solution
- Sodium is replaced by Siliphos
- Comes with starter carbon cartridge
Although the Aquios water softener and filter system is a full house system, it is very small, weighing in at only nine pounds. It works on a similar principle to the other softeners on this list, but it does not utilize sodium. This makes it a great option for anyone who is concerned about increased sodium intake while using a water softener.
TheAquios system differs from other water softeners in that it does not remove calcium and magnesium from the water. How can it help soften hard water, then? Rather than using sodium to replace magnesium and calcium, theAquios system instead adds Siliphos, a phosphate additive, to the water to help keep these minerals from building up in high levels.
This water softener comes equipped with a starter carbon cartridge that is good for up to six months of use. This cartridge works in a way much like a filter in a fish tank or a water pitcher might work, by breaking up unwanted mineral ions in the water. TheAquios system is a good alternative for anyone who might want to avoid sodium-based water softeners. It is ideal for keeping pipes clear of scale buildup, but it is not quite as effective atsoftening water for daily use.
Iron Pro 48K Combination Water Softener & Iron Filter with Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve
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- Can also remove iron from water
- Easily removes iron, manganese, and even rust and sediment.
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- 48,000 Grain Capacity
- Meter based regeneration to keep an eye on water consumption


If you are looking for a water softener system that will work for the entire household, look no further than this very highly rated softener! This water softener is manufactured by Fleck, which is one of the leading water softener companies on the market today. In the spirit of Fleck’s excellent softener systems, the Iron Pro goes above and beyond what most others can do.
Aside from working as a water softener, the Iron Pro also removes iron from water. Iron may not be a significant cause of hard water, but it is often present along with calcium and magnesium, and therefore it can lead to trouble. When you use this water softener, you will also benefit from less red staining caused by iron in the water, and less scale buildup on tiles, faucets, and even in pipes. Why go for a simple water softener when you can get rid of iron buildup, too?
With the Iron Pro, you will never have to worry about remembering to regenerate your system again. This system features a meter based regeneration, which means that it keeps track of your daily water use and will not regenerate until it is absolutely necessary to do so. This saves on utility bills, since the system is not constantly operating, and it also keeps you from having to worry about manually flushing and brining the water softener every time it is needed.
The Iron Pro features a 48,000 grain capacity and an easy to use digital valve. This system is able to be used in a large home with multiple bathrooms, and can service up to seven people in a household. Using a mesh resin filter tank, this water softener is capable of removing not only calcium and magnesium, but also iron, manganese, and even rust and sediment. For complete water treatment, choose Fleck’s Iron Pro system. This is the #1 Water Softener as found on analysis by our experts. We highly recommend this product if you are looking for the best Full House Water softening system.
Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002 10000 Grains Portable Water Softener
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- Portable & hence can be fixed in an RV too
- Small yet efficient
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- 10,000 Grain Capacity
- Built especially for people on the go

This water softener, made by Watts Water Technologies, is an excellent smaller variety of the water softener system that is great for use in an RV or in a small home or apartment. If you are only concerned with softening water for one to three people, then the Watts RV Pro is a great choice for you! Although this water softener system does not function as powerfully as does a whole house system, it is a great starter water softener for those who are looking to try out the concept without sinking a lot of money into something that may or may not be right for their home.
If you are someone who enjoys camping in an RV, then you are once again looking at the right water softener. This softener is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to pack up and go whenever you are ready to move on to your next great adventure. Weighing in at only nine pounds and standing only 21 inches high, this small water softener still packs a punch!
The Watts RV Pro is also an ideal option for anyone living in an apartment, duplex, or condo. Because it is so small and portable, it can be easily stored out of sight in even the smallest of spaces. There are many benefits to having this tiny, efficient system around!
One important difference between this system and one that is designed for a whole home is the absence of the automatically recharging brine. A whole house system generally has a brine tank that recharges on its own when the water gets low, or when the right time of day rolls around. When using a portable device, you must recharge it yourself, performing all flushes and refills on your own. This is important to keep in mind if you are looking for a hands-off type of water softener. This particular system will need to be recharged approximately once a month, but may require more recharges than that, depending on how much water you use.
However, if you are willing to devote a little extra time to it, this small softener can be a great asset to your home. You can even operate it using table or pellet salts, so you don’t have to purchase anything expensive or hard to find to use the system successfully. For a small water softener system that does a great job in a small space, the Watts RV Pro can’t be beat.
This water softener system features a10,000 grain capacity and a flow rate of 4 gallons per minute. It is equipped with a custom flow valve that saves you the trouble of disconnecting the system when regenerating. The quality features of this small water softener add up to make it the highest rated system on the market.
Morton System Saver 30,000 Grain Water Softener M30
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- Uses 50% less salt than previous models
- Small yet efficient
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- Great option for a small or medium sized family
- Can be used in small businesses too

Made by the very same Morton company known for its table salt, this whole house water softening system is one of the best rated up-and-coming large-scale softeners currently on the market. It utilizes 50% less salt than its predecessors manufactured by the same company, making it a much more efficient model and improving upon those that came before it.
But the efficiency doesn’t stop there! This water softening system has a “Look Ahead” feature, which ensures that the system will only regenerate on an as-needed basis. Of course, it is possible to override this feature with the Recharge Now or Recharge Tonight options, if the need should arise to do so. These three different settings give the Morton System Saver plenty of choice for optimal use.
This water softener system is an excellent choice for a small to medium sized family home, or even for a small business that is plagued by hard water. One or two bathrooms and one kitchen can easily be serviced at the same time by this sturdy little system.
This water softener features a 30,000-grain capacity and a single-tank design focused on saving space. At 43 inches tall and eighty pounds in weight, this high flow system processes 11 gallons of water per minute. The Morton System Saver even comes equipped with power interruption protection that lasts for 8 hours, meaning that if the power should shut off, the system will pick up where it left off as long as it receives power again within 8 hours. This water softener is truly a convenient small package!
On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener
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- Portable yet powerful
- Easily works with table salt
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- 16,000 Grains
- Takes only half hour to run its cycle
#1 Rated Portable Water Softener

Don’t let the name of this water softener fool you! Although it is a great option for an RV or even for marine use, it is also strong enough to make it an excellent choice for those who are looking to soften the water in a small office, apartment, condo, or mobile home, as well.
As this system is a smaller model, it does require manual regeneration. However, it only needs table salt to regenerate, and it takes only about a half hour to run through its cycle, meaning that you only have to sacrifice your treated water for a half hour when the regeneration time rolls around. And don’t worry about having to flush the system very often—one regeneration cycle will last for forty days! In fact, this portable softener is so powerful that it is the largest water softener currently available that still fits into the compact category.
Although there are some other great portable water softener systems available on the market, this model does almost twice the work that its competitors do. It can easily soften the water of a small living space for one to three people, and it only requires minimal effort on the part of the owner. It is also one of the cheaper models available, making it an excellent purchasing decision for anyone who is just starting to fight back against hard water.
This water softener features a 16,000 grain capacity and a high flow rate. It has a swivel function that allows the hose to be connected easily, and it does not need any tools or electricity in order to be installed or to function. It even comes with a cap and a plug to help keep the system from leaking and to provide for extra-easy travel when needed. If you are looking for a portable Water softening system, the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT is the best one to go for at the moment.
WaterBoss 220 22000 Grain Water Softener
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- Softens water and also filters out the iron
- Regeneration cycle takes only 18 minutes
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- 22,000 Grains
- Comes with a quiet motos and a 20 micron dust filter

This whole house water softener, manufactured by WaterBoss, is a small but very efficient model. Like the more powerful water softener systems on this list, the WaterBoss 220 also filters out iron from the water, as well as calcium and magnesium. However, its smaller size and lower capacity make it less suitable for a large home, and better for a one- to two-bathroom house or large apartment or office.
Like most of its whole house counterparts, this water softener system uses an on-demand regeneration system, which means that it will not regenerate unless more water is needed. When the time does come, the entire system can regenerate in only 18 minutes. Because of its lightning-fast regeneration time, this water softener does not use as much water as many of the others on the market do.
The WaterBoss 220 features a 22,000 grain capacity and a 20-micron dirt filter. It also offers a quiet motor, ensuring that it operates almost silently. It weighs only 73 pounds, making it one of the lightest full house models available. At only 26 inches tall and 18 inches wide, this water softener system won’t take up much room at all! You’ll hardly even know it’s there. If you’re looking for a water softener for a small space that won’t be too intrusive, try the WaterBoss.

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Fleck 5600SXT
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$$$
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48,000 grains
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Digitial SXT metered whole house system. Most effective system in the market. #1 Rated by our experts.

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Aquios Full House
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$$$
-
64,000 grains
-
Water Softener and Filter System Included in one. Full House System.

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Morton® System Saver®
-
$$$
-
30,000 grains
-
Advanced technology and very efficient regeneration due to continuous monitoring of usage

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On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT
-
$$$
-
16,000 grains
-
Portable 16,000 Grains RV Water Softener. Best Rated Portable Softener by our Experts.

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Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002
-
$$$
-
10,000 grains
-
Efficient and Value for Money Portable Water Softener

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WaterBoss 220
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$$$
-
22,000 grains
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Fast Water Softener. Top notch technology, quality softening and value for money softener
Remember that it is very important to compare and contrast the best water softener options for your home. What works for one home may be completely unreliable for a different home with different water hardness. Take your time in making this decision, and you will soon be enjoying the benefits of having softer water!
By now, you should be well equipped with all of the information you need to know in order to make the best possible water softener decision for you and your household. You have learned that a smaller home, such as an apartment or a one-bathroom with a family of one to three people, can make the most of a portable water softener system such as those used in RVs. Conversely, you have also learned that a larger family will require a whole house system, and that these larger and more powerful alternatives have handy automatic regeneration functions.
Best of all, you now know which portable and whole house water softener systems are the best and highest rated options on the market today. We have already listed the best ones above, so choosing from them shouldn’t be a problem for you. With this information, you are sure to pick the perfect water softener, and you’ll be enjoying a life free from hard water very soon! If you have any questions, you can reach us using the contact form on this website.
Conclusion: We recommend the Iron Pro 48K Combination Water Softener & Iron Filter with Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve if you are looking for a Full House Water Softening System, and if you are someone looking for a portable yet efficient softening system, we highly recommend the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable Softener.