The Best Outdoor Water Softeners for 2023

If you’re looking to treat hard water that causes a myriad of problems, including dry skin, hair and scalp itchiness and damage to plumbing, get the best outdoor water softener. It’s a unique device that treats the hardness of water. With it, you can improve the overall quality of your water supply; thus, you can prevent the issues it can bring.

Buying an outdoor water softener is not that different from shopping for other water-softening products. You must consider several factors to bring home only the best. Thankfully, we found three crucial parameters.

• Weatherproofing: Any device for outdoor use must withstand natural elements, including heat, wind, dust, rain, and snow. Although outdoor water softeners have robust construction, buyers must still be diligent in learning about a product’s waterproofing. Of particular importance is its ability to withstand freezing temperatures.

• Capacity: Water softeners vary in the number of hard minerals captured in the resin tank before regenerating. As a rule, the higher the water softener’s grain capacity, the more effective its water-softening performance. Hence, a 100,000-grain outdoor water softener is better than a 48,000-grain system, provided all other factors are similar.

• Flow Rate: The average two-bathroom household needs at least 12 gallons of water per minute. An outdoor water softener should not undermine the house’s water flow rate. Otherwise, occupants will complain of an insufficient water supply. We recommend ditching an outdoor water softener with a 10-GPM rating for a system that delivers 12 to 14 gallons a minute.

However, it is uneasy and challenging to pick the right one that matches your household’s needs. Worry not, as help is coming! In this buying guide are the top picks and their unique features. Also, we’ll discuss what to consider when choosing a water softener for the outdoors. Check them out in the following.

Top 7 Outdoor Water Softener Reviews

1. Whirlpool WHES40E Water Softener

Trust a brand that is NSF-certified in providing you with high-quality soft water. The Whirlpool WHES40E has a 40,000-grain capacity, bringing you and your family soft water for everyday use.

Whirlpool has produced the greatest outdoor water softener systems in the industry and has been a trusted brand for a long time. This particular unit from Whirlpool is ideal for a household size of 1-6. It covers most of the household chores and ensures everyone can use soft water.

Stains and mineral build-up that are visible on water faucets, showerheads and even on washed dishes will be a thing of the past. This powerful water softener treats hard water symptoms like these.

Smart appliances are currently on the rise, and this water softener is also a smart device. It automatically calculates how much salt and water are needed for regeneration. You won’t waste water and salt, and this also saves you time, effort and money.

This unit boasts an iron removal capacity of up to 11 ppm, and also removes ferrous iron that is invisible to the naked eye. This puts you in great comfort that your water is definitely mineral-free.

Installation is quick and easy with this unit. All the parts that are needed come with the purchase so you don’t need to call a plumber to help you install. It comes with an installation kit that gives out the instructions before you start enjoying soft water at home.

Maintenance and cleaning of this water softener’s parts also don’t take much of your time. It has a specific cleanser working its best for the unit that is also sold separately.

2. Aquasure AS-HS48D Water Softener

The AquaSure AS-HS48D Harmony Series is a dependable outdoor water softener that can give Culligan a run for its money. Its robust construction complements its ion exchange regeneration system to offer households a technology that will never give up on them.

This outdoor water softener can accommodate 48,000 grains of hard minerals before needing a recharge. It is a feature I see in other brands, so I could not comment much about this aspect. Still, it remains the ideal capacity for homes with mild to moderately hard water.

Although I am not impressed with this water softener’s capacity, I am head over heels for its triple regeneration modes. Its ingenious Aquatrol Advanced Digital On-demand Control Head offers exceptional management of the water softener’s regeneration cycle.

Families can pick the “Time Clock Delay” mode for hassle-free scheduled regeneration (e.g., every two days). Meanwhile, the “Meter Delayed Control” offers impeccable efficiency by monitoring water usage and grain capacity. Households that want immediate regeneration can press the “Meter Immediate Control” mode.

I am glad this outdoor water softener can deliver 12 gallons of softened water per minute. My neighbor’s unit cannot even provide them with five.

Build quality is spot-on. I do not mind its polyethylene resin tank because inside this water softener is corrosion-resistant fiberglass. We could have a blizzard or sandstorm, and this water softener will never budge.

As a dependable water softener for outside hose systems and other fixtures, I will never worry about its durability. Installation is never a concern, either. A teenager can set this up in an hour.

3. Portable Water Softener Pro

Get the pro features of the Portable Water Softener Pro. This treats hard water and works optimally for RVs, trailers, homes and boats.

This wide-based water softener is stable on even and uneven surfaces. It has an outer wrap made of carbon fiber for protection with a tank jacket, but having an outdoor water softener enclosure would still be perfect. The unit is secured at any safe place suitable for your home or RV.

It has a 16,000-grain capacity, giving you up to 2,000 gallons of clean water. It could also provide you and your family with fresh water for up to 40 days. It also shows off its 5 GPM flow and high flow ports with the least pressure drop.

Compact-looking and very portable, the unit has a stress-free installation process. It can connect easily to the standard garden hose. Moreover, it comes already built with no tool nor electricity requirement to get going, and in under 5 minutes or so, it is ready for use.

The durability claims of this water softener are backed up by using high-grade NSF materials that will last for years. High-grade material makes up the inner shell while a sturdy fiberglass wrap is reinforced.

Regeneration of this portable water softener is also hassle-free. In under 30 minutes, it will run back again. This water softener uses only two boxes of common table salt; no other unique salt nor chemicals are needed for regeneration.

The life of your appliances is significantly prolonged with soft water. Other than that, your skin will benefit the most from it. Showering and washing with soft water are way better and in the long run, will save you money.

4. Ecopure EPHS007 Conditioner-Water Softener

Everything about the Ecopure Water Softener and Filter System is worth every penny. It is among the high-end water treatment units that deliver clean and soft water for every home.

With an auto-sensing technology feature, this efficient water softener analyzes how much salt and water are needed to regenerate the system. After using what is only necessary, it cuts the budget on salt and water usage in the long run.

Are you tired of having separate units for water filtration and softening? This home appliance has got you covered. The Ecopure is NSF-certified as it reduces sediments and water hardness, and also eliminates harmful contaminants.

Both city water and private wells work significantly with the Ecopure Water Softener. This is built for both urban and rural areas, with its dual water softening and filtration mechanism.

Setting up this unit is also hassle-free. All the parts you need are included and may be placed at home with or without an outdoor water softener cover. Its compact design also gives you a breather that this won’t take up too much space in your house.

It has low-key maintenance with its integrated, intuitive programming controls. Are you worried if it has low salt? It has an indicator light suggesting that your unit has little salt.

This accommodates a household size of 1-6+ and has a hardness removal level of 100 grains per gallon. With this unit, you will never have hard water in your home again.

If you have the Kenmore water softener, this is the exact replacement that you need. It fits precisely, and its height is identical, in case your previous one was placed inside a cabinet.

5. Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series Softener

Invest in a whole home and outdoor water softener system with superior mineral removal properties. The Whirlpool Pro Series is a hybrid home filter that provides you and your family with quality water.

This beast of a water softener removes minerals and other water contaminants that are potentially harmful. Known pollutants that are removed by this NSF Certified unit are: Calcium, Magnesium, Lead, Iron, and Chlorine.

The superiority of the Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series is proven with its above-average hardness removal rating of the usual 120 gallons per gallon. Having a 31,000-grain capacity and a three ppm iron removal capacity, this is a wise investment for home and outdoor use.

Your skin will thank you for having a water softener that is proven to save you and your family from dry and itchy skin. This then ultimately cuts your shampoo and soap budget by a chunk.

Scale build-up will not be an issue at home. Having soft water will significantly reduce the gunk that builds up on your faucet fixtures and showerheads.

Appliances at home that come into contact with water will have their lifespans extended by 30 to 50%. Soft water also ensures that your devices are performing at its best. Water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers will significantly benefit from this unit.

Efficient salt use is what Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series is about. As a smart water softener, it utilizes a demand-initiated water regeneration technology for the entire home, right when you need it.

Compared to the other models, this uses up to less than 25% of salt. The latest technology helps it regenerate only when necessary, cutting your salt use in the long run.

Are you tired of replacing filters in your water softeners? Another reason to purchase this hybrid water softener is that it cleans its filter every 14 days. The trusted brand does live up to its name of being cost-effective and cost-efficient.

6. On The Go OTG4-StdSoft

Consider having the On The Go OTG4 Standard Soft Portable Water Softener if you are in the hunt for quality handy units with one of the leading and outstanding outside water softener systems. These portable water softeners are perfect for recreational vehicle road trips or if you permanently live in a mobile home.

Portability of the On The Go OTG4 is laid down with its handle that makes it easy to carry. The unit also has a full mouth, which is perfect for instilling salt during water regeneration.

You will also not be worried about where to put this powerful water softener. It is designed to be a space saver, so it easily fits in the tightest spaces of your RVs. The compact design of the unit lives up to its name as it weighs less than other units of the same size.

It also keeps you going on the road as it regenerates in no time. With just a box of the common table salt, regeneration is quick and efficient in 15 minutes or less. RV owners will also be delighted to have this with its capabilities of providing premium-grade soft water for up to 20 days.

Do you have the right tools for installation? It doesn’t matter with the On The Go OTG4 as it is easy to set up. No tools nor electricity are needed to get this machine going.

This water softener can directly prevent rust stains. Its capabilities are excellent thanks to its 8,000 capacity. Hard water won’t be an issue for RV owners who travel in different areas with hard water.

7. Tier1 Essential Series Water Softener

Experience the goodness of soft water with the Tier1 Essential Series Digital Water Softener. It has reached the peak of technology with its LCD and digital meter control valve.

Using state of the art machinery, Tier1 has come up with a robust 48,000-grain capacity water softener. They claim to have high efficiency in treating hard water and have provided customers with quality soft water for years.

Although it uses the latest technology in delivering you quality water, it still has the traditional system in treating hard water. It comes with an already-assembled brine tank, mineral tank, and with premium-grade resin for your hard water issues.

What makes this unit stand out from its competitors is its valve head. It is incredibly user-friendly that shows pertinent information for your unit. Its cycle times are also fully adjustable to your preference.

This also takes pride in having an upward flow of regeneration. This unique feature drives the minerals up, sparing the unused resin and saving you salt for future use.

Lime scale and soap scum are greatly reduced as this water softener utilizes gel polystyrene cation exchange resin. This has better capacity than what is sold in the market commercially.

Installation is time-saving as it already comes assembled. Connections can be quick as their instructions are clear and precise so you can have soft water in no time.

Its compact design will catch your attention as it will fit most home spaces. It won’t be much of a pain to where you will store or set it up as it saves you great space.

What Is An Outdoor Water Softener/ Who Is This For

An outdoor water softener is a machine that filters hard water supplies. To differentiate, water is considered as “hard water” when there is 60 mg (or more) of dissolved metals like calcium and magnesium, while it is classified as “soft water” when there is little (less than 60 mg) to no metal at all.

Through the charged resin beads, the water softener removes these metals from the water supply by attracting them away from water molecules. The now softened water passes through the machine and is supplied to the household or business requiring softened water. Meanwhile, the metals remain stuck to the resin beads and are cleaned out by the brine tank of the machine.

Outdoor water softeners are ideal for households and businesses alike. The water provided by the country may not be softened, thus making it unhealthy for drinking, and terrible for maintenance. In homes, softened water is beneficial, as it is safe for drinking, and great for plumbing, laundry, cleaning, and skincare.

In businesses, outdoor water softeners significantly increase the quality and reliability of water-based products. It improves the performance of the company since customer trust and loyalty are formed, and customers decide the success of a business.

How Does It Work

The science behind outdoor water softeners focuses on the branch of chemistry. Through the use of negatively charged resin beads, positively charged metals dissolved in the water are taken out. These metals are replaced with safer sodium ions, seeing that sodium does not obstruct the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.

Caring for outdoor water softeners is very similar to taking care of indoor appliances. Outdoor water softener installation also considers the device’s longevity of life. It should be kept from harsh weather (such as high or freezing temperatures) and natural calamities (such as earthquakes and hurricanes). All of these factors could damage the appliance as much as other appliances. Thus, to ensure that the outdoor water softener is maintained, people have come up with two solutions.

The first solution is to bury the water softener. Most outdoor water softeners are now built to withstand being buried. By renting local augers or using an old-school shovel, anyone can create a hole for their water softener. Make sure that the water softener is placed close to the city water valve (around two feet), and that its control valve is sticking out. With this method, the appliance is both insulated and stabilized.

Another method is to place the water softener in a shed or a cabinet. There are many cabinets for sale designed for outdoor water softeners. These protect the appliance from rain or shine, blocking elements that are harmful to its components. To set the cabinet properly, most people have decided to use paver blocks or concrete bases. Furthermore, some also advise adding a light bulb or a simple heater inside the cabinet to prevent freezing.

Buying Guide

There are a lot of things to consider before buying the best outdoor water softeners, like locality, maintainability, build quality, and brand. All of these factors will help determine the functionality and efficacy of the appliance.

Locality

Always consider buying home appliances from local stores, especially ones that directly affect the supply of a household or business (e.g. electricity, water). Local outdoor water softener dealers are the best people to go to when searching for the quintessential outdoor water softener.

They are bound to have the best knowledge of the local water supply, hence being able to find the optimal outdoor water softener for the designated household/business. Buying online without proper knowledge or research of the local water supply could lead to purchasing suboptimal appliances, which is a total waste of money.

Maintainability

Plenty has suggested buying unbranded components, as branded ones tend to be specific to their brand only. This makes it difficult to purchase replacement parts from local hardware stores, especially when the said brand discontinues its products. Avoid this at all costs to prevent buying an entirely new appliance, which is pricier than simply purchasing replacement parts.

Additionally, find something easy to preserve, meaning the parts themselves are easily accessible and replaceable. Once these parts are broken, it is suggestible to consult professionals to have the appliance serviced rather than fixing it with DIY instructions. Ease of access makes it safer for the device, as taking everything apart is a risk for its other parts, too.

Build Quality

Build quality is crucial in scrutinizing which outdoor water softener to buy. Several may not last long as the right outdoor water softener for the home because of the weather or natural calamities. On the other hand, some are meant to be situated indoors, and some can withstand only either freezing or scorching temperatures, which could be the total opposite of local weather and calamities.

Brand

The most obvious choice when choosing brands that produce outdoor water softeners is how long they have been in the market. This speaks a lot about the brand, as it means many people believe in the quality of their products. Typically, older brands are much more reliable: the longer they have produced outdoor water softeners, the better their current products ought to be.

However, that does not mean that newer brands are not sharper than or as robust as older brands, because they may also have put in more than enough work in their products so they can be outstanding in local households/businesses. It is never wrong to analyze brands, and decide which one to choose, based on the acquired knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you put a water softener outside?

A water softener outside might not last as long (as they are exposed to more dangerous environments) as any other appliance; however, they can still be placed there. Several manufacturers have designed their products to be able to bear harsh elements, basically allowing them to operate and survive outside for quite a time. Nevertheless, be careful before buying a water softener! Not all are made to resist the rough conditions outside your home.

Units, like the brine tank and the resin bed, are very susceptible to destruction from the cold or the scorching heat. These are essential to the functionality and upkeep of the appliance. The resin bed is responsible for the expulsion of the metals from the hard water, while the brine tank is accountable for cleaning of the container.

Without these pieces – or others, for that matter – the outdoor water softener becomes inefficient, and at worst, completely useless. A single malfunction them inside a water softener is vital to its performance. Its functionality is highly dependent on its very own components, and even the smallest of them could play a central role. So, it is essential to examine the safety of these, as taking care of each one is watching over the tank itself as well.

As mentioned above, two common ways allow the placement of water softeners outside. Depending on their build quality, they may or may not last as long as water softeners located in the safety of inside.

All water softeners have components that are essential to the water-softening process, and all of these could be tarnished by hazardous elements that are caused by (or are) weather and calamities. It is entirely up to the home or business owners to risk putting their water softeners outside.

How can I be sure that my outdoor water softener is working?

You can check if an external water softener works by observing the following two tests.

Conduct a hardness test by getting a water sample and sending it to the local water utility for analysis. Alternatively, you can buy a water hardness test kit and perform the testing yourself. The results should confirm or refute whether the water softener for seasonal cabin units is operating as designed.

The soap test is more practical, although not accurate. You can get water from a faucet and add pure liquid soap. Next, try to form a lather or bubbles. If you can produce generous amounts of rich lather, your water softener for outside hose fixtures is working perfectly.

Other ideas include checking for hard water spots or stains on water appliances, fixtures, and pipes. You might also notice chalky-white crusts around water connections, while some folks might discern a “weird” taste in the drinking water.

Water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and other water appliances might not function properly. Changes in water pressure and overall quality might also indicate the softener is not working as designed.

How do I stop my outdoor water softener from freezing?

You can keep an outdoor water softener from freezing by installing it in garage units or warm places. It also helps to keep the garage doors closed at all times to prevent cold air from entering.

If you have a heater in the garage, you can set it to the lowest level to warm the water softener without hiking the electric consumption. The key takeaway is to hide the water softener outside in a sheltered location.

A thermal enclosure can also protect the outdoor water softener from freezing. Insulation materials can trap heat around the water softener while preventing cold drafts from entering.

Consuming water can also prevent softeners from freezing by constantly moving the liquid through the system. Ice forms when water does not move, allowing the outside temperature to lower the water temperature beyond its freezing point.

Alternatively, draining the water from the softener will prevent it from solidifying. After all, no water, no ice.

How do you drain a water softener outside?

Scoop the water from the brine tank using a bucket or a cup. Alternatively, a shop vacuum can suck the water out from the tank and save you the hassle of bending and scooping the water out.

If you prefer a more complex method, you can disconnect the various brine tank connections and remove the tank from its mount. You start by removing the float, pulling the cylinder out, and disconnecting the brine tank fill tube. Ask an assistant to help you lift the brine tank and dump its contents down the drain.

Some exterior water softeners have manual regeneration mechanisms. This feature allows users to recharge the ion exchange resins without waiting for the automatic system to kick in.

You can push the manual regeneration button to activate the process and suck the water from the brine tank. Press the button again as many times as necessary to bypass all other cycles.

You might want to check your water softener because manufacturers have different procedures.

Conclusion

Getting the best outdoor water softener is essential if you’re dealing with hard water or using well water. It can treat the hardness that causes hard water problems, including plumbing damage. Using this machine, you can improve the overall quality of your water supply and prevent staining on the faucets, sinks, and plates. Moreover, the outdoor water softener is your solution if you want better-tasting, cleaner and safer water for your family. Choose one today!

Ronald Brown

Hi, I am Ronald, founder of Saveourh2o. With this website, we aim to solve all the problems related to your water filters, softeners, and heaters. I have five years working in water equipment sales & service. I hope to bring the knowledge gathered from my daily work to help you to achieve comfort and safety in your home!