Water softeners are now the top-tier and most practical way of ensuring that you have a supply of soft water in your homes. They are a life-long asset guaranteed to provide you with not just soft water but also many extra advantages using it. Single tank water softener systems should be adequate for a small to moderately-sized family. If you want a 24/7 supply of soft water without any interruptions at all, then dual tank or twin tank water softeners should be the way to go.
Picking the top-rated twin-tank water softener is a cinch if you know what factors to consider. We believe three parameters are crucial.
- Water Softening Capacity: This parameter impacts the water softener’s regeneration frequency, making it a crucial consideration. A 48,000-grain water softener will last longer between sodium ion recharges than a 30,000-grain unit.
- Flow Rate: Like all filtration systems, water softeners can impact the water flow rate. These devices trap calcium, iron, magnesium, and other hard minerals in resin beads, resulting in a buildup that can reduce water flow rates. Hence, a 15-GPM water softener is better than a 10-GPM system.
- Valve Type: Water softeners feature one of two control valves: time-operated and metered. Most water softener experts recommend a metered system because it is more efficient. It regenerates only when a predetermined volume of water has passed through the softener. Time-initiated control valves recharge every set number of days.
There are many brands and models that you can choose from, so you can be sure that what you are using is nothing but the best. Each would have its pros and cons but should be able to give you a continuous soft water supply. Here is help in choosing the best twin tank water softener.
Table of Contents
Top-Rated Twin Tank Water Softener Reviews
1. DuraWater Fleck 9100 On-Demand
Among the many dual tank water softener systems, this one from DuraWater might be your most suitable option. With a combined grain capacity of 128,000, you can be sure of a 24/7 water supply in your home or even your business.
These twin tanks will consistently deliver you non-stop soft water. This is made possible because its second tank will always be ready to pick up the job and supply you with soft water when the first one is ultimately used. While this second tank is working, the first tank is going through its regeneration process.
This dual tank system has been designed and tested for weathering an equivalent of 27 years of uninterrupted daily usage. The way it is engineered makes it a quality and long-lasting asset. Looking at the materials alone, it is not hard to imagine that it can work non-stop for more than two decades.
It has a paddlewheel meter that has been upgraded so that water metering can be done more effectively. This is built by looking at years and years of daily use. Aside from longevity in mind, it is also made with consumers as the priority. You don’t need to be intimidated by the large tanks because it means higher flow rates.
The installation is also user-friendly thanks to its Noryl Plastic Bypass which makes the initial setup easier. Additionally, you will have the option to recharge on a timer and based on water usage. It comes with a water meter that is pre-set for a tank switch every 12 days or every after 3800 gallons of water; both can be adjusted anyway to your preferences.
This is the most suitable for you as unlike the pre-set systems, it will give you almost 15% savings on water and salt. Again, this is because it only regenerates when needed, and it maximizes the tank currently in service before switching the flow to the second tank.
- High capacity
- Upgraded Paddle Wheel Meter
- Two adjustable options for regeneration
- Water and salt use at minimal
- 27 years of uninterrupted daily usage
- Space eater and it is enormous and heavy
2. ABCwaters Built Fleck 5600sxt Water Softener
I once saw the ABCwaters Built Fleck 5600SXT water softener for sale on my favorite e-commerce site, but I did not give it much thought. Now that I’ve tried it, I know why many households love this device.
This twin-tank water softener has an integrated carbon filtration system featuring fine-quality coconut shells, offering two benefits. First, families will never worry about backwashing and wastewater because of this product’s upflow design. It is more efficient than conventional water softeners with a downflow design.
Second, drinking water is more pleasant because carbon absorbs nasty chlorine and chloramine taste and odor. It can also eliminate other impurities, including organic compounds, pesticides, THM, MTBE, and herbicides.
Surprisingly, this softener does not impact water flow as immensely as other brands. It guarantees a maximum of 12 gallons of soft and filtered water every minute, allowing families to enjoy a continuous water supply.
Its 48,000-grain capacity is also better than my residential water softener, guaranteeing round-the-clock operation without downtime. Its regeneration cycle is also longer than my 30,000-grain unit.
Activating the regeneration cycle is a breeze because of the Fleck 5600SXT digital control valve. It monitors the gallons of water passing through the system and recharges the resins automatically.
I also appreciate its high-quality ion exchange resin with 10% crosslinks. This feature is welcome news for households with unusually high chlorine levels. The built-in carbon filter also aids in improving this water softener’s durability.
Although I do not doubt DIYers can install this twin-tank water softener system without any issues, first-timers might not. I have read challenging instances in creating a drain line, prompting professional installation.
- 48,000-grain capacity, removes chlorine, pesticides, THM, and many compounds
- 12-GPM maximum flow rate
- Innovative upflow carbon filtration technology
- 10% crosslink ion exchange resin beads
- Digitally controlled metered valve for automatic recharging
- Expert installation recommended
3. DuraWater 64k 9100SXT Water Softener
If you need rust-free and soft water for your family, the DuraWater 64k system is what you should try. Thanks to it, you will never turn back with red iron stains or faucets filled with mineral build-up. As one of its significant advantages, the metered digital feature is full of premium capabilities but with the most straightforward and user-friendly design.
Also, it is more affordable than the other twin tanks on the market. With its budget-friendly cost, this unit will help you conserve your resources, water, and salt. It gives you 10 to 15% savings on salt capacity because, again, it only regenerates when needed.
The system is designed to exhaust a single tank first before regenerating. This is the only time that the second tank comes into play. The flow will not be redirected unless the first tank is depleted and must go through the regeneration process. With this pattern, you can be assured that the soft water supply is consistent and available 24/7 all year round.
This system is designed with simplicity; it follows a “set and forgets” system, meaning you don’t need to worry about the need to reset the time or reprogram the system. The Fleck 9100SXT boasts a built-in capacitor that will keep the time settings for up to 2 days if there are any power interruptions or intermittent power. Adding to that, it also has a non-volatile memory standard where your system settings will forever be intact.
This product is fully upgradable should you wish to have a larger brine tank and more durable resin. The only hiccup of this system is the inlet and outlet switches are fixed and cannot be swapped.
- Uninterrupted soft water supply for up to 27 years
- Comes with an upgraded Paddle Wheel Meter
- Budget-friendly
- Set and forget system
- Fully upgradable
- Inlet and outlet switches are fixed
DuraWater USA Fleck 9100SXT (Outdated) If what you need is a water softener with a superb flow rate, the Durawater USA Fleck 9100SXT Water Softener is for you. This system has a 20 GPM flow rate, so you will never have to get stressed about the water supply in your home. The system is full of proof when it comes to ensuring your water supply. As a backup, the second tank of water can immediately spring into action once the first tank is 100% depleted. When the second tank is busy supplying you with water, the first one goes through its regeneration process, so there will never be a downtime phase. You don’t need to wait for one tank to complete its regeneration so water can be processed again. With its 32,000 grains capacity for each tank, soft water will never be an issue at home. You will also like that this system has an upgraded paddle wheel meter and a turbine meter note. Additionally, it comes with an iron hardness test kit to get your water’s most accurate reading. This Fleck water softener comes from a quality brand known for its efficiency and reliability. This one consists of two tanks. The first one is a dedicated resin tank, and the other is a salt reservoir. Mounted on the top is the controller unit, which technically gives your container a little more height. This system also has the essential parts required to connect it with your home’s existing plumbing system. A regeneration controller is provided so that you can control the regeneration process’s frequency and schedule. The system will let you set the time for the regeneration and the water hardness process. This is important because you can fully maximize your water softener and its capacity to save time, money, and resources. Twin Tank Metered Water Softener Fleck 9100EC Control (Outdated) With a vast and competitive capacity of 64,000 grains, this electro-mechanical dual water softener is perfect for your home. The metered water softener with a Fleck 9100EC control by CAI Technologies follows a twin tank duplex design where there are two resin tanks and one brine tank. It has a decent flow rate to provide soft water for a household with nine members. This design will allow maximum efficiency. Before the second tank comes into action, the first tank needs to be 100% used and depleted before it goes through the regeneration process. Following this cycle, you, as the owner or member of the household, would not need to make adjustments while waiting for the water softener unit to complete its regeneration. After that, the softener renews with soft water which is already pre-rinsed, then the resin flushes all the hardness and stationary water it has accumulated before the other tank begins its service. It all happens automatically. The result is something you’ll be pleased with – an uninterrupted soft water supply all day and all year round. For safety and hygienic purposes, you’d be relieved knowing that the whole system remains clean for optimal operating effectiveness. It follows an up-flow regeneration, and the resin beads make it a point to flush all the deposits from the inside pipes. The resin tanks are beige in color and all poly-lined. They are also fiberglass strengthened, which adds to the quality and longevity of the system. This is a unit that you can use for years and still have it performing like it was on day one. You can feel, see, and taste the water’s difference as it goes through this water softening unit. Overall, the taste of soft water is better. You would also notice a reduction in rust stains and mineral build-up. You don’t need to lather as much soap or shampoo or add more detergent to your laundry because your water has become a cooperative agent in allowing these cleaning agents to do what it is supposed to do. AFWFilters Fleck 9100 SXT Twin Metered On-Demand (Outdated) The AFWFilters Fleck 9100 SXTTwin Tank Water Softener is perfect for you if you are looking for a larger unit. It has a grain capacity of 80,000 and a 22 GPM, which is about right for owners of small to medium-sized shops and even restaurants. Thanks to the fact that this model boasts two tanks, you can be assured about a steady supply of soft water. It completes the regeneration in one of the tanks and then switches to the other so that its process can be continuous. You’d be satisfied to know that this particular make and model is a twin alternating water softener, meaning it features an alternating tank with instantaneous regeneration. Running a business requires saving all that you can. With this softener being able to hold 80,000 grains, you are going to save water consumption and salt usage because the system would need fewer regeneration cycles. As with all SXT models, the AFWFilters Fleck 9100 is also equipped with an anti-memory loss backup capacitor. Should a power outage occur in any case, this feature will keep the meter for two days, which is an excellent way of not missing the regeneration cycle. This is also particularly handy if, by any chance, you lose your system’s settings. You will be surprised at how easy the installation of this system is. It is almost the same as installing a single tank system, and the maintenance required is practically non-existent. After installing it, you just enter the hardness level, program the unit, and that’s it. Abundant Flow Water WS-64k-91SXT Dual Tank Softener (Outdated) Don’t ever underestimate what the Abundant Water Softener 91SXT system can do for you and your household. Measuring about 18 inches by 40 inches, this unit can hold 350 pounds of water with a twin, alternating grain capacity of 64,000. It has 2 feet of high-quality and capacity resin for each of its tanks and has a flow rate of 16 GPM. Never again face a water crisis when you have this system providing you with soft water. This system also features an LCD with touchpad controls to have a stress-free interaction with the system. You can adjust how it works as you deem necessary, depending on your needs. You will like how this unit becomes your ally when saving your money. As it removes the hardness of your water through the ion exchange process, the scale build-up on your inside pipes, faucets, and fixtures is eliminated. This will save you the hundreds of dollars that might initially have been planned for repairs and replacements. You also don’t need to use too much soap, shampoo, or detergent because the system helps improve soap efficiency. The less you use, the less you need to purchase. This complete system has an additional control on-demand flow meter. You can expect more efficient processes and cycles because of its Head Polymer Valve Body and its digital metered head. Installation is a simple process. If you are into DIY projects, you can surely emerge successful with this endeavor because the system connections are easy to understand. Moreover, the installation instructions and guides are very well-detailed, so you won’t have any problems moving forward. For those though who prefer to have the experts do the installation, your plumber can get everything done in 2 hours or less. Discount Water Softeners Genesis 2 Duo Grain Water Softener (Outdated) The Discount Water Softener Genesis 2 will give you the best of both worlds when it comes to having the most advanced features while at the same time keeping the programming and installation easy. This set and forget device will liberate you from putting in trackers or setting up notifications to reprogram or reset the time. You will also be impressed with its No-Touch information screen that provides crucial data on what’s happening within your unit. You will be able to monitor the flow rate, the last time the system regenerated, and the current volume until the next regeneration begins. To top it off, it also comes with available non-volatile memory that will keep your system’s settings—no need to worry about accidentally wiping out the data. You will also enjoy being able to modify the cycle settings, giving you control over the salt settings. This system will save you from up to 75% salt and 64% water. With this, you can save money and time while still getting a steady supply of soft water. What’s more, the Genesis Duo is not only digitally metered but also has a feature called upflow bringing, also known as upflow regeneration. The product is named Genesis Duo because it functions as both a water filter and a softener. It follows up a 2-step process where the system will filter your water first, get the chloramines and chlorine out, and then reduce the ion exchange process’s level of hardness. The catalytic carbon is held in a separate tank for better efficiency. The carbon keeps the captured chlorine, which is destructive to the resin, so it does not enter the resin tank. You can be guaranteed that your resin is safe and its longevity is insured. AFWFilters WS-96k-91SXT Dual Tank Water Softener (Outdated) You earn a lot of benefits from a fleck twin tank water softener, accurately the Fleck 96,000 grain water model. This system has made its name for being one of the top-tier water softeners because it can remove magnesium and calcium from your water through salt and ion exchange. As a homeowner, you will like that it will reduce the limescale build-up on the pipelines, household appliances, and all those fixtures that are exposed to water the most. More importantly, this one can provide you with water safe for drinking at a continuous rate. You will benefit from its alternating control head including two tanks to ensure that water is available 24/7. This is perfect for large households that have high water hardness and above-average water consumption. Thanks to its metered design, it only goes through the regeneration cycle when needed. The Fleck 9100 SXT is designed to have the most abundant grain capacity among all brand models. You will find its 24/7 SXT digital LCD control display and touchpad panel user-friendly and easy to set up. Its flow meter is also simple to use. This unit can continuously supply you with water as it has a 20 GPM flow rate, and each of the tanks contains 3 feet of resin. Fleck Water Softener has been known for its quality for years. It is a big name in this specific industry. This system has a control head engineered for the Fiber Reinforced Polymer Valve Body Choice. The materials and construction are stable and reliable. Another reason why this unit is gradually becoming a household favorite is its installation process. When you procure this, it comes with a detailed instruction manual that can guide you to complete the setup. DIY installation is very much possible for the product.
What Is A Twin Tank Water Softener/ Who Is This For
Dual tank water softener systems or also referred to as twin tanks, as the name implies, use two tanks instead of a single one to soften your water. Those two tanks will take turns to continuously remove the hard minerals like magnesium and calcium from the resin bed’s water courtesy.
Unlike a single tank water softener where there would be a brief downtime during the system’s regeneration process, 2 tank water softener systems don’t pause. Thanks to having two tanks, when one tank is regenerating, the other will process to soften your water automatically. As a result, the supply of soft water would be continuous without any interruptions.
This water softener system is smart for those who want to end their on-going problems with hard water and its destructive effects on the plumbing system and your water appliances. Additionally, this unit is considered an upgrade as compared to single tank devices.
With advanced features, these products might be more pricey. Still, it is ideal for those folks who want a steady flow of soft water at any time. If you have a large family or run a small to medium-sized business like a retail store or a restaurant, you have to make sure that your water’s quality is good for every user.
How Does It Work
Twin tank water softener systems work and follow the natural water softening process. First, the hard water goes through the water softener system. As the water passes through the tank’s resin, the hard minerals found in the water get attracted to the resin. At this stage, the water becomes softer.
Due to this cycle, the resin becomes soaked and full of hard minerals. A regeneration process kicks in so the resin can be freed of these accumulated water minerals. It is all geared up to continue the water softening process. The brine water is strained into the water tank, and it proceeds to rinse the hard minerals from the resin and out the drain. As soon as the resin is hard minerals free, the soft water cleans the leftover brine water; thus, the system is all set for its next cycle.
A two tank water softener can guarantee that you will always have soft water available. There would be no wait time or downtime during the regeneration phase. There would be no interruptions because the water softener will always automatically switch the flow to the second tank when the first tank is regenerating.
Buying Guide
Water softeners are a great addition to your household. Aside from its many advantages, it is also considered as an investment. If you have finally answered the ultimate question of ‘do I need a dual tank water softener’ with a yes, then you are on the correct path. The next decision will be the specific make and model of your future double tank water softener.
Here are a few factors that you can consider to make sure that you are picking the right water softener for you and your family:
- Identify your needs – you know that your water is hard and that you and your family are using water daily, but more insight is needed. You should determine the level of your water’s hardness accurately. You may think that it is just moderately hard, but the assumption can lead to getting the wrong water softener. Secondly, you have to identify how much water is being consumed in your home or business. Understanding your needs can help you in evaluating and decide on the most suitable water softener for you.
- Budget – this factor kind of dictates the next steps to purchasing your water softener. Water softeners, including twin ones, have a wide price range. Usually, the most affordable and budget-friendly systems start at a couple of hundred bucks while the high end product line can reach four thousand dollars. Part of identifying your needs will determine the budget for this device.
- Flow Rate – this refers to the supply of water that the softener can provide every minute. This is the gallons per minute measurement. For smaller households, a water softener with a flow rate between 7.4GPM and 22 GPM should suffice. For restaurant owners, people who have a small to medium scale business, the top-rated recommendation is to purchase a water softener that can provide you with at least 22 GPM.
- Capacity – this is the measurement of how many grains of water hardness your water softener unit can handle before it goes into the regeneration process. The rule of thumb here is that the more capacity it can handle, the better it will be to soften your hard water.
- Maintenance – this is an essential factor because it involves you. You have to look into things that you might need to do regularly to help your twin two-tank water softener ensure that it is working and functioning as expected. This would include not only the physical activities required from you but also the costs involved in the system’s maintenance.
- Certification – this is an element that most people choose to ignore. Ensure that you select a water softener that is WQA or NSF/ANSI approved. The certifications are there for a reason. Having one duly approved means that you are given up to 100% guarantee when it comes to material safety, regular watering softening, precision in the brine system, and overall structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are twin tank water softeners better than single-tank softeners?
The dual tank vs single tank water softener debate boils down to household size or soft water consumption. If you are wondering, “why does my water softener have two tanks,” it is because you have more occupants dependent on softened water.
A water softener must cease its operation to replenish the sodium ions in its mineral tank when it is full of hard minerals. Most families schedule these “off times” at night when no one drinks or cooks because everyone is asleep.
However, large families might have members who require “soft water” in the middle of the night to make coffee or take a warm shower. In such cases, they would not have a pleasant experience because the water softener is regenerating.
Moreover, resin tanks for water softeners can only accommodate a predetermined amount of hard minerals (i.e., 40,000 grains or 100,000 grains). If the device reaches this capacity, it regenerates automatically.
A twin-tank water softener ensures uninterrupted performance. While one tank softens the water, the other tank regenerates. A single-tank model cannot do this.
Hence, the all in one vs two part water softener debate puts the latter ahead.
Where can I place a twin-tank softening unit?
You can place your Clack twin-tank water softener or any softener brand anywhere along the main water line, between the primary shutoff valve and the first water fixture (i.e., faucet) or appliance (i.e., water heater).
As for the specific location, most families install their Culligan twin-tank water softeners (or any other brand) in the basement, while others set them up in a closet, garage, or attic. Homes in warm and coastal areas install their twin-tank water softeners outdoors but away from direct sunlight, animals, and the elements.
Choosing the best location for a twin-tank softening unit requires understanding several factors, including available space, proximity to electrical connections, drainage access, and other water treatment systems.
How many times a week should twin tank water softener regenerate?
The average water softener tank regenerates every two to three days or two to three times weekly. A twin-tank water softener should have the same frequency.
However, regeneration frequency depends on several factors. First, the more hard minerals in the water, the faster the ion exchange resin consumes its sodium ions. Hence, it recharges more frequently. Second, high iron levels use more sodium from the resin bed, prompting the system to regenerate sooner than usual.
Increased soft water consumption also requires more frequent regeneration, and so does water softener age. Chlorine breaks resin crosslinks, causing the water softener to recharge more often.
Lastly, the water softener’s capacity dictates how often it regenerates. For instance, a 40,000-grain unit will recharge more frequently than an 80,000-grain device.
Regeneration frequency also depends on the water softener valve type. Time-controlled water softeners recharge after a predetermined number of days, regardless of device capacity. Meanwhile, metered or on-demand water softener valves only kickstart the regeneration cycle when it reaches capacity (in gallons of water).
Conclusion
Getting information and understanding your own needs is critical to ensure that what you purchase and invest in is indeed the best twin tank water softener. Note that you will be using this system for years and even decades to come. You need a dual tank that will 1oo% function as expected and prove to be a smart investment. Take your time and equip yourself with the information you need before closing the deal.
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!