The Best Water Softener for Well Water for 2023

A primary issue of well water supply that homeowners encounter is water hardness. Especially with excessive levels of it, plumbing system issues and damage to its components can exist. It is why households getting their supply from well water buy and use the best water softener for well water.

This device can reduce water hardness and elements, such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. It can also help prevent skin problems and stains on the laundry, faucet, sink, and plates.

Picking the most trusted water softener is like buying a water filtration system for your home. You must consider several factors to help you identify the most appropriate product. The following parameters are crucial.

• Capacity: Like water filtration systems, water softeners can only accommodate a limited volume of hardness water minerals (i.e., calcium and magnesium) expressed in “grains per gallon” (GPG) or “parts per million” (ppm). The more hard minerals in the water, the higher the water softener’s capacity should be. For instance, a 30,000-grain water softener is ideal for a household that uses 100 to 200 gallons of water per day with a water hardness level of 10 GPG.
• Regeneration Requirements: Water softeners contain resins that require periodic “recharging”. Some products regenerate on schedule (“timed”), while others depend on the water volume (“demand-initiated”) the system has treated. The latter is more efficient than timer-controlled water softeners.
• Installation: Although water softeners are straightforward to install, some homeowners might require more detailed instructions. User guide clarity is crucial for such families, including the availability of online resources. Otherwise, you might have to prepare for a costly professional installation.

To select the right water conditioning system for well water, keep reading the following. It features reviews of the top products in the category and their pros and cons. You’ll also learn how to choose one by considering the factors to compare.

Top-Rated Water Softener for Well Water Reviews

1. Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener

Whirlpool is a household name. It is a brand that has continuously provided innovative solutions to homes globally. Its WHES4OE Grain Water Softener is one of its water-softening systems for well water or city water that can give you and your home the highest quality water solution.

This 40,000-grain capacity water softener provides you with a system and process that can remove high levels of water hardness from your household’s cold and hot water. It can also clear up to 11 ppm of iron from your water, which includes ferrous metal invisible to the naked eye.

You can have your supply of softer water on your demand, anytime and any day. It is due to Whirlpool’s integrated demand-initiated technology, which will calculate your home’s daily water usage and provide it accordingly. You will also like that you don’t need to guess or monitor your water softener’s salt supply.

This model has a low-salt light indicator, which would advise that the salt needs to be refilled. There is no more guessing from your end. All you need would be to stock your salt supply, and you’re good to go. It can automatically calculate how much water and salt are required to continue with its regeneration process. It only uses the needed amount to save both water and salt, which is suitable for your budget.

Whirlpool’s water softening unit is your most suitable choice when you want the most efficient and budget-friendly method of making your water more beneficial to meet you and your entire family’s needs. Stop using water that is itchy and uncomfortable and ensure that your every bath leaves you and your skin refreshment and soft.

With this water softener, you also take care of all household items and fixtures that include water. There would be no more hard water scales that need to be removed because it will affect the overall water pressure and performance of your showerheads and faucets that, when left unattended, can cause you some fortune to repair and replace.

2. Aquasure AS-HS64D Harmony Series

Another in-demand water softener for hard well water is the Aquasure AS-HS64D Harmony Series Whole House. When it comes to top performance and highly digital water systems equipment, this model will not disappoint you.

This whole house water softener can clean a whopping 64,000 grains of water contaminants. What makes it stand-out from the other softeners is that this model is digital. It has a high technology meter on its head so you can monitor the amount of water that should be softened.

Furthermore, if other water softeners have only one regeneration, Aquasure AS-HS64D has three types of regeneration for convenient use. These are the controls for time clock delay, meter immediate, and meter delay that allows easy and customized setup.

This unit can produce quality water for at least seven people or a household with up to six shower rooms. Aquasure guarantees a spa type of water, which is no spot but just so soft. It benefits your family members as well as your house guests.

The softened water that Aquasure AS-HS64D softening system can produce has various advantages. It is suitable for health and skincare since water contaminants, such as magnesium and iron, are being eradicated. These elements usually cause rough, dry, and irritable skin when they are stored in the skin pores. Aquasure AS-HS64D will solve these problems.

Also, this unit reduces the hardness of water and other unwanted minerals. It makes all the appliances that work with water much more efficient. For example, the softened water in the dishwasher produces bubbles quickly; hence, less dishwasher liquid is needed.

Faucets and showerheads will no longer be stained with reddish and brownish pigments. The appliances perform well with softened energy, which saves cost, time, and electricity.

3. Iron Pro 2 Combination Softener

This water-softening device is your all-in-one solution when you finally want to end your hard water problems. It can stop those frustrating and annoying iron rusts and red stains on your home appliances. The Iron Pro 2 Fleck 5600SXT has 64,000 Grain Capacity. It is for medium-sized families.

This water softener can remove water hardness up to 75-grain capacity per gallon, Manganese up to 6 ppm, and iron up to 6-8 ppm. You can be guaranteed that high iron removal can be achieved via its ion-exchange process with its excellent mesh resin. As a result, you also put a stop to scale buildup and any potential problems in plumbing in the future. You’d also be enticed to drink more water because it will remove any metallic or rusty odor. It can also remove up to 2 ppm of sulfur.

You will like how this top-rated water softener has a simple yet effective principle in removing rust stains from ferrous iron, water scales, soap scum, and water spots. With the Iron Pro system, water containing ferrous iron will be clearer and safer for cooking and drinking.

You would also find it beneficial that this system has a metered design. It measures your water consumption and will base its regeneration on your household’s usage.

You’ll find this water conditioner for well water a practical device, as it will automatically adjust if an increase in water usage is detected. The system will just regenerate more to keep up and ensure that the supply is enough. This digital control permits minor and easy adjustments so you can maximize the capacity and, at the same time, minimize the usage of salt.

As for the installation, instructions are well-provided, and DIY enthusiasts would love a good challenge. The process is simple, especially if you have a plumbing background. If help is needed, calling in a professional plumber is always a smart idea.

4. Whirlpool WHESFC ProSeries

The quality of water for the household is one top priority of every family. Well water conditioning systems, usually composed of a water softener, can improve the water at home. If you want to have one, look on the Whirlpool WHESFC ProSeries Softener, which is cost-saving and competitive on the market.

This single tank model is intentionally made slimmer compared to other brands so that it won’t require a spacious location. Its surface is also made of durable materials to make it long-lasting. Its smooth and gray body looks stylish yet straightforward, so it matches any wallpaper and other home appliances.

Better than how it physically looks, Whirlpool WHESFC ProSeries Softener is the best buy for its efficiency. Its value for money is superb because this single-tank system is already a two-in-one system. It filters and removes unwanted minerals from the water to soften it. It takes away all the possible dirt and germs that may be hazardous to health.

This item is ideal for a group of 1 to 5 persons since it has a 31,000-grain capacity. Its removal rating is a 120-grain capacity for every gallon of water, while its maximum capacity in removing iron is 3ppm. It prevents various home appliances such as faucets, washing machines, and dishwashers from gaining annoying stains.

Furthermore, Whirlpool WHESFC ProSeries – Softener is a salt-based water softener. It generates softened water through a demand-initiated regeneration technology with a lower cost for salt. It only produces soft water for every use to save consumption. No guessing time of the salt level as the low-salt light will notify the users if the level is lower than the average.

This water softener is also made in the US and certified by NSF to back up its credibility. It works well in removing various water contaminants such as lead, chlorine, other residues, and even bad odor and taste.

More so, Whirlpool WHESFC ProSeries – Softener is perfect for the hustle and bustle lives of many workers because it requires less maintenance. It is easy to clean, and the filter for the carbon filtration system doesn’t need frequent replacement since the system automatically cleans itself every two weeks.

5. DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro

Proudly all American made, the Durawater Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro has changed the game when it comes to water softening. For one, it is a water softener and an iron filter combo, making it cost-effective and more efficient in removing hardness and rust from your water.

This house water softening system is for households with a maximum of five members. It will effectively remove all that hard water so that you can eliminate issues like scale buildup and reduced soap efficiency. Thanks to its beautiful mesh resin, it can also get rid of the iron in your water, which is another advantage. It helps ensure that your plumbing will always be at its best, and your appliances are without any red rust stains. In the long run, it extends the life of your home essentials, so you don’t need to reallocate some finances to repairs and replacements.

Another reason why you should have this whole house softener at home is its meter-based regeneration. Your water usage is monitored, and the regeneration is entirely based on your usage. If there is a spike on your water use habit, it will pick that up and adjust to keep up and meet your water needs.

Fleck 5600 SXT metered control is one of the leading and favored controllers from Fleck, and it is built and well tested on the 5600 valves. When you get this water softener, you get the whole package, including the standard brine tank that can hold 250 pounds of salt and some safety floats that would prevent overfilling. You’d also get the overflow drain, which is your primary standby, to avoid water messes.

What sets this device apart is its Pentair Scan and service application, where you can get all the pertinent information about your softener via a smartphone. You can check info about its detailed configuration, technical documentation, spare parts, and so on. It can also provide you with some basic troubleshooting info.

6. AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination

Get clean and soft water sans the iron content with the AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination. Hard water can be destructive not just for you but also to your water-related fixtures. You’d find yourself scrubbing the stains off your toilet and sink more with the lengthy use of hard water.

You’d also be investing time and money in purchasing chemicals and tools to reduce the amount of limescale buildup and lighten those red iron stains. These are just some of the problems that hard water can give you, not to mention its being 0% safe for cooking or drinking.

This system utilizes a metered regeneration scheme where the amount of water it regenerates depends on how much your household consumes. This feature is cost-saving because it makes sure that resources are utilized and not wasted. Don’t worry about having a permanent amount of water supply. If the system detects an increase in your usage, it will regenerate more and pick up its pace to meet your household needs. You save money, water, and effort with this process. Also, if you prefer to set a schedule instead of the automatic regeneration process, then you can do it instead of the on-demand method.

As it is efficiency-wise, you can be assured that the AFWFilters is more than capable of removing the hardness of your water to up to 70-grain capacity per gallon. It also gets rid of manganese up to 6 ppm and iron up to 4 to 7 ppm.

Other water impurities like sand, sediments, and rust don’t have a chance with this system either. Moving forward, you can expect clear and safer water out of your tap. You can drink straight from it, and it can work with any water type too. It doesn’t have to be well water.

7. Tier1 Essential Series Water Softener

Choosing the Tier 1 Essentials Series water softener is one of the smartest choices you’ll ever make. The extended use of hard water means ongoing problems, so putting a stop and finding a resolution is the most suitable way to approach it. Thanks to this water softener system, you and your whole family can finally enjoy softer water and many other benefits from it.

The system is simple to use and operate. During the setup, you usually have to enter the number of people in your household and the current water hardness rating. This system needs these to determine the required regeneration cycle that would meet your household needs.

This calculated system might be practical for you because it only computes the amount of water that needs to be regenerated. It can determine the adequate amount for your use, so you don’t waste any of your water and the softener’s resources. It is made possible by the system’s on-demand regeneration via a propeller.

Your expectations about ease of usage would undoubtedly be met because this unit is precise, simple, and easy to operate. It has a reliable LCD so you can have access to all viable information on the system. Info is straight forward too, and can easily be understood.

There are no jargon or confusing codes and symbols but downright data that you can comprehend. Installation is also easy and can be completed in no time. Connections are simple so you can set up very quickly.

Your water-using appliances and fixtures would also like it when you have this system at home. Limescale buildup is a common problem, and it requires a costly resolution too. Save yourself those additional expenses and give your plumbing system extra years of service with the Tier 1 Essential water softener.

You’d enjoy your skin that is clean and fresh, not itchy and dry, your hair that is shiny instead of lifeless, and your laundry that has its color vibrancy and is not dull. You can all make this happen with this system.

8. AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT Air Injection

If you are searching for the most trutsed water purifier that utilizes no chemicals but only oxidation, try to consider the AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT AFW Air Injection. This imported equipment is made by AFWFilters, which has 35 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality water softeners. Thus, it is trustworthy in terms of performance.

As a salt-free water softener for well water, this single tank model is ideal for fitting in the water system of a medium-sized house. The primary purpose of this item is to remove iron and manganese from the water to make it safe and healthy for human consumption.

What is delightful about this softener is that it costs less than the other iron filter, but it can already cleanse 2ppm of manganese and 10ppm of iron.

This unit is a complete package of AFWFilters. It also comes with a digital air injection control, resin tank, cost-effective sediment filtration media, and a bypass made of stainless steel. There is also a digital screen on the head of this model for easy monitoring of performance status. Meanwhile, you can also bypass the water system through its bypass valve, even without turning off the entire water supply.

The AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT AFW Air Injection is made of sturdy plastic to keep up with the pressure of daily use. There are two colors to choose from based on your preference, which are either black or almond. Further, for every purchase, AFWFilters gives away drinking water bottles for free.

Moreover, the installation process for AFWFilters AIS10-25SXT AFW Air Injection is less in time and effort. A manual guide and frequently asked questions are included in the package and available to be viewed online so the user can follow the instructions.

For more peace of mind, this model is supported by the Water Quality Association. Hence, it passed the quality standard of a water specialist.

9. Pentair WS48-56sxt10 Fleck Water Softener

Hard water can be a big nuisance because of the many problems that it brings. It can be any household’s nightmare because it causes the buildup of lime scales, potential clogs, and pipe stains on your sink, heaters, and kettles. When you wash your clothes with hard water, you end up losing the color and the softness of the fabric. When you use hard water to take a bath, the soap doesn’t lather as well, and the dishes lose their sparkle.

Put a stop to all these hard water problems and make your water soft again with one of the top-rated water softener systems for well water that’s proven and tested to work. The Pentair WS48 fleck water softener is designed to extract calcium, magnesium, and even iron from your hard water. When you purchase this, you get both the brine tank and the mineral tank.

The installation of this well water softener system is straightforward. If you have any DIY skills, then you would enjoy getting this unit all set up. The instructions are all provided on a USB thumb drive.

The principle of this system is also simple. Ion-exchange beads get hold of the magnesium and calcium ions. In exchange, they release sodium ions. For Pentair, this would mean that sodium chloride is a solution or your common salt that needs to recharge the water. At the same time, calcium and magnesium are being eluted.

Pentair’s brine tank can hold 250 pounds of salt. The regeneration process will involve the flushing of the brine solution. The wastewater is pushed down the drain. The whole process is automatic, so all you need to do is program the Fleck control valve.

Also, the process is proven to be genuinely useful in softening your water, and this product is extremely reliable and durable. Your household will surely be using this for the long years to come.

10. Iron Pro 2 Combination Softener and Iron Filter

The Iron Pro 2 is everything you’d ever need for your water softener and filtration. Without a doubt, it is one of the top-quality water softeners for well water with iron, as it is a product of two of the biggest names – Fleck and Pentair. It would make you realize that you don’t need two systems when you can just have one with the Iron Pro 2.

This is undoubtedly good news because this system is designed with a quality mesh resin that can resist the adverse effects of iron and chlorine. Additionally, it can also remove water impurities like rust and dirt. It is the complete system that you’d need. Upon purchase, you will get a large holding brine tank, a hard-wearing resin tank, and a digital control head. This Fleck model has earned positive reviews for its stellar performance.

This automated unit is self-functioning since it utilizes an on-demand metered regeneration. It can automatically measure the water usage of your entire household and regenerate the system when necessary. This approach will ensure that the salt supply is conserved and well used, and at the same time, it reduces the amount of wastewater produced.

Hence, you and your small family can enjoy water that is iron-free as it can remove up to 6-8 ppm of iron. It is a given that the calcium and magnesium ions will be removed. Still, besides that, you also get to enjoy the odorless water because the Iron Pro can remove sulfur up to 2 ppm.

You will 100% appreciate how user-friendly this water softener for hard well water is. It has integrated backlit LCD and touchpad controls to give you an overview of what’s happening. It will display the current system status and generate any error codes to help you with any necessary troubleshooting. Meanwhile, the touchpads give that sense of control over all the settings and features of this water softener.

11. Durawater Air Injection Iron Eater Filter

Undoubtedly one of the highly recommended single-tank systems on the market today is the DuraWater Iron Eater. Gone are the days when you couldn’t cook or drink with your water because of too much iron. Say goodbye to moments when your white towels and linens turn into a shade of brown because of the water stains. Your water-related fixtures like bowls and faucets, including your plumbing, will also thank you for not allowing them to be destroyed by hard water.

Its oxidizing system is one of the most cost-effective solutions to remove iron and Sulphur from your water. This product is designed to maintain an air pocket on top of the tank throughout the whole time that the system is working.

You’d want this in your home because it comes with an air injection control head. Everything from Fleck means something good and efficient, and this is no exception. This controller automatically allows daily cleaning and maintenance of its media.

Thanks to the piston in its control valve, the Iron Eater can put the entire oxidation process just within a single tank. As a result, the maintenance you’d need to keep up with is at a minimum, including the downtime and costs.

Moreover, the DuraWater Air Injection Iron Filter is also easy to install. When you receive this product, it already comes pre-installed with the media in this case, with catalytic carbon in the fiberglass tank, so all you need to do is set it all up.

After setting it up with a little plumbing on the side, you can start using it as well, and you can see for yourself how better-looking, and odorless your water would be. You can expect it to be without that metallic odor and taste, and it would look clearer.

What Is An Excellent Water Softener For Well Water/ Who Is This For

One of the most common problems every homeowner seems to face is the issue of hard water. In the simplest terms, hard water is just water having an excess of certain minerals. Some of these minerals include but are not limited to calcium carbonate, manganese, magnesium carbonate, and the like.

One can easily detect if they have hard water by heating it. As the water’s temperature rises, the minerals inside it crystallize and sometimes adhere to surfaces. As such, one can notice white spots or rings in their bathtubs, dishes, showers, and the like. Aside from this, one can also see white or scale deposits in their water supply.

However, determining the exact level of water hardness requires the homeowner to have the water supply tested.

Having hard water is not a health issue, but rather a harbinger of potential home problems. As hard water often yields scale deposits, having an abundance of these might have disastrous effects on the plumbing system.

These scale deposits also pose a danger to one’s water-heating appliances as it might affect its performance and lifespan.

Hard water also influences the efficacy of cleaning supplies. One might find it impossible to remove the “white rings” on their tiles and other surfaces.

For people with sensitive skin, hard water might increase the risks of having rashes and other skin problems.

One surefire way to combat hard water is by using a water softener. The water softener, such as a Fleck Iron Pro 2 water softener, effectively treats the water and removes these excess minerals through an ion exchange process.

How Does It Work

A water softener treats the water supply by removing all the excess minerals and “hardness” through an ion exchange process. Most water softeners usually come with a mineral tank and one to two brine tanks, depending on the model and manufacturer.The mineral tank is said to contain resin beads while the latter contains salt. Depending on the model, one can choose to soften the entire water supply or just the volume that has been heated up.

As mentioned, water softeners rely on an ion exchange process to “soften” the water. This process is due to the presence of the resin beads. As water is poured into the water softener’s tank, it flows and meets the resin beads.

The resin beads, having an opposite electrical charge, react with the water’s own charge. This interaction effectively attracts and magnetizes all the particles in the water to make them stick into the resin beads. With this, the softener then releases “soft” water.

Once these beads are full of these particles, the softener automatically goes through a regeneration process. Also known as brining, this process utilizes water and a salt-brine mixture to wash out all the particles stuck in the resin beads. With this, one will not have to worry about any recontamination and the like.

The regeneration process usually takes just a few minutes or more depending on the model, and it is usually done at night. During this process, most water softeners tend to use about 50 gallons of water.

What Are The Different Types Of Water Softeners For Well Water

There are numerous types of water softeners available in the market due to the variety of manufacturers and models. This section will list all these thoroughly.

Salt-based Systems

The most common type, salt-based water softeners rely on the ion exchange process to treat water hardness. Once the water enters the softening tank, the resin beads inside utilize well water softener salt. It will react and remove all the minerals found in the water to make it soft.

Once these particles accumulate in the resin beads, the device automatically regenerates and flushes these particles out.

Salt-based water softeners effectively prevent scale particle buildup, which might damage one’s appliances and plumbing systems. However, they pose environmental concerns since it technically dumps massive amounts of salt during their regeneration process.

Salt-free Softeners

The more appropriate term for salt-free softeners is “descaler” since it doesn’t remove any hard minerals from the water. What these do is to prevent these hard minerals from sticking and building up on surfaces.

As such, these “descalers” are useful in prolonging the lifespan of appliances and plumbing systems. Since they don’t use any salt in the process, they are also virtually maintenance-free as they don’t generate any wastewater.

However, descalers are not as useful as salt-based devices when it comes to eliminating stains and spots. Some models tend to rely on a softening agent, which might increase their costs.

Magnetic Descalers

Magnetic descalers are “plug-and-play” devices that are placed in the main water line and are said to produce a magnetic field. The field then repels the hard minerals in the water.

However, since it’s a relatively new technology, the product is yet to be thoroughly studied.

Dual Tank Systems

Dual tank systems consist of 2 resin tanks wherein one tank regenerates while the other provides soft water.

It makes it quite ideal for numerous households due to the convenience it brings. However, one must keep in mind that it requires a lot of space to accommodate the two tanks.

Point-of-Entry vs. Portable units

Point-of-entry (POE) or whole house softener provides soft water in all entry points in one’s household. With this, one can conveniently have access to soft water. However, these units tend to be more expensive and bulkier.

On the other hand, portable units only consist of 1 tank. Because of this, it can only handle a limited volume of water. Mobile units also require the user to regenerate manually once it’s full.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Water Softener For Well Water

Like all products, water softeners also have their fair share of pros and cons. Knowing what these are is a must for every buyer. This section will list all these thoroughly.

Advantages

Improves Water Mineral Content and Removes Toxins

Water softeners “soften” hard water as it replaces these particles with sodium. With this, it effectively lowers the concentration of these minerals, making it healthier for the user.

Moreover, water softeners, like a Springwell water softener, also remove numerous toxins in the water. With this, the user can avoid any potential health risks and problems.

Saves Money in the Long-run

Hard water can be a harbinger of numerous household problems. For one, its particle buildup can harm one’s appliances, leading to a shorter lifespan or frequent repairs.

Moreover, these particles also harm one’s plumbing system as well as flat surfaces such as tiles.

With a water softener, these particles are significantly reduced. With this, one doesn’t have to worry about them anymore.

Obtain Soft Water

Having soft water at one’s disposal is undoubtedly very useful. For one, soft water is safer to drink compared to hard water. The reason is it removes all the hard particles as well as toxins and other contaminants found in the water.

Moreover, soft water also allows soap and other cleaning agents to work as they should. With hard water, it is difficult to remove stains since it tends to be resistant to cleaning agents. However, soft water makes cleaning easier.

Soft water is also known to be gentle on the skin and hair, unlike hard water. With this, soft water is ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Disadvantages

Too much sodium

Water softeners utilize sodium for the ion exchange process to work. With this, sodium can replace the ions of the hard minerals in the water and, thus, soften it.

However, there are some cases where water softeners end up using a bit too much sodium. It is not ideal for people that have problems with too much salt.

Moreover, too much salt can also have adverse effects on the household’s septic systems.

Expensive and Requires Maintenance

Water softeners can also tend to get expensive, especially if you are looking for an effective and high-end model. Moreover, these water softeners do require routine maintenance, especially when they are manual since the resin beads might be filled with particles.

Buying Guide

Hard water is one of the most common problems homeowners face. However, with water softeners, this is a problem that can easily be mitigated.

Because of this, water softeners are quite popular in the market. They come in numerous sizes, shapes, types, and models. With this, it might be challenging to pick a product, especially for beginners, to the trend.

However, you don’t have to worry. This section will list down all the factors one needs to consider when shopping for one.

Type

As mentioned earlier, water softeners mainly differ in their type. The type you choose will depend on the intended purpose for the unit, and the space one has in their home. Concerning the model, you must also figure out the water flow, depending on the type that you are buying.

Size and Water Flow Rate

Water softeners also differ in sizes. Choosing what size to get depends on the water demands of the household. As such, one will need to be mindful of how much water the family is spending or using every day.

Capacities on water flow can range from 8,000 to 80,000 grains. The softener’s size also determines its flow rate. Choosing a small system for the household is detrimental since it will wear the system out faster as it’s working twice as hard to provide the needed volume of soft water.

On the other hand, oversized units are also not ideal since they can be expensive. Moreover, there would be a significant lapse in regeneration times, which might damage the resin beads due to infrequent use in the long run.

It’s ideal for getting a model that can produce soft water for at least three days. With this, the softener can effectively treat a decent volume of water before regenerating.

Features and Controls

Water softeners also come with several features that can be quite useful for the user. One thing to look out for is the regeneration features and controls. The two main types are the timer controls and the DIR controls.

Timer controls can automatically set the time for the unit to regenerate itself. This adds convenience as the machine already does it for you. However, make sure to turn the timer off when you don’t plan on regenerating. Otherwise, the unit will unnecessarily regenerate.

On the other hand, demand-initiated regeneration (DIR), can “sense” when the resin beads need to be replaced using a meter or via electronics. This makes it more convenient and not to mention it helps save water. On the downside, products with DIR tend to be more expensive.

Company

Water softeners also differ based on the manufacturer and company. For beginners, it’s best to work with a trustworthy and established company to get high-quality products.

To do it, look at and browse through consumer reports as well as user reviews. However, if you can, it’s best to go to the store to see and feel the product for yourself.

Popular water softeners on the market include the Pentair water softener, Lowe’s water softener, and many others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where do you put the water softener at with a well?

A whole house water softener for well water should always be after the pressure tank if your setup has one.

The typical household configuration is water travels from the well to a pressure tank before delivery throughout the house in a series of water pipes and interconnections. A pressure tank is a crucial component of well water systems for home applications. It takes the load off the water pump when you use water, prolonging its longevity.

Placing a well water softener and filter before the pressure tank can lead to its inability to backwash. And because water softeners manage well water with iron and sulfur elements, among other minerals, they can become clogged with these substances if not cleaned. As a result, your water pressure will reduce drastically.

Likewise, hard water treatment systems placed before the pressure tank can also reduce pressure, especially in water softeners with tiny inlet pipes. Therefore, placing the water softener for very hard water after the pressure tank circumvents these issues.

You can also install the water softener near the main water supply line’s entry point to the house if you do not have a pressure tank.

What size softener do you need for well water?

The top-rated water treatment system for well water calcium and magnesium removal should have a capacity sufficient to accommodate your household water consumption. It does not matter if you have the cheapest or the most expensive system for iron removal and calcium-magnesium elimination, but choosing the right size does.

Here is how to determine the correct size of home water softening systems based on your needs.

• Buy a test kit to measure your well water’s hardness levels. Alternatively, ask your local government if they could perform the test. The results will likely be in “grains per gallon” (GPG).
• Determine your average daily water consumption. Do this by considering the number of household members and how much water they use in gallons.
• Multiply the water hardness rating by the daily water consumption. For example, suppose you have 8.5 GPG and use 400 gallons per day. In that case, you need the best budget water softener that can handle at least 3,400 GPG/day.

Most manufacturers rate their water softeners in “parts per million” (ppm) or “mg/L.” You can multiply the GPG by 17.1 to determine its mg/L or ppm equivalent (about 58,140 ppm in our example).

Can you soften well water without a water softener?

Yes, you have several options for softening water without a water softener.

First, you could use a compact salt-free water conditioner. As the name implies, these systems require no salt because they do not remove calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that cause limescale.

Instead, water conditioners alter water minerals’ chemical structure to prevent them from depositing onto plumbing fixtures and water appliances. Most products magnetize the minerals, allowing them to clump together and inhibit surface adhesion. This action can be advantageous for households with rust and limescale issues without eliminating calcium and magnesium from their water.

You can check various water conditioners at Menards and other home improvement stores. Alternatively, you can ask Reddit members for recommendations.

Boiling the water can also remove hardness minerals, allowing them to form limescale at the pot’s bottom. Some filtration systems can also eliminate chemicals that cause hard water. For example, a reverse osmosis system can reduce calcium levels by as much as 98%.

If you only want soft water when bathing, you can replace the showerhead with an ion-exchange filter system.

What is the most trusted brand of water softener for well water?

Select a water softening system by a trusted brand, which is concerned about their customers’ satisfaction. While you can find many brands, not all are reliable enough to offer quality products. A few trusted brands are AFWFilters, Aquasure, Whirlpool, and DuraWater, among the rest featured in the reviews earlier. They are quality manufacturers that offer durable and high-performance water softeners to their customers.

How much is a water softener for a well?

The water softener can remove manganese, sulfur, and iron. It can also remove hardness up to 75 grains per gallon or depending on the model you have chosen. It can also remove sand, sediment, and rust, which would otherwise cause damage to the plumbing system, stain clothes and cause skin irritation. However, these features also vary based on the model that you’ve selected.

You can find more affordable water softening systems, but the price is based on quality and type. The cost can also go higher, not to mention the installation cost for some models. Nevertheless, you can check out the different products we’ve featured earlier for an idea on the price.

Will a water softener remove iron from well water?

Ion-exchange well water conditioners and softeners can remove low levels of ferrous iron. They can eliminate hardness from the water through ion exchange. How does it work? It involves exchanging sodium ions for the positively-charged mineral ions. Iron will be attracted to the resin beads. Then, it will be exchanged for sodium ion like calcium and magnesium ions. But then, if ferric iron is in well water, you need to install a sediment pre-filter to prevent the clogging of the softener.

The water softener can remove iron from the hard water. However, the ratio of iron and water hardness should be sufficient so that the ion exchange can remove the iron. But if you’re using a water-softening system to reduce iron, do not forget to flush it along with the resin bed. It will protect the softener from damage, extending its lifespan.

How to use?

Hard water can clog the pipes and cause damage to a plumbing system. It can also reduce the lathering of soaps and dishwashing detergents and stain the faucet, showerhead, and sink. Finally, hard water might even cause skin dryness, irritation, and rashes.

It is why you need to install a water-softening system that can reduce the hardness of well water. It can soften the water and remove the minerals, including calcium, that cause hard water. Using it, you can also minimize limescale deposits, which can clog pipes and affect the function of a hot boiler or tank. In the end, you can save money because water softeners can improve your heating system’s efficiency.

You can refer to the user manual that comes with the water softener you bought for the specific steps on how to use the water softener. Generally, it’s not hard to use a water softener. Many also have cool features, such as a demand-initiated regeneration technology. It can produce soft water anytime you need it, extending the lifespan of the household products like a Springwell water softener.

How to care & clean?

To extend the lifespan of your water softener, you should take care of it. It has moving parts like O-rings that can wear out over time. Other components might also need replacement. Then, the valve might need maintenance/servicing regularly. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy your water softener for a long time. It will also save you money on soap usage and protect your appliances and plumbing system from damage.

To clean the water softener, check the user manual, and read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to put the system into the bypass mode to let the water bypass the system so that you can clean it. Disconnect the hoses and lines between the brine tank and the water softener. Dump the water out of the tank. Take the remaining salt out and discard it. If you find a salt bridge, loosen it with warm or hot water. If your system has a brine grid, pull it out.

Add a few tablespoons of dishwashing soap into the water. Pour this mixture into the brine tank. Then, start scrubbing it with a brush. When done, dump it before rinsing the system with water. Pour clean water with ¼ cup of bleach into the brine tank. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the interior of the tank using a brush and chlorine water. After that, rinse the brine tank with clean water.

Re-install the brine tank into its place before connecting the line to the drain and water softener. Then, you should stop the bypass mode of the system.

Now, out five gallons of water into the tank. Finally, add salt to the brine tank, ideally about two 50-lb bags of water softener salt. You should keep the brine tank about one-quarter full of salt. Avoid filling the tank with salt. Instead, you must leave a space of about six inches from the tank’s top rim.

Where to buy?

You can buy a water softener on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. It is also available on the manufacturers’ websites. Also, you can find one in water systems stores in your community. However, before adding one to the cart, determine your needs and figure out which softener you’re buying, such as a Fleck water softener, that can accommodate your requirements.

Conclusion

Have you chosen the best water softener for well water? We’re hoping that you could compare your choices thoughtfully by referring to this buying guide. Determine the essential features you’re looking for in your water softener to make a better decision and achieve a more satisfying experience for its use. Finally, weigh your options carefully from the above reviews of the top picks on the market. Buy a great water softener 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!