4 Best Water Softener for Well Water with Iron Reviews in (June) 2020

Q: What is the best water softener for well water with iron?

Iron Pro 2 is the best water softener for well water with iron. It can remove ferrous and ferric iron up to 8 PPM. People also claim that it can reduce iron up to 10 parts per million to negligible.

Iron is a significant issue nowadays, mostly in major cities. And it gets more dangerous if you are on well water as the well water supply is always prone to iron. So what’s the way to protect your family from ferrous and ferric iron that is coming to your home every minute? You need the best water softener for well water with iron as per requirement. Choose below.

Our Top Picks:

Want to make a choice in minutes?

Best Overall

Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Softener | Salt & Water Saving Technology | NSF Certified | Automatic Whole House Soft Water Regeneration, 0.75 inches, Off-White

Best Budget-friendly

Whirlpool WHES30E

AFWFilters Iron pro

645 Reviews

8 Reviews

Check Price

Best Overall

Whirlpool WHES30E

645 Reviews

Check Price

Best Budget-friendly

AFWFilters Iron pro

8 Reviews

Check Price

Contents

Best water softener for well water with iron in 2020:
What is a water softener?
How does it work?
Types of water softeners for well water
Whole-house Vs Single-point
The Pros and Cons of a water softener
Pros
Cons
Key Considerations

Best water softener for well water with iron in 2020:

Water softeners are many and each does the job it is designed for. If you are on well water and facing high iron, you can’t buy any general water softener. Because it will be of no use and will not deliver any considerable results. So you need to look for water consumption of your household and then iron level of your water. After that, choose from the 4 best water softeners for well water with iron. Install it and every problem will be gone forever.

List of best water softeners for well water with iron:

Here is the list of 4 best water softeners that are here to remove iron from your well water.

Best Choice

Iron Pro 2 Combination water softener iron filter Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve 64,000 grain, 64k for whole house

Runner-up

Also Good

DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Pro 48,000 Grain Water Softener Ships Pre Loaded with Resin In MIn Tank for Easy Insatllation

Also Good

Name

Iron Pro 2

Whirlpool WHES30E

Fleck 5600SXT

AFWFilters Iron Pro

Our Rating

Our rating: 5/5

Our rating: 4.8/5

Our rating: 4.7/5

Our rating: 4.6/5

363 Reviews

645 Reviews

218 Reviews

8 Reviews

Iron Capability

Iron Removing Capability: 8 PPM

Iron Removing Capability: 6 PPM

Iron Removing Capability: 4 PPM

Check Price

Best Choice

Name

Iron Pro 2

Our Rating

Our rating: 5/5

363 Reviews

Iron Capability

Iron Removing Capability: 8 PPM

Check Price

Runner-up

Name

Whirlpool WHES30E

Our Rating

Our rating: 4.8/5

645 Reviews

Iron Capability

Iron Removing Capability: 8 PPM

Check Price

Also Good

Name

Fleck 5600SXT

Our Rating

Our rating: 4.7/5

218 Reviews

Iron Capability

Iron Removing Capability: 6 PPM

Check Price

Also Good

Name

AFWFilters Iron Pro

Our Rating

Our rating: 4.6/5

8 Reviews

Iron Capability

Iron Removing Capability: 4 PPM

Check Price

1. Iron Pro 2 – IRONPRO2

If you are on well water that is having high iron content, Iron Pro 2 is the only choice you should go for. The seller will provide a brine tank, a mineral tank, a bypass valve, and DIY instructions manual for installation and programming. See all the details below.

Digital control:

Iron Pro 2 uses the best valve, the Fleck 5600SXT to ensure everything works smoothly.

Compatibility:

It is capable of removing ferrous and ferric iron both from your well water up to 8 PPM. That’s what the seller claims. Bus as per reviews, people say that it can turn 10 PPM of iron content to negligible. Also, it can remove magnesium from water up to 6 PPM. The total hardness removal score for this system is up to 75 Grains Per Gallon and is also capable of the eradication of scale buildup.

Capacity:

With 64,000 grain capacity, this best water softener for well water with iron can provide a flow rate of up to 16 GPM. The control valve measures your water requirement and regenerates only when required.

Warranty:

The seller makes sure that you are satisfied with the product after installation. That’s why the company offers you a satisfaction guarantee of 30 days during which you can file the claims. There is also a 5-year warranty on the valve and a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Technical support:

The instructions manual in the pack guides you well about installation and programming. But in case you have any questions, you can take the technical support over a phone call or email. The experienced staff will make sure that the whole process is a DIY for you.

Weight:

This water softener with all its components weighs 119.5 pounds. So shipment that arrives at your doorstep is more than welcome.

Good Points	Alerts!
The water pressure never drops thanks to its design You can drink safe, clean water from each faucet in your house. An impressive 64,000-grain capacity	No internal power backup with this water softener

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See all other options for best water softeners for iron removal here.

2. Whirlpool WHES30E

Whirlpool presents you WHES30E to give a tough fight to your well water with iron. The pack includes a bypass valve, 1-inch male pipe thread, instructions manual, and installation kit. See how the system looks into the picture and read all the details about it below.

Power consumption:

Make sure that there is 110 volts power supply is available at the spot you want to install this water softening system before it arrives.

Compatibility:

This water softener can remove ferrous and ferric iron up to 8 PPM from your well water. Along with iron, it can also remove calcium, manganese, and magnesium from water, and the total score of removing hardness goes to 95 GPG. Also, it reduces the consumption of soap and detergent into the shower and laundry, respectively. The plumbing, sewer, and electric appliances also last longer up to 50 percent of their current estimated life.

Capacity:

With 30,000 grain capacity, this up-flow water system is enough for a home of 4 people and more. It measures the water supply and requirement and sets the water regeneration requirement as per these measuring features.

Light indicator:

Don’t worry if you forget to check the salt level into the water softener. Because this system will remind you through the light indicator when the salt level goes low.

Display:

You can easily program this water softener through a touchpad that shows all the required information on the LED display screen.

Warranty:

The seller offers a one year warranty on the parts and labor, 3-year warranty on the electronics, and a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Technical support:

The installation manual in the pack is enough to explain all the installation and programming to you. But in case you need more assistance, you can have it from well-trained support staff over the distance of a phone call.

Weight:

This water softener weighs 102 pounds and ships to you in a pack that weighs 104 pounds.

Good Points	Alerts!
You don’t need to worry if you are on vacation. You will get silky soft water from each faucet in your house with this whole-house system. It removes iron up to 8PPM, as well as other contaminants including calcium and magnesium	You must buy the extended warranty.

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See all the best water softener salts by Morton here.

3. DURAWATER 48k-56sxt-fm

This best water softener from a True Blue Dealer is the combined effort of Durawater and Fleck. It includes Fleck 5600SXT control valve, a mineral tank, a brine tank with safety float and overflow drain, fine mesh resin, 1-inch Noryl plastic male threaded bypass, an upgraded paddlewheel, and 1/2 inch drain barb. Read the details below and see the system in the picture.

Warranty:

The seller is offering a 5-year warranty on the valve and a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Compatibility:

This water softener can remove iron from well water up to 6 PPM. Also, it removes manganese up to 6 PPM. There will be no soap scum and scale buildup anywhere in your house when you have this best water softener for well water with iron.

Capacity:

With 48,000 grain capacity and 14 GPM flow rate, this water softener is enough to fulfill the water requirement of a family of 2 to 5 people.

Digital control:

There will be an apparent reduction in water wastage and improvement in salt efficiency. All because of the digital control valve Fleck 5600SXT. That measures the water usage and regenerates as per requirement.

Technical support:

The installation manual is very well brief of each step of installation and programming. If you need further assistance from a knowledgeable person, he will be there for you over a phone call. Because the seller cares for your satisfaction.

Weight:

The system weighs 120 pounds, so it is best to get it delivered at your doorstep.

Good Points	Alerts!
You will find the water doesn’t taste metallic, unlike some other softeners. You will have a fantastic shower experience due to the softness of the water.	It doesn’t reduce the acidity of your water supply. Don’t reduce chlorine.

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4. AFWFilters 48k

For a moderate iron level in well water, AFWFilters Iron Pro is the best option for you as it removes both ferrous and ferric iron. The pack contains a mineral tank, a brine tank with overflow drain and safety float, Fleck 5600SXT control valve, fine mesh resin, KDF 85 media guard 48,000 grains, and 25 cubic feet gravel bed. Read all the details about this system below.

Compatibility:

This water softener is capable of removing ferrous and ferric iron, both up to 4 PPM. Along with that, it can remove hydrogen sulfide up to 2 PPM. So the overall hardness removal score goes up to 50 GPG.

Digital control:

There is a digital control, Fleck 5600SXT, in the system that ensures you can program it easily. It also takes into account the usage of water and regenerates as per requirement.

Technical support:

The seller provides an installation manual along with the instructional video so that you can get assistance at each step. Knowledgeable customer support is also available to assist your every query at any time.

Weight:

This water softener weighs 95 pounds, but the shipment weight is 140 pounds. So it is better when the shipment comes to the doorstep.

Warranty:

The seller offers a 5-year warranty on the control valve and a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Good Points	Alerts!
You get crystal clear water that tasted great. This is one of the best water softeners for well water. You get a 5-year warranty on the control valve and 10-years on the tank	Unfortunately it doesn’t removes sulfur.

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5. Pentair WS48-56sxt10 Fleck Water Softener

One of the standout performers on our list of water softeners is this system from Pentair, thanks to its performance levels, features and fantastic value for money.

Features:
The Pentair water softener is all about making life easy for you and this starts with the connectors they provide, letting you choose the right one for your home. This is a nice touch for those who don’t have standard size plumbing at home. They’ve also used the Fleck 5600XT control valve which is a market-leading digital system to control water flow.

Installation:

You shouldn’t have any problems installing this system at home, as they provide detailed instructions and support to help you with every step of the process. You even get a USB drive with all the instructions on it.

Performance:
This water softener performs well in our tests, removing the hard water causing minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This ion exchange process swaps out the hard water causing ions with sodium ions, the most common and effective way of delivering soft water.

Capacity:

With this water softener, you will get a brine tank that holds 250 pounds of salt in pellet form, which is more than enough for the majority of households. This means fewer trips to the shop to buy replacement salt and less effort on maintenance.

Good Points	Alerts!
It is very easy to install and this water softener comes with clear instructions on a USB drive. Fully tested and comes with a 5-year warranty on the digital control head You get a 5-year warranty on the control valve and 10-years on the tank	There have been some reports of leaks in the bypass valve but if this occurs, it is easily fixed with an inexpensive sealant.

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6. iSpring RCC7 High Capacity Under Sink 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Softener

This 5-stage reverse osmosis (RO) water softener is a truly powerful system for those with well water who want clean, safe drinking water for their family. With a good capacity, easy installation and space-saving design you really can’t go too far wrong with this water softener.

Performance:
The Pentair water softener is all about making life easy for you and this starts with the connectors they provide, letting you choose the right one for your home. This is a nice touch for those who don’t have standard size plumbing at home. They’ve also used the Fleck 5600XT control valve which is a market-leading digital system to control water flow.

Compatibility:

This RO water softener fits under the sink so it is not a whole-house water filter, but it still delivers the desired performance. It has been designed to work with sinks so that it not only provides clean drinking water but thanks to it dealing with hard water, you can clean dishes much more easily.

Installation:

Yet another on our list of water softeners that is easy to install and should take the majority of customers a few hours at most. iSpring offer some good customer support services and you can often find support guides and videos online as well.

Capacity:

It has a capacity for 75 gallons of filtered, soft water per day which should be enough for most households unless you have a particularly large property or busy kitchen. Thanks to it being one of the salt-free water softeners on the market, you don’t need to worry about being limited to how much salt you have available.

Maintenance:
The only real maintenance involved with this water softening system is replacing the filters which can be bought easily from the manufacturer at a reasonable price. They can be replaced within minutes and will often last three months or so. You can offset the cost of these filters against the fact that salt-free water softeners don’t require you buying replacement salt.

Good Points	Alerts!
A very effective salt-free water softener that uses reverse osmosis to filter over 1,000 harmful contaminants Easy to maintain and install with plenty of support from iSpring You get everything you need in the box and should only need to get replacement filters every 3 months or so	Thanks to it being so effective at filter water, the water pressure can be a little low.

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7. Aquasana EQ-Well-UV-Pro-Ast Whole House Well Water Filter System

We now have an impressive whole house water softener that is perfect for households who use well water, thanks to its effective filtration of harmful contaminants including iron

Filtration:
Aquasana has not only delivered a filtration system but one that softens hard water and purifies the water as well. It will remove 99.9% of the harmful contaminants in your water supply including heavy metals, viruses and more, as well as 96% of chlorine which affects the taste and odor. Where it stands out is that it also uses UV light to purify the water, cleaning the water even more.

Hard Water:
It is a salt-free water softener and does a fantastic job at reducing the impact of hard water on your pipes and appliances. Households with a well water supply no longer have to be frustrated by scale build-up or failing appliances.

Capacity:

It has one of the biggest water tanks on our list of water softeners, with a 500,000-gallon dual-tank set up that means the time required to regenerate is less and overall the system is more efficient.

Installation:

Perhaps the main downside of this water softening system is that it is complicated to install, especially as it is a whole-house water softener and requires more plumbing knowledge. We would recommend using a professional to install this water softener.

Maintenance:
The only real maintenance you need to do is replace the water filters, which are quick and easy to do. As a salt-free water softener then you don’t have to worry about replacing salt or anything like that.

Good Points	Alerts!
It will filter out 99.9% of harmful contaminants, as well as soften the water by dealing with calcium and magnesium ions in the water supply There is little maintenance required except for changing filters You will see a noticeable reduction in scale build-up on pipes, faucets and appliances.	This whole house water softening system is difficult to install and will likely require a professional.

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8. DuraWater 80K-56SXT-10AL 80K Water Softener

Another DuraWater water softener to make it onto our list now and this 80,000-grain version provides added capacity for those bigger households. We love how simple, easy to use and effective DuraWater make their water softeners and you will soon see why.

Features:
You get an SXT bypass valve and LCD touchpad display to help you manage the water softener easily, whether that is turning the system off or changing a setting. This is a big plus point because it means you don’t need to cut the main water supply if you want to perform maintenance on the water softener. As a nice extra, you get home testing strips so that you can check the level of hard water you have, both before the well water has been softened and after.

Performance:
DuraWater has chosen to use a 10% crosslink resin, as well as a brine tank with a safety float preventing overflow. This means that it will require fewer regenerations compared to many of the standard water softeners that use an 8% crosslink system. The reason for this is that is can capture more particles that cause hard water such as calcium and magnesium before needing to regenerate.

Capacity:

As the name suggests, the capacity of this water softening system is 80,000 GPI making it perfect for larger households or those who use a lot of water. You can get smaller versions, as highlighted in our list ranging from 24,000-grain up to this model.

Installation:

Another easy to install water softening system, with clear instructions to follow and extra customer support if you require it. It is important to note that some customers have reported a chemical smell after installation but this should go away fairly quickly.

Good Points	Alerts!
A large 80,000-grain capacity makes this perfect for larger households Easy to install with clear, detailed instructions for you to follow Easy to use LCD controls to manage the system	Some customers report a chemical smell after you have installed the system

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9. Tier1 Essential Series 48,000 Grain High-Efficiency Digital Water Softener

The common problem with water softeners and water filtration systems is that many of them cause drops in water flow rates because they are interacting with your water supply. This is where Tier1 comes into its own, with a fantastic flow rate alongside the standard softening of hard water.

Flow Rate:
The headline feature, this high-efficiency system is perfect for households who struggle with water pressure. It will deliver a flow rate of 11.2GPM, far more than the majority of other water softening systems.

Capacity:

Its capacity is a very reasonable 48,000 GPI, which should be more than enough for the average family of four. If you live in a household with a larger family or particularly high usage then it might be worth looking at alternatives, but in general, this is a great choice.

Design:
The manufacturers have really thought about the design with this water softener, keeping it simple and compact. This means you will be able to easily fit it into a cupboard, basement or utility room as required. Don’t worry though, you don’t sacrifice any of the usual features by choosing this compact system.

Installation and Support:
The vast majority of customers will be able to install this water softener in an hour or two, by simply following the very helpful instructions. However, for those that may have difficulty, they provide fantastic customer support who know the products and can guide you through any difficulties.

Good Points	Alerts!
A fantastic water flow rate of 11.2GPM is the standout feature of this unit Easy to install and a helpful customer support team is there to help you A capacity of 48,000GPI which is enough for the average household	As a result of using a single tank, the water will be shut off when it needs to regenerate

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10. Whirlpool WHESFC ProSeries

The last water softener on our list is this superb, cost-effective system from Whirlpool. One of the market leaders in appliances and water systems for decades, you can trust you are getting both quality and performance.

Capacity:

With a 31,000-grain capacity, it will deliver soft, filtered water for the average household so you shouldn’t have any concerns about a shortage of water or frustrating waiting times whilst it regenerates.

Design:
Whirlpool has put some effort into the design here, with a slim, stylish design that saves space by using a single tank that actually filters unwanted minerals, germs and dirt, all whilst softening the hard water. It is a salt-based water softener that uses innovative technology to efficiently use salt, only when required so there is minimal waste and also lower costs in the long-run.

Filtration:
You can be confident that your household will have clean, safe drinking water with this water softener. With a capacity to remove iron up to 3ppm, it will remove the hard water causing minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, as well as other germs that can end up being harmful when ingested.

Certification:
For extra peace of mind and trust, this salt-based water softener is certified by NSF, so you can trust that it will remove harmful contaminants as claimed, protecting you and your family.

Good Points	Alerts!
A stylish, compact design that saves space by having a 2-in-1 tank water softener It has a 31,000-grain capacity which is enough for the average household An effective and efficient salt-based water softener that only uses salt when required to minimise waste	It is difficult to install and you may require professional assistance

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What is a water softener?

A water softener is one of the most important systems to have in your home, particularly if you get water from a well, live in an area prone to hard water or simply want to have softer, kinder water.
Hard water is caused by minerals in your water supply, such as calcium and magnesium which then attach themselves to the surfaces of pipes and appliances or stay in the water you drink. Whilst there isn’t a particular health issue with drinking hard water, it can have a serious impact on your pipes, appliances, clothing, skin and hair.
A water softener deals with this issue, stopping scale from collecting on surfaces. This will help prolong the lifespan of pipes and appliances, whilst reducing the issues of dry skin and hair.
You can buy the traditional salt-based water softener or go for an alternative salt-free water softener. Whilst these both deal with the issue of hard water, they go about it in different ways and we have put together a breakdown of the differences in this article.

How does it work?

The vast majority of water softeners work by removing the minerals that cause hard water, including calcium and magnesium. These ions are replaced with sodium ions which don’t stick to surfaces and so protect your plumbing and appliances from limescale.
When you buy this type of water softener, you will often have a mineral tank and then at least one brine tank. In the mineral tank, there are resin beads that interact with the water supply in a process called ‘ion exchange’. The beads react with the waters charge and cause the minerals to stick to these beads.
Once the resin beads are full of the hard water causing minerals, they must be regenerated so as to refresh them. This process happens in the brine tank where the resin beads are washed in a salt mixture.
It is important to note here that if you choose a salt-free type of softener, then it will operate in a different way but ultimately leads to the same outcome – softer water that is better for you.

Types of water softeners for well water

There are actually a few different types of water softeners out there on the market right now and it is important to understand the differences between them before you make a purchasing decision. Whilst they will fundamentally all do the same thing of tackling hard water, they do it in different ways and have their own pro and cons.

Salt-based water softeners

The most widely used type of water softener, the salt-based water softeners create soft water by exchanging the ions that cause hard water, such as calcium and magnesium with sodium ions.
When the water goes through the mineral tank, the resin beads will attract the water and remove these minerals from the water, softening it in the process. At the point that the resin beads are full, they will then need to regenerate by flushing through the resin tank, which is full of salt.
The major benefit to choosing this type of water softener is that they are very effective at preventing scale from building up on your pipes and appliances. However, the trade-off here is that you are using large amounts of sale which isn’t great for the environment or your body.

Salt-free water softeners

Salt-free solutions actually incorporate a range of types including standard softeners and magnetic descalers. Whilst they are commonly referred to as water softeners, in actual fact, they are descalers because they don’t remove any of the minerals that cause hard water.
Instead, these systems actually change the shape of the ions, reducing the chance of them sticking to the surfaces in pipes and appliances. This means that they still protect your home but don’t add extra salt into the environment or your water supply. An extra bonus here is that they also require next to zero maintenance because they don’t use salt or generate wastewater.
The main downside of choosing a salt-free softener is that they are not removing the minerals from the water, so they don’t perform as well as stopping a film or stains appearing on faucets.

Whole-house Vs Single-point

One important aspect of water softeners to understand is the difference between a whole-house or point-of-entry water softener and a single point or single faucet system.
It very much depends on your requirements what the best solution is but at a basic level, the whole-house water softeners will be installed at the point that your water supply enters the property, softening water for the entire house.
Single-point and portable water softening systems will tend to have a smaller capacity because they are designed to work with one faucet or be installed in an RV. They will likely have fewer features, such as automatic regeneration but it does depend on the product you go for.

The Pros and Cons of a water softener

There are a number of fantastic benefits to installing water softeners in your home and we’ve put the main ones below. However, we also feel it is important to have a rounded perspective of water softeners, so there are some downsides that should be considered first.

Pros

Soft Water

It may seem the obvious benefit of having a water softener but it is an important point – you will be treating the hard water you have, particularly if you use well water. When you soften water, you are removing or changing the minerals that cause it making it a healthier supply of water for you and your family.
Furthermore, if you choose a water softener system that includes a filter then you can remove harmful contaminants at the same time as tackling the issue of water hardness.
Soft water is more caring towards your clothes, skin and hair than hard water so it can make a big difference to those who suffer from skin conditions or dry hair. It also helps soap to work better, which in turn cleans your clothing and surfaces better making them last longer and look amazing.

Protects your pipes and appliances

One of the best reasons for getting a water softener to treat your hard water is that it helps protect the plumbing, faucets, appliances and other systems connected to your water supply.
The main problem with hard water is that it causes scale to build up on surfaces, which reduce the efficiency at which water flows and appliances operate. In the longterm, these can then start to fail, requiring maintenance or even full replacements. If you stop hard water before it gets to these pipes and appliances, then you prevent it from happening in the first place.

Long-term savings

A benefit that everyone loves – saving money! Whilst we do appreciate this does require an upfront investment which you need to budget for, in the long run, you can get some fantastic financial savings.
Hard water causes scale to build up, which impacts on pipes and appliances, lowering their lifespans. If you prevent this from happening then you won’t have to replace them as frequently, potentially saving a lot of money on those costly appliances.
You will also save on maintenance and cleaning costs by ensuring only soft water flows through your plumbing.

Cons

Initial costs

You will need to budget for upfront costs, including purchasing the system, delivery and potentially installation support if you require it. The positive note here though is that the prices for a water softener system have become more competitive as technologies improve and more manufacturers get involved. As a result, there is a fantastic range to choose from depending on your individual requirements so you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get the right water softener system for your home.

Salt

This is an unfortunate byproduct of salt-based water softeners, the use of salt to treat water hardness. This may be of concern to those who suffer from health conditions or are wary of adding salt to their water. Fortunately, you can choose from a range of salt-free water softeners if you have concerns about achieving softened water via sodium ion exchange. These systems include electronic water softeners that interact with the water in a much different way. A water descaler like this still delivers some fantastic benefits including protecting pipes and appliances from scale build-up.

Maintenance

There isn’t a great deal of maintenance required, particularly if you choose a water descaler that doesn’t use salt. However, if you do go for one of the salt-based water softener systems then you do need to be prepared to maintain it by replacing the salt and sometimes manually regenerating them.

Key Considerations

Whenever you’re considering buying a new product, it is important to fully understand the key features, factors and specifications. This allows you to choose the most suitable, efficient and cost-effective water softener for your individual needs. We’ve put together the most important of these considerations into a helpful list below.

Budget

Quite possible the number one concern for many people – how much will it cost to get the best water softener for my home. The honest answer is it very much depends on your requirements and preferences, which is why this article is so important to read through.
Water softener systems range from $100 up to thousands and you shouldn’t just go for the best one on the market or the cheapest because you will end up wasting money. If you don’t get one that delivers the capacity you require, or one that far outperforms your household requirements, then you will have wasted money.
Having an initial budget is a good way to help narrow down the list of potential options but don’t forget to look at all features and factors

Type

Do you want a salt water softener or a salt-free softener? If you need a water softener because your well water is too hard, then this is one of the first considerations to focus on. Both have their own pros and cons, depending on your personal requirements.
A salt-based water softener is the most common type and will deliver excellent results in terms of treating water hardness. However, the obvious downside is that it uses salt in the ion exchange process via a resin tank and many people don’t want added salt in their diet.
A salt-free water softener, also known as a water descaler or electronic water descaler is a great choice for those who want minimal maintenance, no added sodium but still want to protect pipes and appliances from scale build-up. The main downside here is that it technically doesn’t deliver soft water as the minerals are not removed, but changed to prevent them from attaching to surfaces.

Capacity

You may well have discovered this in the past with old water filters or softeners you find it just doesn’t deliver enough water or takes an age to do so. This is likely because you didn’t get one with a big enough capacity. On average, a person uses 80 gallons of water per day and most studies suggest the average home of 4 people requires 33,000 GPI of softened water each day.
It is important to bear this in mind when shortlisting potential water softeners, as you may live in a household with a high water usage in which case you need to look for ones that offer enough gallons of water for every member of the household. Likewise, some of the systems will deliver far more than you require and there is no need to spend more money on this if you don’t get any benefit from it.

Filtration

Whilst a water softener will treat water, it won’t necessarily remove the harmful contaminants found in well water or water supplies from a local municipality. Fortunately, many of the softeners on our list also offer some level of water filtration, such as filtering out bacteria, heavy metals, chlorine and other contaminants.
If you already have a water filter installed then this is less of an issue, but if you are looking to get both organised, then keep an eye out for one of the better systems on our list. Whenever working with water filters, its best to test your water supply so that you know what you need to filter and to what levels.

Hard Water

Many people may just think they have hard water and so they need a water softener, but there is a little more to it than that. You should find out the water hardness level of your water supply before choosing a water softener. If you live in an area with a significantly higher level of hard water, then you will need a more powerful system to cope.
It is easy to find this out, either by contacting the local authority if you get your water from the city, or get a home testing kit if you wish to test your water at home or have a private well.

Flow Rate

This can be a really frustrating issue if not considered and that’s why we’ve put it on the list for you now. There are two issues that can affect the flow rate of the softened water that these systems deliver and the first is capacity. As mentioned above, you need to ensure you choose a system that can cope with your household usage, whether that is a 20,000-grain water softener or an 80,000-grain water softener.
The second aspect of water flow rate is the existing flow rate and water pressure of your water supply. All softeners and filters will have an impact on water flow rates but if the pressure is already low, then it’s a good idea to look for one that delivers a higher gallons per minute figure.

Brand

This is less of an issue nowadays as there is a range of superb manufacturers out there, producing efficient, effective and long-lasting systems that you can trust. However, it is always good to look at the history and performance of brands before you invest in one of their products. Customer reviews, expert reviews and brand information are all a great way of assessing which brand is best to go for. Of particular note, consider what support services and warranties they offer as this shows the long-term support you can get.

Certification

As you are dealing with water, the most valuable resource and something you put in your body, it is important to check the certification of a water softener. It is a great idea to check if the manufacturer has had their product tested and certified by a leading body, such as NSF. If it is, you know that you can trust it to be safe to use and deliver what it says on the box.

Features

The final key consideration on our list covers the added features, controls and functions that many of the latest water softeners have. The main feature to look out for is how it regenerates. Is it a dual tank water softener that makes regeneration more efficient, reducing the time without water and is it an automatic or manual regeneration process? An automatic solution, often known as demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) will sense when the resin beads require replacing, saving time and effort but obviously come with a higher price tag.
In terms of controls, many will use a digital LCD display that will show you the status of the water softener, help set a timer for when it will regenerate and even let you control it via a mobile application. Many of these features may seem a little unnecessary but they all help make life easier for you which should never be discounted.

FAQs:

What is the best water softener for well water with iron?

This very much depends on your individual requirements, as there are some models on our best water softeners list that will focus on hard water and others that really deliver on iron removal. Some of the best brands are Iron Pro and Whirlpool but other manufacturers are delivering fantastic water softening systems right now.

Will a water softener remove iron from well water?

A water softener that is designed specifically to remove iron from well water will serve the purpose. It is important to note that the vast majority on our list of water softeners will do this, but always check because it isn’t consistent across each brand. Some will focus on iron removal, some will focus on softening hard water and others will deliver both features

How much will a water softener cost?

This is a difficult one to answer without understanding the individual requirements of a customer. For example, you may require one that also filters out a range of harmful contaminants on top of iron, or simply just go for a water softener that deals with hard water.

Are water softeners difficult to install?

Fortunately, the majority of water softeners on the market right now are fairly easy to install, even those that are designed for well water and the removal of iron. Always do your research and check out customer reviews if you have any concerns about the installation process.

See all the famous water softener brands here.

So don’t waste time thinking too long as it will only damage your health and the health of anything that comes in contact with water. Choose the best for you now and make your life iron-free.