10 Best Water Softeners for Well Water in 2020

Q: What water softener is best for well water?

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank is the best water softener for well water. It is compatible to provide soft water 24/7 all around the house. With the 160,000 overall grain capacity, it can provide a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute.

The well water is the only water supply to households in many areas. This water is raw and without any treatment. So it contains iron, calcium, magnesium, bacteria, and many other harmful materials. It is referred to as hard well water. To reduce the toxic elements, experts recommend the installation of water softeners, which process the hard water before it enters in house plumbing. Here we have listed the ten best water softener for well water and reviewed them for you.

Readout till the end to know what’s the best choice for you and how to make a choice.

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Best Overall

Best Budget-friendly

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

Name

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank

Whirlpool WHES30E

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Best Overall

Name

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank

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Best Budget-friendly

Name

Whirlpool WHES30E

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Contents

Best water softener for well water 2020:
Water Softeners Summary
The Types of Water Softeners
The Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Key Considerations

Best water softener for well water 2020:

Every well water is not the same. Some well waters will have high iron content while the other can have high magnesium. To choose the best one, you need to test the water hardness first along with the components that are making it hard. The next step is to measure the water requirements of your household. The final step will be to choose the best water softener for well water that matches precisely with water hardness and usage requirement. Surely you will find one below that will fulfill all your needs. So don’t stop here and read out the full article to get your best water softener.

List of Best Water Softeners for Well Water:

Best Choice

Runner-up

Aquasure Harmony Series Whole House Water Softener with High Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head (64,000 Grains)

Also Good

Also Good

Tier1 Essential Certified Series 48,000 Grain High Efficiency Digital Water Softener

Also Good

Name

AFWFilters 48k-56SXT

Aquasure Harmony Series

AFWFilters Iron Pro

Tier 1 Advanced Series

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank

Our Rating

Our rating: 5/5

Our rating: 4.9/5

Our rating: 4.8/5

Our rating: 4.7/5

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

41 Reviews

426 Reviews

8 Reviews

29 Reviews

13 Reviews

Check Price

Best Choice

Name

AFWFilters 48k-56SXT

Our Rating

Our rating: 5/5

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

41 Reviews

Check Price

Runner-up

Name

Aquasure Harmony Series

Our Rating

Our rating: 4.9/5

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

426 Reviews

Check Price

Also Good

Name

AFWFilters Iron Pro

Our Rating

Our rating: 4.9/5

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

8 Reviews

Check Price

Also Good

Name

Tier 1 Advanced Series

Our Rating

Our rating: 4.8/5

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

29 Reviews

Check Price

Also Good

Name

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank

Our Rating

Our rating: 4.7/5

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

13 Reviews

Check Price

List of Water Softeners for Well Water that are Worth Mentioning:

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

AFWFilters 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener Digital SXT Metered Whole House System

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

Name

Iron Pro 2

Fleck 5600SXT

DURAWATER Fleck 5600SXT

Whirlpool WHES30E

Our rating: 4.6/5

363 Reviews

770 Reviews

218 Reviews

645 Reviews

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Name

Iron Pro 2

Our rating: 4.6/5

363 Reviews

Check Price

Name

Fleck 5600SXT

Our rating: 4.6/5

770 Reviews

Check Price

Name

DURAWATER Fleck 5600SXT

Our rating: 4.6/5

218 Reviews

Check Price

Name

Whirlpool WHES30E

Our rating: 4.6/5

645 Reviews

Check Price

1. AFWFilters 48k-56sxt-10-1

This best water softener system makes the well water soft for your skin and hair. AFWFilters presents you 10% crossed link resin that can last for longer life. The system uses an ion-exchange method to reduce hardness and has a digital 5600SXT control valve.

Usage measurement:

The system measures the water you use. So regenerates as required.

Compatibility:

This water softener eliminates the scale buildup from pipes, faucets, washroom walls, and appliances. Also, it increases the efficiency of soap by removing calcium and magnesium that causes hardness. The safety float in the tanks prevents overfilling, and there is a drain for the overflow that works as an additional backup to avoid messes of water.

Warranty:

Fleck 5600SXT water softener valve has a 5-year warranty and is tested to run continuously for 27 years. Also, the structural mineral tank has a warranty of 10 years.

Display:

There is a backlit LCD display with a touchpad that offers you easy control over the system.

Power backup:

The user-friendly interface offers 48 hours of internal power backup. So the system will not stop working in case of a power outage.

Capacity:

The brine tank can hold up to 250 pounds of salt for regeneration. With that, the system has a 48,000-grain capacity and a flow rate of 12-15 gallons per minute.

Power consumption:

The system needs 110 volts of power supply to run.

Technical support:

The pack has a detailed installation instruction video that ensures DIY installation. There is also a written manual with answers to the common questions. Also, the friendly support is here to assist you 24/7 on email and phone calls.

Weight:

The whole system weighs 56 pounds.

Good Points	Alerts!
It provides safe to drink water. Fully automatic, set, and forget.	Doesn’t purifies water.

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If you need help in installation or programming of water softener, see this…

2. Aquasure Harmony Series AS-HS64D

Aquasure presents you downflow water softener system for well water. This system includes; Aquatrol Electronic Control Head (AQT-56SE), 2 CF Premium Grade Resin (Prefilled), 14’ Drain Line, Resin Tank with Distributor Tube. 5’ Brine Line, and Brine Tank with Overflow Regulator. The Bypass Valve with 1” In and Out NPT Yoke is available but 3-4” valve can be ordered if you need it. See the picture for how it looks like

Power consumption:

The system requires a power outlet of 110 volts.

Compatibility:

This well water softener is reviewed to provide scale and spot free and spa-quality soft water to the whole house. Removes 2 PPM of iron and magnesium, and the soft water feels gentle on skin.

Capacity:

It is available in 3 different sizes, select among 32,000, 48,000, and 64,000-grain capacity units based on your usage. This single unit is enough for up to 7 people and 4-6 washrooms.

Digital Control:

Allows three types of regeneration control, including time clock delayed control, meter immediate control, and meter delayed control. The digital control saves hundreds of gallons of water from wastage by backwashing only when required. Also, it reduces the need to replenish salt.

Weight:

The whole system weighs 149 pounds, and the shipment weight is 130 pounds.

Technical support:

The pack contains well detailed and illustrated installation and programming guidelines. Technical support is also available over an email and phone call.

Warranty:

The manufacturer of water softeners is offering a warranty of 5 years also.

Good Points	Alerts!
It works well with an electric water heater. Easy to program and operate. It has an electronic control head.	Outside installation is not recommended.

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3. AFWFilters Iron pro 48k

This water softener is specifically designed to remove both ferrous and ferric iron from your well water. Ferrous is a soluble form of iron in water, and the fine mesh resin removes it up to 6 parts per million. Ferric iron is insoluble, and here iron filter pro itself does the job for its exceptional removal. This system contains the fine mesh resin, 25 cubic gravel bed, KDF 85 media guard 48,000 grains. Resin tank, salt tank, safety float, and on-demand control valve. See the picture for how it looks like.

Compatibility:

Removes hardness up to 50 grains per gallons from well water and also acts as an iron filter that causes rust stains up to 4 parts per million. Also, KDF 85 MediaGuard cartridge is in the system to remove hydrogen sulfide that causes the smell of rotten eggs up to 2 parts per million, and heavy metals too.

Digital control:

The system automatically measures the amount of water usage and regenerates as per requirement. Also, you can maximize the system’s capacity or can minimize the salt usage quickly by digital control. There is also a safety float to prevent overfilling.

Technical support:

Witten guidelines plus instructional videos make sure that the whole installation and programming process is DIY for all homeowners. With that, the friendly and knowledgeable support staff is always here to assist you in case you need further assistance.

Weight:

This best water softener system for well water weighs 95 pounds, and the shipping weight is 140 pounds.

Warranty:

The valve system has a warranty of 5 years while the tank has a warranty of 10 years.

Good Points	Alerts!
It provides the most transparent water ever. Best for well water with iron.	It doesn’t remove sulfate.

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4. Tier 1 Advanced Series WS-165-150-BLK

Tier 1 presents the water softener for well water to eliminate the problems of dry skin, hair, dull laundry, and scaling pipes. The whole system includes a brine tank, pre-filled mineral tank with 1.5 cubic feet of Resin, control valve with automatic bypass, 3/4-inch and 1-inch water line connections, brine tubing, drain line, and mechanical components that are necessary for installation. See the picture to have a view of this product.

Compatibility:

This downflow well water softening system uses a resin that eliminates calcium and magnesium. Gives silky hair, soft skin, crystal clear dishes, and protects plumbing and appliances.

Capacity:

The best water softener for well water can treat up to 48,000 grains of hardness between regeneration cycles.

Display:

The easy to use LCD display shows operational information on the go. Guides the set up process and allows custom settings.

Technical support:

The manual in the pack ensures easy and fast installation. The customer service team with knowledgeable staff offers technical support in English and Spanish as well.

Weight:

The whole product weighs 141 pounds when shipped.

Good Points	Alerts!
Easy install and setup. Can treat up to 48,000 grains of water hardness between regeneration cycles	Not suitable for RV.

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5. AFWFilters 80k dual

It is the best water softener for megaflow. This twin tank water softener comes with 2 mineral tanks, 5 cubic feet of resin, Fleck 9100 SXT controller, salt tank, bypass valve, brine tank with safety float, and connectors of 1″ or ¾”. See the picture to have an idea of how it looks when shipped.

See all resin buying options here.

Weight:

This item weight 95 pounds, whereas the shipment weight is 260 pounds.

Compatibility:

This system is solely enough for a family with high water usage. It is capable of supplying soft water 24/7 due to the presence of dual tanks. Because when one tank is in the regeneration process, the other is here to ensure supply throughout the house.

Capacity:

The system offers 80,000 grain capacity per tank. Which means the total capacity of this system is up to 160,000 grains. With that, the system can give you a flow rate of up to 25 gallons per minute.

Technical support:

Friendly customer support ensures that installation and programming is a DIY for all homeowners. They know all the technical details and are happy to assist you.

Warranty:

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

Good Points	Alerts!
Soft and clean water is terrific. Easy to install and friendly customer support	Doesn’t filter chlorine.

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6. Iron Pro 2 – IRONPRO2

Iron Pro 2 is the best water softener for well water with iron. The whole system has a tank, a brine tank, DIY instructions manual, and bypass valve. See the picture to get an idea of how it will look like when it arrives at your doorstep.

Digital control:

The Iron Pro 2 system has an effective control valve.

Compatibility:

It removes the scale buildup from faucets, water pipelines, water heater, and appliances, that are a result of hard water. This single system also eliminates magnesium up to 6 parts per million and ferrous and ferric iron that causes red stains all over up to 6-8 parts per million. As a whole, it removes hardness up to 75 grains per gallon.

Capacity:

Measures the water requirement and generates water accordingly. With 64,000 grain capacity, it can supply up to 16 gallons per minute of water.

Warranty:

There is a 5-year warranty on the valve and a 10-year warranty on the tank. With that, the Iron Pro 2 water softener also offers a 30 days satisfaction guarantee.

Technical support:

The installation instructions, phone, and email support make the whole process a DIY for everyone.

Weight:

This whole system weighs 119.5 pounds.

Good Points	Alerts!
Water pressure never drops. Gives safe to drink water. Impressive reduction in hard water with its 64,000-grain capacity	No power backup.

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7. Fleck WS48-56SXT

This water softening system for well water eliminates hard water that reduces soap efficiency and causes scale buildup, soap scum, and water spots. The package contains Fleck 5600SXT digital metered control, a black resin tank, a standard black brine tank with safety float, a high capacity resin (8% Crosslink), bypass valve, and 1″ male connections. See the picture for how this system looks like.

Power consumption:

This system needs a power outlet of 120 volts for smooth operation.

Compatibility:

The system uses an ion-exchange method to remove iron and magnesium from water that causes hardness. In return, the life of plumbing and appliances increases. The safety float is here to prevent overfilling with an overflow drain that acts as an additional backup to avoid water messes.

Capacity:

Fleck 5600SXT control valve with a 48,000-grain capacity water softener is solely enough for the whole house with six people. It can offer a flow rate of up to 12 gallons per minute.

Digital control:

It has a new Fleck 5600SXT digital control valve. The system measures the amount of water requirement and does the regeneration as per demand. The user-friendly interface also has a backlit LCD display and touchpad controls for easy programming. Also, it allows you to minimize the salt usage and maximize the capacity.

Power backup:

There is a 48-hour internal power backup to ensure smooth operations of the water softening system when the power goes out.

Warranty:

The Fleck 5600SXT valve has a warranty of 5 years and is also tested to work for 27 years continuously. Also, there is a 10-year warranty on the tank.

Technical support:

Written and video installation instructions are enough to ensure that the installation and programming is a DIY for all. With that, knowledgeable customer support is also available to answer your questions.

Weight:

The whole system weighs 20.8 pounds.

Good Points	Alerts!
Easy to setup. Delivers good quality water.	Drainage tubing is not included in the pack.

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See all water softeners by Fleck here…

8. DURAWATER 48k-56sxt-fm

This water softening system for well water is from a true blue dealer. The system uses an ion-exchange method to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water that are the significant reasons for water hardness. This system includes Fleck 5600 SXT Metered Softener Valve, Fine Mesh Resin for Iron Filter and Removal, 1-inch Noryl plastic male threaded bypass, 1/2 inch Drain Barb, USA Black Tanks, Upgraded Paddlewheel Meter, Safety Float, and an Overflow Elbow for brine tank. See how it looks in the picture.

Warranty:

The seller is offering a warranty of 5 years for the control head and a warranty of 10 years for the resin tank.

Compatibility:

It is the best water softener for well water with iron, up to 6 parts per million. With that, it removes sediment, sand, rust, and manganese up to 6 parts per million. Eliminates scale buildup and improves soap efficiency. There is a safety float to prevent overfilling of the tank. Also, there is a drain that acts as an additional backup to avoid water messes.

See the best water softeners salt to buy, here.

Capacity:

With 48,000 grain capacity, this system can supply up to 14 gallons of water per minute. It is enough for 2-5 people and a house with 2-3 bathrooms.

Digital control:

The high-efficiency Fleck 5600 SXT meter based regeneration reduces water loss and improves the efficiency of the salt.

Technical support:

The installation manual is also in the pack to help you out. You can install this system with necessary plumbing skills in just 1-2 hours. With that, technical support is just over a call away.

Weight:

The whole system weighs 120 pounds.

Good Points	Alerts!
No more yellowish rust rings and metallic taste. The shower feels better. Impressive reduction in hard water compared to other water softening systems Warranty on the control head and resin tank	Doesn’t reduce acidity. Doesn’t reduce chlorine.

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9. ABCwaters ABCWS48-56SXT-10

ABCwaters uses the most popular digital meter that is Fleck 5600 SXT. With that, this system includes the upgraded 10 per cent cross-linked resin for higher value for longer life. See how this system looks like in the picture.

Weight:

This item weighs 133 pounds, and the whole shipment weighs 134 pounds.

Power consumption:

This best water softening system requires a power outlet of 115 volts to ensure smooth operations.

Capacity:

This downflow water softening unit provides a flow rate of up to 12 gallons per minute with 48,000-grain capacity. Enough for a household with 2-5 people.

Compatibility:

Can soften hard water more than 21 grains per gallon. Removes chlorine that causes hardness. There will be no rust stains and scale buildups all over.

Technical support:

It is the only seller providing additional installation items to save you from extra trips to a hardware store. The item arrives fully assembled and contains installation and programming guide to make it a DIY for you. Videos are available to save your time. Also, technical phone, email, and text support are available in the working hours of Arizona. With that, Facetime visual assistance is with you by a team of 20 plus years of experience.

Warranty:

The control valve has a warranty of 5 years.

Good Points	Alerts!
It eliminates hard water completely. Laundry, dishwasher, and shower quality improves.	Not for well water with high iron.

No products found.

10. Whirlpool WHES30E

Whirlpool has designed this water softener system to work best on hard water from a city supply and well water. The company delivers this water softening system including installation kit, bypass valve, instruction manual, and a ready to connect to 1-inch male pipe thread. See the picture to get an idea of how it looks like.

Power consumption:

This water softening unit requires a power outlet of 110 volts to run smoothly.

Compatibility:

Eliminates embarrassing mineral stains and improves the efficiency of soap and detergent. Keeps your hair safe from mineral buildup and skin from allergies. Also, it helps appliances and plumbing to last 30-50 percent longer by removing scale buildup. It removes hardness up to 95 grains per gallon, including calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron – up to 8 parts per million, including both ferrous and ferric iron.

Capacity:

With 30,000 grain capacity, this best up-flow water softener is enough for a family with more than four people. It regenerates as per water hardness and usage requirements. In return, it saves salt and water wastage.

Light indicator:

There is a lightening indicator that doesn’t forget to alert you when the salt level goes low. So the guessing game to add salt is now a matter of the past.

Display:

This digital water softener has an LED display with touch buttons to ensure secure and smooth programming.

Warranty:

There is a 12 months warranty on manufacturer’s parts and labor. With that, a three years warranty on electronics and a 10-year warranty on the tank is also available.

Technical support:

A detailed step by step installation kit and the instruction manual is in the pack to make sure the whole setup is a DIY for all of its customers. Also, technical support over a phone call is available.

Weight:

This best water softener weighs 102 pounds and arrives in a shipment of 104 pounds.

Good Points	Alerts!
No need to unplug while going on a vacation. The water feels like silk.	Must buy an extended warranty.

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Water Softeners Summary

Thank you for reading our review of the best water softeners for well water on the market right now, along with some useful information on how to make the right decision. Hard water can have a big impact on your quality of life and the lifespan of your plumbing and white goods, such as refrigerators and washing machines.
Take the time to plan your purchase and you will find you will stand a much better chance of choosing the best water softener for you and you will be able to enjoy softened water no matter your original supply.

The Types of Water Softeners

There are a few different types of water softener to choose from when the goal is achieving softened water, so it’s important to understand each variety and whether they have any potential benefits for your individual requirements. Whilst they will in general, do the same thing of softening hard water, you will see minor differences to each.

Salt-based water softener

A salt-based water softener is the most common type found on the market and follows a relatively simple process. They use an ion exchange process to soften hard water, with resin beads interacting with salt. It then reacts with the water, removing any minerals that make the water hard.
These types of water softeners are very effective at preventing scale from building up in pipes and appliances, but there are some minor downsides. Firstly, a salt-based softener will need to regenerate to flush away particles as part of the ion exchange process, so bear this in mind, but more importantly, they do have an impact on the environment as you are flushing away lots of salt.

Salt-free water softener

A salt-free softener is becoming a more popular choice for many households because they don’t generate wastewater or use salt, meaning there is minimal maintenance. These water softeners are often described as descalers because it doesn’t actually remove minerals from the water supply but simply stops them building up on to the surfaces of plumbing and appliances.
It is generally accepted that a salt-free water softener is not as effective as a salt-based water softener and sometimes also require an additional softening agent. This doesn’t mean salt-free softeners are the wrong choice though, so think carefully about what is best for you.

Magnetic descalers

An alternative choice to the more conventional water softeners now, as magnetic descalers are placed on the main water line and generate a magnetic field. It is this field that stops the minerals in hard water from building up.
These are not very common and not as well tested as traditional softeners that use ion exchange, so you may want to think carefully about this option.

Dual tank water softeners

Choosing a dual tank water softener is a good idea if you have a large household or want an effective whole house water softener system to process your well water. These water softeners consist of two resin tanks, with one regenerating whilst the other delivers soft water.
The main downside of a dual tank water softener is that it requires more space and can potentially cost more money, so for smaller households, it may not necessarily be required.

The Pros and Cons

There are some important pros and cons of water softeners to consider before making a purchasing decision and we’ve listed the most essential ones below for you to be aware of.

Pros

Delivers softer water

As the name suggests, water softeners are highly effective at producing soft water, particularly for households suffering from hard water supplies. No matter the type that you go for, whether they use sodium to replace the minerals that cause hard water or salt-free versions, you will protect your plumbing and appliances.
Away from reducing scale from building up, hard water can affect your health and a water softener is a fantastic way of ensuring your well water supply is kinder on your skin, hair, and cleaner and safer to drink.

Cost-effective solution

Whilst they will require you to invest in the first place, water softeners are a fantastic investment over the long term. Firstly, they reduce or sometimes stop the build-up of scale in plumbing and appliances, meaning you won’t need to repair or replace them as frequently.
Furthermore, you will be less likely to spend money on bottled water, additional softening systems or appliances if the water supply entering the property has gone through a water softener.

Cons

Can require maintenance

No matter which water softener you go for, they will require some degree of maintenance and running costs. Fortunately, manufacturers are developing more efficient and effective systems all the time, whilst salt-free versions are becoming more commonplace.
This means you can minimise the potential maintenance required but for the most popular types, salt-based water softeners then you should be aware that you will need to buy salt when it runs low and make sure you clean and maintain it as instructed. If you fail to do so then you will run the risk of the performance dropping and potentially having to replace parts.

Softened water with salt

The most popular type of water softener is a salt-based water softener and this isn’t always a great choice for households. As you would expect, these systems are replacing minerals that create hard water, with sodium, increasing the sodium content that you will consume. This isn’t a great choice for people who have issues with salt intake, or particular health concerns.
There is also growing concern about the environmental impact of salt and wastewater flowing out of properties and so if you do have concerns, then it’s worth investigating alternative types of water softener.

Key Considerations

When you are shopping for water softening systems, you need to be aware of the key factors and considerations involved. You may believe one of the salt-free water softeners is the right choice for you, but without understanding the most important factors, you may end up buying a water softener that doesn’t cope with your water supply or water hardness levels.

Type of water softener systems

We have put together a dedicated section on the types of water softener systems to help you narrow down your choices before checking out our water softener reviews. In essence, the vast majority are either salt-based water softeners or salt-free water softeners. Both types have been designed to deal with the issue of hard water but they approach it in a different way.
Salt-based water softeners replace the minerals that create hard water, with sodium ions. This softens the water and reduces the chances of scale building up on pipes or appliances, as well as protecting your skin and hair from the effects of hard water.
Salt-free water softeners don’t use sodium to replace minerals and as such, as known as descales because they don’t remove the minerals but protect pipes and appliances from the effects of it.
There are other types available as well, so it’s important to do your research and think about which type is best for you. This will also take into account such issues as space, the hardness of your water and budget.

Budget

Never a fun consideration but a key one nonetheless. Each customer will have a budget in mind when shopping for water softening systems, but you need to know you are getting the right unit for your money. For example, you may require one that covers the whole house water supply, that has one brine tank or two etc. Each feature or performance step up will come with a cost, but may not necessarily be needed.
Do an initial assessment of the prices of water softeners and if they fit into what you have to spend, then think about your specific requirements. Once you’ve done this, you will be able to see your shortlisted water softening unit or units. Hopefully, this will be within your budget, but don’t just go for a cheaper one or the best one without thinking carefully first.

Maintenance

It very much depends on which type of system you go for and how it is designed, but almost all will require some form of maintenance. If you have the minimal DIY experience, then you may wish to go for one that doesn’t require much maintenance, such as a salt-free system.
An added maintenance consideration is the running costs involved in having a water softener for your well water. Salt-based systems will require replacement salt and regular maintenance, whereas a salt-free or magnetic descaler won’t use salt. These other types require minimal maintenance at all and are a favourite for many new customers.

Flow Rate

No matter whether you get your water supply from a well, or from the local municipality you need to consider the existing water flow rate and how it will be impacted by installing a softener.
Any type of softener or whole house water filter will have an impact on the water flow rate because it is actively processing the water. If your water flow rate going into the home is already low, then you need to check for the better whole-house systems to ensure you don’t become frustrated with a slow flow of water

Capacity

The capacity is the amount of water that can flow through the water softening unit before it needs regenerating, potential maintenance and replacement salt.
The capacity will often be graded in grains, with many ranging from 7,000 grains up to 80,000 grains. This also has a direct impact on the flow rate, so you don’t want to get this choice wrong. If you go for a smaller system that isn’t enough for your household, then it will wear out quicker, requiring regeneration more often.
Equally, if you go for an expensive top of the range system that is far more than you require, it can be detrimental to the system as you don’t cause it to regenerate as frequently as advised by the manufacturer.

Installation

Luckily, the vast majority of water softeners for hard water supplies are easy to install and require minimal experience. Thanks to advances in technology and investment from leading manufacturers, you will find almost all on our list state easy installation as one of their benefits. Take your time to research the installation requirements and see how customers reviews compare, as you don’t want to have to pay for professional help unless absolutely required.
It is important to check the kind of support provided, including customer service numbers, instructions and online video guides.

Brands

There are some fantastic brands out there making water softeners right now, so you don’t necessarily need to go for the most well-known manufacturers. However, some of the powerhouses of water filtration and softening are safe bets and these include AFWFilters, Whirlpool and Fleck.
Above all else though, make sure you have assessed what your household requirements are in terms of hard water and capacity. If your preferred brand ends up on your shortlist then this is even better.

Regeneration

There aren’t really many features or gadgets that come with a water softener but there are some to look out for with regards to regeneration.
Firstly, most types of water softener will need to regenerate and you should check if there are options to control the time of when this happens, whether is automatic or a manual process. It can be very inconvenient if you can’t time it properly, or have to manually complete the process.
You can find some water softeners that use something called Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR), which senses when the resin beads require replacing. This is using sensors, causing the softener to be more efficient and minimise waste. It is important to note here that any softeners with DIR will be at the higher end of the price spectrum.

FAQs:

We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions that we get, along with some helpful answers to make the entire purchasing process easier for you. It is always important to consider the import factors and risks prior to buying a water softener for well water.

What is the best softener for well water?

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank is the best water softener for well water. It is compatible to provide soft water 24/7 all around the house. With the 160,000 overall grain capacity, it can provide a flow rate of 25 gallons of water per minute.

What does a water softener do for well water?

Well water contains iron, calcium, magnesium, bacteria, and many other harmful materials. Water softener softens this hard water before it enters your home. So that it cannot contaminate the kitchen, washroom, shower, faucets, plumbing, and appliances through scale buildup and soap scum.

How do I know if I have hard water?

This is a fairly easy question to answer and a relatively inexpensive process too. If you haven’t already tested your well water or got a certificate of testing from someone, then you can buy self-test kits from online or in many stores. Once you do this quick test, you will know how hard your water is and this will help you decide which water softener is right for you.

What is the best brand to go for?

This is a tough one to answer because honestly, there are some fantastic manufacturers out there nowadays. Whether you go for AFWFilters, Fleck or Whirlpool you really can’t go wrong as long as it fits your specific requirements.
Always do the research and shortlist the ones that meet your individual requirements, such as capacity, size, budget and type. Should these have positive customer reviews and the manufacturer provide enough reassurance, then it doesn’t really matter who the manufacturer is.
Also make sure they offer a sufficient warranty or guarantee, so you can feel confident it will stand the test of time and you will have a long-term support plan in place.

How much do they cost?

This is a difficult one to answer because there is such a variety of water softener to choose from. Our main piece of advice here is to not simply go for the cheapest, or the top range one on the market right now. There is a massive selection to choose from and its important to select one that fits your specific requirements.
Hard water may not seem like such a big problem but do bear in mind that if you don’t treat the water, then it will cause scale to build up in your pipes and appliances, causing you to spend money on repairs and replacements far more frequently than you would want.
Furthermore, hard water can affect your health, including your skin and hair. All of these things make the initial cost worth it.

Do they require maintenance?

All types of water softener will require maintenance but some more so than others. In particular, salt-based water softeners will require greater levels of maintenance and cleaning than a salt-free softener or magnetic descalers.
In order to minimise maintenance cost and time spent, you should make sure that the system is installed correctly, following all guidelines and instructions. Furthermore, you should make sure you clean it, regenerate and replace relevant parts as frequently as the manufacturer advises.
If you follow these rules then you will barely notice the maintenance required but what you will notice is the reduction in hard water and the cost savings on cleaning or replacing plumbing and appliances around the house.

Conclusion

Want to make a choice in minutes?

Best Overall

Best Budget-friendly

Name

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank

Whirlpool WHES30E

Check Price

Best Overall

Name

AFWFilters 80k Twin Tank

Check Price

Best Budget-friendly

Name

Whirlpool WHES30E

Check Price

If you are facing high iron in your well water, see the best water softener designed to eradicate this problem for you here.

What’s your choice among all the given options for a well water softener? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us. It will help us to increase the reader’s experience and will also help readers to make the best choice.