Water softeners solve one of the biggest and common in India that leads to thin white film on bathroom tiles, clogged pipes, non-lustrous glassware, even worse situation like dry hair and skin. These problems are caused by hard water.
Traditional methods of treating hard water to become soft are unable to provide desired results. Now-a-days an effective and healthy alternative is also firming its root in the market.
Yes, welcome to world of water softener making water soft, automatically. Do not confuse a water softener to a water purifier or you will end up buying a wrong product.
You may check out online shopping platform before going through buying guide.
Best Water Softeners in 2022
GE GXMH31H 31,100-Grain Water Softener and Filter in One
When paired with water filtration elements, a water softener system can lower the mineral content of your water while also enhancing the smell and flavor of your drinkable water. The GE GXMH31H Water Softener and Filter in One achieve both purposes with one compact set-up. This water softener system can reduce hard water up to 120 grains per gallon and filter 31,100 grains before regeneration. Regeneration is pretty fast, at just 105 minutes. Still, it operates a hefty amount of water (54.7 gallons) reached to similar softeners, in complement to softening water to your preferred hardness employing a custom blending valve, the GE Water Softener and Filter in One decrease chlorine taste and odor in your water.
Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener
Salt-based water softeners are a regular sight in homes provided by hard water. A famous and inexpensive salt-based softener for average-sized households is the Rheem Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener. Rheem prototype uses a treated resin bed to capture calcium and magnesium particles from hard water. After processing 32,000 grains, the system will regenerate—which takes 2 hours and uses 24 gallons of water. The salt storage tank holds 175 pounds and needs periodic refilling, but the system has a low salt monitor to provide a visual alert when the salt supply is running low. Rheem also fitted this model with technology to detect water usage patterns and optimize regeneration cycles to save salt, water, and energy.
ScaleBlaster SB-75-Grain Water Softener
The ScaleBlaster SB-75 is closed—measuring just 4.75 x 7.5 inches. Installation is simple compared to larger traditional salt-based water softeners; it requires a coil bound around the incoming main water line and plugged into a nearby electrical outlet. Some electric water softeners are only compatible with specific water pipes, but the SB-75 can be operated with copper, PVC, CPVC, and PEX pipes. Remember that the ScaleBlaster SB-75 is limited in dining water with a hardness up to 19 GPG. It works by mailing out an electrical current that alters calcium molecules, preventing them from sticking to pipes and fixtures. This water softening process is pretty new, and its effectiveness is still being determined.
Aquasure Harmony Water Softener with Fine Mesh Resin for Iron Removal
A water softener for well water is generally provided with an iron filter. This additional filter helps address the specific requirements of homes supplied by well water and reduces the presence of iron and rust stains on sinks, tubs, and toilets. Aquasure’s Harmony series is outfitted with fine mesh resin that catches minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It can filter water with a hardness up to 110 GPG. Select between water softeners with the capacity to filter 32,000, 48,000, or 64,000 GPG before regeneration is required. The regeneration cycle uses 40 gallons of water and lasts 98 minutes. Nevertheless, the Aquasure has a digital control console that monitors water consumption and regulates regeneration frequency regardless of your selected size.
Pelican Water 80,000 Grain Heavy Duty Water Softener
Households with hard water may benefit from a heavy-duty water softener with a higher maximum grain ability than standard water softeners. This heavy-duty water softener from Pelican Water is ranked to grab 80,000 grains and process 4,000 gallons of water before renewal is required. Maximum hardness removal is 75 grains per gallon, which is not as high as other water softeners but is much more elevated than average water hardness levels in most regions. Regeneration cycles take 105 minutes and utilize 100 gallons of water, but the system includes a metered backwash controller to decrease excessive moisture use.
GE GXSH40V Water Softener
“Smart” and “efficient” are two methods to describe the functionality of this famous whole house water softener. The GE GXSH40V has a 40,200-grain capacity—adequate for typical 4-person households. It features GE’s SmartSoft technology, which permits the system to detect water use patterns and optimize regeneration schedules to make softened water available during peak usage periods. Regeneration carries about 2 hours and uses 37 gallons of water. It has a blending valve, which permits you to adjust the hardness of your water to match your needs. Using the digital controller, you can modify water hardness levels, save salt usage, or increase water softness to suit your preference. The controller will also supply you with a ‘Days to Empty’ indicator, offering you an at-a-glance hand when it’s time to add more to the 230-pound capacity salt bin.
Waterboss Model 900 36,400 Grain Water Softener
While water softener systems can repeatedly encroach past $500 or $1,000 depending on filtration capabilities and features, the Waterboss 900 is a thrifty preference. This budget water softener system is consolidated and cost-effective yet still equipped to manage the water needs of an average 3-4 person household. This water softener has a 36,400-grain capacity and filters water with a hardness up to 90 GPG. Impressively, the regeneration cycle carries just 24 minutes and employs only 17.2 gallons of water. A user-friendly digital controller holds the softener’s settings and regeneration. As with numerous other water softeners, this close unit includes a bypass valve to conserve media life.
The following Buying Guide will provide all the necessary in-depth information to look for before buying a water softener.
Common Problems Due to Hard Water
Hard Water
- The hardness of water depends on
- The number of grains per gallon (GPG) present in water
- Measured by PPM (parts per million) of minerals.
- Water having more than 1 GPG (1 GPG=17.1 PPM)
- Dissolved minerals like salts, magnesium, manganese or carbonate make it hard
- Up to 3.5 GPG of minerals avoid using a water softener
Problems of Hard Water
- Damages plumbing fixtures, bathroom tiles
- Delustres crockery
- Decolorizes clothes
- Lead to eczema, diabetes, kidney stones, constipation
- Affects bone mineral density
Types of Water Softeners
| Ion Exchange Water Softener | Connected to the plumbing systems of home Have salt to replace calcium, magnesium Contains resin beads |
| Salt-free Water Softener | Use potassium chloride to lessen hardness Less effective as compared to ion exchange water softeners Ideal for people concerned about sodium intake No change in the minerals making it hard Prevents mineral deposition on appliances |
| Magnetic and Electronic Water Softeners | Magnetic and electronic water softeners Descaling Agent Reverse electromagnetic properties of minerals Ensures hard minerals settle to avoid damage |
How to Detect Hardness
- White stains on sinks and bathroom tiles
- Bathroom fixtures requiring frequent repair
- To confirm check the water quality for hardness
Size of Water Softener
- Check for the size required for your home to meet the demand
- Ability of removal of hardness is to be checked
- ABILITY SIZE = Number of people X Average water used per person
- Connect dishwasher, washing machine or complete water supply of the home
Features of Water Softener
- Ensure considering the features before buying
- Check programming levels, settings and display options in the menu
- Check for automatic regeneration
- Ease of operation
Timer Controls
- Clocks or timers automatically regenerate softeners at pre-set time and day
- Makes it easy to choose time when of operation
Finding Right Brand
- Value for the money
- Top quality
- Fully automatic
- Improve quality of water
- Suitable for use
- Quality service
Installing Water Softeners
| Whole-house | Point-of-use |
| Installed at overhead tanks | Installed with washing machine, geyser or dish washer |
| Supplies to the entire house | Supplies to specific purposes like bathing or washing clothes |