Reviews of the Best Water Softeners of 2024

Where do I install a water softener?

Water softeners should be installed near your house’s water supply line. If you have the right knowledge and tools, you can simply install yours yourself. If not, you can always call in a professional!

When you install a water softener, you can set up different lines for cooking and drinking — which is especially useful if you have family members who can’t tolerate sodium.

Will my water bill increase if I use a water softener?

Because a softener requires about 55 to 400 litres of water every time it regenerates, it will increase your water bill. That said, these costs will likely be offset by the benefits that soft water provides.

To cut down on your water bills, make sure to go for a unit that’s exactly right for your water needs. There are also water softeners which are relatively more water-efficient!

How much sodium does a salt-based water softener add to water?

The quantity of sodium your softener adds to your water is determined by your water’s hardness level. The harder your water, the more salt you need for the softening process.

If sodium is a health concern for you, opt for a salt-free water softener. Just keep in mind that if your water is really hard, salt-free systems may not work as well salt-based systems.

When should I not use softened water?

Do not use softened water for outdoor activities like watering plants or grass — it’s a waste, and the high sodium content can be unhealthy for plants.

It’s also worth noting that the more soft water you use, the more the unit will have to regenerate water — which leads to more water consumption and higher water bills.

Is potassium chloride better than sodium chloride for water softeners?

You can use both potassium and sodium chloride for softening water. The difference is that sodium chloride is stronger, so you require less sodium chloride than you would potassium chloride to soften water.

What is the difference between a water descaler and softener?

The difference between a water descaler and softener is that a descaler prevents minerals from entering your water and being deposited inside on pipes or fixtures, whereas a softener removes them completely.

A salt-free water softener is more like a water descaler as it won’t remove these materials but instead acts as a preventative measure. A water descaler is typically less expensive than a softener device and use less electricity, which means reduced utility bills! [12]

Why does my water softener smell?

If your water softener smells like rotten eggs — kind of like your hard water — that’s likely because sulfur has built up in the system. Unfortunately, the sodium in the tanks attracts this sulfur bacteria that starts to smell. Fortunately, you can get rid of this smell caused by the sulfur bacteria by regularly cleaning and sanitizing the tanks [13].

The reality is that this sulfur doesn’t only smell bad, it also hinders the effectiveness and efficiency of your softener.

Will a water softener make my water safe for drinking?

No, it won’t — your water must be clean and safe for drinking before it is softened. If you are concerned that your water has impurities in it, buy a filtering device like a reverse osmosis system to purify it.

Alternatively, you can buy a product that combines both filtering and softening. If you are still concerned about the state of your water after filtration, contact your area’s local health department. You can also have a test conducted in a laboratory.

Is Alkaline water the same as softened water?

These two types of water are inherently different. The main difference between soft and alkaline water is that if water is alkaline, that means it contains a healthy amount of magnesium and calcium – soft water, by definition, is free of these minerals.

Hard water is more alkaline actually! Alkaline water is typically created using an ionizer, but you can also make it at home using lemon juice and baking soda — you won’t be sorry. Alkaline water is higher in pH — it averages a pH of 8 or 9 while tap water has an average pH of 7 [14].

What is the difference between a reverse osmosis system and a softener system?’

The main difference between a reverse osmosis system and a softener is that a reverse osmosis system is a water filter system, while the other is a softening device.

During the reverse osmosis process, contaminants like magnesium and calcium are physically removed by forcing water through a filter. A softener, on the other hand, removes hard minerals from water through an ionic process [15].

Reverse osmosis is typically utilized alongside other purification systems, because it acts as a water filter while another device is used to soften the purified water. A reverse osmosis system will also help your water taste more neutral.

How do I know how many grains my water softener should be?

Water softeners are measured by their daily grain capacity — or size in grains [16]. This means you should know how many grains you need before making your purchase.

You can find out how many grains you need in your water softener system by multiplying the amount of people in your home times 70 — this is how many gallons of water are used on a national average.

Another way to calculate your gran capacity required is to get the numbers from your water department.

Can softeners use potassium chloride in place of salt?

Yes, any softener can use potassium chloride as a substitute. It’s important to note, however, that potassium chloride costs considerably more than sodium. It also tends to melt when wet, which typically results in a bridge in the brine tank.

It is advised that you only fill your salt tank halfway with potassium chloride so that you can keep an eye on its level.