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First, what is a water softener and why do you need one at home?

A water softener is a filtration system that works to remove high concentrations of calcium and magnesium that cause hard water. Yes, you read that right, hard water.

Hard water is not just frozen water or ice. It is a term used to describe water that has a high mineral concentration, especially calcium and magnesium.

Hard water effects may include spots on glasses and silverware, faded clothing, discoloration in the bathtub and sink, wear-and-tear of appliances that use water, and clogging of pipes are signs that hard water is impacting your daily life and that’s why you need a smart water softener.

Types Of Water Softeners

There are four types of water softeners. They are; ion exchange/salt-based water softeners, salt-free water softeners, reverse osmosis water softeners, and magnetic water softeners.

How Is A Smart Water Softener Going To Save You Money?

• Reduced plumbing bills: use of hard water will cause mineral build up which will eventually lead to clogging and can cause irreversible damage to plumbing. This means a more costly time-consuming job. Solving that hard water problem with a smart water softener is going to save a good amount of cash.
• Longer lifespan of appliances: mineral build-up in water-using appliances reduces the quality and efficiency of appliances while shortening their lifespan as well. Using a water softener will prevent this and save you the cost of frequently replacing appliances.
• Reduced gas and electric bills: a water softener can lower your gas or electric bill by preventing pipe damage. Mineral build-up causes narrowing of pipes so pressure must increase for water to push through. It also causes a failure to efficiently transfer heat, forcing you to run your heater higher to compensate. Both issues result in an expensive gas or electric bill.

• Less time cleaning: if you live in a house with hard water, cleaning can be time-consuming. You are going to rewash dishes and laundry and you’re going to clean your house of soap scum very frequently. Soft water fully dissolves and penetrates soap so less soap scum or curd collects in your house, saving the time you spend cleaning on a regular basis.
• Cleaner and brighter clothes: using hard water for laundry will leave mineral deposits in your clothes causing stains, dingy whites, and even fading of clothes. Using soft water will leave you with cleaner, brighter clothes.
• Less time cleaning: if you live in a house with hard water, cleaning can be time-consuming. You are going to rewash dishes and laundry and you’re going to clean your house of soap scum very frequently. Soft water fully dissolves and penetrates soap so less soap scum or curd collects in your house, saving the time you spend cleaning on a regular basis.
• Cleaner and brighter clothes: using hard water for laundry will leave mineral deposits in your clothes causing stains, dingy whites, and even fading of clothes. Using soft water will leave you with cleaner, brighter clothes.

Before You Purchase A Smart Water Softener, Ask Yourself These Questions

How hard is my water?

Hard water ranges from relatively benign levels to potentially damaging levels. When picking a water softener, it is important to know just how hard your water is as each model is designed to treat a specific range of hard water levels. You have to ensure it is going to treat your specific hard water symptoms.

What water softener do I need?

Besides softening capacity, options such as energy efficiency, iron removal, salt usage and even contaminant filtration capabilities found in whole home hybrid water treatment units come into play when deciding which system is right for you.

How much water does my family use?

Water softeners have defined water softening capabilities referred to as grain capacity, with a number in the 10s of thousands. Often you will see this number in conjunction with a model number.

This is important to know because you need to make sure you purchase a system that has enough softening capacity for your entire home. It’s a pretty simple calculation – more people + more water use= the need for a larger capacity water softener and vice versa.

Reviews Of The Best Smart Water Softeners 2021

1. Spring Well Future Soft salt-free water softener:

As the name implies, FutureSoft does not leave salt brine after filtration. It is a dual-purpose system that filters and softens hard water. It comes with a pre-filter that removes dirt, dust and other large particles.

It also treats contaminants like chlorine, pesticides, chloramine, herbicides, sulfur, PFOA, PFAS, heavy metals and other industrial solvents. Also, it treats the filtered water that leaves you with healthy, great-tasting water.Salt-free water softeners like FutureSoft use a physical process known as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC).

This method crystallizes hard water minerals making them unable to stick, bond or etch on your plumbing or appliances even under extreme temperatures. When it comes to water filtration, SpringWell has the most advanced technology. Although the cost is relatively higher than other products, you are assured of almost zero maintenance fee and the cost of replacing the replacement filter is negligible.

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      2. SoftPro Elite Water Softener:

The SoftPro Elite Water filters have impressive features and satisfactory benefits. If you live in a hard water area and are looking for a water softener to install, this is another one with high recommendations. The filters do something known as ‘Precision Brining’. Unlike Springwell softeners, SoftPro does use chemicals and salt for its processes.

Precision brining saves salt by pre-making 70% of the brine just before regeneration. The system calculates the precise amount of brine that needs to be topped up to regenerate only the depleted resin.

This process saves up to 30% more salt! The SoftPro Elite adds only treated soft water to your brine tank rather than untreated hard water thereby keeping it clean.it also refreshes your tank to prevent bacterial growth. SoftPro water filters might be hard to install but have outstanding performance.  If you cannot fix it yourself, you can easily find a plumber. If you want to get rid of hard water in your house, then the SoftPro Elite Water Softener is for you!

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3. SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener

Another product from SpringWell Filtration systems but this time a salt-based softener. This uses the process of ion exchange to soften the water and is one of if not the most reliable salt-based water softener.

Not only does it soften your water, but SpringWell also extends your appliances’ life and makes you use 40% less detergent.

SpringWell is certified to use premium certified components in the manufacturing of their filtration systems. This guarantees durability as well as optimum performance.

With innovative technology, the system head gives you control over your system. This SpringWell system is accessible from your phone as it is equipped with Bluetooth technology and is definitely a pacesetter in softening and filtration technology.

This Springwell softener stands out from other less expensive softeners. Tanks are built with rugged polypropylene and their sturdy feel is outstanding. Brine tanks can hold up to 200 pounds of salt. The wide-mouth design makes loading the solutions very easy. The introduction of Bluetooth technology is an unmatched innovation which makes it easy and convenient to use. For salt-based systems, SpringWell is like iOS in operating systems. Definitely more expensive but the performance speaks for itself.  If you need to get rid of stubborn hard water in your home, SpringWell is your best bet to put your money on.

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4. Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener System

The Fleck 5600SXT is efficient to adapt to your daily needs of water usage. In the event of higher water usage, it regenerates frequency to ensure you get treated water.

Fleck 5600 is an upgrade of previous models which include an easy-to-use electronic interface panel with advanced programming features and diagnostic features.

The Fleck 5600 also uses ion exchange to eliminate calcium and magnesium which are the water hardening minerals.

There’s a digital controller integrated into the main valve. You can set parameters into a very precise unit to reduce water consumption.

Fleck 5600 can digitally calculate how much water has been used and regenerates only when needed. Although affordable, the Fleck 5600 has impressive features and efficiency. The warranty is a big plus too considering its affordability.

It walks the talk and stands out among its competitors. Your plumbing and appliances will remain intact and last longer. The Fleck 5600 is 100% recommended

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5. Pelican Advantage Series Salt Water Softener

Pelican provides softened water using salt or potassium. Three phases are involved in this process. The backwashing, regeneration, and rinse phases. Backwashing is the step where dirt is removed from the water. Although acknowledged as a phase of its own, pelican is a part of the regeneration process. The regeneration phase involves the introduction of sodium to displace the calcium and magnesium which causes the hardness of the water.

The water from the regeneration phase is then filtered of dirt in a process called rinsing. The GPM rate of the pelican is significantly better than some other water softeners in that same class. This is why it is a preference for many.

The pelican has a universal tank which means you can use salt or potassium to soften your water. With Pelican Advantage Series Saltwater Softener, you get a lot of benefits. This water softener will keep plumbing and your appliances intact and they will last longer. It may not be budget-friendly but it is totally worth the money.

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How To Install Your Water Softener

Want to install your water softener by yourself? This is just for you.
Before you start, here are some things you’ll need

• Screwdriver
• Teflon tape
• Razor knife
• Two adjustable wrenches
• Additional tools may be required if modifications to home plumbing are required. To maintain full valve flow, be sure the plumbing size matches the size of the valve. The outlet pipe should be the same size or larger than the water supply pipe.

• Use copper, brass or PEX pipe and fittings. Some codes may also allow PVC plastic pipe.
• Always install the included bypass valve or install a 3 shut-off valve hard pipes bypass. Bypass valves allow the water to be turned off to the softener but can still provide water to the house for water use during repairs or service.
• 5/8” OD, 1/2” OD drain line is needed for the valve drain.
• A length of 5/8” OD drain line tubing is needed for the brine tank overflowing fitting (optional).
• Extra Course Grade or Crystal Solar Salt (99.8% pure) water softener salt is needed to fill the brine tank.

Now, let’s assemble your water softener

• Remove the tank from the box.
• Verify the riser tube is secured in the bottom of the tank. The tube should not pull out of the tank.
• Install the clear, plastic cap that is provided in the install kit onto the distributor tube.
• Use the blue funnel provided to pour the media into the tank. Pour it evenly around the hole to ensure it is well distributed in the tank and pour slow enough to keep from plugging the hole. A helper may be needed to hold the funnel during the filling process. NOTE: it is recommended that a dust mask and safety goggles to prevent possible injury.

• When the media is installed, move the tank side to side to settle the media. Remove the funnel and cap from the distributor tube.
• Lubricate the distributor O-ring and the outer tank O-ring.
• Install the upper basket on the bottom of the valve by lining up the tabs then turning the basket clockwise to lock it in place. Place the upper basket over the distributor tube and push the valve onto the tank. Thread the valve on the tank by turning it clockwise. Be sure not to cross-thread the valve on the tank.
• Tighten the valve hand tight then snug it further by tapping it with the palm of the hand. Do not use tools to tighten the valve or damage could occur.

Now that your water softener is assembled, let’s start the installation

• If your hot water tank is electric, turn off the power to it to avoid damage to the element in the tank.
• If you have a private well, turn the power off to the pump and then shut off the main shut-off valve. Go to a faucet or spigot (preferably on the lowest floor of the house) and turn on the cold water until all pressure is relieved and the flow of water stops.
• Locate the softener tank and brine tank close to a drain where the system will be installed.
• The surface should be clean and level. NOTE: any solder joints being soldered near the valve must be done before connecting any piping to the valve. Always leave at least 6” (152mm) between the control valve and joints being soldered when soldering pipes that are connected to the valve. Failure to do this could cause damage to the valve. The softener system is equipped with male pipe threaded ports on the control valve bypass. The bypass is marked with arrows to show proper flow direction. The arrow pointing toward the valve indicates the inlet. The arrow pointing away from the valve is the outlet.

• Insert the provided plumbing fittings into the bypass. ¾” and 1” male pipe thread fittings are supplied so ensure you pick the correct one for your plumbing. Tighten the retaining nuts hand tight, ensuring that the fittings are cross-threaded.
• Be sure to use Teflon tape or another pipe sealant on the plumbing fitting threads and install them on the bypass accordingly. Use an adjustable wrench to ensure they are tight.
• Connect the drain hose to the valve and secure it with a hose clamp. Run the drain hose to the nearest laundry tub, floor drain or approved air gap fitting. The drain can be run overhead or down along the floor. Drain tubing should be a minimum of 1/2” OD. When running the drain overhead, it is important that the tubing has no dips or kinks. If the drain is running overhead and must run linearly to the available drain, it is recommended that a hard pipe be used of a larger diameter than the drain line. This linear pipe should have a physical “drop” toward the drain (1/2” : 10”). The goal is to have a gravity drain without much back pressure when traveling long distances.

NOTE: be sure to secure the drain line. The softener will drain with force and it should be secured to prevent a leak. Hose clamps should be used to secure the drain line at the connection points.

• Connect the brine line to the control valve by removing the nut and sleeve from the control valve. Slide the nut and sleeve over the brine line. There is a brass stiffener pre-installed in the line.
• Push the brine line in the control valve until it stops. Then push the nut down on the fitting and tighten it hand tight. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut an additional ½ turn.

CAUTION: use two wrenches to tighten the brass nut. The brass fitting must be held while tightening the brass nut. If not, damage may occur to the valve body.

• Now connect the brine line to the brine tank safety float assembly. Remove the brine tank lid and the brine well cap. There is a red clip on the cap that will be used to hold the brine line in place. Remove it, and the tape holding it and put it to the side. Then push the brine line through the brine tank and brine well. Remove the brass insert for this connection. Push the brine line into the brine safety valve. Make sure it is completely pushed in. then install the red locking clip around the brine fitting between the gray collar and the brine elbow. Install the white cap on the tube.
• Turn both bypass handles so they are perpendicular to the bypass to place the unit in the bypass position. Slowly turn on the main water supply. At the nearest cold-treated faucet or spigot, open the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes or until the system is free of any air or foreign material resulting from the plumbing work. If a faucet is used, make sure the screen is removed first.
• Make sure there are no leaks in the plumbing system before proceeding. Close the water tap when the water runs clear. Check for leaks again.
• Open the brine tank lid and add 1-2 gallons of water to the brine tank. Add a minimum of 80lbs of salt to the brine tank.

CAUTION: use two wrenches to tighten the brass nut. The brass fitting must be held while tightening the brass nut. If not, damage may occur to the valve body.

Let’s Proceed To Startup Instructions

NOTE: the unit is not ready for service until you complete the startup instructions.

SYSTEM START-UP

• With the bypass handles in the bypass position, initiate an immediate regeneration. This will advance the valve to the backwash position.
• Once the valve has stopped moving and is in the backwash position, slowly open the bypass handles about 1/8^th Water should slowly enter the tank.

NOTE: if there is a loud knocking sound, simply turn the bypass handle back a bit as the system is filling too quickly.

• During the backwash cycle, slowly open the bypass valve until there is water coming out of the drain hose. Then open the bypass valve fully.
• Allow the system backwash and push all the air out through the drain.
• The valve will automatically move to the Brine Draw cycle when the backwash cycle is complete. Skip this cycle by pressing and holding the “set/change” button on the control valve or by pressing “go to next regen step” on the Water Logix App.

• This will move the valve to Rapid Rinse. Allow the unit to rinse for the entire cycle. The water in the drain should be running clear by the end of the Rapid Rinse cycle.
• The valve will then advance to the Refill cycle. Allow the system to refill for the entire cycle. This will ensure there is no air in the brine line that is primed for the system’s first regeneration.
• Once the system has returned to the service position after the Refill cycle, the system is installed and ready for use. Just make sure to check the salt and don’t allow it to run out.

CONGRATULATIONS,
YOU HAVE NOW SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED A WATER SOFTENER!