Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by Show
Hard water, a costly problem for millions of US homes, it drives utility bills higher and sends expensive dishwashers and water heaters to the landfill. Thankfully, the solution is simple. Soften your water with one of these top-performing water softeners for well water. Stop weaving throught the endless outdated and misleading water softening reviews on the web that are a headache to read — that’s why we spoke with experts and did our own extensive research to put together proven NSF certified systems that just work!
7 Best Water Softener Systems For Wells ReviewedWith countless well water softeners on the market, it can be a painstaking nightmare to find what works and what doesn’t – we only list brands that won’t slow down water pressure and that has the highest quality media, best lifespan, and above all, SAVES you Money! #1 Springwell SS1 Best Water Softener For Well Water With Iron📝 Type: Salt-based | Process: ION Exchange |Grain Capacity: 32k, 48k, 80k | Regeneration Cycle: (Metered) or every 14 days on average | Ideal Household Size: 6 people  Our Rating 5/5 ★★★★★ Use Coupon Code: QWL5 to save SpringWell’s Salt-based combo filter and softening system treats up to a million gallons of water maintenance-free. It removes hard minerals plus iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, chemicals, heavy metals and more. Metered regeneration technology saves water and salt. The Bluetooth-enabled digital head lets you view the system’s status and control its many functions from a phone or tablet.
Best for: Springwell SS1 salt-based water softener is the perfect solution for anyone looking for the best in all categories in water softening. Not best for: Those that live in certain municipalities that don’t allow salt-based water softeners. I would opt for Springwell’s Futursoft that can come close to the SS1. Pros
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#2 SoftPro Elite Water Softener for Well Water📝 Type: Salt-based | Process: ION Exchange |Grain Capacity: 80k | Regeneration Cycle: (Metered) or every 5 days on average | Ideal Household Size: 6 people Our Rating ★★★★★ The SoftPro Elite is a high-efficiency, salt-based water softener with a surprisingly advanced design given its budget-friendly price. Perfect for wells, it removes hard minerals and up to 3 PPM of iron using up to 50 percent less salt. Great overall value for the money.
Best For: Those looking to save money on a great system and don’t need an app to control it. Not best for: Anyone looking for complete control of this system remotely will want to lean towards Springwell’s SS1. Pros
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SoftPro Elite Product Updates:
Read our Full Review #3 Pentair Salt Based Water Softener📝 Type: NAC | Flow Rate: 7GPG | Maximum Hardness: 25 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: Not Required | Ideal Household Size: 4 people Our Rating ★★★★★ Pentair water softeners are true to their name, offering flexible features other models lack. Choose from three modes of operation, 36 preprogrammed regeneration cycles and a double backwash option. For experienced homeowners, no softener offers more control.
Best for: Those looking for a septic safe water softener. Not best for: Well owners with high levels of Iron. Pros
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#4 Aquasana Rhino Well Water Filtration System with UV Purifier and Salt-Free📝 Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 64k | Flow Rate: 16 GPM | Regeneration Cycle: Metered | Ideal Household Size: 4 people Our Rating ★★★★★ Aquasana’s multi-stage Rhino filtration system eliminates the widest possible range of contaminants from dangerous heavy metals to bacteria and viruses. It includes a UV light filter for the ultimate protection plus a salt-free water conditioner to control limescale. Your water will look, feel and taste like nature intended.
Best for: Those looking for a environmental safe water softener for well water or don’t want the headache of filling a salt tank. Pros
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#5 AquaOx WS Water Softener📝 Type: TAC | Flow Rate: 12 – 20 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 81GPG | Regeneration Cycle: Not Required | Ideal Household Size: 6 people Our Rating ★★★★★ AquaOx’s water softener is another deluxe product in its line of premium filtration systems. A simple salt-based softener, it targets calcium, magnesium and low levels of iron.
Best For: Those looking for a system that will last a good 10 years without a hitch and good customer service, will want this softener. Pros
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#6 SpringWell FutureSoft📝 Type: TAC | Flow Rate: 12 – 20 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 81GPG | Regeneration Cycle: Not Required | Ideal Household Size: 6 people Our Rating ★★★★★ SpringWell’s salt-free well water conditioner prevents 99.6% of limescale without salt or chemicals. The technology is simple — Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) changes minerals into crystals that can’t cling to metal pipes. Environmentally sustainable, it produces no wastewater and requires no electricity.
Best for: Anyone looking for the best salt-free water softener system for well water, will want Springwell FS1 system. Pros
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Read our Full Review #7 Fleck 2510SXT Water Softener System for Well Water📝 Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 26k – 88k | Process: ION Exchange | Regeneration Cycle: Metered | Ideal Household Size: 6 people
Our Rating ★★★★★ For softening well water with iron, look no further than the Fleck 2510SXT. A budget-friendly salt-based system, its fine mesh resin lasts up to twenty years and removes up to 3 PPM without a separate filter.
Best for: Anyone looking for a budget friendly softening system for well water that works really well. Pros
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Compare All 7 Water Softeners For Wells(Mobile users: Swipe to scroll) Buyer’s Guide – To The Best Water Softener For a Well SystemIf you’re one of the 85-percent of Americans with hard water, you have a choice to make. Live with the misery or correct the problem with a water softener. From higher utility bills to appliance breakdowns, too many minerals in your well is going to cost you — but we’re here to help. Join us as we demystify the technology, translate the jargon and help you find the best whole house water softener for well water. What Is Hard Water?Hard water is any water with high mineral content. It’s natural — the results of rain carrying minerals from rock and soil into your aquifer. Measured in grains per gallon (GPG), hardness ranges from slight at 0-3 GPG to extremely hard at over 14 GPG. Water with more than 7 GPG of dissolved minerals benefits from softening. What Types of Minerals Are Found in Well Water?The average well can contain a dozen or more minerals, but only some occur in quantities large enough to make water hard. Calcium CarbonateCalcium carbonate is a healthy mineral. The body needs it to make bone and maintain a normal heart rhythm. The calcium in your well is the same found in over-the-counter heartburn remedies. It won’t hurt you. But too much calcium forms limescale in your pipes — a thick, chalky residue that narrows their diameter, decreasing water flow to your tap and appliances. Dishwashers and water heaters work overtime to keep up, resulting in higher utility bills and premature repairs. Calcium is also responsible for the stubborn scale on your bathroom fixtures. It makes your hair feel like straw and dulls your linens — just a few washes in hard water and brights may be irreversibly faded. MagnesiumThe body requires magnesium for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It supports muscle and nerve function, regulates your blood pressure and keeps blood sugar in check. Too much magnesium can be toxic, but even the hardest water doesn’t contain enough to be hazardous to you health. What does to your home, however, is a different story. Magnesium adds to the limescale calcium creates. It also prevents soap from lathering effectively, leaving soap scum on your tub and skin that won’t wash away, and clothing never feels quite clean. IronIron is a necessary nutrient for building red blood cells. It’s not harmful, yet it’s classified as a secondary contaminant because it attracts iron bacteria — a group of non-pathogenic microorganisms that feed on dissolved iron. Alone, they’re harmless, but they create conditions under which disease-causing bacteria can grow. Levels above three parts per million (PPM) can cause significant water quality issues. It not only affects how water looks, tastes and smells, but it also wreaks the same havoc as limescale on your plumbing and appliances. There are two types of iron. Ferric, or red iron, is insoluble. It’s the rust that
gives water a brown or orange tinge. Unappetizing to drink, it clogs pipes, faucet aerators and shower heads. If your water pressure is low, iron could be to blame. Testing for Hard WaterThe signs of very hard water are hard to miss. But lower levels can go unnoticed until the damage is done. USGS maps identify areas nationwide where water is hard, but geographically, places with soft water are within mere miles of towns with levels above 14 GPG. The only way to know for sure how hard your water is is to have it analyzed. Some homeowners use an inexpensive TDS meter to measure total dissolved solids in water — the bulk of which are minerals. But readings are non-specific. It’s like telling a swimmer there are fish in a pool without mentioning if they’re sharks or guppies. The devil is in the details. A water test shows what types of minerals are in your well and their levels. You’ll learn a lot about your water’s chemistry, a critical step in choosing the right softening system. The best water softener for iron removal, for example, may not be the ideal choice for homes with more limescale than rust issues. Your water’s hardness, pH, oxygen content, tannin levels and more affect how well water softener systems work. And you may have surprise contaminants that also need to be removed. The best hard water solutions begin with knowledge. How should you test your water? How it’s done matters less than who does it. Testing is offered by state and private laboratories, the Cooperative Extension System and better water softener vendors. But whether you have it done locally or purchase a kit, results should come from a certified water treatment laboratory. They use only the latest scientifically approved testing methods and pass rigorous annual site inspections. Your water quality is vital, so accuracy matters. Do I Need A Water Softener for Well Water?Minerals aren’t harmful to your health, so if you can live with minor nuisance issues, the choice to soften water is yours. A softening system is an investment, and with so many projects around the house vying for your dollars, you want to spend them where it counts. But hardness above 7 PPM can have a costly impact on your home, and few upgrades offer as high of a return on investment as a well water softener. Compared to the price of replacing your water heater — $1500 or more — it’s a bargain. How Does A Well Water Softener System Work?There are three types of water softeners.
Their benefits are similar, yet there are key differences. Let’s take a closer look at their pros and cons. Types of Water SoftenersSalt-Based Water Softeners for wellsSalt-based water softeners eliminate minerals via a ion exchange process. As water flows through the softening tank, special resin captures calcium, magnesium and iron. Once saturated, it’s flooded with a brine solution that washes away minerals and rejuvenates the bed. It’s the most effective way to treat very hard water. But salt-based systems have disadvantages, including: MaintenanceYou’ll need to refill the brine tank with salt pellets every few months or risk losing your softening benefits. Plan to spend about $300 a year. SizeSalt-based systems have two tanks, requiring more space. Salt is cheaper by the pallet, so you can save by buying in bulk, but only if you have room to store it. Wastewater ProductionUnder average conditions, conventional water softeners produce 40-150 gallons of briny wastewater weekly. Hazardous in ecologically sensitive areas, they’re not welcomed in some states. Flow Rate LimitationsWells with a low flow rate may not produce enough water for salt-based softeners to backwash effectively, compromising the performance and longevity of the resin. Salt-Free Water Softeners For WellsSalt-free water softeners, or as some call them “salt free water conditioners”, don’t remove hard minerals. They alter their chemical structure, so they can’t stick to pipes. Environmentally friendly, they produce no wastewater, require less maintenance and have fewer flow rate limitations. But while salt-free conditioners solve the most costly hard water problems — high utility bills and appliance repairs — they’re not quite as beneficial for your clothing, skin and hair. And they cost up to 30-percent more than their conventional counterparts upfront, but the prices are offset by not having to buy salt. Electronic DescalersElectronic descalers are novel, salt-free systems that prevent limescale with electromagnetism. Coils of wire wrapped around your water supply line create a magnetic wave that keeps minerals suspended in water. It doesn’t alter their chemical make-up, but it prevents them from accumulating in pipes.
What Kind of Water Softener Do I Need?The most effective way to soften water is with salt, but the effects of hardness are usually proportional to mineral levels. As a general rule — we recommend a salt-based system for total hardness above 10 GPG. For levels below 10 GPG, a salt-free conditioner may meet your needs without the disadvantages associated with salt. How Do I Choose the Right Well Water Softener?In addition to hardness level, consider these factors. ContaminantsNo two softening systems are alike. Each is equipped with different media that have unique filtration capabilities. The best water softeners for well water with iron may not be the best water softener for well water with iron and sulfur. Many don’t remove iron at all, while some that remove iron are ineffective if your well has tannins or hydrogen sulfide — the gas responsible for smelly rotten egg odor. Water with biological or chemical contaminants may need a well water softener and filter. The ideal system will remove all target contaminants without being compromised by specific substances in your well. System SizeSalt-based water softeners are sized by the grain — a 32,000-grain softener removes 32,000 grains of hardness between regeneration cycles. An undersized softener will regenerate too often, driving up your utility and salt bills. Oversized models cost more than necessary and may not soften efficiently. Choosing the right size is essential. Here’s the formula the pros use: Number of residents × their daily water use (80 gallons is a good average) × grains of hardness According to this calculation, a two-person household with moderately hard water would need a 32,000-grain softener — a four-person home with very hard water would require a 48,000-grain system or more. Because a well water conditioner doesn’t remove minerals, grain sizing isn’t applicable. Most manufacturers use easy, by-the-bathroom sizing. Flow RateA water softener’s flow rate is the number of gallons it can process per minute (GPM). Why is that important? Any barrier between the water inlet and the tap may reduce your water pressure. Quality filtration takes time, but a softening system that slows your shower to a trickle when someone turns on a faucet elsewhere in your home won’t be satisfactory long-term. The average model offers a very manageable 6–8 GPM, but the higher the rate, the happier you’ll be. Safety and Convenience FeaturesSafety and convenience features can make or break a water softener. Essential for the busy homeowner who wants to spend more time enjoying their softening system than worrying about it, look for them as you shop. Metered SofteningMetered water softeners track your water use and regenerate only when necessary. It’s a money-saving upgrade from old-school systems that regenerate at timed intervals. Water usage can vary drastically within a week, so why waste salt when it’s not necessary? Bypass ValveSoft water is a must for showering and washing dishes, but hard water is fine for irrigating the gardening or hosing down the garage floor. A bypass valve lets you switch between soft and hard water so that you’re not wasting salt for applications that don’t require softening. It’s beneficial for the environment and your checkbook. The best water softeners for well water have built-in bypass valves, but you may have to add your own with a bargain brand. Usually, it makes good financial sense. Vacation or Bypass ModeWater softeners aren’t rocket science, but they occasionally malfunction. The most common worry is an overflow of the brine tank. A mishap while you’re on vacation can seriously damage your home. The good news is that most tanks are equipped with floats for overflow protection. Similar to the type in your toilet, it rises with the water level, and when it reaches the maximum, it triggers a stop switch. They’re very reliable, but what happens if the float is faulty? The best water softeners for well water eliminate that worry with an automatic vacation or bypass mode. Programmed into the valve, it takes the hassle out of turning off your water softener with the push of a button. If the kids are home while you’re away, they’ll still have water but you won’t have to worry about malfunctions. Battery BackupIf you live in an outage-prone area, resetting your water softener every time the power flickers off momentarily is a hassle. Battery backups save your settings, so your softener switches back on automatically with no change in the regeneration schedule. Wide-Mouthed Brine TankHefting forty-pound bags of salt into a brine tank is taxing enough without having to pour it into a narrow opening. Wide-mouthed brine tanks are easier to refill. Low-Salt IndicatorRunning your softener without adequate brine solution can damage the system. The latest models are equipped with low-salt indicators that warn you when maintenance is due without having to open the brine tank. Remote Control AppsWhy trudge to the basement to check on your water softener when you can get a status update on your phone? Select models have an app from which you can control most functions. Change the regeneration cycle, check your water usage at a glance or get a low-salt warning. As long as apps are compatible with your device, it’s a labor-saving feature that also offers peace of mind. Budgeting for a Water SoftenerWater softener systems for wells are easy to buy but challenging to budget for. It takes planning. Let’s review the process. PermitsMost municipalities require permits for home upgrades. You’ll want to check local codes to ensure they allow water softeners and pay for any necessary permits. The process can take days to weeks to complete. Nationwide, costs average $25-$200. SystemYou can purchase a quality water softener for as little as $500 to as much as $3000 uninstalled. Price matters, but we recommend being investment-minded when it comes to your water quality. If you’re lucky, a softener is all you need. But what if a water test turned up bacteria, lead, or nitrate contamination from the farm up the street? What if you have high tannin levels that can ruin a softener prematurely? Addressing issues on a whole whenever possible is a safer and more cost-effective approach than adding to a softening system piecemeal. Home AdjustmentsWhole house water softeners and iron filters are installed near the service entry, usually in the basement or garage. But what if you don’t have a drain handy? The simplest solution is often to run a line to a drain in another location, but some homeowners choose to have one installed for an average of $1000. Space-challenged and may require upgrades for a softener to fit in the desired location. Every alteration adds to the cost of your project. InstallationA basic water conditioning system for well water is straightforward to install for the committed DIYer. But if you’re not handy, we suggest calling an expert. Depending on the system’s complexity and other factors, such as irregular plumbing, fees range between $400 and $4000. MaintenanceWater softeners require remarkably little maintenance, but the price of salt and replacement pre-filters add to the long-term cost of ownership. It’s worth knowing the bottom line. The best water softener systems require less upkeep but cost more upfront. Bargain softeners that require resin changes in the first five years are more affordable initially but could cost more in the long run. If you need a softener for well water today but can’t swing the latest and greatest model, buy what you can comfortably afford and budget a little more for maintenance. The money you save by protecting your home will offset the cost. Extended WarrantiesThe best water softener systems for well water come with comprehensive warranties. Durable parts, like tanks, may be covered for ten years or more — electronic or mechanical parts for five. Good-quality systems, however, can come with lesser warranties. Some manufacturers are opting to reduce coverage in favor of lower upfront prices. Your comfort with risk should determine your choice. Water softeners are reliable, and breakdowns are rare, but many vendors also offer extended warranties. It’s extra peace of mind, but you’ll pay — $200 to $1000, on average, depending on the level of protection you choose. Are NSF Certifications Important?The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) offers a voluntary certification program that validates water filters against industry standards. Softeners are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 44 addressing:
NSF certification, however, is costly, so not all manufacturers participate. It can cost $100,000 or more to bring a single product to market, so instead, some build systems from certified parts. Is it equivalent? Not really. It’s an advantage, but just because individual components meet NSF criteria doesn’t necessarily mean that they will function efficiently together. If a water softener isn’t NSF certified, you may save money, but you’re taking a chance. The exception is products certified by the IAPMO — North America’s latest plumbing and mechanical product certification agency. Where to Buy a Well Water Softener?Buying a water softener online is proving to be a convenient and affordable alternative to purchasing from the typical full-service vendor. If you can manage some of the details yourself, the savings can be considerable. But what if you want guidance? What brand of water softener is best depends on your needs — there’s no pat answer. And well water softener reviews can be deceiving. The comments are helpful but they rarely tell the whole story. Getting the best whole house water softener is a challenge you don’t want to trust to just anyone. The most reputable companies work with you every step of the way, from testing your water to troubleshooting the installation. Who do we trust? There are many trustworthy companies, but three that stand out are: 1. AquasanaAquasana is a Texas-based company specializing in all types of water filtration. Founded in 1998, they offer two decades of experience and are committed to customer service. Popular among DIYers looking for their affordable, proven products in all sizes, if you’re looking for the best small water softener or multi-stage filtration products, check out Aquasana. 2. AquaOxAquaOx is a veteran-owned, US-based company started in 2006. Focused on convenient, whole-home filtration systems, their products are among the simplest to install and maintain. American-made, they cost a little more upfront than bargain softeners but are warrantied for ten years. You get a 12-month money-back satisfaction guarantee — the best in the business. If you don’t like it, they’ll even help you send it back. 3. SpringWellSpringWell is a Florida company dedicated to solving the toughest water problems. In business for more than twenty years, they offer a wide range of products from basic softeners to filtration systems rivaling water treatment plants. If you need it, they have it. Manufactured using certified components, their tanks and valves are warrantied for life. You’ll enjoy a 6-month satisfaction guarantee at factory-direct prices. Dependable, their customer support is among the best in the business. Maintenance & Installation GuideNo two water softeners are exactly alike, but here’s a general installation and maintenance guide for salt-based systems. 1. Determine the LocationYou’ll need 8-16 square feet for your system plus room for maintenance, depending on the number of tanks. It should be located near a drain and an outlet at least ten feet away from your water heater to prevent damage in case of an accidental backflow. 2. Unpack the SystemMost softeners come with everything you need for installation except tools. If the system comes with 1-inch fittings and you have ¾ inch plumbing, you’ll need a few inexpensive adapters to make it work. Make sure you have everything you need before the start the installation process. Have a plastic bucket and sponge handy to pick up spills. 3. Read the InstructionsReview the instructions in their entirety before installing the system. They contain helpful tips and important warnings that you should know before you begin. 4. Installation
Installing a new water softener takes most homeowners a day. Plan on a half-day to replace an existing unit. 5. Test the System
6. MaintenanceIt’s good practice to peek at your system weekly to ensure nothing is leaking, but the rest of the maintenance schedule is mostly salt refills. Getting to know your softener takes time. The instruction manual will help you estimate when you’ll need salt, but unless your model has a low-salt indicator, you’ll have to open the brine tank to check the level. Most homeowners add salt monthly. Most manufacturers recommend inspecting high-wear parts periodically. Depending on your water quality, seals and gaskets may need replacing at regular intervals, so pencil it in on your schedule and enjoy your soft water. Problems With Water SoftenersWater softeners are effective, but they have drawbacks. CostThe most obvious drawback to water softeners is their cost. The return on investment is high, but it’s a small consolation when you’d rather blow the cash at Disneyland. Environmental ImpactSalt-based water-softening systems are not environmentally friendly. Briny discharge increases treatment costs at the sewerage plant and limits the potential for recycling treated wastewater. Salt is a natural substance, but in excess, it’s a pollutant. It’s also hazardous for your home garden. Softened water contains residual salt and lacks the minerals plants crave. Hard water is best for irrigation. Slippery WaterSalt-softened water has a slippery feel. Without minerals, it’s less abrasive than hard water and feels slick on your skin — it’s an unusual sensation that takes getting used to. Salt-free water conditioners don’t affect mineral content, so water feels natural. Salty TasteWater from conventional softeners can taste slightly salty and affect your cooking. The lack of minerals also gives it an off-flavor. Not everyone notices, but if you’re sensitive, you may. It also adds some sodium to your diet. Most experts agree it’s not harmful, but you should check with your doctor if you’re on a very strict low-sodium diet. Frequently Asked QuestionsCan a water softener remove iron from well water? Salt-based softeners can remove iron, but most remove 2 PPM or less — more can permanently damage the resin. The best water softener for well water with iron is one equipped with special media engineered for greater iron removal. How much do I need to change the water softener resin? Resin is self-cleaning, but it degrades over time based on its initial quality and your water chemistry. If your system is adequately sized, it can last up to 25 years, but 10-15 is a good average. What does the resin in the water softener do? Negatively charged resin attracts positively charged minerals, trapping them in a chemical bond. The salt or potassium in the brine solution breaks the bonds and sweeps minerals down the drain. How much does it cost to install a water softener for a well? The national average is $800 – $1200, but it depends on the complexity of the installation. Do water softeners make a lot of noise? Most don’t. However, systems that use air injection technology to remove iron can make a loud hissing noise during regeneration when the piston operates. Why do I need a water softener? Water softeners prevent the buildup of limescale that can reduce your water pressure, clog your pipes, increase your utility bills, ruin your appliances and more. It’s a sound investment. Do I need a plumber to install my water softener? Water softeners are relatively easy to install, but it requires cutting pipe — something not all homeowners are comfortable with. If you have irregular plumbing, limited space, or don’t know a hammer from a screwdriver, consider hiring a plumber. What water softener removes the most iron?The Genesis Iron Pro Max can remove dissolved iron up to 7 PPM (parts per million) or higher, in addition to the removal of hardness minerals—something no other all-in-one system can do. The Genesis Iron Pro Max uses Purolite Shallow Shell™ SSTC60 resin along with a ResCare Easy Feeder system.
What brand of water softener is best for well water?Best Four Water Softeners for Well Water: No More Hard Water. Our top two water softeners for well water are both made by SpringWell. ... . SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-free Water Softener – Best salt-free.. AFW Filters Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener – Best for Iron.. Aquasana Rhino – Best budget salt-free.. Best salt-based.. Do water softeners remove iron from well water?Water softeners can and do remove small amounts of iron. Yet, a standard softener is not specifically designed to treat high levels of iron in your water. For example, the water softener systems Water-Right manufacturers remove iron in concentrations up to 1 ppm, or 1 mg/L.
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Best water softener for well water with iron and sulfur
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