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A quality water softener removes calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that can cause hard water, which damage appliances, dry out hair and skin, and leave buildup on the surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom.
Compared to soft water, hard water requires you to use more soap and shampoo to work up suds, and despite your best efforts to make your clothes smell good, it can also leave your tops and pants feeling like they’re not getting clean enough.
When choosing a system, you should know that there are two main types of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free conditioners. Salt-based water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove hardness, while salt-free conditioners do not remove particles from the water and instead neutralize them to prevent their ability to stick to plumbing fixtures and appliances.
We discovered that water softener capacity is usually indicated by how many particles the system can filter before needing a regeneration cycle. An average-sized water softener for three to four-person households is usually in the range of 32,000 to 40,000 grains. The bigger the grain capacity, the fewer number of times a softener has to regenerate (which saves water). You can have a lower grain capacity if you have a water softener with a short regeneration cycle.
To find the best system, we researched dozens of water softeners, evaluating each one on ease of installation, capacity, and effectiveness.
Best Overall – GE GXSH40V Water Softener
“Smart” and “efficient” are two ways to describe the functionality of this popular whole-house water softener. The GE GXSH40V features technology that allows the system to detect water usage patterns and optimize regeneration schedules so that softened water is available during peak periods of usage, such as during your family’s morning shower rush or at dinnertime.
This model only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to install, which is much less time than other water softeners on the market. At 14.4 x 22.4 x 47.6 inches, it’s likely small enough to fit in your laundry room or water closet so it’s not an eyesore.
One of the most unique features of the GE GXSH40V is its blending valve, which allows you to adjust the hardness of your water to match your needs. Using the digital controller, you can adjust water hardness levels, conserving salt usage or increasing water softness to suit your preference.
The controller will also provide you with a “Days to Empty” indicator, giving you an at-a-glance view of when it’s time to add more salt to the 230-pound capacity bin.
Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 40,200 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 126 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: 120 minutes using 37 gallons of water | Ideal Household Size: 4 people
Best Portable – On The Go On The Go Portable Water Softener
The On The Go Portable Double Standard Water Softener is the best option for RVs, boats, buses, or any other situation where a water softener needs to be compact and movable. This water softener has the lowest grain capacity of any of our recommendations, but it makes up for it with a straightforward regeneration cycle that takes less than 30 minutes and uses two boxes of table salt (the least amount of time and water needed on this list).
True to its name, the On The Go has a number of features that make it ideal for travelers and anyone likely to uninstall and reinstall the unit in multiple locations. In addition to its 22-by-9.5-inch design, it has a carry handle on top, plus a cap and plug to prevent leaks during travel. It also uses a standard hose connection and requires no tools to install.
With a flow rate of 3 gallons per minute, this water softener is more than capable of keeping up with an RV or marine shower. It also comes with hardness test strips, hose adapters, and a cradle base for stable installation. On The Go also offers a smaller Portable Standard Water Softener, without about half the capacity, but we believe it’s worth the upgrade for the extra capacity.
Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 16,000 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 58 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: 24-30 minutes using no water | Ideal Household Size: Mobile, RV
Best for Well Water – Aquasure Harmony Water Softener with Fine Mesh Resin for Iron Removal
A water softener for well water is typically equipped with an iron filter. This additional filter helps to address the specific needs 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 captures minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Choose between water softeners with the capacity to filter 32,000, 48,000, or 64,000 GPG before regeneration is needed.
The regeneration cycle uses 40 gallons of water and lasts 98 minutes. Regardless of the size tank you choose, the Aquasure has a digital control console that monitors water consumption and regulates the frequency of regeneration.
Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 48,000 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 110 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: 98 minutes using 40 gallons of water | Ideal Household Size: Up to 5 people