5 Best Water Softener Systems for Your Home - Top Picks

Seeing those white spots on your dishes and the scale on the taps is annoying. Your skin and hair are even losing their shine.

These are signs that your water is hard. It’s time to think about getting a water softener for your place.

But there are a few things you’ll need to take care of, like:

• Water source (city or well)
• Water hardness level
• Specific contaminants present
• Looking for highly-rated options
• Choosing between salt or salt-free water systems
• Lifetime warranty

We have selected the 5 best water softener systems. These options provide the best solutions within the budgets.

5 Best Water Softener Systems for Your Home

We’ve curated a list of the best water softeners available in the market to suit various needs and budgets.

1. NJ Water Systems (Best Overall Water Softener)
2. iSpring ED2000 (Best for Budget and Maintenance-Free)
3. Rheem RHS32 (Best Traditional Salt-Based Softener)
4. Aquasana Rhino (Best Salt-Free Option for Filtration)
5. Fleck 5600SXT (Best for Large Homes)

Top Picks: 5 Best Water Softeners for Different Needs

Our top-rated water softeners are chosen based on performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.

1. Best Overall Water Softener: NJ Water Softener Systems

The NJ Water Softener is the best home water softener for its advanced technology and lifetime service plans.

[Buy From Water Softener Systems in New Jersey]

NJ Water Softener uses the best technology to soften your water.  A lot of residents in New Jersey trust this name because they’ve seen the results for themselves. This water softener system comes with lifetime service and maintenance plans. It uses an advanced resin that gets rid of all the calcium and magnesium. 

💡 Why Should You Buy?

If you're looking for something durable and long-lasting, the NJ water softener system is a great pick. It's got modern tech and is easy to install at a low cost. You will get the best water softener service, and it will not be within your budget. Without a doubt, this softener seals the deal for every household.

2. Best Budget Water Softener: iSpring ED2000

If you are looking for the best water softener for house on a budget, the iSpring ED2000 is a great choice.

[Source: ispring Ed2000]

The iSpring ED2000 is an electronic water descaler. This means it will use electromagnetic waves to reduce scale buildup. Unlike traditional salt-based softeners, this unit doesn’t remove minerals. What it does is alter the mineral properties. 

💡 Why Should You Buy?

If you are on a tight budget, then go for this. It provides a maintenance-free solution to prevent scale buildup without dealing with salt or complex installation. But remember, it works best only with moderately hard water.

3. Best Salt-Based Water Softener: Rheem RHS32

[Source: Rheem RHS32 Preferred Water Softner]

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred is the old, traditional salt-based water softener. It will remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium very quickly. Your whole house can enjoy soft water. Given its 32,000-grain capacity, this system is suitable for small to medium households. 

💡 Why Should You Buy?

If you are looking for a salt-based solution, you can try it. This system will remove hardness from the water and keep your appliances safe from scale buildup. All you have to do additionally is buy the salt. 

4. Best Salt-Free Water Softener: Aquasana Rhino

[Source: Aquasana Rhino Water Softener]

The Aquasana Rhino is a whole-house filtration system. Basically, it is a salt-free softening component using TAC (Template Assisted Crystallization) technology. Instead of removing minerals, TAC neutralizes them. This is why there will be no scale buildup, chlorine, sediment, or heavy metals.

💡 Why Should You Buy?

This is a perfect option if you want scale prevention + water filtration. You don’t have to deal with salt or wastewater. You can easily switch to this eco-friendly alternative. Be mindful of water hardness; it won’t work with extreme hardness.

5. Best for Large Households: Fleck 5600SXT

The Fleck 5600SXT is the best whole home water softener for families with high water usage.

[Source: Fleck 5600 SXT]

The Fleck 5600SXT is a high-capacity salt-based water softener. They are in high demand for large homes with heavy water usage. It uses an advanced digital control valve for automated regeneration. The salt usage is also commendable.

💡 Why Should You Buy?

If you have high water usage or a large family, the Fleck 5600SXT is your choice. This is one of the best high-capacity salt-based softeners available. You will get consistent and reliable soft water.

How to Choose the Best Water Softener System for Your Home?

For homes with extremely hard water, the best water softener system for hard water is one with high grain capacity and salt-based technology. Choosing the right water softener system makes your water quality far better. You won't have to deal with any more scaling on your appliances. But how do you figure out which softener best fits your home?

Here are the factors to consider:

1. Water Hardness Level – How to Test Your Water at Home

Before purchasing, you need to know your water's hardness level. Grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM) are ways to measure hardness. 

Here is how you can do it:

How to Test Your Water:

1. DIY Hardness Test Kits: These kits can be found online or at home improvement stores. Follow the instructions for collecting the water sample and see what happens.
   
   
2. Water Test Strips: These strips already come with chemicals on them. When they come into contact with minerals, the color changes. You just have to dip the strip into your water and compare the color change to the chart provided to know the results.
   
   
3. Soap Test: Fill a bottle with tap water, add liquid soap, and shake. After a few seconds, if little to no lather forms, your water is likely hard. It will appear cloudy or milky.
   
   
4. Local Water Report: If you're on municipal water, check with your water supplier for a hardness report. See their latest report to know the water hardness numbers.

Hardness Scale:

Get a free professional water test today!

2. Household Size and Water Usage – Capacity Recommendations

Buying the right softener with maximum capacity won’t make you regenerate the system too frequently. This way, no water or salt will get wasted.

Capacity Formula:

What you do is multiply the number of people in your household by their average daily water usage. 

Let’s take 75 gallons per person. Now, multiply this by the grains per gallon (GPG) of hardness in your water.

Let us make it easy for you to understand. 

Example Calculation:

• Family of 4
• 75 gallons per person per day
• Water hardness = 10 GPG

4 × 75 × 10 = 3,000 grains per day

Next, water softeners are rated by grain capacity. 

For example: 24,000, 32,000, 48,000 grains. A system should regenerate about once per week. You will only go for the system with enough capacity to handle your weekly needs. 

3. Types of Water Softeners

You will find several types of water softeners in the market. Each system has its unique set of benefits. 

Salt-Based Water Softeners (Ion Exchange)

Salt-Free Water Softener

Magnetic or Electronic Softener

Dual-Tank Water Softeners

Relatable Reads: Top 5 Benefits of Installing a Water Softener in New Jersey Homes

Installation & Maintenance Guide

Let’s learn how to install or maintain the water softener system you just purchased. Here are a few essential details.

Installation Guide

You can install your water softener system by yourself or hire a professional. Both have their perks and downsides. 

Basic Installation Steps (For DIYers)

• Install near the main water supply
• Shut off the main water line
• Connect the pipe to the water softener’s inlet and outlet line
• Secure the discharge hose to a drain or dry well
• Pour the recommended type of salt into the brine tank
• Activate water supply, inspect leaks, and initiate manual regeneration.

Routine Maintenance Guide

Salt-Based Systems

• Check the salt level every 4 to 6 weeks and refill the brine tank with salt as needed.
• Clean the tank and remove salt bridges and sludge every 6 to 12 months
• If you see any issues, then recharge or replace the resin
• Regularly inspect connections for leaks or clogs

Salt-Free Systems

• Replace the filter every 6 months to 2 years, depending on the model
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for periodic flushing
• Monitor faucets and appliances for signs of scaling

Checking System Efficiency & Replacing Components

Your job is to see how the water softener system clears the water to determine whether it works at its best. To do that, follow these:

How to Check for Efficiency?

• Use a test kit to measure hardness before and after softening.
• Changes in pressure may indicate clogged resin or filters.
• Poor soap lathering suggests decreased efficiency.
• If scaling returns on appliances, the system may not be working correctly.

When to Replace Components?

• Change resin beads every 10-15 years (for salt-based systems)
• Clean the brine tank every 3 to 6 months
• Follow what the manufacturer instructed
• If malfunctioning, replace per manufacturer guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to soften water in your house?

A salt-based water softener system is the most effective method. It uses ion exchange to remove hard minerals. 

Is it worth putting a water softener in your house?

Yes, if you have hard water. It prevents scale buildup, extends appliance lifespan, improves soap lathering, and reduces skin irritation.

What is better than a water softener?

A reverse osmosis (RO) system removes more contaminants, including hardness minerals. However, it’s costlier and wastes water.

What is the disadvantage of hard water?

Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances, leaves spots on dishes, and can dry out skin and hair.

Is a water softener good for health?

Softened water can improve skin and hair health by reducing mineral deposits.

Which is better, salt-based or salt-free water softener?

Salt-based systems are better for extreme hardness, but salt-free units require less maintenance.

Does hard water cause hair loss?

Hard water doesn’t directly cause hair loss but can weaken hair by making it dry and brittle.

Purchase your water softener system from the best company!

If you’re in New Jersey, you can get your water tested for free! Plus, NJ water systems have the top-rated water softeners out there for handling hard water.