Best Water Softener for Well Water [2024]

Why You Should Invest in a Great Well Water Softener

Before making a significant investment like a water softener, do your homework. It is best to plan ahead and estimate the necessary grain capacity, water hardness, and daily water usage.

Before requiring any expert servicing, choosing the perfect brand and size and doing the necessary maintenance could result in 10-15 years of effective softening. For people who are worried about water efficiency and who might prefer a salt-free system, a water conditioner might be a good solution.

For those living with a water source that has a high iron content, buying a water softener with an integrated iron filter may be more cost-effective than buying an iron filter separately. The best water softeners evaluated below all come with built-in iron filters.

Best Water Softener for Well Water Reviews

SpringWell SS Salt Based Water Softener System: Our First Choice

Specifications:

• Process: Ion Exchange
• Grain Capacity: 32K, 48K, or 80K
• Water For: Up to 6+ People
• Flow Rate: Up to 20 GPM
• Regenenration Method: Metered

The Springwell Salt-Based Water Softener is our top pick for a variety of factors. For homes with 1–7 bathrooms, it is highly successful at producing soft water thanks to its 32k–80k grain capacity and untethered flow rate. Additionally, it features a lifetime guarantee and a Bluetooth app that you may use to control and check on its functionality.

The first choice you have is a 1-3 bathroom model with a 32k grain capacity when you visit the Springwell product website. This system offers you a lot of value for your money because the majority of other water softening systems in its price range on the market cost between $20,000 and $30,000 for 1-3 bathrooms.

Additionally, Springwell offers choices for 4-6 (48k grain capacity) and 7+ bathrooms (80k grain capacity) if you have additional bathrooms in your home or are looking for a softener for an office or restaurant.

Additionally, because the flow rates of its competitors only range from 7 to 10 GPM, the 11 GPM flow rate that this salt-based water softener delivers is more than sufficient to accommodate houses with one to three bathrooms. For larger spaces, there are also more options: 13 GPM for 4-6 baths or 20 GPM for 7+ bathrooms.

Of course, you’ll need to make a somewhat larger expenditure if you’re looking for the grain capacity and flow rate appropriate for 4-6 or 7+ bathrooms.

This Springwell is a typical ion exchange device that uses a salt-based regeneration cycle to swap out sodium ions for mineral ions. When compared to other models, it is impressive how effective it is: less limescale accumulation, longer appliance lifespan, better laundry, dish-washing, and bathing performance, and overall less effort.

This softener’s salt system head makes it simpler to monitor the system, therefore it’s a feature that really jumped out to us. The Bluetooth app that comes with this particular system enables you to programme and manage the regeneration cycle, which lasts for around an hour or so.

According to our experience with softeners, an app can be useful because the majority of them automatically regenerate, which disrupts the water flow. It’s quite practical to schedule the Springwell Salt-Based cycle to run at a time when you aren’t using water.

Salting the brine tank is the only other maintenance required. Since you only do this once or twice a year, it is not a big deal. The device uses only 40lbs of the 200lbs of salt that can be stored in the brine tank in a two-month period.

The tanks and valves of the Springwell Salt-Based are covered by a lifetime warranty. Its installation takes only one to three hours, but it does require the help of a qualified plumber or plumbing expertise and experience. Just be aware that it’s a sizable device, which could make installation challenging, particularly if you’re already tight on room.

Pros

1. Based on our study, we believe that among other salt-based water softeners for well water, the SpringWell SS provides one of the most effective salt, water, and money saving performances.
2. The system requires less regular maintenance than other water softening systems because of its effective performance and 10% crosslink resin. A 40 pound bag of salt, which costs around $6, ought to last anywhere from one to two months, depending on how much water you use. The average person needs to add six to eight 40-pound bags of salt to their SS softener each year.
3. We value the use of premium, NSF-certified materials in the construction of our SpringWell product for its long-term durability. The tanks are built of polypropylene, a durable, stiff material with exceptional chemical resistance and weldability.
4. You can instal this SpringWell softening system yourself, and many customers have praised how “straightforward” it was to do so. Although the user guide (found here) is simple to understand, SpringWell’s customer care staff is available to assist you if you require any assistance.

Cons

1. The SpringWell SS is less handy than the salt-free water softening systems on this list because it needs salt top-ups.
2. For removing iron from water, this device is not the best option.

SpringWell WSSS Filter & Softener Combo: Great For Water with Iron of More Than 3PPM

Specification:

• Process: Ion Exchange
• Grain Capacity: 32K, 48K, or 80K
• Water For: Up to 6+ People
• Flow Rate: Up to 20 GPM
• Regeneration Method: Metered

Do you worry that a regular water softener system can’t manage the iron content of your well water? Then you’ll discover that the Springwell’s iron filter and water softener combo is the best choice.

Iron contamination in well water is a very typical issue in the US. Even though its concentrations in water rarely go above 10 parts per million (ppm), they can nonetheless become as high as 6-7 ppm in some places. Even the Springwell Salt-Based softener, which we love, is unable to handle such high quantities.

As a result, Springwell paired that model with an iron filter that has a separate tank of its own. The system’s other components are unchanged, and it still has all the amazing features that make the Springwell Salt-Based Water Softener so great. It still has options for grain capacity and flow rate, and it still works well against the minerals that give water its hardness.

The distinction is that the additional iron filter also eliminates hydrogen sulphide, manganese, and up to 7 ppm of iron and up to 8 ppm of hydrogen sulphide. This filter is certainly a game-changer because water with that much iron becomes brown and hydrogen sulphide frequently causes water to smell like rotten eggs.

Iron, hydrogen sulphide, and manganese are removed using the SpringWell Air Injection Oxidizing Filter System (AIO). The upper section of the filter tank’s air pocket is produced by the AIO.

The aforementioned pollutants are oxidised and trapped in a green sand layer as the water passes through this area. The air pocket is then replenished after the impurities have been removed using a backwash cycle.

This filtering system has an electronic control valve that only needs to be configured once, similar to the salt system head of the Springwell softener. Following that, it will continue to filter out iron, sulphur, and manganese in order to keep your water odor- and color-free.

Filters do not offer the same three choices that the water softener system does: Although Springwell provides two, you still have adequate flexibility. The WS1 model, which has a 12 GPM flow rate, is best for homes with one to four bathrooms, while the WS4 model, which has a 20 GPM flow rate, is best for homes with four bathrooms or more.

Naturally, having soft water that is totally devoid of iron, manganese, and foul odours has a cost. The most expensive system on our list is without a doubt the Springwell Well Water Filter With Softener.

Additionally, recall how we said how large the Springwell Salt-Based Softener is? Because it is also accompanied by another tank in this combo system, it is much bigger and bulkier. Therefore, before choosing to buy it, make sure you have a spot that is appropriate for it.

Pros

1. We like that the SpringWell WSSS can soften and filter water in one step, giving you access to two advantages.
2. The system will remember the programming after you’ve set it up, so you won’t need to touch it again. The softening tank and brine tank are connected, thus neither tank needs a separate head. Soft water will continue to flow at a steady rate thanks to the 11–20 GPM flow rate.
3. The fact that maintenance is not very expensive is another positive. The resin needs to be replaced after roughly 8–10 years, and you’ll need to top off the softener’s salt tank with 6–8 40–lb bags of salt (costing about $6). The greensand medium lasts 18 to 25 years, making the filter tank practically maintenance-free.
4. When you purchase this item from SpringWell, you receive a lifetime warranty in addition to an unbeatable 6-month satisfaction guarantee.

Cons:

1. To purchase this water purification system, you will require a sizable down payment of over $3,000. Even though the value is there, some people may not be able to afford the initial cost.

SoftPro Elite Water Softener for Well Water: Top Budget Option

Specifications:

• Process: Ion Exchange
• Grain Capacity: Up to 80K
• Water For: Up to 6+ People
• Flow Rate: Up to 23 GPM
• Regeneration Method: Metered

The SoftPRO Elite is as inventive as it gets for a classic salt-based water softener while still being reasonably priced, although it isn’t quite as cutting-edge as the Yarna Capacitive. This is mostly due to its up-flowing regeneration mechanism, which makes it more inexpensive and environmentally benign.

The primary tank (resin tank) of the majority of water softening appliances has a down-flowing regen function in which the brine solution runs down the tank. It requires some time for the solution to get to the resin because it is at the bottom of the tank.

When it’s time to regenerate the weaker resin, the computer automatically determines how much brine is required and tops the prepared solution with precisely that quantity and no more.

Since far less salt is needed throughout the regen process, less sodium is released into the environment when the system flushes itself, making it more environmentally friendly than some of its competitors. Due to less salt use and better resin management than conventional products, depending on your usage, it may also enable you to save $500 annually.

Additionally, on days when you use too much soft water, the device automatically starts a quick salt recharge that only takes fifteen minutes when the softening capacity falls below 3%. This helps it operate effectively until the preset regeneration time, which is at 2am, arrives.

The SoftPRO Elite eliminates the danger of malfunctions caused by bacteria that can sometimes settle and grow inside water softener tanks as a result of system failure. The system automatically starts a refresh cycle to keep the tanks clean after being inactive for seven days.

Similar to the versions mentioned above by Springwell, the SoftPRO Elite offers several grain capacity and flow rate options. While the grain capacity options are in the range of 24,000 to 80,000, its flow rate options are as follows: 6-7 GPM, 8-10 GPM, and 11+ GPM. Even if the grain capacity range is the finest there is, the unit’s flow rate figures are not as good as those of the Springwell softeners.

This water softener sizing calculator may be helpful if you’re unsure whether flow rate or grain capacity is better for your living or working space.

However, the SoftPRO only provides a 10-year warranty for the valves, despite the lifetime warranty on tanks. Furthermore, even an expert could need to spend more than four hours installing the system, and it doesn’t help that the short installation guide online and the instruction booklet differ in important ways.

Pros:

1. For a great price, you receive a high-quality system. The SoftPro Elite is the softener on this list with the lowest long-term cost and best performance. Additionally, the system is covered by a lifetime warranty, giving you coverage for the duration of its use.
2. If the tank’s overall capacity ever drops below 3%, the system will perform a 15-minute recharge to add capacity, ensuring it can keep softening water until the time is set to renew.
3. By creating only 70% of brine, the Precision Brining feature reduces salt use. The device determines exactly how much brine is required to regenerate the resin before beginning a regeneration cycle, reducing salt and water waste and assisting in cost savings.
4. In order to avoid bacteria growth in the brine tank, the system will even carry out an automatic refresh if it hasn’t been used for seven days.
5. The SoftPro Elite is simple to maintain, according to customers. Wide-mouthed and high-capacity brine and resin tanks are featured, requiring fewer regenerations and requiring less time to top off the salt.

Cons:

1. Comparatively speaking to other water softener units, the SoftPro Elite occupies a sizable amount of area. Because the instructions aren’t as clear as they may be, installing this system is also somewhat difficult.

SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-free Water Softener

Specifications:

• Process: TAC
• Max Hardness: 81 GPG
• Water For: Up to 6+ People
• Flow Rate: Up to 20 GPM

Using a method that doesn’t require salt, SpringWell developed this cutting-edge water softener. The finest system for salt-free water on our list is this one. People who have skin irritation with salt-based systems are advised to use them.

Additionally, it takes little to no maintenance and runs without electricity. Additionally, there is no wastewater, thus refraining from flushing seawater down the drain will help the environment.

Instead of removing minerals, the system crystallizes them using a method called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC). Instead of “water softener,” this technique is now commonly referred to as a “water conditioner” or “water treatment system.”

This indicates that, unlike conventional softeners, there is no brine tank. Although it doesn’t get rid of them, it stops these minerals from adhering to surfaces.

Crystallization transforms brittle materials into brittle crystals. In essence, it guards the home’s water appliances.

There are three different models of this salt-free water softener, each with a different flow rate. The finest option has a 20 GPM flow rate, which is perfect for big homes with plenty of baths. Its superior water pressure puts it ahead of its rival. Many of its competitors only provide water softeners for well water with flow rates of up to 7 GPM.

The water softener, which is helpful for both new and old homes, alters how the water feels from a salt-based softener. The water can feel a little slick when using salt-based water softeners. You can prevent that slimy sensation by choosing a salt-free variant since there is no salt tank.

Before installing the softening system, water must be tested. If you wish to take advantage of the softener’s lifetime warranty, proper installation and copper concentrations that are consistently less than 1.30 mg/L are requirements.

Pros

1. While salt-free water softeners for well water typically perform slightly less well in reducing scale than water softeners, the Futuresoft gives a performance that is comparable to the ion exchange method.
2. You’ll adore this system if you detest doing any kind of upkeep. The sediment filter needs to be changed and the media needs to be replaced as the only two maintenance tasks. When compared to the Futuresoft media, which may last up to 1 million gallons, or around six years, the sediment filter needs to be replaced every six to nine months. No need for salt!
3. Do not mistake the SpringWell Futuresoft’s lack of salt for a lack of capability. It treats water with a maximum hardness of 81 GPG (extremely hard water), has an outstanding 12–20 GPM flow rate, and reduces scale by over 100%.
4. After installing this salt-free water softener, many customers reported seeing almost immediate reductions in deposits on glass shower screens and showerheads.

Cons:

1. The Futuresoft doesn’t get rid of water hardness, therefore your water supply may still have some scaling problems.
2. Futuresoft is unable to reduce iron.
3. If there are a lot of other pollutants, it probably needs more pre-treatment.

Springwell Tannin Softener System: Excellent For Well Water with Tannis

Specifications:

• Process: Ion Exchange
• Grain Capacity: 30K or 45K
• Water For: Up to 6+ People
• Flow Rate: Up to 15 GPM
• Regeneration Method: Metered

Simply because it’s the greatest equipment for treating well water with high tannin levels, we particularly appreciated the Springwell STR Softener and Tannin Removal System. Additionally, it has softening abilities that are virtually as good as the top products on the market.

Tannins are organic, intricate, and insoluble biomolecules that can be unintentionally deposited in water by decomposing vegetation, discharge from the surface, or peaty soil. They can impart a sour flavour, a musty odour, and a brown or yellow tint to water.

Additionally, they might leave yellow or brown stains on clothing, faucets, and kitchen appliances. When you combine these two factors with the abrasive qualities of hard water, everything your untreated well water touches will no longer appeal to you.

None of the qualities of tannin-rich water are genuinely pleasant, despite the fact that tannins are not harmful to health and are simply seen as an aesthetic annoyance. The best course of action is to get rid of them, and the Springwell STR is the only system available that can do so.

The tannin removal does not occur in a separate tank, unlike the Springwell combination that we just evaluated. Thanks to Springwell’s high-capacity resin bed, everything takes place in a single tank.

As the water flows through, this resin can spend more time in touch with the liquid. It has more time to neutralise the minerals in hard water and absorb tannins as a result.

Although other water softeners for well water may also absorb tannins, their resin beds can quickly become covered in tannins and lose their effectiveness. Since the resin in the Springwell STR is made expressly for this use, there is no issue with it.

The system is available in two models: the STR 1 for homes with one to three bathrooms and the STR 4 for homes with four bathrooms or more. The STR 4 offers a 45k grain capacity with a 15 GPM flow rate, compared to the STR 1’s 30k grain capacity and 12 GPM flow rate.

The Springwell STR has a lifetime warranty, much like other Springwell goods that made it to our list. Moreover, it almost requires no maintenance thanks to the Bluetooth app that lets you check on its health.

The price increase for the additional feature of tannin removal is minimal compared to the price increase for the filter and softener package from Springwell that we just examined. It’s a large unit even though the softening and tannin removal both happen in the same tank.

Finally, we must acknowledge that the Springwell STR’s grain capacity and flow rate are subpar compared to other Springwell softening units. We believe that can be readily disregarded, though, if you have a serious tannic problem that you want to focus on.

Pros

1. Since the Tannin Softener System can entirely eliminate tannins, there is no need to supplement it with a different filter. Additionally, the sediment filter can get rid of bigger debris that could make your water appear dirty.
2. If you’re good at DIY, you can instal the softener yourself with the help of the installation manual or a YouTube video, which is especially useful.
3. You can be confident that this system is well-designed for its intended function because it is produced using certified components and comes with SpringWell’s industry-leading warranty and guarantee.

Cons

1. Small budgets shouldn’t use the SpringWell Tannin Softener System because it costs roughly twice as much as the salt-based softener.
2. In order to keep the inner resin beads from being organically fouled, the system needs to be regenerated more frequently. Thus, more water will be wasted.

Yarna Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler

Specifications:

• Process: Electronic Descaler
• Wattage: 4
• Max Hardness: No Max
• Warranty: 1 year

The Yarna Capacitive is a tiny gadget known as a descaler rather than a softener. Despite its small, it can withstand any water pressure and flow rate, and even more amazingly, it has an infinite grain capacity, which makes it extremely unique.

The Yarna Capacitive Descaler is unlike any other item on our list because it doesn’t use ion exchange or crystallisation technology, nor does it have a tank. Instead, it uses electrical currents to neutralise the mineral compounds in hard water.

In order to achieve this, it has two crucial parts: a signal wire (Yarna’s proprietary Ultra Flat Impulse BandsTM) that must be wrapped around the main water pipe entering the home, and a high-frequency electromagnetic field. In addition, a microprocessor controls the electrical current and the frequency of the transmissions.

Through the signal cable, the electrical impulses produced by the electromagnetic field are transmitted to the water inside the pipe. They then create a different frequency field that manipulates the molecules of hard water to prevent them from joining.

As a result of the minerals being unable to adhere to surfaces any longer, the production of limescale in appliances and abrasion in pipes and faucets are greatly decreased. Additionally, the unit offers better water for bathing and doing laundry because it also gets rid of gunk.

We particularly appreciate the Yarna Capacitive Descaler’s refusal to switch mineral ions for sodium ones, as do salt-based water softeners. The water that has been softened using this descaler still contains minerals; however, these minerals simply drain away without causing harm to clothing, appliances, or the plumbing system.

Additionally, drinking water is one of the main sources of minerals for our bodies, and minerals found in water are actually pretty good for our health. So it’s a big plus that the Yarna Descaler doesn’t totally get rid of them or replace them with sodium.

It is undoubtedly the most environmentally benign method of water softening, especially in light of the fact that sodium can destroy soil and that plants don’t really like mineral-free water.

Because of the system’s uniqueness, you might assume that installing it will be difficult and require help from an expert, but that is also untrue. Simply place it in a suitable location and carefully wrap the cable of the device around the pipe. On Yarna’s website, you may get a user guide and a video tutorial that are both quite useful.

It can occasionally be extremely challenging to install the large water softeners for well water that come with a primary tank and a brine tank. The Yarna Descaler solves this issue because it can be put on any wall or pipe and won’t ever get in the way.

Except when it malfunctions, it takes very little care; in that case, you can just take advantage of its 10-year guarantee. The fact that it is the most economical item on our list and offers the most efficiency is the icing on the cake.

However, because electromagnetic impulses need some time to acclimatize to the hardness of the water, you won’t begin to see its effects until after a few weeks of use. The outcome, though, might well be worth the wait.

Pros

1. The Yarna Capacitive’s obvious advantage is that it requires no maintenance at all. You can own this system without needing to do regenerations or salt top-ups because there is no salt to change, no media to replace, and no control valve to set.
2. This descaler is one of the most reasonably priced options available, costing slightly over $300. The device comes with a strong 365-day money-back guarantee for your piece of mind and a somewhat shortened 1-year warranty.
3. The scale-prevention procedure used by the Yarna Capacitive doesn’t interrupt your water and shouldn’t have any effect whatsoever on your water pressure or flow.

Cons

1. The Yarna Capacitive employs a water conditioning technique with little scientific support. You might be reluctant to make an investment in a technique that is still relatively new.
2. This descaler needs electricity, unlike other softeners, so you’ll need a power outlet close to where you’re installing it.

Buying Guide For Top Water Softener Systems For Well Water

Here are some of the important things to consider before buying a well water softener:

Factors to Consider When Buying a Well Water Softener

Budget

Before making a purchase of a water softener, it is important to carefully consider your financial situation, both now and in the future.

Depending on the system size, resin quality, and brand recognition, the cost of the well water softeners in this article ranges from $1300 to $2500.

The finest system for well water does not have to cost more than $2,000 to purchase. The SpringWell SS, which is our top option, is reasonably priced at roughly $1,400 and offers excellent value.

A well water softener system has an annual running cost range of $50 to $400. Because some types of softeners, like conditioners, require significantly less maintenance than others, the total cost is lower, which explains why this cost varies so greatly.

Certifications and Testing

A water softener system’s reliability can be determined by seeking authentic NSF certifications.

NSF/ANSI 44, which is given to cation exchange water softeners that employ sodium or potassium to remove hardness minerals from water, is the most sought-after certification for water softeners.

The NSF’s stringent requirements for material safety, structural integrity, the elimination of hardness pollutants, softening capacity, and other factors are met by water softeners that have earned the NSF 44 certification.

On this list, a few water softeners lack a legitimate NSF certification. Although third-party testing to NSF Standards is second-best to being officially certified, many people who lack certification do so.

Water Quality

Testing your water before purchasing a softener will reveal two things: the capacity of the softener system you need, as well as whether or not you also need extra filters to address other impurities.

More than 99% of scale is prevented by the majority of water softeners. While some softeners are more effective than others, the finest water softener systems on this list make it simple for you to get the most out of the system by letting you adjust the system’s parameters to make sure that the best softening is offered for your water usage and hardness.

It may be more convenient to use a water softener to eliminate extra common well water pollutants rather than purchasing two separate systems.

A separate water filtration system is required for major pollution problems. However, if the contamination is just slight, an ion exchange water softener may be sufficient.

Ion exchange process is utilised to decrease or remove arsenic, nitrates, perchlorate, and hexavalent chromium in addition to hardness minerals. Heavy metals and radionuclides in water can be reduced with the procedure. Additionally, certain water softeners have iron removal capabilities.

To protect the resin from the sediment often present in well water, we strongly advise purchasing a water softener that includes a pre-filter or purchasing a separate sediment pre-filter for a softener that doesn’t.

System Capacity

To make sure the water filtration system is properly designed for your home, it is crucial to take into account the size, capacity, and flow rate of a water softener.

A water softener that is improperly sized may cause your water pressure to drop to the point where your appliances can no longer function normally or may require a high water pressure that your property does not have.

The capacities of water softeners are expressed in grains, while the flow rates are expressed in gallons per minute (GPM). A 24,000–32,000 grain softener with a flow rate of 12–15 GPM should work great for the majority of 2–4 person families.

Think about a system’s true size and whether your installation site would accommodate it comfortably. If you’re purchasing a water softener together with an additional filter tank, it’s crucial to check this (for iron removal, for instance). Be sure to accurately measure the space you have available before making a purchase.

Salt Based vs Salt Free

Both salt-based and salt-free water conditioners have advantages and disadvantages. We advise using salt-based water softeners since they can handle high hardness and up to 3 PPM of iron in very hard well water.

The performance of some of the top water conditioners is nearly maintenance-free and on par with that of salt-based water softeners. However, conditioners don’t create softened water; rather, they merely stop hard minerals from becoming scale, which means that they don’t resolve all problems brought on by hard water.

Softeners and conditioners are roughly equal in price. A water conditioner may cost $100 to $200 extra up front, but you will save money on maintenance expenditures over the long run.

This article should be helpful if you need assistance deciding between salt-based water softeners and salt-free conditioners because there is a lot to say about the subject.

Warranty & Guarantee Policies

Even if you believe you’ve found the greatest water softener for well water currently on the market, you shouldn’t purchase it unless it comes with a warranty.

A water softener system ought to have a 1-year warranty at the very least. The limited lifetime warranties offered by many of the systems on our list protect you from manufacturer’s flaws for the duration of the softener’s anticipated lifespan.

The greatest softeners frequently provide a money-back guarantee that enables you to test out the system for a predetermined amount of time. You have this period of time to return the softener for a complete refund if it falls short of your expectations.

What Is Water Hardness?

Water hardness is a result of nature. Rocks like sandstone and limestone that are rich in minerals are more prevalent in some geographic areas. Hard minerals are absorbed by the water when it percolates through soil and rocks made of well water.

Water that contains calcium and magnesium, two minerals that produce scale, is said to be hard water. How many minerals that lead to scale formation are present in a water source determines its hardness. The amount of minerals in water increases with its hardness.

How Do Well Water Softener Systems Work?

Water softening has four components;

Pre-Filtration

Sediment pre-filtration is the first step in any water softening process, especially one involving well water.

A sediment pre-filter safeguards the softening resin and increases its longevity by removing big particles of sand, silt, dust, rust, and other debris from water.

Depending on the quality of your water, you could require a different kind of pre-filtration, like a separate iron filter or a chlorine injection filter.

Resin Tank

In salt-based softeners, the softening happens in the resin tank.

The resin bed collects the charged calcium and magnesium ions as water enters the tank, releasing an equivalent number of sodium ions to balance the charge of the water. The water should be clear of any hard minerals by the time it exits the resin tank.

Brine Tank

Eventually, calcium and magnesium ions fill the resin tank to saturation. When the system regenerates, these ions are flushed from the resin.

Salty water (brine) is introduced into the resin tank during the regeneration cycle, depositing new sodium ions in the resin beads and starting the softening process all over again.

Control Valve

The resin and brine tank of the water softener is controlled by the control valve. The control valve will configure the softener to run regeneration cycles as needed based on your original setting.

Another potential stage of water softening system is post-filtration. In order to remove further impurities from your water, you can instal a post-filter of your choosing (such as an under-sink filter, a UV filter, or a reverse osmosis filter). Water softeners don’t come with post-filters, but you can instal one of your choosing.

To reintroduce beneficial minerals back into your drinking water without worrying about causing harm to your plumbing and appliances, you might also take into account employing a remineralizing filter, such as an alkaline water pitcher.

Comparison Between Salt-Based Softeners Vs Salt-Free Conditioners

Well water can be softened using two common methods: salt-based water softeners, and salt-free water conditioners.

What are the differences between these systems?

A whole house water softener physically removes calcium and magnesium ions from water using the old-fashioned ion exchange process. A brine tank in the system needs to be constantly filled off with salt.

No-salt conditioning is used by salt-free softeners. A salt-free water softener system merely prevents hardness minerals from adhering to surfaces and generating scale, not actually softening the water.

Other Methods of Treating Hard Water

There are two other methods for softening well water:

Electronic/Magnetic Descalers

Scale development is prevented using electronic or magnetic descalers, which use electronic or magnetic impulses to change the formation of hard minerals. Although they keep calcium and magnesium in water and stop them from clinging to surfaces, they don’t actually make soft water.

These systems are well-liked since they are inexpensive, simple to instal, and require minimal maintenance, but there is currently scant scientific evidence to back up their effectiveness.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis can soften water supplies with low to medium TDS levels and mild to moderate hardness.

A semi-permeable membrane used in a RO system pushes water through it while rejecting the bulk of impurities, including calcium and magnesium.

Due to the pollutants in the water, we do not advise utilising a reverse osmosis system to soften your well water on its own because this will shorten the membrane’s lifespan and cause damage.

Do I Need a Good Water Softener for Well Water?

Technically, well water doesn’t require softening. Since a high concentration of calcium and magnesium minerals is not dangerous to health, the Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate water hardness (but this does not mean that these toxins won’t harm your home).

You may want a water softener if your water hardness is high or if you simply wish to benefit from soft water.

Your local geology and where you reside will determine the exact hardness of your water. You won’t be able to determine the precise hardness of your water without independent testing.

Some indications that your home has hard water include:

• There are limescale buildups in your pipes, appliances, shower screen, bathtub, sinks, and faucets.
• Dry skin and hair following a hard water shower or bath
• Spots of white, milky substance on plates and glassware
• Having difficulty lathering with soap and needing extra soap to get a proper lather
• If you observe any of these symptoms, a well water softener would be beneficial.

Well Water Softener Pros

You’ll benefit from the following advantages when you instal a water softening system for your well water:

• Your appliances’ lifespans will be increased by them. After installing a well water softener, you should anticipate your appliances to live at least 30% longer.
• They stop skin and hair damage. Hard minerals from your water are physically removed by salt-based softeners. Mineral-free softened water won’t cause your skin or hair to get dry.
• They do away with limescale. There will be no more spotting on dishes and glassware, nor will there be any chalky stains near your faucets.
• They lessen iron as well. Most well water softeners reduce the iron content of well water by up to 3 PPM. For even better iron removal, certain systems, like the SpringWell WSSS, have a second iron filter.
• They facilitate easy cleaning. You can achieve a beautiful lather with less soap and water and spend less time cleaning limescale off your bathroom surfaces.
• They aid with financial savings. Although well water softener systems require a sizable initial investment, they ultimately prove to be cost-effective because they save you money on water, appliance maintenance, and descaling cleaners.

Possible Setbacks with Well Water Softeners

There are several drawbacks to well water softeners as well:

• They are pricey. A whole house water softener for well water that uses the ion exchange process typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500. Even conditioners without salt might cost more than $1,000. Although electronic descalers are less expensive, there is little proof of their effectiveness in descaling.
• They incur ongoing running expenses. Traditional ion exchange water softeners lose water during regeneration and need to be topped off with salt frequently.
• They need to be plugged in. Your water line must be plumbed for a conventional water softening system. In the event that DIY isn’t your strong suit, you might have to spend more money on a professional installation.
• Your water supply gets salted by them. Hard minerals are exchanged for sodium (salt) in salt-based softeners, giving water an unappealingly slick texture that is unsuitable for those following low-sodium diets. Of course, if you want to prevent these drawbacks, you can use a salt-free water conditioner.
• For the environment, they are harmful. Water that has been softened with sodium eventually returns to the environment, endangering aquatic life.

Softener Maintenance

Do you want to know how much maintenance a well water softening system requires? Below are a few basic maintenance that you can expect your water softener for well water will need:

Top Up The Brine Tank

The brine tank’s salt levels need to be checked once a month, and additional salt should be added as necessary. The tank should never be less than half filled, and the salt should always be about 3 inches above the water line.

Salt bridges should be destroyed with hot water and a broom if you see any.

We strongly advise using evaporated salt or other high-quality, high-purity salt in your water softener. Avoid using rock salt and other less expensive salts since their greater impurity levels diminish softening effectiveness and cause the brine tank to become clogged with debris.

Cleaning Brine Tank

You’ll also need to wipe out the brine tank every two to five years. To accomplish this, turn off the water supply, put the softener in bypass mode, disconnect the brine tank, and empty its contents down a drain.

Scrub the interior of the tank with bleach, soap, and water, then rinse it and let it dry before adding a fresh batch of salt.

Cleaning Resin

Iron deposits in resin beads if your well water contains iron, eventually causing the resin to become filthy.

To clean the resin and restore it to its original state, use treatments like Rust Out and Iron Out.

Always keep in mind that if your iron levels are excessive, a separate iron filter can shield the water softener resin and fend off fouling altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does well water require water softening?

If your well water supply is hard and you’re unhappy with the impacts of hard water, you need a water softener for well water (such as mineral scaling in your pipes and appliances). Nobody needs a water softener since hard water isn’t harmful.

But water softeners can help your appliances last longer, keep your skin and hair healthy, and require you to clean less frequently.

What water softener capacity do I need for well water?

Your household’s size and water usage will determine the appropriate size water softener for your well water supply.

A 32,000-grain water softener will work just fine for the majority of families of 4. If you use more water than the average person or have particularly hard water, consider upgrading to a 40,000-grain softening.

What is the price to install a water softener on a well?

The overall cost to install a water softener on your well is between $1,500 and $3,000. The precise cost is determined by the initial cost of the softening, the cost of the installation’s tools and supplies, and whether you employ a professional to install the softener for you or not.