These Water Softeners Will Improve Your Water and May Extend the Life of Appliances (2024)

Updated on 03/18/24

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"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}

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}

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}

Salt-based water softeners are a familiar sight in homes supplied by hard water. A popular and affordable salt-based softener for average-sized households is the Rheem Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener.

This model from Rheem uses a treated resin bed to capture calcium and magnesium particles from hard water. After processing 32,000 grains, the system will regenerate—which takes two hours and uses 24 gallons of water.

The salt storage tank holds 175 pounds and needs periodic refilling, but the system monitors salt levels and provides a visual alert when the salt supply is running low. Rheem also equipped this model with technology to detect water usage patterns and optimize regeneration cycles to conserve salt, water, and energy.

_{Type: Salt-based| Grain Capacity: 32,000 |Maximum Hardness Removal: 105 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: 120 minutes using 24 gallons of water |Ideal Household Size: Up to 4 people}

The Waterboss 900 is an economical water softening system, if you have a smaller home and limited space for a larger unit. This water softener system is compact and cost-effective yet still equipped to handle the water needs of an average three- to four-person household.

This water softener has a 36,400-grain capacity and filters water with a hardness up to 90 GPG. Impressively, the regeneration cycle takes just 24 minutes and uses only 17.2 gallons of water. A user-friendly digital controller controls the softener’s settings and regeneration. As with many other water softeners, this compact unit includes a bypass valve to preserve media life.

_{Type: Salt-based| Grain Capacity: 36,400 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 90 GPG |Regeneration Cycle: 24 minutes using 17.2 gallons of water |Ideal Household Size: 3-4 people}

Final Verdict

The GE GXSH40V Water Softener is our best overall pick as a water softener for average-size households. It filters 40,200 grains before triggering a two-hour regeneration cycle that uses just 37 gallons of water. Or check out our best portable option, On The Go Double Standard Water Softener, which works in a variety of places like RVs, boats, buses, and more.

FAQ

• What are the pros and cons of a water softener?

  If you have hard water, a water softener can reduce the number of mineral spots on glassware and prevent the build-up of minerals on the inside of your pipes. Water softeners work by using coated resin beads (which have a negative ion charge) to attract and capture particles responsible for water hardness—specifically calcium and magnesium (which have a positive charge). These particles bind to the resin while the treated water flows through the resin bed and through your home’s plumbing system.

  A water softener helps prevent potential long-term damage to your plumbing and can extend the life of your dishwasher and washing machine. Conversely, for some people, the extra sodium in softened water can be harmful. Anyone with high blood pressure should check with a doctor before installing a water softener. According to guidance released by the Minnesota Department of Health, people on a low-sodium diet should keep a separate, un-softened tap for cooking and drinking.

  The addition of another appliance in your home does come with added maintenance requirements to ensure the water softener is functioning as intended.

• Do electromagnetic water softeners work?

  No, according to Tim Dunphy, a water expert at Leaf Home Water Solutions. This style of water softener is not as efficient as salt-based softeners. There's also little evidence to support that magnetic water softeners are effective at softening water, as they only temporarily change the composition of the water, rather than removing the minerals.

  Learn More:6 Types of Water Softeners and How to Choose One

• What size water softener do I need for a family of 4?

  For a family of four, look for a water softener with a grain count between 30,000 to 40,000, with a minimum grain capacity of 30,000 units.

• Can I install a water softener myself?

  While installing a water softener yourself allows you to save money, a water professional can test your water to ensure the system you've purchased is best for your home. Professional installation services may also save you a headache if your home has an older plumbing system.

• How much does it cost to install a water softener?

  The cost to install a water softener depends on the type of system and how much time the installation will take. Some water softener systems are easy enough for a DIY installation. For a straightforward installation that doesn’t require installing or cutting pipes, the cost may be $300 or less. More complex systems may cost $500 to $6,000, or more.

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