Water Softener Comparison

A close water softener comparison of the different brands in the market is what you need so you can choose the best water softener for your household.

To better compare the top water softener options around, you first need to understand exactly what a good water softener must be able to do for you.

What Harm can Hard Water Really do?

1. Hard water and cleansing agents

First of all, hard water can thwart soap’s ability to form a lather since the metal ions in the water reacts negatively with the soap or detergent. Hard water can leave dirt when used instead of help in cleaning; “dirt” as in precipitates that homemakers who have bathtubs will most likely be familiar with in the form of bathtub rings.

2. Hard Water and Clogging

Calcium and magnesium in hard water leave hard deposits on your appliances’ pipes and other components, which eventually get clogged. In heat exchangers, the clogging prevents water from getting heated, even as heat is produced, which may eventually cause the boiler itself to overheat in its inability to release heat through the water. In such a case, the boiler will eventually fail.

3. Hard Water and Galvanic Corrosion

Galvanic corrosion is what causes the common problem of rusting, which can attack even durable steel. Metal ions in hard water can cause galvanic corrosion.

The Market’s Top Contenders

Water Softener Comparison: Culligan’s best

Culligan is a well-trusted name in the water purification industry. When it comes to water softeners, Culligan uses an exclusive water softening technology that monitors water hardness levels and softens water when necessary without using much salt and energy.

Culligan’s best is the Platinum series, which employs a cutting-edge water softening technology and the largest durable Quadra-Hull tank in the industry, making it the reliable choice for large households.

The Dubl-Safe water flow valve also supplies strong and ample water around the house. It also uses a patented Aqua-Sensor technology that monitors the water hardness level and regenerates with efficient amounts of salt and water, and features an Accusoft Microprocessor that can be fully programmed for automatic, hassle-free operation.

With a Good Housekeeping seal and the Water Quality Association’s approval, the Culligan Platinum is the best option around, especially with its limited lifetime warranty. Though not the most affordable at a price of over $1000, it’s worth more than its price based on its performance and features.

Water Softener Comparison: Calgon’s Best

Calgon has been softening water since the 1950s. The company made a name for itself in the market not just for its effective water softening processes, but also by creating unique ways of softening water.

Some of their unique products include water softener tablets, powder water softener, and liquid gel water softener. These products are best used to soften water used for washing clothes.

The Calgon Liquid Gel water softener series comes in 16-ounce and 32-ounce bottles. The product effectively softens water to make sure it reacts well with laundry detergents, thus ensuring your wash will come out perfectly clean.

Affordable at only $7 for the 16-ounce bottle, easy to use, and requires practically no maintenance, the Liquid Gel water softener can even make your clothes whiter and the fabrics softer and less prone to wear and tear.

Water Softener Comparison: Kenmore’s Best

Kenmore water softeners come in various size ranges to fit the size of your household. They have water softeners that fit budgets ranging from $400 to $800. All Kenmore water softeners are distributed by Sears.

Kenmore’s best is the Elite 420 Series, which come with Sears’ 1-year warranty on parts and labor, 3-year on electronics, and 10-year on the tanks. The Elite 420 models are ideal for large households of more than 10 members. They are designed to tackle even high levels of hardness in water.

The large valve can fit into plumbing of 1 ¼” diameter. It comes with the exclusive IntelliSoft software that uses both salt and water efficiently. It is also equipped with Ultra Cleansing features that can prevent not just small but also large sediments from penetrating your home water system, plus a programmable Salt Monitor System.

Water Softener Comparison: Pelican’s Best

Pelican offers the unique Natursoft Salt Free water softener, which is the most eco-friendly water softener around. Natursoft does not just free your water from hardness minerals, but keeps some healthy minerals, which means you get not just soft water, but also healthy water.

The Natursoft system does not need electricity and does not waste water and salt, thereby winning over the WQA Gold Seal certification. There are two models in this series, the NS3 for homes with 1-3 bathrooms and the NS6 for 4-6 bathrooms.

Due to the special features of this series, prices can be higher than average, with the NS3 priced regularly at $2,500 and the NS6 at $2,900. Given the benefits you’ll enjoy, this is worth the investment.

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