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If you find that soap doesn’t lather well, your dishes and appliances have spots, your bathtub has a ring, or the coffee maker has scale deposits, certainly, your home has a hard water problem.
This is not the only problem you get when you have hard water problems, the minerals and metals in the hard water can take a toll on your hair and skin too.
Best Salt-Free Water Softeners of 2021
Springwell Futuresoft Salt: Best Overall
Springwell Futuresoft Salt Free
- 99.6% scale prevention
- 6 months risk-free money-back guarantee
- Great customer care from great people
- Free Shipping within the United State
- Maintenance-free
You might be wondering why most people rate Springwell salt-free water softener as being the best. Well, It’s a unique softening system that uses a technology called FutureSoft water softening system that is able to prevent up to 99% scale prevention.
You don’t get this kind of scale prevention with another system on the market. The FutureSoft technology is able to crystalize virtually all the hard water minerals without having to add salts and chemicals into your water supply.
And unlike salt-based water softening systems, you don’t waste water in regeneration and backwashing. The system uses a proprietary filtration media that crystallizes the calcium and magnesium minerals through a process known as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC).
The minerals are converted from molecules to crystals that don’t stick together nor stick to any surface.
The system is a whole house water filter and softening system and it’s installed at the point where the water supply enters the house plumbing system. So, it ensures all you have soft water in your faucets, showerheads, and taps.
Manufacturer Specks
- Uses a technology called FutureSoft to crystallize hard water minerals
- Prevents negative effects of water hard minerals (calcium and magnesium)
- Flow Rates of up to 5GPM
- No drop in water pressure
- comes with Pre-filter which captures all sediments.
- If you choose to, it has an Add UV water purification.
- Installed with a by-pass valve
When it comes to customer care, Springwell has lots of great reviews from satisfied customers. The system comes with a six months money-back guarantee.
Springwell is a solid company based in Florida, with over 20 years of experience making water purification systems. in one of the few vendors of water softeners that use premium certified components. so you can be sure these are solid products, unlike other cheaper systems that have flooded the market in recent years.
What I like
- Prevent scale buildup up to 99%
- Does not need any maintenance
- Salt-free
- Does not use electricity
- 6 months money-back guarantee
- Free shipping
- Maintenance-free
What I don’t Like
- A bit pricey
Aquasana Whole House salt-free Water Conditioner
Aquasana Whole House Salt-Free
- 99.6% scale prevention
- 6 months risk-free money-back guarantee
- Great customer care from great people
- Free Shipping within the United State
- Maintenance-free
This filter system is one of the best options for your supply line. It is an excellent salt-free softener and water filter combo. It removes hard water grains through the water pipes and drainage system.
When it comes to the flow rate, you’ll love its high flow rate as it yields 7 gallons of clean water per minute.
Further, it ensures you will never experience low pressure of water irrespective of the faucet sinks in your home. Therefore this unit is suitable for a family of 3-4 members.
Although it is a little bit pricey, it has four whole house filtering system, thanks to its fantastic salt-free design. In addition to this, it offers ten years warranty to process a million gallons of water as indicated in the instructions manual.
We like to mention that you don’t need to replace the filter often. The unit allows you to buy four replacement post-filters as well as four replacement pre-filters at a realistic price.
Regardless of its premium price tag, this unit is one of the top picks by the majority of users; thus, if you need to remove hard water grains and deposits from pumps up to 97%, then go for this highly effective unit.
What we like
- Good flow rate
- Great softener and filter combo
- Lightweight
- Highly efficient
- Great choices of technology
- UV Filtration
- Maintenance-free
Cons
- It requires an expert to install
- Don’t filter iron of sulfur
3.Tier1 Essential Certified Salt-Free Softener
- QUALITY WHOLE HOME FILTRATION: Salt-free alternative that prevents costly damage to your home's...
The Tier1 Essential Certified salt-free water conditioner is designed to reduce the build-up of limescale by altering the chemical structure of water minerals to prevent solid components for depositing in pipes, kitchen wear, appliances, and other fixtures. Since this is a salt-free system it operates without salt hence it requires no backwash phase of the regeneration cycle like in the conventional salt water softeners.
It features high-quality filtration that ensures you have softer clean and great tasting water for every tap in your home. This high performing salt-free softener requires low maintenance with no need for draining and backflushing.
It comes with carbon and KDF filtration media that is combined with template-assisted scale control salt-free technology that is engineered to maximize contaminant reduction while leaving the healthy minerals in your well water.
Pros
- Reduce scale build-up
- Low maintenance
- Great value for money
- Easy to install
- Very soft water
- Maintenance-free
Cons
- The branded media may limit its usability when drained
4. OneFLow Salt-Free Water Filtration System
- Reduces hard water scale buildup in pipes and appliances and removes harmful contaminants for better...
The OneFlow Salt-Free Filtration System features a unique technology – Template Assisted Crystallization TAC which attracts and converts hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) found in water to inactive soft scale particles that stay suspended in water and flow freely without sticking to the pipes. The TAC technology works by not adding or removing any elements from water but allows minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium to remain without adding sodium.
It comes with an integrated high-capacity radial flow carbon block water filter cartridge that has a 20-micron rating that will effectively filter both sediment and chlorine taste and odor. The carbon block cartridge has a dirt holding capacity of up to 2.2 pounds and can eliminate chlorine taste and odors for up to 50,000 gallons of use.
It also features with the Watts Water Technologies OneFlow Anti-Scale Media in the OneFlow+ system that filters up to 250,000 gallons or be replaced every 3 years. The OneFLow+ system features a maximum flow rate of 10GPM and should be installed on the cold water service line so that it conditions the water before reaches the service line that feeds your home.
Pros
- Easy and flexible installation
- It requires low maintenance
- Environmentally friendly
- Softens water to extend your appliances’ lifespan
- Filters chlorine from the city water supply
Cons
- The plastic fittings might leak if not properly fitted
5. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler – Water Softener
- 12 month 100% "no quibble" Money-Back Guarantee + Lifetime Repair or Replace warranty.
If you live in a hard water area and you use well water, then you are possibly suffering from hard water issues such as limescale on faucets, sinks, showers, pipes, and inside appliances. This is highly attributed to the dissolved calcium, magnesium, and manganese compound in your home water. However, with the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler –Water Softener, you will be able to get rid of all these components thereby softening your home water.
This water softener is designed to be durable with a running record of more than 15 years. It is also very economical and in many cases provides a better eco-friendly alternative to salt-based water softeners. It is tested and proven to be effective on all types of water pipes except for lead and iron.
This Salt-free water conditioner uses complex electromagnetic waves which are applied through two coils that are placed around your incoming water supply pipe. This means that water that passes through the coils is subjected to an ever-changing magnetic field. This alters the adhesion properties of the limescale so that it doesn’t stick or deposit itself on clean surfaces, inside the pipework or appliances. This is the only descaler that comes with a risk-free and no-quibble 12-month money-back guarantee and Lifetime repair or replaces guarantee.
Pros
- It is eco-friendly
- No plumbing changes require for it to install
- Easy to install
- Great value for money
Cons
- Doesn’t last longer
6. Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filtration System
- Clean, Great Tasting Water From Every Tap In Your Home - Removes 97% of chlorine and reduces harmful...
The Aquasana Rhino whole house water filter is designed to supply your home with clean, healthy soft water that doesn’t stick to your faucets, pipes, or deposits in your sink and kitchen appliances. As such, it protects your appliances from harsh hard well water and its effects.
This system comes with a low maintenance tank that is designed for little to no maintenance at all thus giving you all the time to enjoy clean water without a hassle of expensive maintenances.
It is certified to filter out 97% of chlorine present in your city water besides removing other harmful contaminants like herbicides, pesticides, sediments, rust, water-soluble metals as well as industrial solvents.
Pros
- Removes 97% of chlorine
- Reduces scale
- Easy to install
- Soft water
Cons
- Doesn’t remove sulfur from the water
→ Read More: Aquasana Water Softeners and Filter Review
7. Nuvo H2O MHP-42516 Manor High-Performance Water Softener
- MANOR HARD-WATER SOFTENER SYSTEM: Our CitraCharge technology prevents and removes hard water–scale...
The Nuvo H2O Manor High-Performance Water Softener is designed to use revolutionary technology to lower the pH level. It uses the scientific process of chelation in which the mineral ions causing hard water, such as magnesium and calcium are bound to the chelating agent in the NuvoH2O’s FDA-approved to keep the minerals soluble and unable to cause the hard water issues. The result is soft and healthy water for home use.
This water softening system doesn’t require salt or electricity to run. Besides the NuvoH2O softener system and its cartridge, you will also get a manual, mounting backplate, screws, mounting bracket, and a housing wrench for the flawless installation process. The cartridges can be replaced every 50,000 gallons.
Pros
- Works great in decreasing scale build-up
- Very easy to install
- Compact design fits almost anywhere
Cons
- An expensive water filter that requires to be changed at least twice a year
Read More TOP BEST NUVO H20 REVIEW
8. HQUA 5000E Electronic Water Descaler
- HOW IT WORKS? Descale the existing deposit in your entire pipe system and Prevent scale deposits...
The HQUA 5000E Electronic Water Descaler features new technology for solving all hard well water problems in your home. It is environmentally friendly and requires no salt or chemicals to soften water. It works to eliminate compounds such as calcium and manganese that are responsible for hardening water that in turn leaves deposits on your kitchen appliances, sinks, faucets, and pipes.
This water softener functions by the complex frequency-modulated electromagnetic wave that is transmitted through the coils wrapped around the inlet water pipe. When the frequency meets the natural frequency of calcium carbonate that is dissolved in water, resonance occurs and the dissolved calcium carbonate is precipitated out in the water.
As such, the calcium stays in the water and never sticks on the surface. Besides, the carbon dioxide that is released from the water also helps in dissolving the existing scale deposits and drain in your plumbing system.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Value for money
- Works great
Cons
- May not soften water as advertised
9. Scalewatcher Nano Original Electronic Descaler
- - PATENTED ORIGINAL: Keep lime build-up at bay with the original electronic descaler. Don’t settle...
Thes Scalewatcher Nano Original Electronic Descaler is designed to keep lime build-up at bay. The features a high-quality thermoplastic housing that includes LED indicators. It is compact enough to fit where traditional water softeners don’t, making it a perfect choice for condos and apartments.
This electronic descale works to treat water directly within the pipes while preventing new scaling from build-up. You don’t have to compromise your home water with harmful chemicals or salt when you have this Scalewatcher.
This water descaler works by creating an ever-changing magnetic field through the two coils to cause the mineral ions to crystallize and flow along with the water as opposed to sticking along the pipe walls or clogging your faucets. With this descaler, your water will feel softer, reduce scum, and improve lathering.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Prevents build-up
- It is environmental friendly
Cons
- A bit expensive
10. iSPring ED2000 Whole House Salt-Free Electronic Descaler
- Solves hard water problems without the need for chemicals, salt, or maintenance, while keeping...
The iSpring ED2000 Whole House Salt-Free Electronic Descaler is designed to solve hard water problems without the need for salt, chemicals, or maintenance. However, it keeps all the healthy minerals in the water by preventing scale deposits from forming and accelerates the existing scale to break down.
This softener will work to descale your entire water system while preventing the scale build-up in your pipes. It is also perfect for tankless water heaters. Moreover, it is designed for softening very hard water of between 10-19 grains.
It is compact and thus requires minimal installation space and can be installed on PEX, PVC, copper, or CPVC pipe. No plumbing or maintenance is necessary. With this water conditioner, you will save energy and extend the lifespan of your home appliances.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great value for money
- Works correctly
Cons
- Not for water higher than 20 grains hard
11. Magna-Soft Salt-Free Magnetic Water Conditioner Carbon Water Filter
The Magna-Soft Water Conditioner is designed to use magnetism for water treatment of a wide range of chemicals from water including chlorine, chloramine, and other harmful impurities. It comes with a reliable valve with an advanced digital controller for efficient and user-friendly control. With this water conditioner, you will no longer complain about hard water problems such as scale build-up, corrosion on plumbing fixtures, deposits on sinks, or clogging of pipes and drains.
This model works by delivering a very strong magnetic pulling to remove all the scale-causing contaminates from your home water. The module of this softener comes pre-installed on the riser tube inside the tank for easy DIY installation. Besides, the detailed installation instructions will allow you and most homeowners to install this system themselves. But if you prefer the help of a professional plumber, the plumber will install this system within 1-2 hours. It comes with a 1-inch bypass valve for easy installation.
Pros
- Works excellently with magnetic conditioning
- User-friendly with the advanced digital controlled
- Easy to install
Cons
- Has a low capacity filtration
12. Aquios AQFS220 Full House Salt-Free Water Softener and Filter System
- SCALE PREVENTION: Prevents and removes lime-scale accumulation by sequestering hard minerals and...
If you are looking to prevent and water treatment of limescale accumulation in your home water pipes, faucets, sinks, and appliances, then the Aquios AQF220 Full House water conditioner will be ideal for you. It prevents and removes all hard water problems by sequestering hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) and inhibiting precipitation and the formation of scale deposits.
It also works to form a protective coating on the metal surfaces as well as provides corrosion protection against acidity, alkalinity, and other mineral salts that often lead to rusting out of water system pipes and equipment.
It uses a commercial, natural technology that makes sure that hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium) don’t accumulate or build-up on your water heaters, internal pipes, faucets, showerheads, and other home devices that used your existing water source.
The AQUIOS Water Treatment System takes a revolutionary approach to water treatment and conditioning. As such, it combines carbon block filtration that is rated at 5 microns with the commercial-grade water conditioning to deliver a full house, all in one solution.
Pros
- Delivers superior water filtration and salt-free water softening
- No maintenance required
- Backed by a 20-year warranty
Cons
- Complaints on water filter lifespan
Salt-Free Water Softener Buying Guide
Fortunately, the hard water problem in your home can be resolved by installing the best salt-free water softeners. Although there are many types of salt-free conditioners flooded in the market to choose from, choosing the best for your home can be a painstaking affair.
Are you ready to hit the market to shop for your water conditioner for your home, but don’t know where to start? Well, let’s help you. This buying will serve as a reference point or a starting point for your shopping. Nonetheless, the final buying decision is ultimately up to you in terms of your budget and what your home requires. Bear in mind that having a water softener is vital in protecting your home from the damages hard well water brings.
Where to Start- Before going to the market, you must test how hard your well water is so that you can pick a model that is capable of softening your home hard water efficiently. Testing your water can also enlighten you to the possibility of other issues that you will need to ensure that your water softener can remove such as chlorine, viruses, and bacteria.
FAQs: Read about our favorite water softener in our Best water softeners for well waters
Features to Consider When Buying a Salt-free Water Softener
There are particular features that you will want to consider when shopping for your water conditioner. These features will significantly inform your buying decision as they will determine the model that you will potentially walk home with. So what are these features?
1. Capacity
If you are buying a water conditioner then your main focus should be the resin capacity. To get the correct capacity you must find out how much water on average you would use in your home. The average amount of soft water you use in your home is dependent on the number of family members and the activities that you carry out on a normal day. When the capacity is larger the softener will regenerate less frequently.
The rating capacity of the water conditioner is done by rating the grain count, and this will vary among softeners. However, the lowest is about 16000 while the highest capacity may reach as high as 96000. The capacity can also be related to the brine tank. By knowing how hard your well water is you will be able to choose a water conditioner with the right capacity for your home.
2. Water Flow Rate
Water flow in a salt-free water softener is quite different from the traditional water softener. Besides, the salt-free water softeners doesn’t flush the filtered materials. However, the media in the water conditioner works as a catalytic media that causes crystallization of ions on the surface of the media as the water flows up continuously. As such, the system media will remain fluidized while pulling the water hardness crystals to the top of the surface. When it comes to water flow rate, take careful consideration, the more people in your home, the higher the flow rate you will require in your water conditioner.
3. Maximum Pressure
Salt-free water Conditioners come with different maximum pressures. Check the maximum pressure of the unit you intend to buy and weigh it against the current water pressure in your home. Be sure not to take a unit that takes almost all the current water pressure. Bear in mind that salt-free water softeners will certainly decrease the pressure of water in your house. Therefore, don’t get a softener that will take up the majority of the water pressure you need in your home.
4. Chlorine Reduction
You must read the unit’s specs more carefully to see to what extend the unit filters chlorine or if it does at all. It is recommended to pick a model that fully filters if you intend to have all the chlorine filtered out of your well water. However, you must check your water and know how much chlorine it has so that you can figure out how much you want to be filtered out.
5. Softening Mechanism
Salt-free water softeners are in four different softening mechanisms. A water conditioner can come with a polyphosphate filter system, full filtering systems, electromagnetic wave filters, or magnet filters.
Polyphosphate-filtering salt-free water conditioners utilize safe chemicals – polyphosphates to coat mineral grains so that they don’t stick to the pipes or on the appliances in your home. This filtering system doesn’t remove the grains but works to reduce their effects. This filter will only catch the large elements while the small ones will easily pass through. As such, this type of filter system won’t kill bacteria or viruses nor will it remove chlorine from your water.
The full-filtering systems will soften your home water and get rid of all unwanted material in water. The system will crystallize the mineral grains as the water passes through while the additional filters for water treatment of impurities such as bacteria, viruses, and chlorine. However, you need to change the filters every 6 to 12 months depending on the water condition and usage in your home.
The electromagnetic system requires plugging into your power outlet so that it sends an electromagnetic wave through your water pipe. The waves will, in turn, magnetize the mineral grains and suspends them so that they don’t stick on any appliances. This system requires a constant power output and the water should be softer.
The magnetic systems are closely related to the electromagnetic system as it works similarly, but without electricity. Instead, a magnet is attached to the outside the pipes. However, the magnetic systems are less effective of the four but can work well when integrated with one of the first two filtration systems.
6. Construction Materials
Water softeners are constructed from different types of materials. With different studies pointing out that BPA elements found in some plastic are carcinogenic, you will want to look at the materials used to construct the unit you intend to buy more closely. Be sure to choose BPA-free plastic components and stainless steel construction in salt-free water conditioners.
7. Warranty
As in any appliance you buy to your home, be sure to check the warranty of the salt-free softeners you buy. Check what is covered and how long the warranty runs. If it is shorter, consider getting a unit with an extended warranty from either the manufacturer or the home improvement store from which you bought your unit.
FAQs: Check out our Water Softener Buying Guides
Salt-Free vs salt Water Softeners
The salt-free water conditioner is not new. They have been around for a long time, but the technology has been improving with companies investing lots of money in research and development. The truth most company market water conditioners don’t tell you is water conditioner don’t remove calcium and magnesium through ion exchange.
But the true position is that there are not softeners but salt-free water conditioners. When you look up the definition of water softener it means, it reduces the hardness minerals which are calcium and magnesium. A water softener with reducing the water hardness minerals to below 1 grain per gallon. Salt-Free water conditioners don’t soften water but condition the water. The following are the advantages of using a water conditioner.
- Produces great drinking water that testes better
- The water smells better compared to soft water
- Prevents scale build-up
- The drinking water has all the essential minerals
- Conditioned water is more healthy for drinking purposes because it’s not acidic like soft water
The following are the disadvantages of salt-free water conditioners
- Will not make your skin and hair as soft as it does with soft water
- It will not prevent dry itchy skin compared to soft water
- it will not improve your laundry compared to soft water
Wrapping Up
There are plenty of advantages of using water softeners over traditional ion exchange water softeners in your home. Apart from lengthening the lifespan of your appliances, the best magnetic water softener will improve your health you delivering you clean water for use in your house. Remember to test your water before you hit the market in search of a water conditioner. By doing so, you will know which model befits the water that runs in your home.