The Bottom Line

After concluding our research, our overall pick for the best water softener is the GE 40,000 Grain Water Softener since it lets you customize your water’s softness and also reduces your salt usage.

What to Know About Water Softeners Before Shopping

Type

Before shopping for the best water softener, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the various types that are available. Cox, explains, “Common types include salt-based ion exchange softeners, salt-free or descaler systems, and magnetic or electronic water conditioners.”

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Salt-based softeners are quite common and use an ion exchange system, resin, and sodium to soften hard water. The hard water gets filtered through resin in the softener, which then adds in salt ions. Salt-free softeners use potassium chloride and a template-assisted crystallization (TAC) system, which works by descaling.

Magnetic water softeners also descale via their electromagnetic coils, but instead of removing particles, they neutralize the minerals to prevent them from scaling. Keep in mind that magnetic water softeners aren’t as effective as salt-based models, especially in larger homes. They also won’t prevent scaling in sitting water, such as in a water heater.

Cox advises, “Each type has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s best to consult with a plumbing professional to determine which type suits your needs.”

Regeneration Cycle

It’s important to look at regeneration cycles when shopping for a softener as well. “Regeneration cycles are the periods when the system cleans and recharges itself by flushing out the accumulated minerals,” Cox explains. “The regeneration frequency and duration can vary depending on the system and water usage.”

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Each water softener will have different cycle lengths as well, ranging from under an hour to two or more hours. If you go through plenty of water and don’t want to wait for a long cycle, you may want to consider softeners with shorter cycle times.

Capacity

If you choose too small of a capacity, you may end up having to wait for your softener to regenerate before showering or doing other household chores that require soft water. According to Cox, “Capacity refers to the amount of water a softener can treat before needing to regenerate or recharge.” You’ll want to take into account how much water you use and how many people are in your house when shopping for a softener.

To help you choose the correct capacity, take a look at the “grain” number on a water softener. The grain number in part refers to the amount of hard-water-causing minerals (like calcium or magnesium) that a softener can take out of the water before it needs to regenerate, and it plays a role in how much salt you’ll use.

Hardness Removal

The level of water hardness will vary based on your water supply. Some areas, such as rural areas with well water, may require a higher level of hardness removal. Hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

“Considering the hardness removal capability of a water softener is crucial,” Cox says. “Different softeners have varying efficiency in removing hardness minerals. Look for softeners with a high hardness removal rating to ensure effective water softening.”

Your Questions, Answered

What does a water softener do?

Just like the name implies, water softeners actually “soften” water. Cox explains, “A water softener is a device that removes minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, from the water supply, making it ‘soft’ by reducing the hardness. It does so through a process called ion exchange, where the calcium and magnesium ions are replaced with sodium or potassium ions, effectively softening the water.”

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If you’re not sure whether you have hard water, there are some things you can do to check it. Cox advises, “You may notice soap scum residue on bathroom fixtures, spots on dishes and glassware after washing, dry skin and hair, or a decrease in the efficiency and lifespan of water-using appliances.” If these signs sound familiar, you may have hard water due to the buildup of minerals.

“A professional water test can provide accurate information about the hardness level,” Cox adds.

What size water softener do I need?

You’ll want to take a few factors into account when deciding what size water softener to buy. Cox advises that you’ll need to know how hard your water is, how many people live in your house, and how much water you typically use. Ultimately, he says, “The size of the water softener is determined based on the water hardness and the gallons of water used per day.”

Do water softeners require regular maintenance?

The best water softeners will last 10 to 15 years, and regularly maintaining the appliance will help extend its lifespan. Salt levels in salt-based water softeners will generally need to be checked once a month to make sure enough salt is in the tank (typically at least half-full). Magnetic water softeners require less maintenance and last longer but are generally less effective than salt-based options.

Who We Are

Brittany VanDerBill is a freelance writer who has been working with Better Homes & Gardens since 2021. In addition to water softeners, she has researched and written about other home appliances and fixtures including whole-house humidifiers, range hoods, and kitchen faucets.

To find the best water softeners, she researched a variety of options, keeping in mind type, capacity, household size, and more. She also consulted Logan Cox, assistant general manager of John The Plumber Kingston, for additional insights.

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