The Top Water Softener and Filter Systems for Clean and Crisp Water

Types of Water Softener and Filter Systems

There are several types of water softener and filter systems available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are the most common ones:

Salt-based Water Softeners

Salt-based water softeners use ion exchange technology to remove hard water minerals such as Calcium and magnesium from your water. They replace these minerals with sodium ions, making your water softer and more manageable. These systems require regular maintenance, such as refilling the salt tank, and may not be suitable for people with a sodium-restricted diet.

Salt-free Water Softeners

Salt-free water softeners use a different technology called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) to convert hard water minerals into crystal particles that can't adhere to surfaces. They don't remove the minerals from your water but prevent them from causing scale buildup and other problems. These systems are low-maintenance and don't add sodium to your water.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities from your water, including minerals, chemicals, and bacteria. They produce high-quality water that's suitable for drinking and cooking. These systems are more expensive than other types of water softeners but provide the best filtration performance.

Whole-house Water Filters

Whole-house water filters are designed to remove impurities from all the water sources in your home, including your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. They use a combination of filtration technologies, such as Activated Carbon and Sediment filters, to remove different types of impurities. These systems require professional installation and periodic maintenance.

Portable Water Filters

Portable water filters are small and compact devices that you can use to filter your water on the go. They're ideal for Camping, hiking, or traveling, where access to clean water may be limited. There are different types of portable water filters, such as straw filters, pump filters, and Gravity filters, each with its own advantages and limitations.

Features to Consider

When choosing a water softener and filter system, there are several features to consider:

Capacity

The capacity of a water softener and filter system refers to the amount of water it can treat before requiring maintenance or replacement. If you have a large household or use a lot of water, you'll need a system with a higher capacity to ensure a continuous supply of clean and soft water.

Filtration Performance

The filtration performance of a water softener and filter system refers to its ability to remove impurities from your water effectively. Look for systems that have multiple stages of filtration and can remove different types of impurities, such as Chlorine, Lead, and bacteria.

Maintenance

The maintenance requirements of a water softener and filter system refer to the frequency and complexity of the tasks needed to keep it running smoothly. Some systems require regular salt refilling, filter replacements, or backwashing, while others are low-maintenance and don't require any additional work.

Price

The price of a water softener and filter system can vary widely depending on its type, features, and brand. Consider your budget and your long-term needs when choosing a system that provides the best value for your money.

Here are 5 top picks of the best water softener and filter system that are reviewed in more detail. Scroll down for more options.

1. Aquasure AS-SE1500A - Best Overall

The Aquasure AS-SE1500A is a top-of-the-line water treatment system that provides the highest quality water for the entire family. This Signature Series product features a high-capacity 1,500K whole house water treatment system with a sediment pre-filter that eliminates harmful water contaminants and chemicals that can be harmful to your home. The 64,000 grains water softener is designed to provide soft, scale-free, and spotless water for the entire house. The Aquasure 75 GPD premier Reverse Osmosis System is the most advanced reverse osmosis system that offers exceptional performance in water contaminant rejection and produces clean, pure, and delicious-tasting drinking water. The AS-SE1500A is the perfect water treatment system for households with 4 - 6 bathrooms and up to 7 people. 

Key Features:

• High-capacity 1,500K whole house water treatment system
• Sediment pre-filter eliminates harmful water contaminants and chemicals
• 64,000 grains water softener provides soft, scale-free, and spotless water 
• Aquasure 75 GPD premier reverse osmosis system produces clean, pure, and delicious-tasting drinking water 
• Ideal for households with 4 - 6 bathrooms and up to 7 people

Pros:

• Removes sediment and rust from water 
• Eliminates odor from water 
• Reduces chlorine in water 
• Provides soft, scale-free, and spotless water 
• Produces clean, pure, and delicious-tasting drinking water 
• Ideal for families with newborns or small children 

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other water treatment systems 
• Requires professional installation 

The Aquasure AS-SE1500A is a high-quality water treatment system that offers exceptional performance in removing harmful water contaminants and chemicals. It provides soft, scale-free, and spotless water for the entire house and produces clean, pure, and delicious-tasting drinking water. Although it may be expensive compared to other water treatment systems, it is the perfect investment for families who prioritize their health and safety.

2. Aquasana EQ-1000-AST Whole House Water Filter System - Best for Well Water

The Aquasana EQ-1000-AST Whole House Water Filter System is a premium product that ensures healthy and clean water from every tap in your home. With the ability to remove up to 97% of chlorine from regular tap water, this filter system provides great-tasting water that is safe for consumption.

Key Features:

• Removes up to 97% of chlorine from tap water
• Improves air quality by removing chlorine from shower steam
• Includes a Salt-Free Water Conditioner that reduces scale buildup on internal pipes and plumbing
• SCM salt-free technology ensures safe and natural reduction of scale buildup without the use of harsh salt or chemicals
• Installation kit included for 0.75 inch pipe fittings

Pros:

• Provides healthy and clean water for consumption
• Reduces exposure to harsh chlorine that can damage skin and hair
• Improves air quality by removing chlorine from shower steam
• Salt-Free Water Conditioner ensures safe and natural reduction of scale buildup
• Easy installation with included kit for 0.75 inch pipe fittings

Cons:

• PEX tubing is not included
• Contaminant reduction values may vary based on flow rates

The Aquasana EQ-1000-AST Whole House Water Filter System is a reliable and effective solution for ensuring healthy and clean water in your home. With its ability to remove chlorine and reduce scale buildup, this system provides a safe and natural way to improve the quality of your water. While it may require additional PEX tubing and contaminant reduction values may vary, the benefits of this system far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

3. Filtersmart Whole House Filter & Softener Combo - Best Budget

Introducing the Filtersmart Whole House Filter & Softener Combo, the healthier option for your home's water needs. Our filters use all natural coconut shell carbon for fresh, spring-like water, full of natural minerals. The carbon filtration uses premium NSF certified carbon made from natural coconut shells, providing better quality water than bottled options. 

Key Features: 

- All natural coconut shell carbon
- Premium NSF certified carbon
- Removes Chlorine, Chloramine, VOCs, SOCs, THMs, Pesticides, Herbicides, and Industrial Solvents
- Eco-friendly option
- Retains important naturally occurring minerals 
- Maintenance-free design
- NSF certified 

Pros: 

- Enjoy softer skin and hair 
- No more plastic bottles 
- Environmentally-friendly option 
- One easy, convenient filter 
- Simple in/out design for easy installation 
- No heavy bags of salt 
- Up-flow system requires no electricity to drain or salt replacements 
- Guaranteed to remove chlorine to undetectable levels for 5 years or 1,000,000 gallons 

Cons: 

- Initial cost may be higher than traditional water filtration systems 

Upgrade your home's water with the Filtersmart Whole House Filter & Softener Combo. Enjoy the benefits of softer skin and hair, while also reducing waste and supporting the environment. With a maintenance-free design and guaranteed quality, this combo is a worthwhile investment for any home.

4. NuvoH2O Manor + Taste Complete Water Softener System

The NuvoH2O Manor + Taste Complete Water Softener System is an ideal solution for larger homes that face the problems of hard water and bad-tasting or smelling water. This system is designed to prevent hard water scale buildup, remove existing hard water scale, and remove sediment and most chemicals from house water. It is a compact system that can fit almost anywhere and has a simple cartridge replacement that lasts up to six months. 

This system was developed from over 30 years of commercial experience and is eco-friendly with no salt, no phosphates, no wastewater, and no electricity. It retains healthy minerals in your water and eliminates the slick feeling that other water softeners may cause. The system complies with NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and includes a system housing, mounting bracket, softener cartridge, carbon taste filter, wrench, tapcon screw pack, system head screw pack, two O-rings, lubricant, installation guide, and warranty/registration card.

Pros:

- Prevents hard water scale buildup
- Removes existing hard water scale
- Compact design that fits almost anywhere
- Simple cartridge replacement that lasts up to six months
- Removes sediment and most chemicals from house water
- Developed from over 30 years of commercial experience
- Eco-friendly with no salt, no phosphates, no wastewater, and no electricity
- Retains healthy minerals in your water
- Complies with NSF/ANSI Standard 42

Cons:

- May not be suitable for smaller homes
- Requires periodic cartridge replacement

In conclusion, the NuvoH2O Manor + Taste Complete Water Softener System is an effective and eco-friendly solution for larger homes with hard water and bad-tasting or smelling water. It is compact, easy to install, and requires minimal maintenance. However, it may not be suitable for smaller homes and requires periodic cartridge replacement.

5. Apec Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-15 - Best for City Water

The APEC Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-15 is a high-quality whole home water solution designed for 3-6 bathroom homes. This professional-grade system delivers filtered, softened water to every outlet in your home, ensuring that you have access to clean, healthy water at all times. 

Key Features:

• Cost-efficient and maintenance-free 
• No need for regeneration, backwash, or electricity 
• Salt-free water conditioner 
• Suitable for hardness below 25 grains/gallon 
• Comes with a free 10" BB Whole House Sediment Filter 

Pros:

• Provides luxury spa quality water 
• Prevents scale buildup 
• Prolongs lifespan of pipes and home appliances 
• Helps reduce health risks for people with high blood pressure or on salt-restricted diets 

Cons: 

• May not be suitable for homes with higher levels of hardness 

In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-quality whole home water solution, the APEC Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-15 is an excellent choice. With its cost-efficient and maintenance-free design, salt-free water conditioner, and free sediment filter, you can enjoy clean, healthy water throughout your home without any hassle. However, it may not be suitable for homes with higher levels of hardness.

Q: Do I need a water softener and filter system?
A: If you have hard water or suspect that your water contains impurities, a water softener and filter system can improve its quality and taste and protect your appliances and plumbing from damage.

Q: How often do I need to replace the filters?
A: The frequency of filter replacements depends on the type of system and the quality of your water. Some filters need to be replaced every three months, while others can last up to a year.

Q: Can I install a water softener and filter system myself?
A: Some systems are designed for DIY installation, while others require professional installation to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Investing in the best water softener and filter system can provide you with numerous benefits, such as clean and crisp water, softer skin and hair, and longer-lasting appliances and plumbing. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a system and look for features such as capacity, filtration performance, maintenance, and price. With the right system, you can enjoy the benefits of pure and soft water for years to come.

Read More: 

• Best Smart Water Softener

• Best Water Softeners Under $300

• Best Water Softeners Under $1000

• Best At Home Water Filter System