Richard Arconti We tested and reviewed the 5 best whole house water filter and softener combo systems. My top pick for city water is the SpringWell Water Filter And Softener Combo based on performance, price, NSF certifications, and overall value.
Quick Comparison Of Our Favorites
Space saving design without extra softener tank
Lifetime warranty with 6 month money back guarantee
Treats hard water without salt or chemicals
Lifetime warranty and 120 day guarantee
Conserves water in backwash cycles
Innovative bluetooth control and smart app
Do your appliances have scale buildup or is your glassware and shower door filmy? You have hard water. Even worse, your home’s water pipes might be teeming with invisible bacteria and harmful contaminants [1].
That’s where we come in! After testing dozens of filter/softener combos on our tap water and with the help of our water treatment expert panel, we meticulously selected only the best filtration options so you don’t have to spend time guessing.
Our best whole house water filter and softener system guide will cover which combo systems are worth investing in for 2023, how combining a water filter and water softener works, and key considerations when deciding on the best water filter and softener combo for your home.
Best Whole House Water Filter And Softener Combo
- Best For City Water: SpringWell Whole House Water Filter And Softener Combo
- Best Cartridge Based: Kind E-3000 Whole House Water Filter And Salt-Free Softener Combo
- Best For Well Water: SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter And Softener Combo
- Best For Iron Removal: SoftPro Elite Well Water Softener With Pro Iron Filter Package
- Best Runner-Up: Crystal Quest SMART Water Filter And Softener Combination
Whole House Water Filter And Softener Combo Reviews
SpringWell 2 In 1 Water Filter And Salt Softener OR Salt-Free Softener Combo
SpringWell 2 In 1 Water Filter and Salt Based Combo Specifications
| 1-3 Bathrooms (MMV-1) | 4-6 Bathrooms (MMV-4) | |
| Filter Type | Tank Based (Carbon & KDF Media) | Tank Based (Carbon & KDF Media) |
| Softener Type | Ion Exchange | Ion Exchange |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Capacity | 500,000 Gallons | 1,000,000 Gallons |
| Tank Width | 10″ | 13″ |
| Tank Height | 63″ | 63″ |
| Flow Rate | 11 GPM | 15 GPM |
| Connection Size | 1″ | 1″ |
| Operating Pressure | 25 – 80 PSI | 25 – 80 PSI |
| Operating Temperature | 36 – 120 F | 36 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 6.5 – 10 | 6.5 – 10 |
| Grain Size | 32,000 | 48,000 |
| Brine Tank Size | W 18″ x H 33″ | W 18″ x H 33″ |
| Backwash Rate | 4 GPM | 4 GPM |
The all-new SpringWell 2 in 1 filter and salt softener combo system provides all the benefits of a filter and salt-based softener without the need for an extra tank. In my experience with the system, the space-saving design creates an ideal solution for those that need a salt-based softener but don’t have the room for two tall tanks and a brine tank. I thought it was easier to install at a fraction of the size.
As far as performance, the SpringWell 2 in 1 combo comes with a 5 micron sediment filter to remove debris silt, and dirt before water enters the tall tank. Within the tank, there is a two-stage media to purify the water.
Starting with the first stage, water flows through a KDF media to remove harmful chemicals like chlorine and other common municipal water contaminants. Stage two uses a catalytic carbon media to filter out contaminants like chloramine, pesticides, PFAS, VOCs and many more.
Once the Springwell MMV filters the water, the innovative salt-based softener kicks in using a process known as ion exchange. This process will completely remove hardness causing minerals from your water. As a result, you will eliminate scale buildup, have cleaner dishes, and protect your appliances from costly repairs.
The electronic valve on top of the water tank controls the process and is able to be connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone. You can then adjust and monitor backwash cycles and water usage rates right from the palm of your hand.
The best part is you won’t have a drop in water pressure. The Springwell 2 in 1 combo comes in two configurations depending on the number of bathrooms in your home. For example, the 1-3 bathroom model has a flow rate of 11 GPM, which is about 30% higher than most comparable systems.
SpringWell Water Filter and Salt-Free Softener Combo Specifications
CF Whole House Water Filter Configurations
| 1-3 Bathrooms (CF1) | 4-6 Bathrooms (CF4) | 7+ Bathrooms (CF+) | |
| Filter Type | Tank Based (Carbon & KDF Media) | Tank Based (Carbon & KDF Media) | Tank Based (Carbon & KDF Media) |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Capacity | 1,000,000 Gallons | 1,000,000 Gallons | 1,000,000 Gallons |
| Tank Width | 9″ | 10″ | 13″ |
| Tank Height | 52″ | 58″ | 58″ |
| Flow Rate | 9 GPM | 12 GPM | 20 GPM |
| Connection Size | 1″ | 1″ | 1″ |
| Pressure | 25 – 80 PSI | 25 – 80 PSI | 25 – 80 PSI |
| Temperature | 36 – 120 F | 36 – 120 F | 36 – 120 F |
| Pre-Filter Change | 6 – 9 months | 6 – 9 months | 6 – 9 months |
| Media Change | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
FutureSoft Salt-Free Softener Configurations
| 1-3 Bathrooms (FS1) | 4-6 Bathrooms (FS4) | 7+ Bathrooms (FS+) | |
| Softener Type | Salt-Free TAC | Salt-Free TAC | Salt-Free TAC |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Tank Width | 6″ | 9″ | 13″ |
| Tank Height | 39″ | 52″ | 58″ |
| Flow Rate | 12 GPM | 15 GPM | 20 GPM |
| Flow Direction | Upflow | Upflow | Upflow |
| Pressure | 20 – 80 PSI | 20 – 80 PSI | 20 – 80 PSI |
| Temperature | 34 – 120 F | 34 – 120 F | 34 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 7.0 – 9.5 | 7.0 – 9.5 | 7.0 – 9.5 |
| Hardness GPG | 81 | 81 | 81 |
| Salinity PPM | 35,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 |
| Free Chlorine PPM | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Media Replacement | Never | Never | Never |
SpringWell recognizes the aging municipal water architecture and increased contamination of local water sources. This is where the SpringWell whole house water and salt-free softener combo shines.
Remember, the most contact time means the best water filtration and softening. Springwell’s salt-free design uses the highest-quality carbon filters. The tank is built with a unique up-flow design, eliminates clogging, and allows for smaller more efficient filters and a smaller footprint overall.
The good news is, that water passes through the same rigorous filtration protocols as the SpringWell CSS salt-based model. The filtration process includes the 5-micron pre-filtration sediment catcher, and the KDF chemical removing filter. Next, the water moves through the stage three catalytic coconut shell carbon media and the stage four FutureSoft conditions hard water minerals to treat existing and future scale.
Utilizing upflow technology, no electricity is needed to operate the Springwell CSS water filter and salt-free water softener, and the filters never need to be replaced, making this Springwell the best whole house water filter and salt-free water softener combo for city water.
Kind E-3000 Whole House Water Filter And Salt-Free Water Softener
Kind E-3000 System Specifications
| Kind Water Systems E-3000 | |
| Number Of Stages | 3 Stages (Pre-Sediment, Carbon Block, Salt-free Conditioner) |
| System Type | Cartridge Based |
| System Dimensions | 25¼”(H) x 23¼” (W) x 8″ (D) |
| Max Flow Rate | 15 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) |
| Max Capacity | 6 Bathrooms |
| Max Hardness | 75 Grains Per Gallon (GPG) |
| Connection Size | 1″ FNPT |
| Operating Pressure | 25 – 120 psi |
| Operating Temperature | 36 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 6.5 to 11 |
Do you live in a city where contaminants like PFAS, chlorine, lead, and hard water minerals are commonly found in your water supplies? Then you need to know why the Kind Water Systems E-3000 is the best cartridge-based whole house water filter and salt-free water softener combo for city water.
A more echo-friendly option, it is designed to give you healthy and soft water from every tap in your home without the negative effects of salt and chemicals.
The three-stage filter process with water flowing through the pleated 5-micron sediment filter. This extra-large 20-inch filter removes silt, dirt, rust, and other debris that will cleanse the water and help extend the life of the carbon filter in the next stage.
The high-performance Catalytic Activated Coconut Shell Carbon Block filter features a uniform pore structure that increases water contact time with the carbon block. This further increases the ability to address hundreds of harmful city water contaminants.
In the third and final stage, water is conditioned in the eSoft media cartridge. We love this system because it will even remove existing scale buildup, unlike traditional salt-based softeners that only address future scale.
The key differentiator with a cartridge-based design is they take up no valuable floor space. Additionally, they are very easy to install since it is simply two connections: water-in and water-out. For most people it is a DIY project that takes under two hours.
Read Full Kind E-3000 Filter And Softener Review Here
Watch Kind E-3000 Review Video
SpringWell Well Water Filter And Salt Based Softener OR Salt-Free Softener Combo
SpringWell Well Water Filter and Salt Based Softener Combo Specifications
WS Whole House Well Water Filter Configurations
| 1-3 Bathrooms (WS1) | 4-6 Bathrooms (WS4) | |
| Filter Type | Tank Based (Air Injection Oxidizing) | Tank Based (Air Injection Oxidizing) |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Tank Width | 10″ | 13″ |
| Tank Height | 64″ | 64″ |
| Flow Rate | 12 GPM | 20 GPM |
| Connection Size | 1″ | 1″ |
| Pressure | 25 – 80 PSI | 25 – 80 PSI |
| Temperature | 36 – 120 F | 36 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 6.5 – 10 | 6.5 – 10 |
| Iron Removal | 7 PPM | 7 PPM |
| Magnesium Removal | 1 PPM | 1 PPM |
| Sulfur Removal | 8 PPM | 8 PPM |
SS Salt-Based Softener Configurations
| 1-3 Bathrooms (SS1) | 4-6 Bathrooms (SS4) | 7+ Bathrooms (SS+) | |
| Softener Type | Ion Exchange | Ion Exchange | Ion Exchange |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Tank Width | 9″ | 10″ | 13″ |
| Tank Height | 57″ | 63″ | 63″ |
| Flow Rate | 11 GPM | 13 GPM | 20 GPM |
| Flow Direction | Upflow | Upflow | Upflow |
| Connection Size | 1″ | 1″ | 1″ |
| Pressure | 25 – 80 PSI | 25 – 80 PSI | 25 – 80 PSI |
| Temperature | 36 – 120 F | 36 – 120 F | 36 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 6.5 – 10 | 6.5 – 10 | 6.5 – 10 |
| Grain Size | 32,000 | 48,000 | 80,000 |
| Brine Tank Size | W 18″ x H 33″ | W 18″ x H 33″ | W 18″ x H 33″ |
| Backwash Rate | 4 GPM | 4 GPM | 4 GPM |
High levels of Iron are a common culprit found in well water. The SpringWell WSSS whole house water filter and softener combo uses the latest and greatest technology and packs it into an economically and very environmentally-friendly well water system.
Installing a SpringWell (AIO) System means removing high ppm levels of Hydrogen Sulfide, harmful Iron, and Manganese. Springwell’s daily auto-backwash continually removes the grit and accumulated contaminants while the filter’s unique regeneration processes clean the tank’s resin filter beads while oxygenating the water with fresh air pockets.
As the sodium solution exits the brine (salt) tank the hardness of the water entering the house “regenerates” into fresh, clean healthy water for drinking, bathing, and running electric water-powered appliances.
You will truly benefit from a Springwell WSSS whole house water filter and softener combo. The salt-based water filtration system is scientifically designed to work at keeping hard water build-up from dulling your clothes, causing itchy skin and dry hair, and long-term benefits include less costly plumbing repairs and a call to the professionals.
The secret to fresh, software water is in the system’s ion exchange. An electronic metered valve measures the water intake per gallon. Each gallon of water is run through a cleaning cycle. As the tank reaches its limit, the resin filter beads go to work, removing the lime scale and high levels of metal and POCs.
Each water filter cycle requires back flushing to trap the minerals and then exchange them for sodium and potassium, which softens the water. The hard water exits the system, the salts are replenished in the resin bead filter and only the healthy soft water enters your home.
Watch SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter And Softener Combo Video Review
SpringWell Well Water Filter and Salt Free Softener Combo Specifications
WS Well Water Whole House Filter Configurations
| 1-3 Bathrooms (WS1 Filter) | 4-6 Bathrooms (WS4 Filter) | |
| Filter Type | Air Injection Oxidizing (AIO) | Air Injection Oxidizing (AIO) |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Tank Width | 10″ | 13″ |
| Tank Height | 64″ | 64″ |
| Flow Rate | 12 GPM | 20 GPM |
| Connection Size | 1″ | 1″ |
| Pressure | 25 – 80 PSI | 25 – 80 PSI |
| Temperature | 36 – 120 F | 36 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 6.5 – 10 | 6.5 – 10 |
| Iron Removal | 7 PPM | 7 PPM |
| Sulfur Removal | 8 PPM | 8 PPM |
| Magnesium Removal | 1 PPM | 1 PPM |
FS Salt-Free Water Softener Configurations
| 1-3 Bathrooms (FS1 Softener) | 4-6 Bathrooms (FS4 Softener) | 7+ Bathrooms (FS+ Softener) | |
| Softener Type | Saltless (TAC) | Saltless (TAC) | Saltless (TAC) |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Media Change | Never | Never | Never |
| Tank Width | 6″ | 9″ | 13″ |
| Tank Height | 39″ | 52″ | 58″ |
| Flow Rate | 12 GPM | 15 GPM | 20 GPM |
| Flow Direction | Upflow | Upflow | Upflow |
| Pressure | 20 – 80 PSI | 20 – 80 PSI | 20 – 80 PSI |
| Temperature | 34 – 120 F | 34 – 120 F | 34 – 120 F |
| Ph Range | 7.0 – 9.5 | 7.0 – 9.5 | 7.0 – 9.5 |
| Hardness GPG | 81 | 81 | 81 |
| Salinity PPM | 35,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 |
| Free Chlorine PPM | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Homeowners that
rely solely on well water must use a water filter. If you’re considering filtering your home’s well water salt-free, SpringWell’s Air Injection Oxidizing (AIO) Filter system is an impressive and relatively low-cost investment in terms of its ability to filter and soften your well water.
What’s the secret to healthier water? The SpringWell AIO system maintains a unique “air pocket” on the top of the water filter tank. During each cycle, when the system is filtering your home’s well water, oxygen goes to work instead of salt.
As the water passes through the air pocket, Iron, Sulfur, and Manganese are oxidized – oxygen is added to the water; bonding to harmful chemical electrons, removing them before entering the resin-lined water filter tank for a thorough “washing.”
In addition, Springwell’s proprietary Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) process converts the incoming water to keep all hard water minerals from sticking to any surface in your home. The oxidized iron, sulfur, and manganese are backflushed before entering your plumbing and faucets!
The SpringWell WSSS AIO System includes an intuitive automatic electronic control valve programmed to turn on and off, so you can set it, and forget it.
An added feature of the WSSS model is Springwell’s unique auto-control valve and patented piston to help trigger the oxidation process at exactly the right time for each incoming gallon.
ActivFlo technology keeps the process reserved to one tank, and that means most flow rates are compatible. This highly cost-effective water filter and softener combo requires minimal downtime, and guarantees a perfect backwash, making the Springwell WSSS AIO the best whole house salt-free water filter and softener combo!
SoftPro Elite Well Water Softener And Pro Iron Filter Combo
Investing in a water softener treatment system saves a typical household up to $517 per year. But you don’t just save money with the SoftPro Elite Water Softener for Well Water.
The water softener system saves salt, by pre-making only 70% of the brine before regeneration to maximize the resin media. That means less trips to the store! SoftPro Elite’s onboard computer calculates an exact amount of brine top-up to save 30% of the salt, in the tank, for each softening cycle.
You’ll experience high efficiency from the SoftPro Elite too. If the total capacity of the water in the tank drops below 3%, the system kicks in with a 15-minute recharge to allow the softener to keep running safely until your designated pre-set regeneration time. The time you program the SoftPro to operate remains static in the computer’s memory until you decide to make changes.
SoftPro recommends conserving as much capacity in the tank as possible, by remembering to add only treated soft water to the brine tank. Raw untreated hard water can corrupt the system.
The savings keep adding up with the SoftPro. If you take a vacation and no water is used for up to seven days, the system automatically refreshes. This process prevents bacteria growth. And, when you return home, you’ll have a fresh tank of soft water.
As we’ve mentioned, well water has the tendency to carry high levels of harmful iron. Add a full-featured, high-efficiency, Pro Iron Package to your SoftPro Elite Water Softener for Well Water.
The smart control valve and 1″ ports on the iron filtration tank maintain high flow rates and are guaranteed to reduce high-level amounts of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide.
Advanced Air Injection Oxidation (AIO) utilizes air as a natural oxidizer to boost as much iron removal as possible.
Watch SoftPro Well Water Softener And Iron Filter Combo Review Video
Crystal Quest SMART Water Filter With Salt Based Water Softener OR Saltless Water Conditioner
Shopping for a whole house water filter and softener by Crystal Quest is a mix and match experience. Crystal Quest builds for tap and well water filtration and softening.
Choose between a standalone or combo fiberglass or stainless steel water filter construction, then add your choice of a salt or salt-free water softener and 1 million or 1.5 million gallon capacity.
Crystal Quest’s impressive 6-stage water filtration process includes two stages of SMART Multimedia. Stage one incorporates coconut shell granulated activated carbons (GAC).
Stage two consists of catalytic GAC, a relatively new media, which increases the life and adsorption capacity of the media and removes herbicides, pesticides, petroleum, and pharmaceutical by-product.
Stages three and four incorporate Crystal Quest’s patented Eagle Redox Alloy (ERA) 6500 & 9500. Ion exchange resins infused with additional GAC work to reduce lead & mercury. ERA also extends the life of the GAC media and helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
Finally, in stages, five and six ceramic and tourmaline balls oxygenate and increase the water alkalinity to achieve a balanced pH between 6.5-8.5.
Filtered water leaves the tank and enters the water softening tank. The ion exchange process in the resin filter removes the magnesium and calcium ions. The hard water passes through the resin beads and regenerates in the brine tank, renewing the media to transform your hard water into soft water.
Watch Crystal Quest Whole House Water Filter And Softener Combo Review Video
The Crystal Quest whole house water filter and saltless conditioner system includes the patented and proprietary 6-stage water filtration system and a lot more advanced technology than the competitor brands.
Maintenance of a traditional salt-based water softener system requires the periodic purchase of a brine solution or backwash solution. Unlike the conventional water softener, the Crystal Quest salt-free conditioner saves you the extra expense and switches up the way it softens your water without removing the calcium and magnesium particles.
The filter media in the conditioner chamber changes the calcium’s chemical composition, which means no limescale and no harm to your pipes and appliances. Crystal Quest’s ion exchange technology occurs on a nano-molecular level.
It transforms minerals into mechanically stable nanoparticles. The harsh calcium rinses away, so your clothes stay brighter, your skin and hair softer, and your dishes and glassware sparkling clean!
Whether you choose a traditional Crystal Quest SMART whole house water filter and softener or the SMART salt-free water filter and softener, it’s clear you’re investment is worth every penny. No matter your water source, the Crystal Quest SMART is the best whole house water filter and softener for tap and well water.
Water Filter And Softener Combo Buyer’s Guide: Key Factors
Before purchasing a whole house water filter and softener you should do a bit of research to determine your water quality. Is it too acidic, have high levels of contaminants; and what is the source of your water? How is it treated and what is it treated with before it makes its way into your plumbing?
Knowing this data helps you understand the type of water filtration system and the filters the system utilizes to achieve the best results – pure, clean, healthy, tasty water for your home, family, and pets.
Key Factors To Consider For A Filter And Softener Combination
Your Home Water Quality
The water flowing through your plumbing, into your tap, faucets, and appliances can come from well water or municipal water. Each water source calls for a different solution.
Knowing exactly what levels of harmful metals, PFAS, pesticides, and bacteria are swimming in your tap or well water, and determining the current Ph balance will inform you of the right model of whole house water filter and softening combo [2].
We recommend starting by testing your home’s water as a jumping-off point to find the ideal water solution.
Filter Process And Stages
Defined simply, water filtration is the process of “pushing” water under pressure through a series of media layers. Popular media layers include activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion exchange resin beads, silica sand, mineral stones, and infrared ceramic beads.
As the water moves through these different layers of media, the largest particles are trapped and removed. As the water washes through the final media layer, the water is either purified or filtered, softened, and ready to drink!
Meets NSF Standards
It is easy to take the safety of your water, food, and consumer products for granted. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) ensures industry standards and safety regulations. The NSF holds companies accountable to these standards when producing the vast array of products we use daily.
Look for the NSF “seal of approval.” If you see it on your whole house water filter and softener combo system, you know it was rigorously tested by the respected leader of global independent product testing organizations.
PH Range
The scientific definition of pH range is “the measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is, measured on a scale from 0 to 14. pH testing measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in your water.
Acidic water indicates a high concentration of harmful heavy metals, while alkaline water may contain fewer good minerals and higher contaminants.
If the test measures between 10-14, your water is more acidic; 0-5, basic, 6-8 denote being in the perfect range, and 7 is perfectly neutral.
Determine your water’s pH before purchasing a whole house water filter and softener. Your pH will inform the amount of media layers and the type of softener tank to buy and help you decide if you want to add a UV filter. More info on the use of UV filters is listed below.
Water Flow And Pressure
At the core of successful water filtration and softening is water flow and pressure, or pounds per square inch (psi). Water flow is determined by water pressure. More water is forced through the plumbing if the pressure is high, causing a greater water flow.
High water pressure overworks the filter, potentially causing microns of unfiltered particles, bacteria, and VOCs to enter your home.
Conversely, if the water pressure is too low, the water passing through the system can take hours to filter and cause interruptions in your daily water-supplied routines.
UV Technology
A popular choice in advanced water filtration technology and contamination removal is ultraviolet (UV) filtration. A UV light is an affordable and easy to install addition to your whole house water filtration and softener system.
Installation And Maintenance
The key to a successful whole house water filter and softener combo system is 1) knowing your plumbing, and 2) feeling confident that if the instructions from the manufacturer say “easy to install” you read them front-to-back. If the manufacturer’s website offers a DIY installation video, even better!
Depending on the age and material composition of your plumbing you’ll want to ensure all of the pipe fittings and connections are secure before powering up your water filter.
Installation Tips To Keep In Mind
- A filter mounting bracket needs to be secured to a wall or floor joist.
- Install the filtration system to your existing plumbing near the horizontal run by your shut-off valve
- Always read up on the manufacturer’s installation recommendations to get an understanding of the model’s clearances and dimension specifications.
When in doubt call a plumber and ask for a low-cost installation estimate. You are spending your hard-earned money to improve your lifestyle, so, do it right the first time.
The Competition
In previous reviews we analyzed the Pentair Pelican Whole House Water Filter & Salt-Free Water Softener Alternative Combo however, it did not make the list this year. The filter and Natursoft water softener alternative was good specifically for chlorine, but the products in our updated list proved to be more effective. You can view our full video review of the Pelican filter and softener combo from last year.
We also reviewed the Aquasana Rhino Filter And Salt-Free Combo in years past. You can see our full video review of the Aquasana Filter and Combo System.
FAQs For Best Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo
Is it easy to install a whole house water filter and softener combo?
However, installing a whole house filter and softener system can certainly be a DIY job. If you’re more of a handy person, walk through the places in your home that are easily accessible and close to your plumbing’s water intake.
How does a whole house water softener and filter work?
Adding a water softener adds extra layers of filtering, and helps removes the minerals which cause hard water to build and scale on dish ware and water-powered appliances.
How do salt-free water softeners work?
What are the benefits of a water filter and softener combo?
After the water is filtered it passes through the water softener system. At this stage, the filtered water is oxidized. Resin bead filters, charged with sodium or potassium ions, replace themselves with the hard water calcium and magnesium ions.
Do I Need a water softener if I have a whole house filter?
Do I also need a water softener for well water?
Do water softeners help for sulfur, manganese, iron, and tannins?
How much does a water filter and softener combo cost to install and maintain?
How often will I need to change water filters and water softener media?
Salt-powered water softeners need a recharge depending on the quality of your hard water and the flow rate.
If you’re concerned about bacteria growth, and build-up, and to prevent clogging, and keep your flow rate and water pressure from slowing down, go by the standard rule of thumb, and change your water filters, and water softener filters either every 3-6 months, or 9-12 months depending on the number of media, size of the filters, and the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Is UV light required for water filtering and softening with bacteria?
Final Verdict On Buying The Best Whole House Water Filter And Softener Combo
It is important to learn about the source that supplies the water to your home. How is the water treated? How old the pipes are that bring the water into your home? You should know the answers to all of these questions.
The obvious answer is, “the city tests, treats, and provides your water. They follow the legal limits and protocols to remove contaminants set by the EPA.” Unfortunately, that isn’t enough.
You should also know that your water is:
- Coagulated & flocculated – chemically manipulated to remove oils
- Carbon filtered to remove sediment
- Run through 4 filters: Pre-, Membrane, Post-, and Polishing
- Disinfected
- Sampled Tested daily and approved for consumption
That makes it safe to drink, right? Maybe. Add a whole house water filter and softener combo to your home’s water intake. It’s a healthy and sensible way to live a better life.
Why Trust Freshnss?
Ricky is the founder of Freshnss and product reviewer specializing in water filtration, home, and kitchen products. For this review, he worked with our water review board of experts. And also with our network of industry professionals who offered whole house water filter and softener combo recommendations and the qualities that made them stand out from the competition. Next, he researched today’s best whole house water filter/softener combinations, considering dozens of options from various merchants and retailers. The selected products stood out based on filtration performance, water flow rate, warranties, and overall value. He has read thousands of user reviews, and written hundreds of product reviews. He has also tested and re-tested some of our top picks, and looked for filtration companies for new home water treatment options worth trying.
Article Sources
Freshnss uses only the highest-quality sources to support the facts used in our articles including: government organizations, independent studies, peer-reviewed journals, and lab testing results. Read our editorial review guidelines here to learn more about how we verify and fact-check our writing to keep our content reliable, accurate, and trustworthy.
- National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Chemicals That Can Contaminate Tap Water, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Protect Your Home’s Water, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
