8 Best City Water Softeners – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
By Anna A. MadsenLast Updated on If you’re a city slicker, chances are you are enjoying a steady supply of clean water in your house. But you might not be aware of the fact that even city water needs filtration and softening!
The water that is supplied in the cities can contain calcium and magnesium. These minerals make the water hard, causing many water-related problems.
Besides, the water supplied to urban areas is usually treated with chlorine to eliminate bacteria. Yes, that mildly pungent smell and the taste is due to the chlorine in the water.
With so much stuff making the water hard, opting for water softeners is a great idea. These water treatment systems reduce such chemicals and minerals, making the water soft.
But the question here is, which city water softener is the best for you?
Don’t worry, we have got you covered with a complete review and buyer’s guide of the best city water softeners. This review will definitely help you clear your doubts and answer your queries.
As there are many types of city water softeners out there, you need to know which one better suits your needs. Out of all the options out there, we highly recommend the Fleck 5600SXT water softener for families living in the city.
Why?
Simply because it’s budget-friendly, reliable, durable and excels in overall performance. Here are a few reasons why the Fleck 5600SXT is one of the best water softeners available out there.
- Budget-friendly
- High Flow Rate of 12 GPM
- Comes with metered regeneration technology
- Easy installation
- Removes chlorine from water
- 5-year warranty on control head, 10 years on tanks
Having said that, this water softener may or may not be suitable for your needs. So, choose a model that fits your exact requirements.
Quick Summary of Best City Water Softeners of 2020
| Image | City Water Softeners | |
|---|---|---|
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Best Overall City Water Softener
Genesis Duo
This premium water softener boasts features like on-demand metered control and up-flow brining. |
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High-Performance City Water Softener
Aquasure Harmony Series Whole House Water Softener
The Aquasure Harmony Series features three different regeneration types and comes with a pre-filled resin that softens low to high grades of hard water. |
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Best City Water Softener with Filter
Ecopure EPHS
With NSF certified parts and a good warranty, the Ecopure EPHS’s unique features minimize the usage of salt and water during the softening process. |
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Best Value for Money City Water Softener
Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener
Budget-friendly, compact, and durable — Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener effectively removes calcium and other hardening water contaminants with high efficiency and minimal wastage. |
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City Water Softener with Sleek Design
Tier1 Everyday Series Water Softener
The Tier1 Everyday Series keeps everything minimal and simple due to its traditional design and features like upflow brining and premium resin. |
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 |
Feature-packed City Water Softener
Whirlpool WHES
Being the most budget-friendly option in the list, the Whirlpool WHES has a sleek design, reduces salt wastage and also removes iron from the water during the softening process. |
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 |
Best Non-Salt Water Softener
Nuvo H2O Dphb
The Nuvo H2O is a salt-free water softener that reduces the pH levels of the water with its revolutionary chelation process. |
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 |
City Water Softener With Top-Notch Performance
Whirlpool WHES40E
Another great model from Whirlpool, the WHES40E is a modern water softener system that is ideal for medium-sized families. |
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Best City Water Softeners in 2020 - Reviewed
Genesis Duo
Features Highlights
- NSF approved components
- 10-year limited warranty (for control head) and lifetime limited warranty (for tanks)
- Automatic resin flushing mechanism after a week of no use to prevent bacterial growth
- Unique up-flow brining technology
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
52 X 18 X 62 inches
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Flow Rate:
7.2 GPM @ 15 psi drop
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Warranty:
10-year for control head and lifetime limited for tanks
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Required Backwash Rate:
4.0 GPM
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Electrical Power Requirements:
120v/60hz.
Upflow Brining
Genesis water softeners have a unique regeneration process known as up-flow brining. The resin regenerates from the bottom up in these water softeners. This feature is more precise than the top-bottom regeneration used by other water softening companies.
Catalytic Carbon (Filter Media)
There is carbon present in the filter media that prevents chlorine from entering into the resin tank. As chlorine slowly damages the softening beads, this catalytic carbon ensures the long life of the resin.
On-Demand Metered Control
The Genesis Duo system comes with the premium on-demand metered control. This feature helps users to set the parameters of the water softening process as per their requirements. It removes the need to reset or reprogram the settings after each regeneration.
Pros
- You get to choose from 3 variants
- It comes with the easy-to-use digital control head
- On-demand metered control
- The up-flow regeneration reduces salt and water consumption
- Genesis Duo operates silently
- The whole system comes with years of warranty and requires little maintenance
- Filter Media removes chlorine, ensuring the long life of the resin
Cons
- The after-sales service is not quite good
- Genesis Duo is comparatively expensive
- The catalytic carbon is not suitable for water with high iron content
Verdict
The Genesis Duo system performs pretty well in terms of water softening and filtration. Likewise, there are very good reviews about the overall performance of this water softener from many users. So, it’s one of the best water softening systems a family living can install.
Aquasure Harmony Series Whole House Water Softener
Features Highlights
- Made from high-quality fiberglass-lined polyethylene
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Has a flow rate of 12 GPM
- Carries out the backwash cycle only when required
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
10 X 10 X 60 inches
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Weight:
120 pounds
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Warranty:
5 years
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Required Backwash Rate:
12 GPM
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Voltage:
120 volts
Customizable Control Head
The Aquasure Harmony Series comes with pre-set default controls. These values are standard but users can customize them as per their needs and requirements. Having said that, the standard settings work well for most households.
Prefilled Premium Resin
The Aquasure has a prefilled resin. The 1.5 carbon-fiber premium-grade resin works well for houses with 3-4 bathrooms.
Precise Backwashing
The backwashing process in many water softeners is loud and unalterable. Such softeners continue this process automatically throughout the day.
But in the case of the Aquasure Harmony Series, the backwashing process is carried out only when needed. This helps you save gallons of water, reducing any wastage.
Three Regeneration Types
There are 3 regeneration types that a user can select from in the Aquasure Harmony Series water softener. These types include meter delayed control, meter immediate control and clock delayed regeneration.
These might sound complex, but you can easily understand how the regeneration types work by reading the manual.
Pros
- You get to choose from 3 variants
- Ther system is great value for money
- The Aquasure Harmony Series looks sleek and modern
- The backwash cycle is quiet and reduces water wastage
- The customer service is surprisingly well compared to other popular companies
- The whole unit is quite durable and corrosion-resistant
- Overall performance of the water softener
Cons
- The system can take up a bit more space than expected
- It takes time to understand the 3 regeneration types
- The guidelines on changing the systems setting could have been better
Verdict
Spending your money on the Aquasure Water Softener is a decision you won’t regret. The whole unit works pretty well in softening and filtering the water. Getting such a high-quality water processing unit at this price is definitely a bargain.
Ecopure EPHS Water Softener and Filter System
Features Highlights
- Made from high-quality fiberglass-lined polyethylene
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Has a flow rate of 12 GPM
- Carries out the backwash cycle (only when required)
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
16.5 X 19.8 X 48 inches
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Weight:
110 pounds
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Warranty:
1-year on parts and labor, 3-years on limited electronics, 10-years on tanks
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Voltage Requirement:
110 volts
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Iron removal:
3 parts per million
Iron Filter
The Ecopure EPHS water softener and filtration system helps to remove the iron present in the water. It can filter up to 3 ppm of clear water iron as well as ferrous iron from hard water.
Demand Initiated Regeneration
This water softener comes with a demand initiated regeneration mechanism. The unit continuously analyses the amount of water being used. The system only regenerates when needed.
Likewise, it consumes just a minimal amount of salt and water during the regeneration process. This softener also has an indicator that notifies you of the salt levels in the system.
Easy Installation Process
Another great thing about the Ecopure EPHS water softener is the easy installation process. A user can easily install and get this softener running by following the step-by-step installation manual.
Efficient Cleaning
Most softeners need to be completely disassembled before cleaning, but not in the case of the Ecopure EPHS water softener. To ensure the longevity of your system, you can clean it every four months using a bottle of Ecopure EPCL cleaner.
Pros
- The auto-sense technology calculates a minimal amount of water and salt needed during the regeneration process to minimize wastage
- Setting up the system is extremely easy
- Besides softening, this water softener also filters other residues from the water
- The system is NSF certified
- There is a ‘low salt’ light on the system that notifies you when the salt levels are low
Cons
- Some of the parts of the EPHS water softener are made from plastic.
- There are a few reviews complaining about leakage
Verdict
We love how well the Ecopure EPHS water softener performs in terms of water softening and filtration. Water softened by the EPHS is harmless to your skin, household appliances, clothes and is ideal for a family of 4-6 people.
Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener
Features Highlights
- Has a flow rate of 12 GPM
- Water consumption is 3 GPM
- The company’s warranty covers manufacturing defects
- On-Demand metered regeneration process
Product Specification
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Dimensions:
27 X 17 X 62 inches
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Weight:
20.8 pounds
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Warranty:
5-10 years
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Required Backwash Rate:
12 GPM
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Voltage:
120 volts
Intelligent Regeneration
One thing that you don’t have to worry about in the Fleck 5600SXT water softener is its regeneration process settings.
There is a meter that automatically calculates the amount of water being used in the household. When the system detects high or low water consumption, it alters the settings to match the requirements. This helps the system to reduce any chances of wastage.
Digital Display
Another great thing about the system is the digital display. It shows the amount of water being used and regenerated, and the time left for the next regeneration process.
Likewise, this display also shows error messages if there are any problems in the system. This helps users to prevent malfunctions and keep the system running smoothly.
Safety Float
The Fleck 5600SXT makes extra efforts to reduce potential wastage of water and salt. There is a safety float placed in the system that prevents water from overflowing and spilling out.
Easy Installation
Installing the device is a breeze. If you’re good at following instructions, you can install the system easily.
You will get a small USB stick with a complete instructional video on how to install the whole system easily. That means you can set up the Fleck 5600SXT if you have some experience with basic plumbing.
In some cases, when you don’t receive the USB stick, you’ll get an instruction manual with the same step by step process.
Having said that, if you’re not fond of doing such things on your own, you can call a professional and get it done in no time.
Pros
- The Fleck 5600SXT can soften different grades of hard water
- 10-years warranty on tanks and 5-years on the control head
- The digital display is easy to use and regenerates automatically according to the levels of water being used
- Safety float prevents water spilling and overflow
- There is a ‘low salt’ light on the system that notifies you when the salt levels are low
Cons
- Some parts of the Fleck 5600SXT are made from non-durable plastic
- It’s not ideal for larger families
Verdict
Although the Fleck 5600SXT is not for the larger families, it’s a perfect choice for small families. It’s fairly priced, works well and the customer service is also impressive. Overall, this water softener offers great value for the money you spend.
Tier1 Everyday Series Water Softener
Features Highlights
- Comes with a clear LCD display along with the Fleck valve
- Supports a digital control head
- Is comparatively compact and takes less space due to its smart design
- Consumes less energy
- Removes hardening minerals like calcium and magnesium
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
15.5 X 15.5 X 66.5 inches
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Weight:
10.4 ounces
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Warranty:
5-10 years
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Required Backwash Rate:
11.2 GPM
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Grain Capacities:
32,000 and 48,000 variants
Traditional Design
The whole system of the Tier1 Everyday Series comes in a traditional setup and alignment. It comes with a brine tank, a pre-filled mineral tank with cation resin. Besides that, the softener has a digital control valve and brine tubing along with a drain line.
Digital Control Head
Like most other water softeners, the Everyday Series also supports an easy to use digital control head. But the great thing about this control head is that you can use it to alter the water pressure as well as the flow rate.
On top of that, the LCD display along with the Fleck valve offers better security and ease of use.
Exceptional Performance
Many water softeners remove useful minerals from the water while softening it. The Tier1 Everyday Series takes special care in this regard. It filters calcium and magnesium from the water without removing the useful minerals.
Pros
- The compact size and sleek design allows the softener to take less space
- It is highly effective in removing calcium and magnesium
- The set supports on-demand regeneration
- Users can even install it outdoors (only within places that don’t let the unit freeze)
Cons
- Another variant with more grain capacity than 48,000 would be a great addition to the series
- Some reviews claim the shipping package comes with multiple missing parts
Verdict
The Tier1 Everyday series does a great job of softening the water. The 48,000 variant is a great choice for a medium to a large-sized family. If you have complaints about clogged pipelines along with ruined clothes and utensils, then this water softener is the perfect pick for you.
Whirlpool WHES
Features Highlights
- ‘Sixth Sense’ technology
- Comes with an easy-to-use system monitor
- Demand-initiated regeneration
- Compact and sleek
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
19 X 18 X 43.5 inches
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Weight:
102 pounds
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Flow Rate:
7 gallons per minute
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Grain Capacities:
30,000 grain
Demand-Initiated Regeneration
The Whirlpool WHES has a demand-initiated regeneration system similar to most water softeners out there. But the unique thing here is that the WHES softener also allows you to initiate a regeneration process based on the hardness level.
Sixth-Sense Technology
A great feature that you’ll find in the WHES softener from Whirlpool is the ‘sixth-sense technology’. This technology minimizes wastage by only using a precise amount of water and salt for the regeneration process.
Great Performance
Besides softening the water, the WHES softener also removes iron deposits from the water. It filters out about 80ppm of iron from freshwater, making it safe for everyday use.
Durability
You get 3 years of warranty on the digital control head while up to 10 years warranty is provided on the tanks. So, your Whirlpool water softening unit will last you for years to come.
Pros
- Has increased efficiency due to the sixth-sense and demand-initiated regeneration technology
- Has a modern design and feel to it
- Suitable for small families
- Comes with a low-salt light
- One of the budget-friendly options
Cons
- Not suitable for larger families
- Some reviewers claim the valve is leaky
Verdict
Due to the sleek design and modern aesthetics, the Whirlpool WHES fits pretty well even in small spaces. So, you can say it’s a perfect match for people living in the city. Although it’s not suitable for larger families, it works pretty well in small families.
Nuvo H2O Dphb
Features Highlights
- The Nuvo H2O is FDA and NSF approved
- It doesn’t require salt for softening the water
- It has a minimalist design
- It minimizes the effects of hard water on other appliances
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
5 X 5 X 24 inches
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Weight:
8 pounds
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Flow Rate:
15 GPM
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Warranty:
Lifetime Warranty (only applicable if terms and conditions are met)
Salt-Free Cartridge Water Softening
The best thing about the NuvoH2O water softener is that it doesn’t use salt for the softening process.
There is a salt-free cartridge used within the softener which softens the water without any hassle. A family just needs to replace the cartridge every 5-6 months as a single cartridge only softens 50,000 gallons of water.
Lowers pH levels of water
The NuvoH20 DPHB softener also removes the pH levels of water while softening it. It uses the chelation process to maintain pH levels. The chelating formulation (approved by FDA) binds hardening minerals and provides soft water.
Easy Installation
Installing the whole unit doesn’t require much time and expertise. Customers receive a box full of tools required for the installation process along with a manual. So, by following the step-by-step process, you can install the NuvoH20 in a matter of hours.
Pros
- Eco-friendly alternative to salt-based water softeners
- Improves the quality of the water by maintaining the pH levels
- Easy installation
- Cartridges have a long life-span
- Takes very little space
Cons
- Some may not like the idea of replacing cartridges every 6 months
- Users easily expire the lifetime warranty due to the absurd terms and conditions
Verdict
In our opinion, NuvoH2O water softeners are the best salt-free choice today. Not only are they effective, but also offer great value for the money you spend. The NuvoH20 Dphb has got you covered for softening the water and maintaining the pH levels.
Whirlpool WHES40E
Features Highlights
- This system can soften even very hard graded waters
- It comes with a demand-initiated regeneration mechanism
- The system minimizes salt wastage and usage
- Besides hardening minerals, the system also removes iron
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
19 X 18 X 48 inches
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Weight:
112 pounds
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Flow Rate:
8.5 GPM
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Warranty:
1 year on labor and parts
Water Softening and Iron Removal
There are many places with very high hardness levels of water; even around the city.
If you too happen to stay around such a place, wouldn’t it be wonderful to use soft water every day?
If the answer is Yes, the Whirlpool WHES40E is the ideal choice for you. Removing up to 125 GPG of hardness, this system is perfect for any family living in the urban areas. The system is well capable of softening water with very high levels of hardness.
Not only that, but the WHES40E also removes up to 10 ppm of iron from freshwater.
On-Demand Regeneration
Like the other water softeners from Whirlpool, this variant also supports the ‘on-demand regeneration process.’
Sometimes, automatic continuous regeneration can cause water and salt wastage by regenerating even when it’s not needed. But with the on-demand regeneration, the system only regenerates when it’s required.
Minimal Salt Wastage
The Whirlpool WHES40E supports a low-level salt indicator light. Whenever the salt level is low in the system, the light starts blinking and notifies you for a refill. If the light is steady with no flickering, it means the softener is running smoothly.
The overall working mechanism of this water softener ensures minimum usage of water and salt to reduce any wastage.
Pros
- The system has a high flow valve
- The softener doesn’t require many refills
- Minimal salt wastage and usage
Cons
- It is not ideal for a larger family
Our Verdict
The Whirlpool WHES40E is a modern softener with durable parts as well as a top-notch performance. With years of warranty and helpful customer service, spending on this system is worth every penny.
Comparison Table of Best City Water Softeners of 2020
| S.N. | Product Name | Weight | Flow Rate (GPM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis Duo | NA | 7.2 |
| 2 | Aquasure Harmony Series | 120 pounds | 12 |
| 3 | Ecopure EPHS | 110 pounds | 12 |
| 4 | Fleck 5600SXT | 180 pounds | 12 |
| 5 | Tier1 Everyday Series | 10.4 ounces | 11.2 |
| 6 | Whirlpool WHES | 102 pounds | 7 |
| 7 | Nuvo H20 Dphb | 8 pounds | 15 |
| 8 | Whirlpool WHES40E | 112 pounds | 8.5 |
City Water Softeners Buying Guide
Although there are a lot of exceptional city water softeners you can buy today, not every product is ideal for you.
For instance, there is no use in buying a softener with less grain capacity if you have a large family. Likewise, there are multiple other things you need to consider while making your purchase.
If you have no idea about the things to consider, continue reading!
We have prepared a complete buyer’s guide regarding the things to know and consider while buying a city water softener.
Budget
The first thing to consider while buying a city water softener is your budget.
And the great thing about city water softeners is that you don’t have to break the bank to purchase a good one.
There are budget-friendly to premium softeners that you can easily install at your home. So, you don’t need to worry about finding the right one for your money.
The only thing to consider is not exceeding your budget. Paying extra doesn’t always mean better performance. So, take your time and select a softener that suits your budget.
Capacity and Family Size
There are different sizes of families living in the city. So, if you’re looking to invest in a water softener, make sure you take your family size under consideration.
Also, the other factor is the capacity of the water softener. It’s basically the water hardness a system can remove before the regeneration cycle.
The capacity of a water softener is measured in grains per gallon (GPG).
Sounds a bit confusing? Let us explain.
Suppose your family consumes 100 gallons of water a day while your softener has 10 GPG capacity. Then, the system softens 10 X 100 = 1000 hardening grains daily. So, based on the amount of water you use, buy a softener with high GPG capacity.
Flow Rate
Always take note of the flow rate of the water softener you’re about to buy. Basically, the bigger the family, the higher the flow rate needs to be.
Flow rate determines the number of water outlets a softener can handle at a time, without losing any pressure. It’s measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Living in the city means less number of water outlets. So, you can get away with a softener with an average flow rate. But if you have a larger house and have many water outlets, invest in a softener with a higher flow rate.
A couple living in the city needs to install a softener with at least 12 GPM. If you have a larger family, consider a softener with a larger GPM value.
Regeneration Process and Cycle
Regeneration is a process that takes place within a softener within a certain period of time.
During the softening process, the hardening elements slowly build-up upon the resin filter. So, regeneration washes off all the grime from the filter. This helps the system to start softening the water again.
On average, a softener carries a regeneration cycle every 1-2 weeks. Having said that, there are other products that take less or more time.
Durability and Warranty
Imagine you installed a brand new water softening system. The company claims the system works efficiently for decades.
Now imagine the system leaking all of a sudden.
Dreadful, isn’t it?
Although many brands claim their products last for eternity, some start showing problems in less than a week. Problems like leakage, non-durable plastic parts, and circuit malfunctions can cause a lot of problems.
So, make sure all the parts of your water softening system are durable and long-lasting. Check for warranties or guarantees being offered by the company. Likewise, always look for NSF, ANSI or WQA certified products for the best bang for your buck.
FAQs about City Water Softeners
City water can contain hardening minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause a lot of problems. As most cities face hard water problems, installing a water softening system is a great idea.
There is no exact answer to this question. Some cities have very hard water while others don’t. If the water supplied to your city contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, the water is hard.
While softening the water, hardening minerals start to build-up on the resin filter. This filter needs cleaning once in a while to continue the softening process.
Regeneration is the process of removing the gunk and grime of the hardening minerals from the resin filter.
The answer is no. Water softeners remove hardening minerals from water but may not filter other residues. Having said that, there are softeners that also filter many types of contaminants like iron and chlorine as well.
Conclusion
This was our genuine review and detailed buyer’s guide of the best city water softeners. There are a lot of options to choose from. Some might cost a fortune while others may save you some money.
In the end, make sure you do your research and understand your requirements. And always remember, investing in a good water softener that will go a long way.