Best Water Softener for Phoenix, AZ — 17 Things to Know BEFORE You Buy!

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

1. The Local Water Problem in Phoenix, AZ

Every morning, 1.7 million Phoenix residents wake up to water so mineral-rich it's classified as "extremely hard" — and most don't realize their homes are under siege. At 12.3 grains per gallon (GPG), Phoenix's municipal water supply ranks among the hardest in the United States, creating a slow-motion disaster for Valley homeowners who think a little white spotting on their faucets is just part of desert living.

Here's what 12.3 GPG actually means: for every gallon of Phoenix water flowing through your pipes, nearly 12.3 grains of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals are coating your water heater elements, crystallizing inside your dishwasher, and bonding to every surface water touches. To put this in perspective, imagine adding a teaspoon of powdered chalk to every five gallons of water your family uses — that's the mineral load your plumbing system processes daily.

Phoenix draws its water primarily from the Salt River Project's reservoir system and the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project, both of which pick up substantial mineral content as they flow through limestone and gypsum deposits across Arizona and upstream states. The desert geology that makes the Valley beautiful also makes its water extremely hard.

The classification "extremely hard" isn't marketing hyperbole — it's a water industry standard that kicks in at 10.5 GPG and above. Phoenix's 12.3 GPG puts every home in the danger zone for accelerated appliance failure, with water heaters losing 30-40% efficiency within 18-24 months and tankless units voiding warranties without proper softening treatment. For a typical Phoenix household, the hidden "hard water tax" — combining energy waste, soap inefficiency, appliance replacement, and plumbing repairs — runs $1,200 to $2,400 annually.

But Phoenix water hardness is only part of the story. The city's treatment process adds chloramine for disinfection and maintains fluoride levels, creating a multi-layered water chemistry challenge that demands more than just wishful thinking and expensive bottled water.

2. What 12.3 GPG Does to Your Home

At Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level, calcium carbonate doesn't just accumulate — it forms concrete-like deposits that permanently damage home infrastructure. Unlike moderately hard water that creates manageable scale, extremely hard water deposits minerals so rapidly that homeowners often notice appliance problems within the first year of moving to Phoenix.

Your water heater bears the brunt of this mineral assault. At 12.3 GPG, calcium and magnesium ions precipitate out of solution every time water temperature rises above 140°F, coating heating elements in a rock-hard shell. Phoenix water heaters typically lose 12-15% efficiency per year — meaning a unit that costs $40 monthly to operate in Year 1 jumps to $52 monthly by Year 3. The 40-gallon electric water heaters common in Phoenix homes suffer the worst damage, with heating elements failing completely after 24-30 months of 12.3 GPG exposure.

Inside Phoenix's predominantly copper and PEX plumbing systems, scale formation follows a predictable pattern. Hot water lines accumulate deposits first, particularly in the sections near the water heater and at fixture connections where water velocity slows. At 12.3 GPG, measurable pipe diameter reduction begins within 5-7 years, and complete blockages at elbow joints occur within 12-15 years without intervention. Older Phoenix neighborhoods with galvanized steel supply lines see even faster deterioration, with some homeowners reporting total pipe replacement needs within a decade.

Phoenix appliances face a perfect storm of mineral damage and desert heat stress. Dishwashers operating with 12.3 GPG water develop white film on interior surfaces within 3-6 months that's impossible to remove — this etched calcium coating reflects heat back onto internal components, causing premature failure of wash pumps and heating elements. Washing machines suffer similar fates, with mineral buildup in inlet valves and pump assemblies leading to failure rates 60% higher than the national average for Phoenix households.

The soap and detergent waste in Phoenix homes is mathematically brutal. At 12.3 GPG, every bar of soap, drop of shampoo, and cup of laundry detergent must first neutralize dissolved calcium and magnesium before it can clean anything. Phoenix families typically use 3-4 times more soap and cleaning products than households in soft-water cities, translating to an extra $300-500 annually in cleaning supply costs alone.

On Phoenix residents' skin and hair, 12.3 GPG leaves unmistakable evidence. Calcium ions form an invisible film that traps soap residue and dead skin cells, creating the characteristic "sticky" feeling Phoenix newcomers often describe after showering. Hair becomes brittle and difficult to rinse clean, particularly problematic in Arizona's low-humidity climate where moisture retention is already challenging. Dermatologists in the Phoenix metro area report higher rates of eczema and contact dermatitis compared to similar desert cities with softer water supplies.

The combined "hard water tax" for Phoenix households adds up to staggering numbers. Energy waste from scale-coated appliances: $400-600 annually. Excess soap and detergent costs: $350-500 annually. Accelerated appliance replacement (prorated over expected lifespan): $600-900 annually. Plumbing repairs and fixture replacement: $200-400 annually. For the average Phoenix household dealing with 12.3 GPG water, the total hidden cost approaches $2,000 per year — money that simply evaporates into the desert air along with efficiency and comfort.

3. Phoenix's Specific Contaminant Profile

Beyond the punishing 12.3 GPG hardness baseline, Phoenix residents are also contending with chloramine and fluoride — each of which interacts with water hardness in its own problematic way. Understanding these contaminants is essential for Phoenix homeowners because the combination creates compounding issues that hardness alone doesn't explain.

Chloramine in Phoenix Water

Phoenix switched from chlorine to chloramine disinfection in the early 2000s as part of a regional strategy to reduce disinfection byproducts in the sprawling distribution system that serves the Valley. Chloramine is formed by combining chlorine with ammonia, creating a more stable disinfectant that doesn't break down as quickly as chlorine during the long journey from treatment plants to desert subdivisions.

At Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level, chloramine becomes more aggressive toward plumbing materials. The mineral content provides additional pathways for chloramine to react with metal pipes and rubber seals, particularly in the hot water system where both temperature and hardness accelerate chemical reactions. Phoenix residents often notice a distinctive "medicinal" or "band-aid" odor from their tap water, especially during summer months when treatment plant chloramine doses increase to combat bacterial growth in warm distribution lines.

Chloramine presents removal challenges that standard activated carbon filters cannot handle effectively. Unlike chlorine, which readily bonds to regular carbon media, chloramine requires catalytic carbon — a specialized material that costs significantly more and needs more frequent replacement in Phoenix's mineral-rich environment. The EPA allows up to 4.0 mg/L of chloramine in drinking water, and Phoenix typically maintains levels between 2.0-3.5 mg/L throughout the distribution system.

For Phoenix households with fish tanks or dialysis equipment, chloramine poses serious risks. It's toxic to aquatic life even at municipal treatment levels, and it cannot be removed by letting water sit overnight (unlike chlorine). Phoenix residents using home dialysis equipment must install special chloramine-removal systems, as kidney patients can suffer severe complications from chloramine exposure during treatment.

Fluoride in Phoenix Water

Phoenix maintains fluoride levels at approximately 0.7 mg/L as recommended by the CDC and Arizona Department of Health Services for dental health benefits. The fluoride enters Phoenix's system at the treatment plant as a carefully controlled additive, not as a natural contaminant from geological sources.

Here's what Phoenix residents need to understand: ion-exchange water softeners — including the SoftPro Elite HE — do NOT remove fluoride from water. The softening process targets calcium and magnesium ions specifically, while fluoride passes through unchanged. At Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level, some residents assume that comprehensive water treatment removes all dissolved substances, but fluoride requires separate treatment via reverse osmosis if removal is desired.

The interaction between fluoride and Phoenix's extremely hard water creates unique challenges for residents with fluoride sensitivities. High mineral content can increase fluoride absorption in the digestive tract, though fluoride levels in Phoenix remain well below the EPA's maximum allowable limit of 4.0 mg/L. Parents of young children in Phoenix should be aware that fluoride exposure from multiple sources — toothpaste, mouthwash, and municipal water — can add up, particularly when dehydration from desert heat increases water consumption.

Phoenix residents seeking fluoride removal need point-of-use reverse osmosis systems at drinking water taps in addition to whole-house softening. The softener addresses hardness throughout the home, while RO provides fluoride-free water for drinking and cooking. This two-stage approach is the only reliable method for Phoenix households dealing with both 12.3 GPG hardness and fluoride concerns simultaneously.

4. Why Most Phoenix Homeowners Pick the Wrong Softener

Walk through any Phoenix neighborhood and you'll find water softeners that seemed like good deals at installation but failed within two years. The problem isn't Phoenix homeowners making bad decisions — it's that most water treatment advice comes from companies that don't understand what 12.3 GPG actually demands from a softening system.

Mistake #1: Buying on Price Alone

Phoenix's big-box stores stock 24,000-grain and 32,000-grain softeners marketed as suitable for "large households," but these units cannot handle continuous 12.3 GPG demand. At Phoenix's hardness level, a family of four consumes roughly 2,460 grains of hardness daily (4 people × 75 gallons × 12.3 GPG). A 24,000-grain unit regenerating weekly can theoretically handle 3,428 grains per day, but resin efficiency drops significantly when systems regenerate more than twice weekly. Phoenix families who bought undersized units report hard water breakthrough within 4-5 days after regeneration, forcing constant manual regeneration cycles that waste salt and water while never achieving consistent soft water.

Mistake #2: Confusing Softeners with Filters

This misconception is particularly costly in Phoenix, where residents assume one system addresses both hardness and chloramine. Ion-exchange softeners remove calcium and magnesium through resin-based chemical exchange — they do NOT reliably remove chloramine or fluoride. Phoenix residents dealing with both 12.3 GPG hardness and chloramine need a two-stage approach: softening for mineral removal and catalytic carbon filtration for chloramine reduction. Expecting a softener alone to solve all of Phoenix's water quality issues leads to disappointment and continued water quality problems.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Grain Capacity Math

The formula is straightforward, but Phoenix residents often skip this crucial calculation: [People] × 75 gallons/day × 12.3 GPG = daily grain demand. For a four-person household: 4 × 75 × 12.3 = 2,460 grains consumed daily. Multiply by 7 days = 17,220 grains weekly minimum capacity needed. Add a 20% buffer for high-usage periods (laundry days, houseguests) = 20,664 grains. This means Phoenix households need at least 32,000-grain capacity, with 48,000 grains providing optimal 5-7 day regeneration cycles. Homeowners who skip this math end up with systems that regenerate every 2-3 days, wasting salt while providing inconsistent results.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Salt Efficiency

At 12.3 GPG, Phoenix softeners regenerate 50-75% more often than systems in moderate-hardness cities. An inefficient unit that uses 8-12 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle will consume 400-600 pounds annually, compared to 200-300 pounds for a high-efficiency system. Over a 10-year lifespan in Phoenix, this difference compounds to 2,000-3,000 extra pounds of salt — adding $600-900 to operating costs while requiring twice as many trips to haul 40-pound salt bags in Arizona heat.

5. The SoftPro Elite HE: Built for Phoenix's Water

After evaluating Phoenix's water hardness of 12.3 GPG and the presence of chloramine and fluoride in the local supply, one system consistently rises to the top for Phoenix homeowners: the SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener. This isn't about brand preference — it's about matching system capabilities to the specific demands of extremely hard desert water.

The SoftPro Elite HE uses salt-based ion exchange, which is the only proven technology for handling Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level. Salt-free systems that claim to "condition" or "restructure" water minerals cannot prevent scale formation at this hardness level. The ceramic media and electromagnetic systems popular in some desert markets only attempt to change crystal structure temporarily — they do not remove calcium and magnesium from solution. At 12.3 GPG, only true cation exchange resin can physically replace hardness minerals with sodium ions, delivering genuinely soft water throughout Phoenix homes.

The system's Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) technology is operationally essential in Phoenix, not just convenient. At 12.3 GPG, resin exhausts faster than in moderate-hardness cities, but usage patterns vary significantly between summer and winter months as air conditioning, pool maintenance, and landscape irrigation affect household consumption. DIR monitors actual resin capacity and regenerates only when minerals are depleted, preventing hard water breakthrough during high-usage periods while avoiding waste during low-consumption days. For Phoenix households, this precision prevents the scale damage that occurs when fixed-schedule systems regenerate too late or too often.

NSF/ANSI Standard 44 certification verifies that the SoftPro's resin meets rigorous performance and materials safety standards — crucial validation for Phoenix residents already managing chloramine and fluoride in their water supply. Certification confirms that the softening process itself doesn't introduce additional contaminants, and that resin materials won't degrade under the constant mineral load Phoenix water delivers.

The SoftPro Elite HE offers grain capacity options specifically suited to Phoenix's demanding conditions: 32,000, 48,000, 64,000, and 80,000 grain models. For a typical four-person Phoenix household consuming 2,460 grains daily, the 48,000-grain model provides optimal performance with regeneration every 6-7 days. Larger families or households with pools should consider the 64,000-grain option, while smaller households can effectively use the 32,000-grain model with slightly more frequent regeneration cycles.

The system's 10-year warranty provides Phoenix homeowners with critical protection during the years of highest hardness stress. At 12.3 GPG, resin sees heavy daily use, control valves cycle more frequently, and internal components work harder than in soft-water cities. The comprehensive warranty coverage acknowledges these realities and provides replacement protection during the decade when Phoenix's extreme hardness takes its toll on system components.

For Phoenix residents concerned about chloramine, the SoftPro Elite HE is designed to work effectively with downstream catalytic carbon filtration. The softener removes hardness minerals first, which prevents scale buildup on carbon media and extends filter life significantly. This compatibility matters in Phoenix because chloramine removal systems fail rapidly when clogged with mineral deposits — the SoftPro's upstream softening protects the investment in specialized chloramine filtration.

For Phoenix households dealing with 12.3 GPG of water hardness and the compounding presence of chloramine and fluoride, the SoftPro Elite HE is not a comfort upgrade — it is infrastructure protection for your home.

6. How to Size Your Softener for Phoenix

Proper sizing in Phoenix requires precise calculation because undersized systems fail rapidly at 12.3 GPG, while oversized units waste salt and space. Follow this step-by-step formula specifically calibrated for Phoenix's extreme hardness:

Step 1: Count household members (include long-term guests, college students who return seasonally)

Step 2: Multiply by 75 gallons per person per day (Phoenix usage often runs higher due to extra showers in dusty conditions)

Step 3: Multiply household gallons × 12.3 GPG = daily grain demand

Step 4: Multiply by 7 = weekly grain demand

Step 5: Add 20% buffer for high-usage days (essential in Phoenix for pool maintenance, landscape watering, extended family visits)

Step 6: Match to SoftPro Elite HE grain tier (32K / 48K / 64K / 80K)

Here's the complete calculation for a typical four-person Phoenix household:

Step 1: 4 people

Step 2: 4 × 75 = 300 gallons daily

Step 3: 300 × 12.3 GPG = 3,690 grains daily

Step 4: 3,690 × 7 = 25,830 grains weekly

Step 5: 25,830 + 20% = 30,996 grains total capacity needed

Step 6: Select SoftPro Elite HE 48,000-grain model

This sizing provides regeneration every 5-6 days under normal usage, with capacity for high-demand periods without hard water breakthrough. Phoenix households should target regeneration cycles every 5-7 days for peak efficiency — more frequent cycles waste salt, while longer intervals risk resin exhaustion and scale formation during the gap.

7. Installation in Phoenix: What to Know

Arizona state law does not require licensed plumbers for water softener installation, but Phoenix municipal code requires permits for main water line modifications. Most softener installations qualify as "minor plumbing work" that homeowners can legally perform, though connecting to existing plumbing requires basic pipe-fitting skills and proper tools for copper or PEX connections.

Placement in Phoenix homes follows standard protocol but with desert-specific considerations. Install after the main shutoff valve but before the water heater, typically in the garage or utility room where summer temperatures can exceed 110°F. The SoftPro Elite HE operates reliably in these conditions, but ensure adequate ventilation around the control valve and avoid direct sun exposure on the resin tank.

Phoenix homes require dedicated drain lines for regeneration discharge — typically connected to a laundry sink, floor drain, or exterior drainage. Each regeneration cycle produces 40-60 gallons of salty brine water that must drain freely. In older Phoenix neighborhoods with combined septic systems, check local regulations about salt discharge, though most modern Phoenix areas connect to municipal sewer systems that handle softener discharge without issues.

Phoenix municipal water pressure typically runs 45-65 PSI, which suits the SoftPro Elite HE's optimal operating range of 20-80 PSI. However, some desert subdivisions experience pressure fluctuations during peak usage periods (6-8 AM and 6-8 PM). Install a pressure gauge during setup to confirm consistent pressure, and consider a pressure regulator if your home exceeds 80 PSI, which can damage control valves over time.

Salt type selection matters significantly at Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness level. Use evaporated salt pellets exclusively — the highest purity option that minimizes brine tank residue. Solar salt crystals, while less expensive, contain impurities that accumulate rapidly when regeneration cycles occur 50-75 times annually in Phoenix conditions. The extra cost of evaporated pellets pays for itself through reduced maintenance and longer system life.

Check salt levels monthly in Phoenix systems, as consumption runs higher than national averages. A 48,000-grain system serving a four-person household typically consumes 12-15 pounds of salt per regeneration cycle, requiring 40-50 pounds monthly. Keep 2-3 bags in reserve, particularly during summer months when hauling salt bags in 115°F heat becomes challenging.

8. Maintenance Schedule for Phoenix Homeowners

Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness demands more frequent maintenance than national averages, but following a systematic schedule prevents major problems and extends system life. Desert conditions and extremely hard water create unique maintenance requirements that Phoenix residents must understand.

Monthly Tasks:

Check salt levels every month — consumption is high at 12.3 GPG, with most Phoenix households using 40-60 pounds monthly. Look for salt bridging, a hard crust that forms above the water line when humidity fluctuates rapidly during Arizona's seasonal transitions. Salt bridges block regeneration cycles, causing hard water breakthrough that can damage appliances within days.

Verify the bypass valve remains in service position. Phoenix dust storms and seasonal maintenance can accidentally move valves, and discovering a bypass valve in "service bypass" position explains sudden hard water problems that panic homeowners unnecessarily.

Quarterly Tasks:

Clean the brine tank every three months to remove accumulated sediment and salt residue. Phoenix's mineral-rich water accelerates buildup compared to softer water cities, and quarterly cleaning prevents bridging issues that cause system failures.

Test post-softener water hardness with test strips — results should show under 1 GPG consistently. If hardness creeps above 3 GPG, investigate immediately: check salt levels, confirm regeneration cycles are completing, and verify no plumbing bypasses have been accidentally activated.

Annual Tasks:

Perform complete brine tank cleaning with fresh water rinse and interior wipe-down. At Phoenix's hardness level, annual deep cleaning prevents long-term residue accumulation that shortens system life.

Conduct a resin bed performance check by testing hardness immediately before and 24 hours after regeneration. If post-regeneration hardness exceeds 1 GPG, the resin may need professional cleaning or replacement — common after 7-10 years in extremely hard water conditions.

Regeneration cycle audit: confirm timing, salt dose, and cycle completion. Phoenix systems work harder than average, and annual verification prevents gradual performance degradation that homeowners often don't notice until appliances begin failing.

Five-Year Tasks:

Evaluate resin replacement needs by monitoring post-regeneration water quality over several cycles. At 12.3 GPG, resin degrades faster than in moderate-hardness cities — expect replacement every 10-12 years rather than the 15-20 year lifespan common in softer water areas.

Phoenix residents should establish baseline hardness readings before installation and retest 30 days later to confirm proper system performance. Keep records of these tests along with maintenance dates — documentation helps identify problems early and supports warranty claims if needed.

9. Frequently Asked Questions for Phoenix Residents

10. Is Phoenix's water at 12.3 GPG dangerous to drink?

Phoenix's extremely hard water is not dangerous to drink, though the high mineral content creates significant problems for home infrastructure and personal comfort. The World Health Organization notes that hard water can contribute beneficial calcium and magnesium to diet, and there are no EPA health-based maximum limits for hardness levels. However, 12.3 GPG represents a mineral load that causes rapid appliance failure, increased soap costs, skin irritation, and plumbing damage — making softening an economic necessity rather than a health requirement for most Phoenix households.

11. Will a water softener remove chloramine and fluoride from Phoenix water?

No — ion-exchange water softeners, including the SoftPro Elite HE, remove only calcium and magnesium (hardness minerals). Chloramine requires specialized catalytic carbon filtration, while fluoride removal needs reverse osmosis treatment. Phoenix residents dealing with all three issues need a multi-stage approach: the SoftPro for hardness, catalytic carbon for chloramine, and point-of-use RO for fluoride-free drinking water. Expecting one system to address all contaminants leads to disappointment and continued water quality problems.

12. How much salt will I use per month in Phoenix at 12.3 GPG?

Phoenix households typically consume 40-60 pounds of salt monthly, significantly higher than the 20-30 pounds common in moderate-hardness cities. A four-person family with a properly sized 48,000-grain system regenerating every 6-7 days uses approximately 12-15 pounds per cycle. Monthly consumption: 12-15 pounds × 4.3 cycles = 50-65 pounds. Budget $15-20 monthly for evaporated salt pellets, and keep 2-3 bags in reserve to avoid emergency runs during Phoenix's brutal summer months.

13. Does Phoenix require a permit to install a water softener?

Arizona does not require plumbing licenses for water softener installation, but Phoenix may require permits for main water line connections depending on your home's setup. Most installations connecting to existing shutoff valves qualify as maintenance rather than new construction. Contact Phoenix Development Services at 602-262-7811 to confirm permit requirements for your specific installation. The permit process, if required, typically takes 1-2 weeks and costs $50-75 — a minor expense compared to improper installation problems.

14. Why does soft water feel slippery in Phoenix showers?

The "slippery" sensation occurs because soft water allows soap to work properly rather than forming calcium-magnesium soap scum. Phoenix residents accustomed to 12.3 GPG water have adapted to the sticky, film-like feeling of mineral-laden water that prevents thorough rinsing. With soft water, soap residue rinses away completely, leaving skin naturally smooth rather than coated with mineral deposits. Most Phoenix residents adjust to the difference within 2-3 weeks and report improved skin comfort, particularly important in Arizona's low-humidity climate.

15. How quickly will I see results after installing a softener in Phoenix?

Phoenix residents notice immediate changes in shower feel and soap performance, but full benefits develop over 30-60 days as existing scale deposits gradually dissolve. Day 1: soap lathers better, skin feels different after showering. Week 1: white spotting on dishes and fixtures begins reducing. Month 1: existing scale on faucets and showerheads starts dissolving. Month 2: appliances begin operating more efficiently as mineral buildup clears. At 12.3 GPG, existing scale is substantial — be patient as soft water works backward through years of accumulated deposits.

16. Can the SoftPro Elite HE handle Phoenix's water without a separate filter?

The SoftPro Elite HE effectively removes Phoenix's 12.3 GPG hardness but does not address chloramine or fluoride. For hardness alone, no additional filtration is needed. However, Phoenix residents sensitive to chloramine's taste, odor, or effects should add catalytic carbon filtration downstream of the softener. Those seeking fluoride removal need point-of-use reverse osmosis at drinking water taps. The SoftPro works excellently with companion systems and actually extends their life by preventing mineral fouling of filter media.

10. Final Verdict for Phoenix

Phoenix's punishing combination of 12.3 GPG extremely hard water and chloramine disinfection demands professional-grade treatment, not wishful thinking or budget shortcuts. The data is unambiguous: at this hardness level, untreated water will cost Phoenix homeowners $1,500-2,400 annually in wasted energy, excess soap, appliance replacement, and plumbing repairs — money that simply evaporates into the desert air along with comfort and home value.

Chloramine and fluoride compound the hardness problem in specific ways that generic water treatment advice doesn't address. The mineral load provides reaction pathways that make chloramine more aggressive toward plumbing materials, while the combination requires homeowners to understand exactly what each treatment method can and cannot accomplish.

The SoftPro Elite HE rises above other options because its demand-initiated regeneration prevents hard water breakthrough during Phoenix's variable usage patterns, its NSF-certified resin handles extreme mineral loads reliably, and its multiple grain capacities allow proper sizing for Valley households. The 10-year warranty acknowledges the reality of Phoenix water conditions and provides protection during the years when 12.3 GPG hardness takes its toll on system components.

For Phoenix residents ready to protect their homes and budgets, the path forward is clear: size the system properly using the grain calculation formula, choose evaporated salt pellets for desert conditions, and add catalytic carbon filtration if chloramine concerns exist. The investment pays for itself within 18-24 months through energy savings and appliance protection alone.

Check current SoftPro Elite HE pricing and available grain capacities for Phoenix households — the 48,000-grain model suits most Valley families, while larger households near Camelback Mountain's luxury subdivisions may need the 64,000-grain option for pools and extensive landscaping systems.