I Ranked Every Water Softener Type - Here's What Shocked Me

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

Nearly nine out of ten US homes struggle with hard water, leading to scale buildup, spotty dishes, and dull hair. When we researched the best water filters and softeners for families like yours, we were surprised by how many system types and features you can choose from.

Whether you want to tackle calcium and magnesium minerals or knock out chlorine and fluoride, a well-matched solution can save you time, money, and hassle.

Key takeaway: A single SoftPro unit may solve one issue, but pairing softening and filtration often delivers the clean, smooth water your whole household needs.

Evaluate SoftPro Water Softeners

Water softeners swap hard minerals for sodium or potassium ions, cutting scale and boosting appliance life. Here’s how the three SoftPro models compare:

SoftPro ECO water softener

• Primary value: Best bang for your buck—entry-level price with solid performance
• Resin and salt usage: Standard ion-exchange beads, manual regeneration settings
• Applications: City or well water with moderate hardness (up to 60 grains per gallon)
• Who it’s for: First-time buyers on a tight budget, DIY-friendly install

SoftPro Elite water softener

• Primary value: High-efficiency workhorse—low salt and water use per regeneration
• Resin and salt usage: Heavy-duty resin, programmable cycle options
• Applications: City or well water, handles moderate to very high hardness
• Who it’s for: Homeowners who want long-term savings on salt, cleaning supplies, and energy

SoftPro Smart Home+ water softener

• Primary value: Tech-savvy system with DROP remote monitoring
• Resin and salt usage: Self-optimizing regeneration based on real-time usage data
• Smart features: Leak alerts, usage reports, app-based controls
• Who it’s for: Families who want peace of mind and automated maintenance

Evaluate SoftPro filtration systems

Filtration units trap or transform contaminants, improving taste, odor, and safety. SoftPro offers three whole-house filters:

AIO Iron Master whole house iron filter

• Technology: Air injection oxidation (AIO) to remove iron, sulfur, manganese
• Benefits: Stops rusty stains and rotten-egg odors in sinks and tubs
• Who it’s for: Well water users with high iron content or H₂S concerns

Whole house fluoride & carbon filter

• Technology: Granular activated carbon plus specialty media for fluoride reduction
• Benefits: Removes fluoride, chlorine, and common chemicals in city water
• Who it’s for: Parents worried about fluoride’s potential effects on kids

Whole house catalytic carbon filter

• Technology: Enhanced carbon media that breaks down chloramine, VOCs, and chlorine
• Benefits: Smoother taste, fewer odors, widespread chemical reduction
• Who it’s for: Mixed city or well water users seeking broad contaminant control

Carbon filters typically remove chlorine and other chemicals, leaving water smoother and reducing odors (Delmarva Water Solutions). Reverse osmosis membranes can remove up to 99 % of total dissolved solids, but require under-sink space and periodic maintenance.

Choose the Right Solution

Balancing hard-water and contaminant concerns guides your pick:

• Hard water only: A salt-based SoftPro water softener tackles scale, soap scum, and dry skin.
• Chemical concerns only: A whole-house carbon or fluoride filter will improve taste, smell, and safety.
• Both issues: Install a softener upstream of a filter bank, or consider a premium combo unit.

Cost and installation

• Typical salt-based softener systems run under $1,000 on municipal water (Water Filters of America).
• Filtration systems range from $600 to $1,500 depending on media and capacity.
• SoftPro offers free tech support, clear DIY guides, or professional install through our dealer network.
• Flexible financing with QuadPay and Affirm helps spread out payments.

Recap & Your Next Steps…

1. Test your water to identify hardness and specific contaminants.
2. Compare SoftPro ECO, Elite, and Smart Home+ for your household size and budget.
3. Match filtration units—AIO Iron Master, fluoride & carbon, or catalytic carbon—to your water report.
4. Reach out for a free analysis or find a local dealer who can install your system.

Good news, cleaner water is within reach. Learn more about our best water filters and softeners and start transforming your home’s water today.