SoftPro Elite HE Water Softener Review: Real Results

Hi, I'm Rosanna C. I live in Montana a community where water quality has been a growing concern for homeowners like myself.

Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips reached out and asked if I'd be willing to share my real-world experience as a homeowner with the SoftPro® Elite HE Water Softener for City Water (Industry's Best Softener & Filter Combo) that I decided to invest in for my family.

What follows is exactly how my journey unfolded over the past six months. I'm hoping my honest experience helps you make the right choice for your home.

Why I Finally Decided Something Had to Change

Did you know that hard water affects over 85% of American households?
I certainly didn't realize the full extent until I started noticing the telltale signs everywhere in my home.

The first thing that really got my attention was the white, chalky buildup around my faucets and showerheads. No matter how much I scrubbed with various cleaning products, it kept coming back within days.

My coffee maker started taking longer to brew, and I could see mineral deposits forming inside the reservoir. The dishwasher left spots on everything – glasses, silverware, even my supposedly "spot-free" setting wasn't working anymore.

But what really pushed me over the edge was when my dermatologist mentioned that hard water could be contributing to my family's dry skin issues. My teenage daughter had been complaining about her hair feeling "weird" after washing, and my own skin felt tight and itchy after showers.

I started researching and learned that hard water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these aren't harmful to drink, they wreak havoc on plumbing, appliances, and apparently our skin and hair too.

The financial impact was becoming real. I calculated that I was spending nearly $40 extra per month on specialty shampoos, lotions, and cleaning products just to combat the hard water effects. Plus, our 8-year-old water heater was already showing signs of mineral buildup, and I knew replacement would cost thousands.

My Research Process and What I Learned

I'll be honest – I had no idea where to start. Water treatment felt overwhelming with all the technical jargon and different system types available.

First, I got my water tested. Our municipal water report showed 18 grains per gallon of hardness, which I learned is considered "very hard." We also had chlorine levels at 2.1 ppm, which explained the occasional chemical smell and taste.

I researched three main approaches: salt-based water softeners, salt-free conditioners, and combination systems. Salt-free systems seemed appealing initially, but the more I dug, the more I realized they don't actually remove hardness minerals – they just change their structure temporarily.

Traditional ion exchange softeners made the most sense for our hardness levels. The resin bed exchanges sodium ions for calcium and magnesium, actually removing the minerals that cause problems.

What made me choose the SoftPro Elite HE specifically?
Several factors stood out during my comparison shopping.

The high-efficiency design meant it would use less salt and water during regeneration compared to older timer-based systems. With environmental concerns and rising utility costs, efficiency mattered to me.

The built-in carbon filtration was a huge plus. Most softeners require a separate system for chlorine removal, but this handled both hardness and chlorine in one unit. That meant one installation, one maintenance schedule, and less space needed in my utility room.

The demand-initiated regeneration only runs when needed based on actual water usage, not an arbitrary timer. This prevents waste and ensures consistently soft water.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The system arrived on a pallet via freight delivery, which I expected given the size and weight. Everything was well-packaged with plenty of protective material.

The main tank is substantial – about 54 inches tall and 13 inches in diameter. The build quality immediately impressed me. The fiberglass tank felt solid, and the control head had a premium feel with a clear digital display.

All the bypass valves and fittings were included, along with a detailed manual that actually made sense. I appreciated that they included a comprehensive installation guide with clear diagrams.

The carbon filter component integrated seamlessly into the overall design. Rather than looking like an afterthought, it felt like a purposefully engineered system.

One thing that surprised me was the relatively compact footprint despite the high capacity. It fit comfortably in our utility room next to the water heater without cramping the space.

Installation Experience and Setup

I debated between DIY installation and hiring a professional. While I'm reasonably handy, plumbing isn't my strong suit, so I opted for professional installation.

The installer from our local dealer arrived punctually and completed the job in about three hours. He explained each step and answered all my questions patiently.

The installation required cutting into our main water line to install the bypass valve system. He installed it after our water meter but before the water heater, which is the optimal placement for protecting all fixtures and appliances.

Setting up the control head programming was straightforward. We inputted our water hardness level (18 grains), household size (4 people), and the system calculated optimal regeneration settings automatically.

The initial startup involved filling the tanks, running a manual regeneration cycle to prepare the resin bed, and testing the system operation. Everything worked smoothly, and we had soft water flowing within hours.

The installer left us with a maintenance schedule and showed my husband how to add salt and monitor the system status. The digital display shows salt level, days until next regeneration, and water usage statistics.

Real-World Performance After Six Months

The difference was noticeable within the first week. The most immediate change was in our showers – soap lathered much better, and our skin felt softer and less dry afterward.

My daughter was the first to comment on her hair feeling "normal" again. She could use regular drugstore shampoo instead of the expensive moisturizing formulas we'd been buying.

Cleaning became significantly easier. Those stubborn white deposits around faucets simply stopped forming. When I do my weekly bathroom cleaning, everything wipes clean with basic cleaners – no more scrubbing or specialty products needed.

How effective is the chlorine removal?
The carbon filtration component eliminated the chlorine taste and odor completely. Our drinking water tastes noticeably better, and we've actually stopped buying bottled water for daily consumption.

I tested the water with chlorine test strips before and after installation. Pre-installation showed 2.1 ppm chlorine, and post-installation consistently reads zero detectable chlorine.

The regeneration cycles run automatically every 8-10 days based on our usage patterns. The system is whisper-quiet during operation – I can barely hear it running in the adjacent utility room.

Our appliances are performing better too. The dishwasher produces spotless dishes without rinse aid, and my coffee maker brews faster with better-tasting coffee. The water heater is operating more efficiently without mineral buildup.

Operating Costs and Maintenance Reality

Salt consumption has been very reasonable thanks to the high-efficiency design. We use approximately 2-3 bags of salt per month, costing about $15-20 monthly depending on salt prices.

The system uses potassium chloride salt, which is more environmentally friendly than sodium chloride. While slightly more expensive, the efficiency means overall costs remain reasonable.

Water usage during regeneration is minimal – about 25 gallons per cycle. With regeneration every 8-10 days, that adds roughly 75-90 gallons monthly, barely noticeable on our water bill.

What about ongoing maintenance?
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The main task is keeping the brine tank filled with salt and occasionally wiping down the control head display.

Every few months, I check the salt level and add 2-3 bags as needed. The system alerts you when salt is low, so there's no guesswork involved.

The carbon component requires replacement annually, which costs about $150. The dealer provides replacement cartridges and offers installation service if needed.

I haven't needed any repairs or service calls. The system has operated flawlessly since installation, which speaks to the build quality and engineering.

Unexpected Benefits and Minor Drawbacks

Several benefits surprised me beyond the obvious hard water elimination. Our laundry soap works much more effectively – clothes feel softer and colors stay brighter. We've actually reduced detergent usage by about 25% while getting better results.

The financial savings are adding up. We're spending less on specialty soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products. I estimate we're saving $30-40 monthly on these products alone.

Energy efficiency improved because our water heater isn't fighting mineral buildup. Our utility bills show a modest decrease in heating costs since installation.

Are there any downsides?
Honestly, very few. The initial investment was significant – around $2,800 including installation. However, when I calculate the appliance protection and ongoing savings, the payback period is reasonable.

The system requires floor space in your utility area. While compact for its capacity, you need adequate room for salt storage and maintenance access.

During power outages, the electronic controls reset to default settings. This happened once during a storm, and I had to reprogram the hardness settings. Not a major issue, but worth noting.

Some people notice a slight taste difference initially due to the sodium content in softened water. We adapted quickly, but those on low-sodium diets should consider this factor.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

After six months of daily use, I'm extremely satisfied with this investment. The SoftPro Elite HE has delivered everything promised and exceeded expectations in several areas.

The combination of effective water softening and chlorine removal in one unit provides excellent value. Installation was professional and hassle-free, and operation has been completely trouble-free.

Would I purchase this system again?
Absolutely. The quality of life improvements, appliance protection, and cost savings make this a worthwhile investment for any household dealing with hard water issues.

This system is ideal for families experiencing hard water problems who want a comprehensive solution. The high-efficiency operation and environmental considerations make it suitable for eco-conscious homeowners.

If you're dealing with multiple water quality issues like we were – hard water, chlorine taste, mineral buildup – this combination approach makes more sense than installing separate systems.

For households with very low water usage or mild hardness issues, a smaller capacity system might be more economical. But for typical families with moderate to high hardness, this system provides excellent long-term value.

The installation investment is significant upfront, but the ongoing benefits to your home, appliances, and daily comfort make it worthwhile. Six months in, I consider this one of the best home improvements we've made.