25ppm hardness is a joke and not remotely hard water. You would have a hard time finding natural waters with less hardness.
“Restructuring” the water has not been proven in any way and is effectively woo woo. For hardness removal there are more options than ion exchange, but most of them aren’t offered for home treatment (NF, RO done well, electrodialysis (ED)).
I’d stay away from any of the “salt free softeners” if they can’t explain how they work or produce any testable results.

Similar situation. Which one did you install in the end? Thanks.

Hi Gabriella

I actually agree with you and I think the terms can be a little bit misleading.

However, “salt-free softener” is a more effective lable that explains to people what the main function of this type of device is and what it’s main value proposition is.

Many people find the products in the water industry confusing enough as it is so I try to stick to lables that explain things as effectively as possible – even though, like you, I sometimes feel uncomfortable with the lack of accuracy.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

Hi Luke,

Thank you for clarifying. I’m familiar with water conditioning systems. But I do find it misleading to describe something as a “salt-free softener” when, as you say, “it doesn’t actually produce soft water.”

Hi Gabriella

A salt-free softener re-conditions the water (i.e. changes the structure) so that you don’t continue to experience the problems caused by hard water e.g. limescale.

It will not need potassium chloride or salt to do this. However, this means that it doesn’t actually produce soft water.

The most important thing to consider before choosing between a salt-free softener or salt based softener is the level of your water hardness.

Salt free options from places like Aquasana are effective at treating hardness of up to 25 PPM but if your water is extremely hard then you should go for a salt based softener like this.

Hence you might want to get a water test kit first in order to find out your level of water hardness if you are unsure.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

I’ve been searching your site to find an explanation for what a “salt-free softener” is. Does it use potassium chloride? Is there really another way to soften water besides ion exchange? I’ve seen a few brands advertise this and would be interested in purchasing if this was more clear.

We are a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids under 10) in Houston, TX. Recently our water software (Culligan) died which was installed by previous owners and now we are looking for a new one.

The guy we are in contact with recommended Clack with the following specifications:

Ws1 clack unit
48k grains
10% cross link resin

I also researched and found Flex 5600 with the following specifications:

The Fleck 5600 w/ Flowmeter Valve
48k Grain Unit (1.5 Cubic ft. of Resin)
10.8 Gallons per minute/ flow rate
3/4 in and out unit (What does that mean and should I be concerned about it)

The Flex 5600 has analog dial instead of digital display. In my current unit the digital circuit is bad and my neighbors faced the same issue with digital circuit.

So, my question is which is better for my needs Flex 5600 or Clack.

Hi Amni

None of the examples you mentioned come with reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is typically a separate under sink device like this or this.

Aquasana includes powerful filters that treat water better than reverse osmosis (in my opinion). The list of what it effectively treats is very long and comprehensive (bacteria, chlorine, VOC’s, pharmaceuticals etc). However, it only treats hard water up to 25 ppm WITHOUT needing salt.

If you have extremely hard water and need a salt-based softener that also filters your water too then consider using something like this.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

I am planning to install water softener and filter with reverse osmosis and want a suggestion which is a good product among Clack, Aquasana and spring well?

Hi Michelle

When you say “side by side”, I asssume you mean a dual whole houe softener and filter?

You should look into something like this, it’s an all-in-one single solution that treats, softens, filters your water.

To my knowledge Clack *only* softens.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

Hi Joyce
Perhaps you could try speaking directly to Clack corporation so they can possibly help you troubleshoot – 608-846-3010.
Best wishes,
Luke