Hi Michelle

If you’re concerned about softened water then you may want to consider getting a water conditioner (e.g. Aquasana) because they do not use salt/sodium or any other type of chemicals to treat hard water.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

Hi Rev

7 gpg is pretty high so a salt based softener would be your best option (conditioners / salt free softeners are *only* suitable for low – moderate water hardness). Consider something like this combi system. They also provide a guarantee and limited lifetime warranty.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

Hi Connor

Around $2500 is the going rate for quality softener / filter combination units.

I know this seems like a lot but they usually come with guarantees and some sort of lifetime warranty like this combi system.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

Thanks so much for the reply and advice! If you don’t mind me asking what do you think would be a more appropriate budget and then at that budget what combination of filter and softener would you recommend?

Hi Connor

Congratulations on purchasing your first home!

13 gpg is pretty high so a salt based softener would be your best option (conditioners / salt free softeners are only suitable for low – moderate water hardness).

$1000 is pretty low for a good quality filter / softener combination. Although you could probably get a decent softener for less than that amount e.g. Fleck but it will *not* come with water filters and if it does, they will be very basic.

I personally think it’s worth investing in a decent combination system because future breakdowns, leaks and other issues from cheaper devices will only end up costing you more in the long run.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

Hi Julian

I would suggest you go for a salt-based softener.

This is because Aquasana conditioners are good for hard water below 25PPM (parts per million), so I calculate your 10GPG (grains per gallon) to be something like 171 PPM (parts per million).

Something like this would treat your level of water hardness and it also includes a multistage filter that would deal with the other contaminations in your water.

I don’t think you will need an extra shower head if you have a whole house softener / filter combination machine because that device will treat all the water that goes into your home.

Stay hydrated,
Luke

based on the information you provided above I should be able to get some good results with the Aquasana Salt-Free whole house water filter on my hard water as the GPG lower than the range of 25-50 GPG is that correct? Also, are the saltwater softeners the only ones that provide benefits to my appliances, or do the salt-free conditioners offer the same? Lastly, If salt-free is the best option for me, In order to get the benefits of soft water in the shower, are there any water softener Showerheads you would recommend?

Hi Mary Kay

Salt free conditioning systems can only handle hard water minerals (e.g. calcium) up to a certain level before becoming ineffective. For instance, salt free Aquasana machines can only effectively treat hard water up to 25ppm.

If you’re still experiencing calcium build up then it means your water is extremely hard and you will most likely need a salt based water softener.

You can get a basic standalone softener (e.g. like this) if you’re happy with your existing whole house filter OR you can get a new combination whole house softener & filter (like this).

Stay hydrated,
Luke

Hi Kevin

Hmm I doubt they would cancel each other out because they do different things that are not in conflict.

The conditioner only “re-structures” the water but doesn’t remove anything. Meanwhile the softener will actually soften by removing certain minerals.

I think the output will be soft water if you use both together.

The only disadvantage I can see is just all the inconvenience and hassle of having 2 machines when you only really need 1 (the softener) to get the results that you want.

Stay hydrated,
Luke