Best Whole House Water Softeners
Choosing the Right Water Softener
Choosing a water softener is an important decision. While sizing and capacity are essential, system efficiency (salt and water usage) and ease of use often become deciding factors for homeowners. Our certified water experts are here to guide you through the process!
Help Me
Pick (2 min)
The Fleck 5600 SXT
The Flexx-HD
Matrixx Smart Softener
Matrixx & Filter Hybrid
The Fleck 5600 SXTDownflow Softener Standard |
The FlexxUpflow Softener Efficient |
Matrixx Smart SoftenerStackflow Softener Most Popular |
Matrixx & Filter HybridStackflow Softener Softener + Filter |
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Good Basic functionality, a downflow water softener with a low price. |
Better Efficient upflow water softener, with lower salt and water usage. |
Best Superior efficiency with Stackflow technology. Lower salt and water usage, and smart controls. |
Best An efficient smart water softener with a built in water filter, removes chlorine and other contaminants. |
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| Valve | Imported | Imported | American-Made | American-Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Control | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Upflow or Stackfow Technology | ✖ | Basic Upflow | Stackflow Technology | Stackflow Technology |
| Up to 64% Less Water Usage* | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Up to 75% Less Salt Usage* | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Superior Starting Capacity |
✖ 26,000 Grains Starting Capacity |
✔ 35,000 Grains Starting Capacity |
✔ 35,000 Grains Starting Capacity |
✔ 35,000 Grains Starting Capacity |
| Brine Tank Waranty | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Resin Tank Waranty | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Resin Type | 8% Cross Link | 10% Cross Link | 10% Cross Link | 10% Cross Link |
| Flow Rates | 7 to 15 gallons per minute | 10 to 25 gallons per minute | 10 to 25 gallons per minute | 10 to 25 gallons per minute |
| Includes Water Filter | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Battery Backup | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| American Made Tank & Resin | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sale Price | $829.00 | $899.99 | $1,175.00 | $1,699.00 |
| Product Details |
The Matrixx Softener. Smart. High-Efficiency.
The Matrixx Smart Metered Water Softener transforms home water
treatment through intelligent efficiency. Its advanced metering and
StackFlow technology slashes salt consumption by up to 77%, and uses
up to 64% less water!* This means fewer trips lugging heavy salt bags
and significant savings on your water bill.
Smartphone control not only makes the Matrixx easier to
set up and use, but also lets you manage and lock in efficient
regeneration cycles with ease!
*High efficiency setting compared to 40,000 grains Fleck Downflow water softener
How to Choose the
Right Size Water Softener
Determining the right size water softener for your home can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to simplify the process and help you find the ideal system that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Let us guide you with a quick quiz to find the
perfect softener
and size for your home.
Find Your
Softener Size (2 min)
Water Softener Sizing Chart (the easy way)
Step 1: Find your water hardness in “grains per gallon” or “GPG”
- If you don’t know your water hardness, here's a water hardness map for an approximation. Optionally you can get a laboratory water analysis for exact figures. This is recommended for anyone utilizing well water.
Step 2: Cross reference the table below:
- Take the average number of people in your home, and reference the corresponding column.
- When your water hardness and number of people intersect, you can find the recommended softener size.
NOTE: Other considerations may be necessary for homes on well water. Iron and competing contaminants may change the recommended system size.
| Number of people in your home | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness in Grains Per Gallon | 1 to 2 People | 3 to 4 People | 5 to 6 People | 7 to 8 People |
| 5 - 10 GPG | 35,000 grains (10 GPM) | 35,000 grains (10 GPM) | 35,000 grains (10 GPM) | 53,000 grains (15 GPM) |
| 11 - 20 GPG | 35,000 grains (10 GPM) | 35,000 grains (10 GPM) | 53,000 grains (15 GPM) | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) |
| 21 - 30 GPG | 35,000 grains (10 GPM) | 53,000 grains (15 GPM) | 53,000 grains (15 GPM) | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) |
| 31 - 40 GPG | 53,000 grains (15 GPM) | 53,000 grains (15 GPM) | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) |
| 41 - 50 GPG | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) | 70,000 grains (20 GPM) |
| 51 - 75 GPG | If your water hardness exceeds 50 grains per gallon, we urge you to consider a Whole House Reverse Osmosis System for less maintenance (no lugging salt), the best water quality (filters the most contaminants), and peace of mind. | |||
| 76 - 100 GPG | ||||
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I test my water hardness?
What is grain capacity in a water softener?
How often does a water softener need to regenerate?
What are "salt-less" or "salt-free" water softeners? How do they work?
Combine a Water Softener & Water Filter
Experience filtered, soft water from every tap with an all-in-one combo system. This American-made system is loaded with exclusive technology for superior contaminant removal and complete hard water protection.
- Safe, great-tasting water for your family
- Helps remove tastes, odors, chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, heavy metals, bacteria, and PFOAs to deliver pristine water throughout your home.
Other Specialty Water Softeners
Softeners Designed For Larger Households
- Designed for high-demand homes, ensuring consistent soft water throughout.
- Advanced systems that protect plumbing and enhance appliance longevity.
