NuvoH20, LLC specializes in designing salt-free water softeners – actually, water conditioners is the right term – that rely on citric acid to reduce the scaling effects of hard water and remove existing minerals deposits from pipes, household appliances, etc.
The result is no more clogged shower heads, less spots on your fixtures and no slimy feel on your skin among other benefits.
A word of caution: Generally speaking, don’t expect a water conditioner to be something that it’s not and you won’t be disappointed. Nuvo would do themselves a favor with being more truthful about their products in that regard. So again, we are not talking about traditional softeners here, but conditioning systems. The difference is that the latter does not eliminate water hardness by removing calcium or magnesium minerals, but reduces their scaling effects.
There is not much we could find about the company itself, by the way, other than the fact that it’s based in Clearfield, Utah and accredited by the Better Business Bureau (link).
1. Best for 1-Person Households: NuvoH2O Studio Water Softener System (DPSB)
Like all NuvoH2O conditioners, the Studio System uses chelation to bind hardness minerals in water in order for them to remain soluble and not form deposits.
Its compact design makes it ideal for single-person households with low water use.
The install is simple and straightforward. A built-in bypass valve and the fact that no drain connection is required makes everything so much easier.
You also don’t have to worry about maintaining the system. Simply change the citric acid cartridge every 20,000 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first – and that’s it! Replacements are widely available on and offline.
2. Best for Small Families: NuvoH2O Home Water Softener System (DPHB)
Compared to the Studio System, the NuvoH2O Home is much larger and can supply you with more conditioned water in the same amount of time – sufficient for small to medium-sized homes with up to 3 residents.
It, too, prevents up to 98% scale formation with the help of citric acid and can remove existing deposits in your plumbing and appliances. In case you wonder, the chelation agent is FDA-approved and 100% safe for consumption.
Easy install – check! Low maintenance – check! Just make sure to replace the cartridge every 35,000 gallons but at least twice a year. The costs are reasonable, although somewhat higher than what you would pay for regular softener salt.
3. Best for Large Families: NuvoH2O Manor Water Softener System (DPMB)
Nuvo’s Manor System with the model number DPMB is the largest of all 3 and suited for households with up to 4+ people with high water usage.
Other than that, there is not much new to say really. As you already know, the conditioner applies chelation to prevent scaling in alkaline water, but does not remove any hardness minerals like a salt-based softener.
Each filter or softening cartridge has a capacity of 50,000 gallons before it needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, costs for replacements cartridges are pretty high.
Why should a Nuvo conditioning system be the right choice for you? After all, there are so many water softeners and conditioners you can choose from…
Price – NuvoH2O conditioners are relatively affordable. Yes, there are systems, even salt-based softeners, that cost less, but there also are many that are way more expensive.
Certified – All three models have earned certifications according to NSF Standard 169 for general purpose scale control.
Easy Setup – Nuvo conditioners are not only easy to install, they also don’t require any programming or other calibration.
Compactness – Another factor is compactness. Due to their small size, they fit in almost every location.
No Waste & Eco-Friendliness – Salt softeners use a lot of sodium or potassium in the ion exchange process which ends up in our water supplies and the environment. They also use dozens of gallons of water per week for backwashing and recharging their softening resin. Not so with saltless conditioners: Zero salt use and zero water wasted.
Money-Back Guarantee & Warranty – The company offers a full 90-day money-back guarantee (minus shipping and handling fees) on all products. In addition, NuvoH2O systems are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
If you have any questions about the NuvoH2O Studio, Home or Manor System, or any other citric acid water softener really, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
And remember to revisit this page from time to time, as we are going to add new reviews of Nuvo water softeners occasionally.
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
Learn more about Gene and the rest of the BOS Team.
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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Leave a Comment:
Albin K. Kerekes says
May 18, 2019
Why the system is NOT recommended for well water in rural residencies?
Albin,
I’ve contacted Nuvo regarding this question. The information is a bit misleading here. I’ll reply to your comment as soon as I’ve received an answer.
Gene
