SpringWell SS1, SS4 & SS+ Water Softener Systems Review
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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Contents
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The SpringWell salt-based water softener comes in 3 different sizes:
- The SpringWell SS1 provides enough water for 1-3 bathrooms.
- The SS4 was designed for homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms.
- And the SS+ is for really large houses with 7+ bathrooms.
All 3 effectively remove hardness minerals from water for little to no scale buildup in your plumbing system, appliances, and on fixtures. The result: Increased efficiency and lifespan for fewer repairs and lower maintenance. Shiny hair, softer skin, brighter clothes, and less spotting on surfaces are nice side effects.
Sounds like your next water softener? Not so fast, there’s more!
SpringWell SS |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Process Type: | Salt Based |
| Water for: | Up to 7+ People |
| Tank Size: | 32,000-80,000 Grains |
| Bypass Valve: | |
| Metered Regen: | |
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Our Rating
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SpringWell SS Water Softener Series – Key Features
As mentioned in the introduction, we’re talking about traditional ion exchange water softeners which use salt (sodium or potassium) to make hard water soft.
The SS1 contains 32,000 grains of ion exchange resin. Service flow: 11 gallons of soft water per minute, enough for small to mid-sized homes even at times of peak consumption. The SS4 holds 48,000 grains and the SS+ 80,000. Flow rates: 13 gpm for the former, which is perfect for medium to large homes, and 20 gpm for the latter. The SS+ really goes above and beyond with its water softening capacity which only makes sense for very large households.
By the way, the used resin is 10% crosslink. Cheaper units are often shipped with 8% crosslink resin which is less resistant to chlorine and thus may last only half as long with chlorinated city water.
Another key feature is the head unit. It controls everything: When regeneration kicks in, the length of backwash cycles, how much salt will be used, etc. Now, SpringWell used to ship the Fleck 5600 control valve with all their water softeners. But the company decided to switch to a new Bluetooth app-driven head that allows for easier programming and control.
If you install the free Legacy View app on your Android or iOS device you can quickly configure the water softener without even touching it. And apart from viewing water usage information and adjusting settings, you can start a manual regeneration or backwash cycle for example – all with a simple click on your phone or tablet.
Site note: Yes, you can still do the programming using the head unit itself.
And lastly, we have metered regeneration – measures water by the gallon – which only kicks in when really needed, a big salt, water, and thus money saver. On-demand regeneration is also better for the environment.
Gallery
SpringWell SS Pros
More pros are:
- Mineral tank contains Vortech plate for up to 30% higher backwashing efficiency which means even lower salt and water usage.
- SpringWell water softeners are manufactured using nothing but NSF-certified materials and components to guarantee structural integrity.
- System is wrapped in a neoprene sleeve for protection.
- Can be DIY-installed if you’re handy with tools thanks to included bypass valve.
- 6-month risk-free satisfaction guarantee. You can return the product for a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the performance.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Free shipping.
- Great customer service.
The SpringWell SS – learn more on springwellwater.com
Installation + Programming
A SpringWell water softener, like all SpringWell water treatment systems in general, is not anymore difficult to install than other water softeners. In fact, people have called the process “easy” and “straightforward”.
What’s more, you can always rely on SpringWell’s technical support if you don’t know what to do next or if you’ve stumbled upon a problem.
An installation kit with all the parts you need as well as detailed installation instructions are included in the package. You just need your own piping and possibly fittings to attach the system.
Programming? It’s child’s play!
Video
This video outlines the entire installation + setup process in detail. Make sure to check it out!
The Package (Parts)
- Softener tank
- Brine tank
- 50′ drain line
- 2x MNTP fittings
- Bypass valve
- Electronic head unit
- Power supply
- Hose clamp
Manual
The official SpringWell salt-based water softener system manual can be found here:
https://www.springwellwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SS1_SS4-Installation-Instructions.pdf
SpringWell SS Cons
No issues right now except for the higher price tag.
SpringWell SS Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Simply put, people love their SpringWell water softeners which do exactly what they’re supposed to do: Provide a sufficient amount of soft water to meet the daily demands on a continuous basis – without causing problems like leakage or hard water leaking through.
In addition to seeing a huge improvement in the quality of their water, people are also very fond of the company’s outstanding customer service. All in all, most say paying the higher price is worth it.
Our verdict: Our favorite water softener best for salt-based softening and definitely worth checking out if you have the budget. 5 stars!
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More Reviews:
- If you’re looking for more reviews check out our list of the best water softeners in 2024!
- SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System Review
- SpringWell WS Review
This completes our SpringWell SS review. Questions? Ask away!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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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