What distinguishes the model 950 from other WaterBoss softeners is the fact that it was designed for city water only. In other words, the 22,100-grain capacity system cannot handle iron content.
In return, apart from reducing hardness, it also eliminates chlorine taste and odor (maximum amount of dissolved chlorine = 3 ppm) with the help of a mixed media bed that acts as a built-in and self-cleaning charcoal pre-filter.
As you can see, the WaterBoss 950 also is a drinking water filter.
WaterBoss 950 Water Softener and Filter – Key Features
As far as the softening is concerned, the WaterBoss 950 can treat water up to 35 grains of hardness per gallon.
What is the ideal household size for this unit?
The 8 gpm flow rate is sufficient for up to 4 residents living under the same roof.
Anything else worth mentioning? Absolutely!
The whole house softener/filter is made in the USA and comes with a 3-year limited warranty on mechanical and electronic parts and 10 years on the resin tank and outer cabinet.
Minimum required and maximum allowed pressure: Between 20 and 120 psi.
On a side note: WaterBoss advices against the use of rock salt for optimum system performance. You should use clean pellet, solar or cube-type salt instead. Also, your water’s pH-level should be 7 or above. And lastly, the brine tank should always be at least 1/3 filled with salt.
WaterBoss 950 Pros
Like all WaterBoss softeners, the 950 was designed to use less water than any other retail water softener. And indeed, if the system works as intended, the amount of salt it uses is incredibly low.
This can be achieved because it applies demand initiated regeneration and only recharges if and when necessary. This lowers salt and water consumption which benefits the environment and is easy on your wallet.
Above that, the softener is very quiet during regeneration.
Last but not least, we like the NSF Standard 44 certification for barium and radium 226/228 removal, which is another step towards clean H2O safe for drinking.
There already is a built-in bypass valve, so you don’t have to worry about that when installing the WaterBoss 950.
What’s more, the single-tank design is nice to look at and provides for compactness. Thus the unit won’t take up as much space in your garage or basement as many other softeners would.
Will you be able to install this system DIY-style? Probably – unless you are really not handy around the house. In that case, it might be a better idea to call a professional plumber to do the install for you.
If you are interested, this is a general outline of the process:
If a softener is not equipped with a bypass valve, we recommend you provide for one for ease of maintenance. Also, make sure to comply with local plumbing codes.
1. Finding the Right Place
The WaterBoss 950 requires a power outlet and a drain to be nearby.
Always choose a location before your water heater and close to where the main water line enters your home. This way all the water will get softened.
And make sure to choose a spot where it does not freeze.
2. Setup
Disconnect any water heater from their power and water supplies.
Turn off the main water valve.
Keep all cold/hot water taps in your home running until all water has been drained from the plumbing and pressure has been relieved.
Remove the water softener’s cabinet cover so you can connect the water lines.
Use the Qest connection fittings included in the package. Note: you don’t need to use plumber’s putty or Teflon tape.
Verify the water flow is correct via the arrows on the ports.
Connect the water softener to the plumbing system, but try not to tighten the plastic thread connections too much.
Put the overflow elbow in place, facing downwards, and attach the overflow fitting to a drain using 1/2″ tubing.
Connect the drain end cap to the drain line (1/2”).
Connect the drain line to a drain, ensuring there’s a gap between them.
Switch the device to the Bypass position and turn on your water.
Flush the system by opening a cold water faucet and leaving it running for a while.
Switch the device to Service mode.
Turn off all faucets.
Inspect the lines and connections for possible leaks.
Connect the softener to a power socket.
Set up the system using the LCD display – additional instructions below.
Fill the brine tank with 2 gallons of water.
Run one manual regeneration cycle, allowing the device to suck water out of the brine cabinet until the air check/draw tube sets. This should take about 10 minutes.
Press the Regenerate button and allow the tank to fill up.
Add salt to the brine tank.
Reconnect your water heaters.
Open a cold water faucet and leave it running for around 20 minutes to flush the device.
Place the cabinet cover back on.
3. Video
WaterBoss created this explanation video going through the installation step by step:
The Package (Parts)
Resin/brine tank (grey), 14 3/4″ x 18 3/4″ x 30 3/4″ (W x D x H), salt storage capacity 170 lbs.
Bypass valve
22,100-grain super fine mesh resin (0.7 cu. ft.)
Activated carbon media (0.25 cu. ft.), self cleaning
Water quality test strip
Installation kit
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
What do you have to do in terms of programming and maintaining the 950?
First of all, configuring the digital control head doesn’t take more than 5 minutes if you follow the manual.
You have to set your water hardness level, the current time of the day, how often you want the system to regenerate, etc. – and that’s about it.
In terms of maintenance, remember to fill up the salt reservoir and make sure that the brine tank + air check is free from sediment.
If you want you can use resin cleaner on a monthly basis.
Manual
If you are looking for a manual for the WaterBoss 700, 900 or 950, you can find it right here: Manual
WaterBoss 950 Cons
These are some of the issues that customers who bought the WaterBoss 950 have struggled with:
Missing/broken parts being shipped.
Complete system failure that causes the softener to regenerate continuously. As a result, it fills the septic tank of customers living in rural areas and floods their drainfields.
Leaking resin bins.
Dead circuit-boards.
On top of that, it seems like the WaterBoss support can’t be bothered. The people answering the calls are barely polite and not willing to help you out in most cases.
WaterBoss 950 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
While some users say that if you live in the city, the WaterBoss 950 water softener is the one for you, you should carefully read some of the numerous 1-star ratings to get the full picture.
Chances are that you will not be willing to play Russian roulette and risk having to purchase expensive replacements pieces for your newly acquired softener that broke down all of a sudden.
Bottom line: We cannot recommend this product with good conscious and would advise you opt for one of the many competing systems on the market.
In case you want to give the WaterBoss 950 a try, it’s best for small to medium-sized homes.
This completes our WaterBoss 950 review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.
Leave a Comment:
AQUILINO HIDALGO says
December 25, 2020
Whom concern,
I had bought a water filter which brand is WaterBoss model 950 this year 2020, in Home depot store located in Port Richey, Fl. I have a big issue and struggles with it. The water is coming out very yellow, dirty and salty. Therefore, I would like to know what I have to do, or which steps I have to follow to resolve this huge inconvenience. In sum, I hope that you will help me with this matter.
