7 Best Whole House Hard Water Filters (*Update 2024)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Jan 31, 2024
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Top Pick: What’s the Best Whole House Hard Water Filter?
The best whole house hard water filter in 2024 is the SpringWell CSS, because it combines water filtration with softening to protect your family and home from contaminants and hard water scaling for up to 1,000,000 gallons. It further improves water aesthetics, is easy to install and maintain, fast (9-20 gpm), and backed by a lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Finding the ideal whole house hard water filter can be a challenging task, given the overwhelming number of options available. While some filters are effective, others may fall short of expectations. This makes it even more crucial to choose the right system that suits your specific needs.
To simplify your decision-making process, we have analyzed over 37 whole house hard water filters. Our dedicated team has invested hours upon hours in researching, reviewing, testing, comparing, and ranking products, as well as continuously updating and refining this guide. Hopefully, you find it useful.
Contents
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No Time to Read? Check Our List of the Best Whole House Hard Water Filters!
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
 Best for Hard City Water: SpringWell CSS Filter-Softener Combo |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Type: Carbon Filter-Softener Combo Flow Rate: 9-20 gpm Annual Cost: ~$40 + Salt Warranty: Limited Lifetime Read Review: Click |
 Best for Hard Well Water with Iron: SpringWell WSSS Filter-Softener Combo |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Type: Iron Filter-Softener Combo Flow Rate: 11-13 gpm Annual Cost: Salt Only Warranty: Limited Lifetime Read Review: Click |
 Best Budget Pick: Kind E-3000 |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Price: $$ Type: Carbon Filter and Salt-Free Softener Flow Rate: 15 gpm Annual Cost: ~$145 Warranty: Lifetime Read Review: Click |
 Best for Even Smaller Budgets: Kind E-2000 |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Price: $ Type: Sediment Filter + Salt-Free Softener Flow Rate: 15 gpm Annual Cost: ~$40 Warranty: Lifetime Read Review: Click |
 Best for Hard Water Softening: SpringWell SS |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Price: $$ Type: Salt-Based Water Softener Flow Rate: 11-20 gpm Annual Cost: Salt Only Warranty: Lifetime Read Review: Click |
 Best for Hard Water Conditioning: SpringWell FS |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Price: $$ Type: Saltless Water Conditioner Flow Rate: 12-20 gpm Annual Cost: ~$40 Warranty: Lifetime Read Review: Click Mike’s Video Review: Click |
Whole House Hard Water Filter Reviews
Our Top Picks
- SpringWell CSS – Best for Hard Tap Water
- SpringWell WSSS – Best for Hard Well Water with Iron
- Kind E-3000 – Best for Lower Budgets
- Kind E-2000 – Best for Smallest Budgets
- SpringWell SS – Best for Salt-Based Hard Water Softening
- SpringWell FS – Best for Hard Water Conditioning
- USWS GreenWave
1. Best for Hard City Water: SpringWell CSS Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo
In our opinion, the best whole house water filter for hard water sourced from a public utility in 2024 is the SpringWell CSS. That’s because it uses a combination of filtration and softening to not only resolve water hardness but also purify your water making it much safer for consumption.
|
SpringWell CSS Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Type: | Filter-Softener Combo |
| Water: | 9-20 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annually: | ~$40 + Salt Refills |
| Warranty: | Lifetime (Limited) |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: CSS1, CSS4, CSS+
- Last Price: $2333.96-$3597.99
- Treatment Process: Catalytic Carbon, Sediment (5 Microns), Cation Exchange
- Filter Life: 1 Million Gallons
- Backwash Rate: 2-4 gpm
- Softening Capacity: 32,000-80,000 Grains
- Filter Tank WxHxD: 9-13″x52-58″x9-13″
- Softener Tank WxHxD (with Head): 9-13″x57-63″x9-13″
- Brine Tank WxHxD: 18″x33″x18″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
- Fitting: 1-1.5″
Key Features & Pros
- The first filter stage is a 5-micron pre-filter for removing sand, silt, and sediment. It removes large particles which can clog the later filter stages.
- The catalytic carbon removes chlorine/chloramine, VOCs, pesticides, and disinfection byproducts. KDF media removes various heavy metals including lead, as well as controls the growth of microorganisms.
- The salt-based water softener uses ion exchange to replace hard minerals like calcium and magnesium with softer sodium ions.
- Water softening will stop scale buildup from developing in your home’s plumbing and appliances. This means less maintenance, repairs, and longer lifespans.
- Removing water hardness will also support healthy hair and skin, and eliminate spotting and staining on surfaces among other benefits.
- Three different system sizes are available:
- CSS1 provides a flow rate of 9 gallons per minute – which is enough to accommodate 1 to 3 bathrooms. Water softener contains 32,000 grains.
- CSS4 provides a 12-gallon per minute flow rate (enough for 4 to 6 bathrooms). Water softener contains 48,000 grains.
- CSS+ features an impressive 20-gallon per minute flow rate (enough for 7+ bathrooms). Water softener contains 80,000 grains.
- Crosslink softening resin will last 2 times longer than standard resins which are less chlorine resistant.
- A Bluetooth head unit on the whole house hard water filter gives you the ability to easily change valve settings, view current water usage, and start a regeneration or backwash cycle from your phone or tablet.
- The water softener is also fully NSF-certified for structural integrity.
- Tanks come wrapped in neoprene for protection.
- Installation can be completed on your own provided you have basic tools and DIY knowledge.
- Bypass valves come included.
- Installation kit with detailed instructions is included.
- System is low maintenance. Only requires pre-filter changes every 6 to 9 months and periodic salt refilling. Annual filter cost comes to about 40$.
- Satisfaction is guaranteed for 6 months or your money back.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Customer support is responsive and helpful.
Cons
- Included fittings are plastic rather than metal. This fitting type is more likely to leak and malfunction.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The SpringWell CSS system is the best for both hard water softening and chemical reduction in city water at the same time.
2. Best for Hard Well Water: SpringWell WSSS Whole House Filter and Softener Combo
In our opinion, the best whole house water filtration system for hard water sourced from a private well in 2024 is the SpringWell WSSS. That’s because it uses a combination of filtration and softening to eliminate hardness, iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide.
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SpringWell WSSS Whole House Well Water Filter and Softener Combo |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Type: | Iron Filter-Softener Combo |
| Water: | 11-13 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annually: | Salt Only |
| Warranty: | Limited Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: WSSS1, WSSS4
- Last Price: $3189.77-$4266.32
- Treatment Process: Air Injection + Greensand, Cation Exchange
- Filter Life: ~10 Years
- Backwash Rate: 5 gpm
- Softening Capacity: 32,000-80,000 Grains
- Filter Tank WxHxD (with Head): 10-13″x64″x10-13″
- Softener Tank WxHxD (with Head): 9-13″x57-63″x9-13″
- Brine Tank WxHxD: 18″x33″x18″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
- Fitting: 1″
Key Features & Pros
- Springwell’s WSSS whole house hard water filter combo is the ideal choice for reducing water hardness from well-sourced water. The system is also highly effective against iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (a common contaminant in well water that imparts a rotten egg odor).
- The system combines air injection oxidation with greensand media filtration to remove both ferric and ferrous iron (7 ppm), manganese (1 ppm), and sulfur (8 ppm). It will also reduce arsenic and radium.
- No more iron staining in toilet bowls, showers, sinks, etc.
- Safe to use with both septic and sewer systems.
- The salt-based water softener removes hard minerals and replaces them with sodium. This leaves the water with little remaining water hardness if any.
- Scaling reduction means that plumbing, appliances, and fixtures will run better and have longer lifespans. Water heating will also work more efficiently.
- Reduced water hardness will mean less maintenance and repairs throughout your home.
- A spin-down filter traps sediments sized 150+ microns.
- This whole house hard water filter comes in two configurations:
- WSSS1 features an 11 gallon per minute flow rate and can accommodate 1 to 3 bathrooms. Softener size: 32,000 grains.
- WSSS4 features a 13 gpm flow rate and can accommodate 4+ bathrooms. Softener size: 48,000 grains.
- The 10% crosslink softening resin is more chlorine resistant than standard resins and can handle well shocking with chlorine.
- Bluetooth media heads allow you to program and control both tanks from your smartphone. The app lets you change valve settings, view current and historical water usage, and start a backwash or regeneration cycle.
- The system uses NSF-certified components.
- The tanks come wrapped in a neoprene sleeve for added protection.
- DIY installation is possible provided you have basic DIY skills and tools.
- An installation kit with bypass valves and detailed instructions comes included.
- The setup requires very little maintenance. Only replenishing the salt is required.
- 6-month money-back guarantee.
- Lifetime warranty (limited).
- Customer support is knowledgeable and responsive.
Cons
- The included fittings are plastic rather than brass or copper. These fitting types are more prone to leaking and malfunctioning.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The SpringWell WSSS whole house hard water filter combo is best for well-sourced water containing hardness, iron, manganese, and/or sulfur.
3. Best Budget Pick: Kind Water Systems E-3000 Whole House Water Filter for Hard Water
If SpringWell’s CSS combo from above is out of your budget, you should definitely check out the Kind Water Systems E-3000 (city water only). It’s another hard water filter-softener combo but much more affordable.
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Kind Water Systems E-3000 Whole House Water Filter for Hard Water |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Type: | Carbon Filter and Saltless Water Softener |
| Water: | 15 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annually: | ~$145 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: E-3000
- Last Price: $1,698.30
- Treatment Process: Sediment (5-Micron) + Catalytic Carbon Block + TAC
- Filter Life: 12 Months
- Filter Stages: 3
- Max Hardness: 75 gpg
- WxHxD: 23¼”x29″x8″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-120 psi
- Water pH: 6.5-9.5
- Fitting: 1″ Female NPT
Key Features & Pros
- Made in the USA.
- The first filter stage is a pleated sediment pre-filter (rated at 5 microns) to trap and remove sand, silt, clay, and other dirt. This protects the later stages from clogging as well as safeguarding your home’s plumbing.
- Next comes a catalytic activated coconut shell carbon block to remove chlorine/chloramine, VOCs, pesticides, HAAs, PFAS, and more. This stage also significantly improves the taste and aesthetics of your water.
- Lastly, an eSoft saltless water softener. It eliminates scale buildup throughout your home and extends the lifespan of your home’s plumbing and appliances without releasing salt into your water. It will also dissolve existing scale buildup over time.
- Works by altering hard water minerals to form crystals which remain dissolved in the water.
- The maximum hardness level is 75 grains per gallon.
- System doesn’t require regeneration.
- The flow rate of 15 gpm is enough to provide water for 6 bathrooms.
- Installation is easy and can be completed on your own provided you have basic plumbing knowledge.
- The only maintenance required is yearly filter cartridge replacements.
- Annual maintenance cost is $145 (or $123.16 if you sign up for auto-ship)
- Kind offers a 4-month satisfaction guarantee. You can return the product for a full refund if you aren’t satisfied for any reason.
- Limited lifetime warranty on system and filters.
- Customer service is helpful and responsive.
Cons
- System doesn’t ship with bypass valve.
- Will not work if the water contains iron or hydrogen sulfide, so not ideal for well water.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 4.5/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
Kind’s E-3000 is an ideal whole house water filter for hard water and anyone on a budget connected to municipal water.
4. Best for Even Smaller Budgets: Kind Water Systems E-2000 Whole House Filter for Hard Water
For the smallest of budgets, we recommend the Kind Water Systems E-2000 (city water only). It’s identical to the E-3000 from above only that it doesn’t use a catalytic carbon filter block to remove chemicals.
|
Kind Water Systems E-2000 Whole House Hard Water Filter |
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| Price: | $ |
| Type: | Sediment Filter and Saltless Water Softener |
| Water: | 15 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annually: | ~$40 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: E-2000
- Last Price: $1,074.23
- Treatment Process: Sediment (5 Microns) + TAC
- Filter Life: 12 Months
- Filter Stages: 2
- Max Hardness: 75 gpg
- WxHxD: 15.5″x29″x8″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-120 psi
- Water pH: 6.5-9.5
- Fitting: 1″ Female NPT
Key Features & Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Simple 2-stage whole house water filter system is nonetheless highly effective at targeting water hardness and preventing scale buildup.
- The first filter stage is a 5-micron pleated sediment filter to remove large particles like sand, silt, clay, and rust. The filter can be washed and reused several times before needing replacement – saves money!
- Next comes a salt-free eSoft cartridge with Template Assisted Crystallization which alters both calcium and magnesium from ionic to crystalline form. This will prevent scale buildup in your home’s plumbing, appliances, and fixtures and will dissolve existing scale deposits over time.
- Maximum allowable water hardness is 75 grains per gallon.
- No backwashing is required.
- The flow rate of 15 gallons per minute is enough to provide water for large homes with up to 6 bathrooms.
- Installation is simple and quick with only 2 plumbing connections required.
- Mounting hardware comes bundled with the kit.
- The only maintenance required is annual pre-filter cartridge changes.
- Filter replacements cost just $40 annually, or $33.98 with autoship.
- 120-day satisfaction guarantee or full refund.
- Limited lifetime warranty on the system.
- Customer support is helpful and knowledgeable.
Cons
- Will not work if iron or sulfur are present in your water.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 4.5/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The Kind Water Systems E-2000 is the best option for whole house water hardness filtration on a very tight budget.
5. Best for Hard Water Softening: SpringWell SS Whole House System
If all you want is a whole house filter for hard water aka a water softener, the SpringWell SS is our #1 choice.
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SpringWell SS Water Softener |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Type: | Water Softener |
| Water: | 11-20 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annually: | Salt Only |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: SS1, SS4, SS+
- Last Price: $1530.94-$2086.32
- Treatment Process: Cation Exchange
- Flow Rates: 11-20 gpm
- Backwash Rate: 2-4 gpm
- Softening Capacity: 32,000-80,000 Grains
- WxHxD: 9-13″x48-54″x9-13″
- Brine Tank WxHxD: 18″x33″x18″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
- Water pH: 6.5-10
- Fitting: 1″
Key Features & Pros
- Can be used for both tap and well water.
- The system uses traditional ion exchange to replace hard minerals in water, mainly calcium and magnesium, with softer sodium ions.
- Provides all the known benefits of softening water: Less to no scaling in pipes and appliances, no more hard water staining, softer laundry, healthier hair and skin, etc.
- 10% crosslink lasts up to twice the lifespan of other resins when used with chlorinated water.
- 3 sizes available:
- SS1 features an 11 gallon per minute flow rate – enough to accommodate 1 to 3 bathrooms. 32,000-grain softening resin.
- SS4 features a 13 gallon per minute flow rate, which will accommodate 4 to 6 bathrooms. 48,000-grain softener.
- SS+ features an impressive 20 gallon per minute flow rate and can provide water to 7+ bathrooms. 80,000-grain softener.
- Bluetooth head unit allows you to monitor and control the system from your smartphone.
- The app can control the valve settings, view current and historical usage data, begin regeneration or backwash cycle, and more.
- Digitally-metered for saving as much water as possible.
- Softening tank features a Vortech plate which boosts backwashing efficiency by up to 30%.
- Softener components are NSF-certified.
- Tank is wrapped in neoprene for added durability.
- Installation is simple and can be completed on your own if you have basic DIY knowledge.
- 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied for any reason, simply return the product for a full refund.
- Limited lifetime warranty on the system.
- Free shipping and reliable customer service.
Cons
- More on the expensive side.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The SpringWell SS is best for reliable whole house water hardness treatment that’s low-maintenance and highly effective.
→ View Full SpringWell SS Review
6. Best for Hard Water Conditioning: SpringWell FS Whole House System
Don’t like the idea of salt-based hard water treatment? Then you might want to consider SpringWell’s FutureSoft system. It uses time-proven TAC technology to reduce the scaling effects of hard water without relying on traditional ion exchange.
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SpringWell FS Salt-Free Water Conditioner |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Type: | Saltless Water Conditioner |
| Water: | 12-20 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annually: | ~$40 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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|
Mike’s Video Review
Mike is one of our inhouse video content producers, and he has ordered, installed, and tested the SpringWell FS Salt-Free Water Softener for us on his own water supply. You cannot get more hands-on experience than that! Mike has documented the entire process and shares his opinion the video below:
Other Specs
- Model: FS1, FS4, FS+
- Last Price: $1542.86-$2567.03
- Treatment Process: TAC
- Max Hardness: 81 gpg
- WxHxD: 6-13″x35-54″x6-13″
- Water Temperature: 34-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-80 psi
- Water pH: 7.0-9.5
- Fitting: 1-1.5″
Key Features & Pros
- Whole house hard water filter provides highly effective scale reduction without the need for chemicals or added sodium.
- Pre-filter removes sand, silt, and sediment to protect the catalytic media tank as well as your household appliances.
- Salt-free water softener uses template assisted crystallization to counter water hardness. The process converts hardness-causing minerals into crystals that can’t cause scale buildup.
- Essential minerals remain in your water.
- No need for a regeneration cycle to remove captured ions.
- Unlike with softeners, the treated water doesn’t feel slippery.
- 3 sizes are available:
- FS1: Flow rate of 12 gallons per minute – enough for 1 to 3 bathrooms.
- FS4: Flow rate of 15 gallons per minute – enough for 4 to 6 bathrooms.
- FS+: Flow rate of 20 gallons per minute – enough for 7 or more bathrooms.
- Filter can handle water with hardness up to 81 gpg (grains per gallon).
- Designed for DIY installation. Kit comes with an instruction manual, detailed video, and installation kit.
- The only maintenance required is pre-filter changes every 6 to 9 months. Annual costs are approximately $40.
- System comes with a 6-month satisfaction guarantee.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Responsive and reliable customer service.
Cons
- If water is well supplied, or contains iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, or copper, then additional pre-treatment will be necessary.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The system is best for whole house hard water filtration that’s saltless.
7. Best Alternative for Hard Water Conditioning: USWS GreenWave Whole House System
As an alternative to the SpringWell FutureSoft, we recommend the GreenWave whole house system by USWS.
By the way, one version of the GreenWave provides a service flow rate of 25 gpm making it ideal for very large homes with lots of bathrooms.
USWS GreenWave Whole House Hard Water Filter System |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Type: | Saltless Conditioner |
| Water: | 10-25 Gallons Per Minute |
| Annually: | – |
| Warranty: | 4 Years, Lifetime |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of treatment, filter/softening capacity, efficiency, cost, NSF standards, our testing, user feedback, support, warranties, and other factors.
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Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: GW-100, GW-150, GW-200, GW-250
- Last Price: $1,536.44-$2,381.24
- Treatment Process: NAC
- Max Hardness: 81 gpg
- WxHxD: 9-13″x52.5-58.5″x9-13″
- Water Temperature: 40-110 °F
- Water Pressure: 15-100 psi
- Water pH: 6.5-8.5
- Fitting: 3/4″ or 1″
Key Features & Pros
- Made in the USA.
- Tank-based system uses a crystallization process to inactivate hardness minerals – transforming them into harmless crystals suspended in the water.
- Treatment process doesn’t add additional sodium to water. Nor does it require regeneration like salt-based systems do – saves water!
- System can handle up to 81 gpg water hardness.
- Vortech tank design prevents channeling and increases contact time with the water for greater efficiency.
- Four different sizes are available:
- 10 gallon per minute flow rate – suitable for homes with 1 to 2 bathrooms.
- 15 gallon per minute flow rate – suitable for 2 to 3.5 bathrooms.
- 20 gallon per minute flow rate – suitable for 4 to 6 bathrooms.
- 25 gallon per minute flow rate – suitable for 7 or more bathrooms.
- Installation can be done on your own if you have basic DIY and plumbing skills.
- Maintenance is virtually nil.
- Media will last for between 4 and 6 years.
- Filter media has a 4-year warranty. Tank and head are backed by a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Water with even slightly elevated levels of iron, sulfur, copper, chlorine, or manganese will require additional pre-treatment.
- Radial flow carbon pre-filter doesn’t come included and must be purchased separately.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 4.5/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The US Water Systems GreenWave is ideal for large homes receiving hard water where salt-based softening is out of the question.
More Reviews:
- Here Are Our Whole House Water Filter Reviews
- The Best Whole House Filter-Softener Combo Systems
- What’s the Best Combo of Salt-Free Softener and Whole House Filter?
- The Best 3-Stage Whole House Water Filters
- These Are the Best Whole Home City Water Filters
- The Best Whole House Carbon Water Filters
- Best Whole House Alkaline Water Filter Systems
- The Best Whole House Well Water Filters
- The Best Water Softeners
- List with All Whole House Water Filters Featured on BOS
Comparison List
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Model | Price | Type | Treatment Process | Filter Life | Water | Annually | Warranty | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpringWell CSS Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo | $$$ | Filter-Softener Combo | Catalytic Carbon, Sediment, Cation Exchange | 1,000,000 gal | 9-20 Gallons Per Minute | ~$40 (+ Salt) | Lifetime (Limited) | |
| SpringWell WSSS Whole House Well Water Filter and Softener Combo | $$$ | Iron Filter-Softener Combo | Air Injection + Greensand, Cation Exchange | About 10 Years | 11-13 Gallons Per Minute | Salt | Lifetime (Limited) | |
| Kind Water Systems E-3000 Whole House Water Filter for Hard Water | $$ | Carbon Filter and Saltless Water Softener | Sediment + Catalytic Carbon Block + TAC | 1 Year | 15 Gallons Per Minute | ~$145 | Lifetime | |
| Kind Water Systems E-2000 Whole House Hard Water Filter | $ | Sediment Filter and Saltless Water Softener | Sediment + TAC | 1 Year | 15 Gallons Per Minute | ~$40 | Lifetime | |
| SpringWell SS Water Softener | $$ | Water Softener | Cation Exchange | – | 11-20 Gallons Per Minute | Salt | Lifetime | |
| SpringWell FS Salt-Free Water Conditioner | $$ | Saltless Water Conditioner | TAC | – | 12-20 Gallons Per Minute | ~$40 | Lifetime | |
| USWS GreenWave Whole House Hard Water Filter System | $$ | Saltless Conditioner | NAC | – | 10-25 Gallons Per Minute | – | 4 Years, Lifetime |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Whole House Hard Water Filter That’s Best for You
The following are key features worth considering when shopping for a whole house water filter for hard water. They will help you choose the right on for your needs and budget.
Type and Quality of Water Source
First and foremost, your water source and quality need to be assessed before choosing a filter system. This means conducting a water quality test of some type.
If your water is well-sourced, you can send a sample to an independent lab for testing. This will give you a precise description of the contaminants in your water along with their quantities but will cost a few hundred dollars. You can also order a cheaper home test kit to give you a rough idea of the contaminants in your water, but it won’t give you precise quantities.
If your water is municipally supplied, then you can use several publicly available resources to view water reports in your region. Namely, the EPA’s or EWG’s Tap Water Database will both give you an analysis of contaminants in your water supply. Keep in mind these reports will not provide information on the plumbing lines on your private property, which can leech contaminants in some cases.
If your main issue is water hardness, and the water quality is good otherwise, then a simple whole house hard water filter aka water softener will be more than adequate. Alternatively, if you have other contaminants of concern, then you’ll need to choose a water softener and filter combo that will remove the contaminants in question.
Whole House Hard Water Filter Type
There are several different whole house hard water filter types to consider:
- For one, plain water softeners are the most basic type of whole house hard water filter. These filters only remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium and replace them with softer sodium ions through a process called ion exchange. This process may impart a salty taste to water that some people dislike, which can be avoided using a salt-free water softener.
- Salt free water softeners – also known as water conditioners – use processes like template-assisted crystallization or magnetism to alter hard water ions and prevent scale buildup in your pipes and appliances. They also have the advantage of dissolving existing scale buildup in your plumbing. These systems don’t remove anything from water, they simply render the hardness minerals harmless.
When it comes to water softener and filter combos, there are a variety of filter types available for removing contaminants:
- Carbon-based filters are used to remove chlorine, chloramine, disinfection by-products, and other chemicals that impart a foul taste/odor. Some also contain additional KDF media to reduce heavy metals and microbial contaminants. This makes them ideal for city-water treatment, as chlorine/chloramine tends to be the biggest issue with municipal water.
- Filters targeted toward well water treatment will often eliminate sulfur, iron, and manganese – which are the most common contaminants found in wells. These filters often use pre-oxidation with greensand or similar media to eliminate the above contaminants.
Water Flow Rate
It’s important to consider flow rate when you’re shopping for a whole house treatment system. Flow rate refers to the total quantity of water a system can process at one time.
For whole house systems, this figure is especially important as all of your home’s water will pass through the system. If the flow rate is too low to accommodate your needs, you will have issues with low pressure when running water through multiple outlets simultaneously.
Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (gpm). Manufacturers will also typically include the number of bathrooms the system is capable of providing for.
For a large house with 4 to 6 bathrooms, you’ll need a system with at least 10 to 15 gallons per minute.
Cost
Anytime you’re considering a filter system, the cost is an important factor. Whole house systems aren’t cheap, but they tend to have long lifespans and capacities, so the total cost will decline over the system’s lifespan.
Basic ion exchange whole house filters are relatively inexpensive – costing between a few hundred and $1000 for regular-sized homes. Salt free water conditioners tend to be a bit cheaper.
In addition to the system’s up-front cost, it’s important to consider the cost of maintenance and filter replacements. Simple water softeners are fairly easy to maintain, only requiring refiling the brine tank with salt and occasional system regeneration.
Cartridge-based filter systems require periodic cartridge replacements, which add significantly to the overall system costs.
Space Requirements
Whole house water filters for hard water require significantly more space than point-of-use filter systems. These systems are installed at the point of entry of your water line into your home, so it’s important to ensure you have the required space before installing a system.
NSF Certifications
Whole home hard water filters can be NSF certified for salt efficiency. Look for NSF/ANSI standard 44 certification which also evaluates the quality of system components as well as water hardness reduction.
Other filters may feature additional NSF certifications for contaminant removal, although these are less common in whole house systems.
More on Whole House Hard Water Filters
Further Reading:
What Is a Whole House Water Filter for Hard Water?
A whole house water filter for hard water refers to either a whole house water softener or a combination of water softener and filter system. These systems treat water at the point of entry to your home, so you will have soft water coming from every outlet in your home.
How Does a Whole House Water Filter for Hard Water Work?
Whole house water filters for hard water connect to the main water line entering your home. The exact treatment process will differ depending on the filter type in question.
As mentioned previously, traditional water softeners and conditioners either replace hardness minerals with softer ions through ion exchange or render them harmless through crystallization.
For filter-softener combos:
- Sediment filters work through size exclusion, which means as water passes through the filter medium, large particles become trapped.
- Activated carbon filters work through a process called adsorption. This means contaminant particles are drawn and held onto the surface of the carbon media.
- KDF filter media uses oxidation and reduction to remove heavy metals, chlorine, and various inorganic compounds from water.
- Greensand oxidizes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide and then traps it. Air injection also oxidizes similar contaminants, which are then trapped by later filter stages.
Benefits: Why Do You Need a Whole House Hard Water Filter?
Whole house hard water filters provide several benefits. Primarily, they soften your water – which is useful for a variety of household applications.
- Hard water will leave limescale buildup in your household appliances, which can reduce their lifespan significantly. Reducing water hardness will increase the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances by up to 30% – which translates to major savings over time.
- Your water heater will work more efficiently, which means reduced heating costs.
- Scale buildup in your shower, sink, and other fixtures will be reduced or eliminated.
- Your hair and skin will look and feel better when showering with softer water.
- Improved lathering means less soap and detergent use.
- Your laundry will look better and feel softer.
- Overall water usage will go down.
When it comes to filter and softener combos, you’ll have the added benefit of reducing or eliminating harmful contaminants from your (drinking) water.
How to Install & Maintain a Whole House Water Filtration System for Hard Water?
Installing a whole house hard water filter is more complex than installing a point-of-use filter. That said, it’s still doable if you have basic DIY and plumbing knowledge and the necessary tools.
Installation
The installation process will differ depending on the specific filter system and type. Be sure to consult your manufacturer’s instruction manual to guide you through the specifics. The process outlined below should give you a good general guide.
- Shut off your home’s main water supply.
- Drain any water remaining in the plumbing by opening nearby outlets.
- Cut into the main water line using a pipe cutter and sand down the edges.
- Install a bypass valve if necessary.
- Connect the inlet and outlet port to the system, making sure the flow direction is correct. Use Teflon tape on the threads for sealing ports and adapters.
- Establish the drain connection.
- Connect the overflow connection for the brine tank.
- Install the brine line.
- Fill the brine tank with salt.
- Set the filter to bypass and slowly turn on the main water supply.
- Wait a few minutes for air to flush out of the system and check for leaks.
- Slowly open bypass valves.
- Check for leaks once again.
- Follow the startup instructions in your installation manual.
Maintenance
Hard water filters are fairly easy to maintain. Required tasks include:
- Check the brine tank for salt mushing or bridging.
- Ensure that the float switch can move freely.
- Every year empty and clean the brine tank and set regeneration to the following night.
- For water with high levels of iron, manganese, or tannins, use a resin cleaner.
- Examine the condition of the O-rings and replace them if necessary.
- Turn on and off the bypass valve to keep it lubricated.
- Check the condition of the brine injector about two times per year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the best way to filter hard water at home?
The best way to filter hard water at home is to use a water softener. A water softener uses ion exchange resin to remove hardness minerals and replace them with sodium. - Does a whole house water filter reduce hardness?
It depends on your definition of whole house water filter. Water softeners can be used to remove hardness, but strictly speaking these don’t belong to the group of water filters but are categorized as water purifiers. Another type of filter/purifier to reduce water hardness are reverse osmosis systems. - Is hard water OK to drink?
Yes, hard water does not affect your health in any way. In fact, hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium can be beneficial to your health. - Is hard water better than soft water for hair?
Soft water is better for hair. That’s because hard water makes it difficult for soaps and shampoos to lather properly, and it leaves behind soap scum. - Do carbon filters remove hard water?
No, carbon filters do not remove hard water.
How We Chose and Tested the Best Whole House Water Filters for Hard Water (Why Trust Us)
Our methodology for reviewing whole house hard water filters is as thorough as a grandma inspecting her grandchild’s room for hidden candy wrappers. Here’s an overview of our process:
- Criteria Selection: We brainstormed, researched, and debated until we came up with a list of 18 key attributes to evaluate each product against. It took more brainpower than solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded!
- Product Selection: We scoured the internet on the hunt for the leading whole house hard water filters. After carefully considering what feels like every single option, we narrowed down the list to over 37 candidates.
- In-depth Research: We dove into product manuals, descriptions, third-party certifications, and warranties like an Olympic swimmer. We even had interviews with representatives from leading brands in the industry, asking them the tough questions like a relentless journalist.
- User Feedback Analysis: We scoured different platforms for user feedback like a treasure hunter searching for hidden gems. We meticulously filtered out any fake reviews, because nobody has time for that nonsense.
- Hands-on Testing: We got our hands dirty (quite literally) by installing some of the 7 filters we had left on a real hard water supply. But before we could observe their performance like a hawk, we had to hook them up following the installation manual – observing that some instructions were better than others. Then, we were keeping an eye on water hardness/limescale reduction using test kits as well as overall system performance among other things.
- Analysis and Presentation: We crunched the numbers, analyzed the data, and presented our findings in a pros and cons format, so you can make an informed decision without feeling like you’re reading a foreign language.
Rest assured that all the information and ratings presented in this guide are as independent and unbiased as a referee in a sports game. We also fact-checked everything for accuracy and reliability. The role of Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS in evaluating NSF certifications was of utmost importance.
About Our Ratings
We’ve rated each system on a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating.
Currently, our evaluation is mostly based on these key factors: Reduction of water hardness/scaling (25%), softening capacity (15%), softening efficiency (15%), flow rates (15%), price and operating cost (10%), direct testing and user opinions (10%), customer service and product warranty (10%).
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.
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.