4 Best Whole House Well Water Filtration and Softener System Combos
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 Well Water Filter and Softener Combo?
The best whole house well water filtration and softener system combo in 2024 is the SpringWell WSSS. It eliminates iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and hard water minerals for up to 10 years and possibly even longer, is easy to install and maintain, suited for small to large homes (12-20 gpm), and backed by a lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee.
Get ready to dive into the world of whole house well water filter and softener combos! We’ve scanned the market to bring you the ultimate guide to finding the perfect system for your needs. From tackling tough contaminants to ensuring your well water is as soft as a fluffy cloud, we’ve got you covered.
For several weeks we’ve been on a wild adventure, reviewing more than 10 of the top whole house well filter-softener combos out there. We’ve poured countless hours into researching, comparing, and ranking these products, all to make sure we’re giving you the most accurate and up-to-date advice.
So grab a cup of water, sit back, and embark on this journey with us. We promise, it’ll be a splash!
Contents
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No Time to Read? Check Our List of the Best Whole House Well Water Filtration and Softener System Combos!
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
 Best for Iron, Manganese, Sulfur: SpringWell WSSS |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Filtration Capacity: Up to 10+ Years Softening Type: Cation Exchange Flow Rates: 11-20 Gallons Per Minute Annual Cost: Salt Only Read Review: Click |
| *Alternatively, here is the salt-free water softener combo. | ||
 Best for Organic Contamination: SpringWell CSS |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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Price: $$ Filtration Capacity: 1 Million Gallons Softening Type: Cation Exchange Flow Rates: 9-20 Gallons Per Minute Annual Cost: ~$40 + Salt Read Review: Click |
| *Alternatively, here is the salt-free water softener combo. | ||
 Best for Very High Iron: USWS Matrixx inFusion with Matrixx Water Softener |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Filtration Capacity: 3-5 Years Softening Type: Cation Exchange Flow Rates: 10-20 Gallons Per Minute Annual Cost: ~$200-400 + Salt Read Review: Click |
 Best for Broad Contaminant Reduction: Crystal Quest SMART Combo |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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Price: $$ Filtration Capacity: 1-1.5 Million Gallons Softening Type: Cation Exchange Flow Rates: 9-13 Gallons Per Minute Annual Cost: ~$50-75 + Salt Read Review: Click |
| *Alternatively, here is the salt-free water softener combo. | ||
Well Water Filter and Softener Combo Reviews
Our Top Picks
- SpringWell WSSS/WSSF – Best for Iron, Manganese, and Sulfur
- SpringWell CSS/CSF – Best for Organic Chemicals
- USWS Matrixx – Best for High Levels of Iron/Sulfur/Manganese + Iron/Sulfur Bacteria
- Crystal Quest SMART Combo – Best for Targeting Various Contaminant Types
1. Best Combo for Iron, Manganese & Sulfur: SpringWell WSSS or WSSF (Salt-Based or Salt-Free Water Softener)
In our opinion, the best whole house well water filtration and softener system combo in 2024 is the SpringWell WSSS. It removes large sediments, iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (rotten-egg smell) from your water. The softening component uses traditional ion-exchange to eliminate water hardness.
In case you don’t like the thought of salt-based water softening, you can go with the slightly different SpringWell WSSF combo, which makes use of a salt-free water conditioner.
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SpringWell WSSS Whole House Well Water Filter and Salt-Based Water Softener Combo |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Capacity: | Up to 10+ Years |
| Type of Softening: | Salt Based |
| Water Flow Rate: | 11-20 gpm |
| Annually: | Salt Only |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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SpringWell WSSF Whole House Well Water Filter and Salt-Free Water Softener Combo |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Capacity: | Up to 10+ Years |
| Type of Softening: | Salt-Free (TAC) |
| Water Flow Rate: | 12-20 gpm |
| Annually: | – |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: WSSS1, WSSS4
- Last Price: $3189.77-$4266.32
- Filter Process: Spin-Down Sediment, Air Injection + Greensand
- 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 Dimensions: 18″x33″x18″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
- Fitting: 1″
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Key Features & Pros
- Filter component uses a combination of greensand media and air injection pre-oxidation.
- Will eliminate both ferric and ferrous iron (7 ppm), manganese (1 ppm), and hydrogen sulfide (8 ppm). Will also reduce arsenic and radium.
- No more staining of fixtures. No more rotten-egg smell.
- The system can be used safely with both septic and sewer systems.
- The Bluetooth head unit resets air pocket and backwashes media bed automatically.
- No work required from your end.
- Connect to your mobile device for easy programming and monitoring.
SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener Combo (WSSS):
- Traditional-style water softener removes hardness minerals and replaces them with salt. Leaves water with little to no hardness.
- Effectively removes scale from plumbing, water-consuming appliances, fixtures, and tubs/showers. Reducing water hardness will also extend the lifespan and efficiency of your water heater etc.
- Soft water will enhance your skin, hair, and laundry.
- 10% crosslink resin ensures the system can handle well shock chlorination.
- The Bluetooth head controls the system’s settings, most importantly regeneration.
- Connect to your mobile device for full control.
- Vortech tank combined with metered regeneration boost regeneration efficiency – meaning less salt and water usage.
- NSF-certified components.
- Softener comes in two different sizes:
- WSSS1: For homes with 1 to 3 bathrooms. 11 gallons per minute flow rate. 32,000-grain softener.
- WSSS4: For homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms. 20 gpm flow rate. 48,000-grain softener.
SpringWell Salt-Free Water Conditioner Combo (WSSF):
- A spin-down sediment filter traps sand, silt, and sediment.
- Salt-free water conditioning tank uses template-assisted crystallization to render hardness minerals into a harmless crystal form in which they can’t form scale buildup.
- Scale formation is scientifically proven to be reduced by up to 99%.
- Not only reduces scale buildup but will also dissolve existing scale deposits over time.
- Any remaining scale is softened and easier to clean.
- The salt-free system has the advantage of not imparting any slippery feeling to the water.
- Very low maintenance. No salt refilling, regeneration, or chemicals are required.
- As the system doesn’t remove minerals but instead renders them inert, there is no change in water pH, so you’ll still receive the benefits of drinking essential minerals.
- No expiration date on the catalytic media.
- The maximum hardness level the system can handle is 81 gpg, which is extremely hard.
- Two sizes available:
- WSSF-1: For homes with less than 4 bathrooms. Flow rate of 12 gallons per minute.
- WSSF-4: For larger homes with more than 4 bathrooms. Flow rate of 20 gallons per minute.
- All tanks come in a protective neoprene sleeve for added durability.
- Designed for DIY installation provided you have basic plumbing and DIY skills and knowledge.
- A bypass, installation kit, and detailed installation instructions are included with the purchase.
- Both components are very low maintenance. The salt-based water softener requires occasional brine tank refilling, while the salt-free version only requires occasional flushing of the spin-down sediment filter.
- The entire system comes with a 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee plus a limited lifetime warranty.
- SpringWell is renowned for responsive and knowledgeable customer support.
Cons
- The included fittings are plastic rather than metal. These fittings are more prone to leaking and malfunctioning.
- For salt-free water softener version, water must not contain copper.
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/WSSF systems are best for whole house well water filtration and softening where iron, manganese, and sulfur removal are the number one concern.
2. Best Combo for Organic Chemicals: SpringWell CSS or CSF (Salt-Based or Salt-Free Water Softener)
If you are dealing with organic compounds such as pesticides, herbicides, or industrial solvents, or you need a well water filter to remove excess chlorine, we definitely recommend the SpringWell CSS or CSF. The CSS is for salt-based water softening, the CSF is salt-free.
The filter-softener combo will also greatly improve well water aesthetics!
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SpringWell CSS Whole House Water Filter and Salt Based Water Softener System |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Capacity: | 1,000,000 Gallons |
| Type of Softening: | Salt Based |
| Water Flow Rate: | 9-20 gpm |
| Annually: | ~$40 + Salt |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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SpringWell CSF Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Water Softener System |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Capacity: | 1,000,000 Gallons |
| Type of Softening: | Salt-Free (TAC) |
| Water Flow Rate: | 9-20 gpm |
| Annually: | ~$40 |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: CSS1, CSS4, CSS+
- Last Price: $2333.96-$3597.99
- Filter Process: Catalytic Carbon, 5-Micron Sediment
- 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 Dimensions: 18″x33″x18″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
- Fitting: 1-1.5″
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Key Features & Pros
- A 5-micron pre-filter serves to remove sediment, sand, silt, and other large particles before they can clog the filter tank.
- This could also be used as a post-filter.
- The filtration system uses catalytic activated carbon and KDF filter media. Combined, these two filter media will remove some heavy metals (e.g. lead), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorine/chloramine, pesticides, disinfection byproducts, and other organics, and control the growth of harmful microbes inside the tank.
- The resulting water is clean, healthy, and free of foul tastes and odors.
- While not typically a primary concern for well water users, the system is highly effective at eliminating chlorine/chloramine, and the manufacturer guarantees reduction to below the minimum level for 6 years or 1,000,000 gallons.
SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener (CSS):
- An ion exchange softener replaces hardness minerals contained in water like calcium and magnesium with softer sodium ions. This effectively reduces hardness with minimal negative side effects.
- Effectively ends scale buildup in your home’s pipes, appliances, and fixtures.
- As a result, your plumbing system will have an increased lifespan and operate more efficiently. Reduced scale buildup means less required maintenance and less costly repairs.
- Eliminating water hardness and chlorine will also improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
- The upgraded 10% crosslink softening resin will last up to twice as long as the standard resin and is significantly more chlorine-resistant. This makes it a better option for well-water systems that undergo occasional shock chlorination.
- The Bluetooth control head allows you to adjust system settings like backwash during, regeneration frequency, and timing from your smartphone or tablet. You can also view system performance and historical data.
- The valve adjusts the system’s water and salt usage during regeneration based on previous water use. The Vortech tank further increases efficiency.
- Softener features NSF-certified components.
- Three sizes are available:
- CSS1: Suitable for homes with 1 to 3 bathrooms. Flow rate of 9 gallons per minute. 32,000-grain softener.
- CSS4: Suitable for homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms. Flow rate of 12 gpm. 48,000-grain softener.
- CSS+ is suitable for large homes and buildings with 7+ bathrooms. Flow rate of 20 gpm. 80,000-grain water softener.
SpringWell Salt-Free Water Conditioner (CSF):
- Conditioner uses catalytic media to effect template assisted crystallization (TAC). This renders scale-causing hardness minerals into inert crystals which cannot form scale even under extreme temperatures.
- Scale is reduced by up to 99.6% according to scientific research.
- Can be used in water with up to 81 gpg hardness (extremely hard).
- Will protect your plumbing system, water-consuming appliances, and fixtures.
- Will also dissolve away existing scale over time.
- The remaining scale wipes away with minimal effort.
- Unlike salt-based water softening systems, the conditioned water does not have a ‘slippery’ feel to it. It also doesn’t affect the water’s pH level, and essential minerals are retained.
- Filter media will last indefinitely.
- Essentially maintenance-free. No salt refilling or chemicals are required.
- As no regeneration cycle is used, the conditioner will use significantly less water.
- The system is available in three sizes:
- CSF1 is ideal for homes with 1 to 3 bathrooms. Flow rate of 9 gallons per minute.
- CSF4 is ideal for homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms. Flow rate of 12 gallons per minute.
- CSF+ is ideal for larger homes and buildings with 7+ bathrooms. Flow rate of 20 gallons per minute.
- Tanks come with neoprene sleeve wrappers for added durability.
- Installation is not overly complex and can be performed DIY-style providing you have basic DIY and plumbing knowledge and tools.
- Two bypass valves are included for easier installation and maintenance.
- An installation kit and detailed installation instructions come included with the purchase.
- The system requires exceptionally little maintenance. All that’s needed is occasionally refilling the brine tank for the salt-based softener and changing the sediment filter cartridge every 6 to 9 months for both versions.
- Annual maintenance costs are just $40 or so.
- 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee in case you’re not happy for any reason.
- The entire system is covered by SpringWell’s excellent limited lifetime warranty.
- Helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable customer service.
Cons
- Some of the included fittings are plastic rather than metal. This type of fitting is more prone to leaking and malfunctioning over time.
- If you plan on using the salt-free water conditioner, water must be free from iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and copper.
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/CSF is best for whole house well water softening and filtration where organic chemical elimination is a priority.
3. Best for Very High Iron Levels and/or Iron Bacteria: USWS Matrixx inFusion and Matrixx Water Softener
For very high levels of iron, sulfur, and/or manganese in hard well water, we recommend the Matrixx inFusion whole house water filter combined with the Matrixx Water Softener by US Water Systems.
By the way, the combo can also handle iron and sulfur bacteria.
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Matrixx Whole House Iron & Sulfur Eradication and Softening Combo for Well Water |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Capacity: | 3-5 Years |
| Type of Softening: | Salt Based |
| Water Flow Rate: | 10-20 gpm |
| Annually: | ~$200-400 + Salt |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: 198-WHFWSS
- Last Price: $4,019.20-$4,619.20
- Filter Process: H2O2 + Catalytic Carbon
- Iron Filter Backwash Rate: 5-10 gpm
- Water Softener Backwash Rate: 2.0-3.5 gpm
- Softening Capacity: 35,000-70,000 Grains
- Filter Tank WxHxD: 10-14″x54-65″x10-14″
- Softener Tank WxHxD (with Head): 9-12″x48-52″x9-12″
- Brine Tank Dimensions: 17″x34.65″x15″
- Water Temperature: 39-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-100 psi
- Water pH: 6-9
- Fitting: ¾” or 1″ MPT
- Warranty: 5 Years to Lifetime
Key Features & Pros
- The filtration component uses hydrogen peroxide injection to oxidize iron in addition to sulfur and manganese. After peroxide injection, the water flows to a coconut-shell catalytic activated carbon media bed where the oxidized contaminants are caught.
- This stage will also trap various organic chemicals and sediments, and neutralize unpleasant taste and odor.
- The injection process is powerful enough to eradicate any iron and sulfur bacteria.
- The hydrogen peroxide injected doesn’t end up in the final product, it’s neutralized into harmless water and oxygen.
- Next, the 5-micron Magna filter uses mechanical filtration in addition to electrical adhesion to trap sediment, sand, dirt, and other large particles, as well as lead, cysts, bacteria, and chromium 6.
- Finally, the Matrixx Water Softener uses traditional salt-based cation exchange to remove hardness minerals and replace them with softer sodium ions.
- Softener will protect plumbing, fixtures, and water-consuming appliances like water heaters from hardness and improve their efficiency.
- Save on soaps and detergents.
- Spotting and staining in sinks and fixtures will be eliminated.
- Soft water also means better showers – resulting in softer hair and skin.
- Laundry will look better and last longer.
- The iron filter backwashes periodically to flush out all accumulated contaminants.
- The softening system regenerates demand-based, meaning it will adjust water and salt dose based on previous water use.
- Premium 10% crosslinked ion exchange resin is significantly more chlorine-resistant than traditional exchange resins.
- 3 sizes are available:
- 10-gallon per minute version for smaller homes with 1 to 2 bathrooms.
- 15 gpm version for homes with 2 to 3.5 bathrooms.
- 20 gpm version for larger homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms.
- Between 35,000 and 75,000-grain softening capacity depending on the size selected.
- Both the softener and the iron filter use Vortech tanks. These tanks offer improved efficiency over normal tanks and save up to 30% on water and salt during the regeneration/backwashing process.
- The system uses smart valves with Bluetooth connectivity – allowing you to monitor performance, water usage, and program regeneration and backwash frequency etc.
- Installation is no more difficult than with other water filter-softener combos.
- Bypass valves included.
- The well water filter and softener combo is fairly easy to maintain.
- The only regular maintenance tasks required are changing the Magna filters annually, refilling the brine tank, and refilling the hydrogen peroxide tank.
- 5 gallons of hydrogen peroxide are part of the package.
- The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the tanks and resins, a 10-year warranty on the valve and electronics, and 5 years on the hydrogen peroxide injection panel.
Cons
- While hydrogen peroxide injection is highly effective, H2O2 is fairly expensive. Annual hydrogen peroxide costs come to about $200 to $400.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Annual Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The USWS Matrixx inFusion and Matrixx Water Softener combo is best when you’re dealing with high levels of iron (bacteria), manganese, sulfur (bacteria), and hardness in well water.
4. Best for Broad Contaminant Removal: Crystal Quest SMART Whole House Filter + (Salt-Free) Softener
If you don’t have one or more specific well water contaminants to target and prefer broad-based contaminant removal plus water softening/conditioning, make sure to check out the Crystal Quest SMART whole house well filter and softener combo…
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Crystal Quest SMART Whole House Water Filter and Softener |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filter Capacity: | 1,000,000-1,500,000 Gallons |
| Type of Softening: | Salt Based |
| Water Flow Rate: | 9-13 gpm |
| Annually: | ~$50-75 + Salt |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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Crystal Quest SMART Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softener |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Capacity: | 1,000,000-1,500,000 Gallons |
| Type of Softening: | Salt-Free (TAC) |
| Water Flow Rate: | 9-13 gpm |
| Annually: | ~$50-75 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on filtering/softening capacity and effectiveness, price, maintenance cost, first-hand testing experience, user ratings, warranty, support, and other factors.
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Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: CQE-WH-01127, CQE-WH-01128
- Last Price: $2,794.00-$3,439.00
- Filter Process: Sediment (5 Microns), GAC, Catalytic Carbon, KDF, Ion Exchange Resin, Ceramic Balls, Tourmaline Balls, Carbon Block
- Softening Capacity: 48,000-60,000 Grains
- Media Tanks WxHxD: 10-12″x52-54″x10-12″
- Brine Tank Dimensions: 18″x33″x18″
- Water Temperature: 35-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-60 psi
- Fitting: 3/4″ or 1″
- Warranty: 1 Year
Key Features & Pros
- The combo is made in the USA.
- 5-micron sediment pre-filter removes sediment, sand, dirt, and other large particles that can clog the later filter stages and your plumbing system.
- The SMART multimedia filter tank uses the following:
- Two types of coconut shell carbon: granular activated carbon and catalytic carbon. Combined, these two filter media remove chlorine/chloramine, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, disinfection byproducts, solvents, and more.
- Two types of KDF media reduce heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and mercury. They also help to control chlorine and the growth of harmful microbes inside the system.
- Ion exchange resin further reduces heavy metals and inorganic contaminants.
- Both ceramic and tourmaline balls are used to adsorb any contaminants left over after the above filtration. They are also useful for maintaining a balanced pH level and enhancing the water’s flavor.
- Finally, a carbon block post-filter is used to ‘polish’ the water’s taste and remove any remaining organics.
Crystal Quest Salt-Based Water Softener:
- Cation exchange resin is used to replace hardness minerals in the water like calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium ions. As a result, limescale can no longer build up in your home’s plumbing.
- The system will regenerate demand-initiated – increasing efficiency and saving resources.
- Components are NSF Standard 61 certified for materials or products that come into contact with drinking water and drinking water systems.
Crystal Quest Water Conditioner:
- Saltless water conditioner does not remove calcium and magnesium but rather transforms them into stable and heat-resistant crystals that can’t form limescale.
- Salt-free conditioning has the advantage of dissolving existing limescale deposits over time.
- Unlike salt-based softeners, nothing is added or removed from the water. This means essential minerals like calcium and magnesium remain in the water but in a harmless form.
- As regeneration is not required, you’ll save water and money on salt refills.
- 2 sizes are available:
- 1,000,000-gallon filtration capacity. For homes with 1 to 3 bathrooms. Flow rate of 9 to 11 gallons per minute. 48,000-grain softener.
- 1,500,000-gallon filtration capacity. For homes with 4+ bathrooms. Flow rate of 10 to 13 gallons per minute. 64,000-grain water softener.
- Fiberglass tank casings come standard but can be upgraded to stainless steel for added durability.
- Installation can be done DIY, but it’s somewhat more complex due to the additional filter stages.
- Very low maintenance requirements. All that’s required is changing the pre and post-filters every 12 to 18 months, and refilling the brine tank with salt if you opt for the softener.
- Annual costs are just $50 or so.
- Filter media will last up to 10 years depending on water conditions and usage level.
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Expensive when compared with other whole house combos suitable for well water.
- High levels of copper, phosphate, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, iron, or excessive water hardness can prevent the system from working properly and require additional pre-filtration.
Our Rating
- Overall Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filtration & Softening Capacity: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 3.5/5.0
- Annual Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Crystal Quest SMART system is best for broad and thorough contaminant removal from well water in addition to water conditioning/softening.
More Reviews:
- The 5 Best Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combos
- The 5 Best Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softener Combos
- The 10 Best Whole House Water Filters for Well Water
- The 7 Best Water Softeners for Well Water
- The 11 Best Whole House Water Filter Systems
- The 9 Best Water Softeners
- Best Iron Filter for Well Water Reviews 2024 (+ Buying Guide)
- List with All Whole House Water Filters Featured on BOS
- List with All Water Softeners Featured on BOS
Comparison List
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Model | Price | Filter Method | Filter Capacity | Type of Softening | Grain Capacity | Water Flow Rate | Annually | Warranty | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpringWell WSSS Combo | $$$ | Spin-Down Sediment Pre-Filter, Air Injection, Greensand | Up to 10+ Years | Salt Based | 32,000-80,000 | 11-20 gpm | Salt Only | Lifetime (Limited) | |
| SpringWell CSS Combo | $$ | Catalytic Carbon, 5-Micron Sediment | 1,000,000 Gallons | Salt Based | 32,000-80,000 | 9-20 gpm | ~$40 + Salt | Lifetime (Limited) | |
| USWS Matrixx Combo | $$$ | H2O2, Catalytic Carbon | 3 to 5 Years | Salt Based | 35,000-70,000 | 10-20 gpm | ~$200-400 + Salt | 5 Years to Lifetime | |
| Crystal Quest SMART Combo | $$ | Multimedia | 1,000,000-1,500,000 Gallons | Salt Based | 48,000-60,000 | 9-13 gpm | ~$50-75 + Salt | 1 Year |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Well Water Filter and Softener Combo That’s Best for You
The following are key features worth considering when shopping for a well water filter and softener combo. They will help you choose the right on for your needs and budget.
Test Your Well Water
Before considering or purchasing any water treatment system, the first thing you want to do is get your water tested. This is especially important for well water, which is often more contaminated than municipal water.
There are two main methods of testing your well water, using a home test kit and having it professionally tested. Home test kits give you instant results and are fairly inexpensive, but don’t test for all contaminants and offer less accurate results than professional testing does. Professional testing requires sending in a water sample but offers highly accurate results with both contaminants found and their precise quantities.
Choosing the Ideal Filter Type/Media
After you’ve tested your well water, you’ll have the necessary information to pick the right filter type. Different contaminants require different filter media and sometimes multiple filtration methods.
As far as well water is concerned, the most common contaminants you’ll face are sediment, iron, manganese, and sulfur.
- Water with high levels of sediment will require sediment pre-filtration to prevent clogging of the primary filter(s). Sediment filtration will also protect your home’s plumbing and appliances.
- High levels are iron will require special filtration like greensand media, air injection, or hydrogen peroxide injection. These filters are also often effective against other common well water contaminants like manganese and sulfur.
- While less common in well water than the above, contaminants like chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, disinfection byproducts, VOCs, and industrial solvents can be effectively removed using carbon filtration.
- KDF-media (copper-zinc alloy) are often used in well water filter systems, and are effective at removing heavy metals, further reducing chlorine, and are also effective at controlling the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and cysts.
- Some of the above filter systems feature optional UV filter stages. These filter stages are highly effective at eradicating all forms of microbial contamination – including bacteria, viruses, cysts, and fungi.
Salt-Free or Salt-Based Water Softener?
There are two primary systems designed to remove water hardness – water softeners and water conditioners.
- Water softeners are salt-based – meaning they use salt to remove water hardness through a process called cation exchange. This process essentially involves replacing hardness ions like calcium and magnesium with softer sodium. The resulting water is soft, but as a result of the softening process the water can take on a ‘slippery’ feel and have a slightly salty taste.
- Water conditioners are salt-free and don’t remove any hardness from water, but rather render it inert through the use of various processes. One of the more popular methods uses template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to transform hard water minerals into a crystal form that can no longer form limescale.
While salt-based water softeners are still the more common type, salt-free water conditioners are becoming increasingly effective and popular. Template-assisted crystallization in particular offers several advantages including dissolving existing scale buildup over time, not creating a ‘slippery’ feel, and maintaining the essential minerals in your well supply.
Softening Capacity
Softening capacity refers to the amount of hardness grains a system can remove before it requires a regeneration cycle. Capacities vary from 8,000 grains on the low end up to 80,000+ grains on the high end for larger whole house systems.
If you have a larger home with more than a couple of bathrooms, then you’ll want to make sure your system capacity is high enough to handle your water demands.
Flow Rates
Flow rates refer to the total capacity a well water filter and softener system combo has to process water. This becomes an issue especially when running multiple water outlets simultaneously. A system with too low a flow rate will create low-pressure issues in your home when you run multiple outlets.
Smaller homes with 1-2 bathrooms can get away with less than 10-gallon-per-minute flow rate, while larger homes with 4+ bathrooms will need a system flow rate of 12 to 20 gpm.
NSF Standards
NSF certifications are the best way to ensure your filter-softener combo is working just as effective as the manufacturer claims it does.
As far as well water softeners are concerned, there is one to be on the lookout for: NSF standard 44 pertains to salt-based softener systems that use a cation exchange resin with sodium or potassium chloride. The standard covers hardness reduction effectiveness and regeneration efficiency among other things.
NSF Standard 42 is for whole house water filters and pertains to the reduction of ‘aesthetic effects’ (chlorine taste and odor, as well as particulates).
Required Space
Whole house filter and softener combos for well water take up a significant amount of space, so you’ll want to ensure you have sufficient space in your home or garage to fit the system you’re considering.
Installation and Maintenance
As far as installation goes, whole house well filter and softener combos aren’t significantly more difficult to install than other whole house systems. That being said, you’ll need to have basic DIY and plumbing knowledge and skills, the right tools, and the ability to follow detailed installation instructions.
If you don’t feel like your DIY skills are up to par, or aren’t interested in installing the system on your own, then you’re looking at shelling out at least several hundred dollars to hire a plumber or contractor.
When it comes to maintenance, salt-based water softeners require a bit more maintenance than salt-free conditioners. They require periodic refilling of the brine tank with salt, as well as annual cleaning, and occasional breaking up of salt clumps and sludge. Filter cartridges need replacement on a regular basis.
Your Budget
Tap or well water, whole house filter and softener combos are not cheap, so price is likely to be a serious consideration when picking one out.
It’s important to keep in mind the costs of ongoing maintenance in addition to the system cost. Some systems, like the USWS Matrixx inFusion and Softener above, have higher ongoing costs due to the need of refilling filter media.
Product Warranties
When you’re shelling out several thousand dollars, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered in case something goes wrong. Most of the above products feature long manufacturer warranties, which is something we recommend.
All-in-One Filter-Softener Combos
There are also all-in-one water softener and filter combos, but they are fairly rare and tend to be significantly less effective than systems with separate filter and softener tanks.
All-in-one systems offer less contact time between the water and filter/softener media, which reduces their overall effectiveness. Contact time is one of the keys to effectiveness in any water treatment system, and combining filters and softeners greatly reduces this contact time.
More on Whole House Well Water Filtration and Softener Systems
Further Reading:
How Does a Whole House Well Water Softener and Filtration System Work?
The precise mechanism of how a whole house well water softener and filtration system works differs depending on the setup in question, but there are some basic commonalities.
- Many systems feature sediment pre and/or post-filters designed to remove sand, silt, and sediment which can clog the later filter stages.
- Filter tanks differ in their filter media, but some of the most common are activated carbon, KDF-media, and specialized filters like greensand. These remove foul tastes and odors, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and other contaminants like iron, manganese, and sulfur.
- Traditional water softeners use the process of ion exchange to remove hardness minerals and replace them with softer sodium or potassium ions. The process involves hard well water flowing through a resin bed filled with supersaturated microbeads. Hardness minerals are drawn out of the water and are replaced with sodium ions from the microbeads. At a certain point, the resin microbeads can no longer bind and must be refreshed through a regeneration cycle. Regeneration involves backwashing the resin tank to flush out the built-up dirt, expand the softening resin, and remove the concentrated salt brine.
Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free softeners – often called conditioners – work through a completely different process involving rendering hardness minerals incapable of forming scale. There are several different methods of accomplishing this:
- Template assisted crystallization uses catalytic media to render hardness minerals into large crystals that can’t form scale. This method is highly effective and is generally the preferred method for salt-free conditioning.
- Chelation uses a chelating agent like citric acid to bind the hardness ions (magnesium and calcium) and render them incapable of forming scale. This method is generally regarded as less effective than template assisted crystallization.
- Electronic and magnetic descalers direct the flow of water through a magnetic field which alters the hardness ions. This is generally regarded as the least effective method.
Benefits of Well Water Filter and Softener Combos
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of well water filter and softener combos.
- All whole house filter and softener combos in general offer the advantage of giving you filtered, soft water at every fixture in your home.
- Well water filtration before softening helps to prolong the lifespan of the softener.
- Water softening protects your home’s water-consuming appliances from scale buildup and premature maintenance.
- Water heaters will work more efficiently – saving you money on energy bills.
- Less scale and spotting in tubs, sinks, and showers.
- All in all, you get well water that is much healthier to use and consume.
Do You Really Need a Well Water Softener AND a Well Water Filter?
Water filters and softeners serve completely different functions, and as such are both necessary if you wish to remove well water contaminants and reduce well water hardness.
While certain well water filters are capable of reducing water hardness, like reverse osmosis systems, even these aren’t designed for this purpose and will suffer reduced lifespans when used with hard water consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you have both well water softener and well water filter?
Of course you can! In fact, if you want to remove both contamination and hardness from your well water, you need both a water softener and a water filter. - What goes first water filter or softener?
Most of the time, the water filter goes before the softener. Only if the water does not contain significant amounts of sediment, iron, or chlorine, and the softener’s backwashing flow rate is higher than the filter’s output flow rate should the water softener come first. - What is the difference between a well water filtration system and a water softener system?
A filter removes contaminants from well water. This is often to make it safe for consumption and improve its taste/odor. A water softener removes hard water minerals in order to prevent limescale from damaging your plumbing system. - What is the best way to filter and soften well water?
This depends entirely on your water conditions. Have your water tested before you decide on the best way of treatment!
How We Chose and Tested the Best Well Water Filter-Softener Combos (Why Trust Us)
Are you ready for a glimpse into our meticulously crafted review process? Prepare to be amazed!
- First, we harnessed our years of experience in the industry and conducted extensive research to create a list of more than 20 criteria to evaluate all products against. Yes, you heard it right, more than 20!
- Next, we embarked on a journey through the vast expanse of the internet, exploring the multitude of combos available online. We didn’t find ourselves drowning in options though, which makes sense when you consider that systems combining a whole house well water filter and a water softener are quite rare. In the end, we had about a dozen.
- Of course, we didn’t stop there. Oh no, we dove deeper into the abyss of product manuals, descriptions, and warranties. We also checked for third-party certifications. We even reached out to some brands, engaging in riveting interviews to test their support level. We asked the questions that potential customers would ask, because we believe in thorough research. After this whirlwind adventure, we managed to narrow down our selection to 8 systems.
- We then sifted through different platforms, seeking feedback and third-party ratings from real users, while firmly rejecting any imposters that dared to deceive us. We have zero tolerance for fakes, my friend.
- Now, here’s where the real fun begins. With 6 products remaining, we decided to get our hands dirty. Quite literally. We ordered and installed (following the manufacturer instructions precisely) 2 of these filters on a suitable water supply, giving them a taste of real-life conditions. We let them operate for a month. Meanwhile, we conducted our very own lab testing, enlisting the help of Tap Score to check the reduction rates of contaminants and hard water minerals. We also checked for things like overall footprint, ease of handling, drops in water pressure, and unfiltered vs filtered water taste.
- Finally, we put in a last effort to present all this mind-boggling information in a way so that it’s easy to grasp. We had professionals fact-check everything, because accuracy is the name of the game.
Oh, and just in case you were wondering, all the information and ratings you see here are completely independent and unbiased. We take our integrity seriously. For one, the assessment of contamination reduction claims was a significant responsibility entrusted to Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS. This included verifying NSF certifications online.
About Our Ratings
We’ve rated each well filter and softener combo on a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating.
Our evaluation is based on key factors including contaminant reduction & softening effectiveness (25 percent), filter service life (20 percent), water flow rates (20 percent), price tag and long-term affordability (15 percent), our own testing and third-party user ratings (10 percent), product support/warranties (10 percent).
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.