Water Softeners

A water softener removes calcium, magnesium, and other hardness minerals from your water through ion exchange — eliminating scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances while making your water feel noticeably better on skin and hair.

 

We carry whole house water softener systems from Fleck, Nelsen, and Clack — from metered single-tank softeners to twin-tank systems for zero-downtime regeneration and salt-free conditioners for homes where sodium is a concern. Every system ships with free shipping, a 5-year valve warranty, and free lifetime tech support.

 

Not sure which softener is right for your home? Start with our Complete Guide to Water Softeners, or call 800-460-5810 and we'll size a system based on your water test and household size.

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16 products

 

Types of Water Softeners

 

Fleck 5600SXT Metered Softeners (Best Sellers)

The Fleck 5600SXT is the most popular residential water softener valve in North America. It uses metered regeneration — meaning it only regenerates when you've actually used enough water to exhaust the resin, saving salt and water compared to timer-based systems. Our Deluxe models include 10% crosslink resin, which lasts significantly longer than standard 8% resin, especially in homes with chlorinated water or low-level iron.

 

• Fleck 5600SXT 32,000 Grain — $1,495 (1–2 people, up to 15 GPH hardness)
• Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Deluxe — $1,895 (2–4 people, our most popular size)
• Fleck 5600SXT 64,000 Grain Deluxe — $2,195 (4–6 people or very hard water)

 

Need help choosing? Read our Water Softener Sizing Guide.

 

Fleck 2510SXT High-Flow Softeners

The Fleck 2510SXT uses a larger 1" ported valve body, delivering higher flow rates than the 5600SXT. These are ideal for larger homes with 3+ bathrooms or homes that need to pair a softener with other treatment systems (iron filters, acid neutralizers) in series — the extra flow capacity prevents pressure drop.

 

• Fleck 2510SXT 64,000 Grain Deluxe — $2,495 (with 10% crosslink resin)

 

Fleck 9100SXT Twin Tank Softeners

A twin-tank (dual-tank) water softener has two resin tanks — when one is regenerating, the other takes over. This means you never run out of soft water, even during regeneration. The Fleck 9100SXT is ideal for large families, homes with high water usage, or anyone who refuses to compromise on 24/7 soft water.

 

• Fleck 9100SXT 64,000 Grain Twin Tank — $2,695

 

Nelsen Connected Series (Smart Water Softeners)

The Nelsen Connected Series adds Bluetooth monitoring to a proven Clack valve platform. You can track water usage, salt levels, and regeneration cycles from your phone — and get alerts when it's time to add salt. These are the smartest water softeners we carry.

 

• Nelsen 48,000 Grain Connected Softener — $1,495
• Nelsen 64,000 Grain Connected Softener — $1,695
• Nelsen 80,000 Grain Connected Softener — for large homes or very hard water

 

Salt-Free Water Conditioners

A salt-free water conditioner doesn't remove hardness minerals — instead, it changes their structure so they won't stick to pipes and fixtures. Salt-free systems are a good fit for homes with moderate hardness (under ~15 GPG) where you don't want to add sodium to the water or deal with salt bags. They require zero salt, zero electricity, and zero drain.

 

• Clack 2.5 Cubic Foot Salt-Free Conditioner — $2,895 (3+ bathrooms)

 

Commercial Water Softeners

For businesses, apartment buildings, or homes with extreme water demands, we carry commercial-grade Fleck systems with 2" connections and high-capacity resin beds.

 

• Fleck 2900NXT Commercial Water Softener — $8,900 (2" connections, up to 42 GPM)

 

Need help deciding? Call 800-460-5810 — we'll recommend the right system based on your water test, household size, and budget.

 

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Sizing Your Water Softener

 

The right size water softener depends on two things: how hard your water is (measured in grains per gallon, or GPG) and how much water your household uses. For a detailed walkthrough, read our complete sizing guide. Here's a quick reference:

 

Household Size	Water Hardness	Recommended System	Starting Price
1–2 people	Up to 25 GPG	Fleck 5600SXT 32K	$1,495
2–4 people	Up to 25 GPG	Fleck 5600SXT 48K Deluxe	$1,895
4–6 people	Up to 25 GPG	Fleck 5600SXT 64K Deluxe	$2,195
3+ bathrooms / high flow	Any hardness	Fleck 2510SXT 64K	$2,495
Large home / 24/7 soft water	Any hardness	Fleck 9100SXT Twin Tank	$2,695
Moderate hardness / no salt	Under 15 GPG	Clack Salt-Free	$2,895

 

If your water also has iron, low pH, or other issues, you'll likely need additional treatment. See our iron filter + softener packages, acid neutralizer + softener packages, or carbon filter + softener packages for bundled systems that solve multiple problems at once.

 

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Water Softener Packages

 

Most well water homes need more than just a softener. We offer pre-configured packages that pair a water softener with the right pre-treatment system:

 

• Acid Neutralizer + Water Softener — for homes with low pH (acidic) water and hard water. The acid neutralizer corrects pH first, then the softener removes hardness.
• Iron Filter + Water Softener — for homes with iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide in addition to hard water. The iron filter removes oxidized metals, protecting the softener resin.
• Carbon Filter + Water Softener — for homes on city water with chlorine or chloramine, or well water with taste/odor issues. Carbon removes chemicals, then the softener handles hardness.

 

Packages ship together and are designed to install in sequence on your main water line. Call 800-460-5810 if you need help picking the right combination.

 

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FAQs

 

What is hard water? How softeners work Salt vs salt-free What size do I need? How much do they cost? Well water vs city water Can a softener remove iron? What is regeneration? Maintenance How long do they last? DIY installation Sodium in softened water

 

 

Q. What is hard water, and why does it need to be softened?

 

A. Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. While not a health risk, hard water causes scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and appliances — reducing efficiency and shortening their lifespan. It also leaves white spots on fixtures, makes soap less effective, and causes dry skin and hair. A water softener removes these minerals through ion exchange, replacing them with a small amount of sodium. Read our full explanation in Hard Water Problems: The Water Softener Solution.

 

 

Q. How does a water softener work?

 

A. Water flows through a tank filled with resin beads that are charged with sodium ions. As hard water passes through, the calcium and magnesium ions swap places with the sodium ions — a process called ion exchange. When the resin is exhausted, the system regenerates by flushing the resin with a salt brine solution, which recharges the beads and sends the collected hardness minerals down the drain. Our Fleck systems use metered regeneration, which only triggers this cycle when the resin is actually depleted — saving salt and water.

 

 

Q. What's the difference between salt-based and salt-free water softeners?

 

A. A salt-based water softener physically removes hardness minerals from your water through ion exchange. A salt-free conditioner doesn't remove minerals — it uses Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) to change their structure so they won't form scale. Salt-based softeners are more effective for high hardness and provide that "slippery" soft water feel. Salt-free systems are better for moderate hardness, homes on sodium-restricted diets, or where you want zero maintenance (no salt, no electricity, no drain). Read our detailed comparison: Salt-Based vs Salt-Free.

 

 

Q. What size water softener do I need?

 

A. Size depends on your water hardness (in grains per gallon) and daily water usage (gallons per person per day × number of people). The goal is a system that regenerates about once every 7 days. For most 2–4 person homes with moderate hardness, a 48,000 grain softener is the sweet spot. Larger families or very hard water (20+ GPG) should step up to 64,000 grains. See our full Water Softener Sizing Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

 

 

Q. How much does a water softener cost?

 

A. Our residential water softeners range from $1,495 to $2,895 depending on the size, valve type, and whether you choose a salt-based or salt-free system. This includes the tank, valve, resin (or media), brine tank, and free shipping. Installation typically costs $300–$500 if you hire a plumber, or you can install it yourself with basic plumbing skills. For a full breakdown, see our Water Softener Cost Guide.

 

 

Q. Do I need a different softener for well water vs. city water?

 

A. The softener itself works the same way, but the supporting treatment often differs. Well water may also contain iron, sulfur, or low pH — which require pre-treatment before the softener (like an iron filter or acid neutralizer). City water typically has chlorine or chloramine, which degrades standard resin faster — that's why our Deluxe models include 10% crosslink resin rated for chlorinated water, or you can pair with a carbon filter.

 

 

Q. Can a water softener remove iron from my water?

 

A. A water softener can handle small amounts of dissolved (clear-water) iron — typically up to 2–3 ppm. Beyond that, the iron fouls the resin, reducing softening capacity and staining fixtures. If you have more than 3 ppm of iron, you need a dedicated iron filter installed before the softener. Read our full article: Can a Water Softener Remove Iron?

 

 

Q. What is regeneration and how often does it happen?

 

A. Regeneration is the process of flushing the resin bed with a salt brine to recharge it. All our Fleck and Nelsen systems use metered regeneration, which counts every gallon of water you use and only regenerates when the resin is actually depleted. This typically happens once every 5–10 days depending on your water hardness and usage. Regeneration takes about 90 minutes and uses about 30–50 gallons of water.

 

 

Q. What maintenance does a water softener require?

 

A. The only routine maintenance is adding salt to the brine tank every 4–8 weeks (depending on usage). We recommend solar salt or evaporated salt pellets — avoid rock salt, which leaves residue. Beyond that, the resin should be cleaned with a resin cleaner once a year, and the brine tank should be inspected for salt bridges or mushing. For a complete checklist, see our Water Softener Maintenance Guide.

 

 

Q. How long does a water softener last?

 

A. With proper maintenance, a quality water softener lasts 15–20+ years. The valve and tank can last decades. The resin typically needs replacement after 10–15 years (longer with 10% crosslink resin). Our Fleck valves carry a 5-year manufacturer warranty, and the tanks carry a 10-year warranty. Read more: How Long Do Water Softeners Last?

 

 

Q. Can I install a water softener myself?

 

A. Yes — most homeowners with basic plumbing skills can install a water softener in 2–4 hours. You'll need a bypass valve (included), some PEX or copper fittings, and a drain line connection. Every system we sell includes step-by-step installation instructions, and our team is available by phone at 800-460-5810 to walk you through it. Read our DIY vs. Professional Installation Guide.

 

 

Q. Does a water softener add too much sodium to my drinking water?

 

A. The amount of sodium added depends on your water hardness. At 10 GPG hardness, a softener adds about 75 mg of sodium per liter — roughly the same as a slice of bread. At 25 GPG, it's about 188 mg/L. For most people, this is negligible. If you're on a strict sodium-restricted diet, options include a salt-free conditioner, using potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride, or installing an RO drinking water system at the kitchen sink. Read the details: How Much Sodium Does a Water Softener Add?