If your water has hardness above 7 grains per gallon (gpg) in addition to iron, yes. The iron filter removes iron, manganese, and sulfur but doesn't touch calcium and magnesium (hardness). Without a softener, you'll still get scale on fixtures, spots on dishes, dry skin, and shortened appliance life. If you're not sure, send us your water test results and we'll tell you.

The iron filter always goes before the softener. The order from your well is: pressure tank > sediment filter (if applicable) > iron filter > water softener > house. Dissolved iron fouls softener resin and shortens its life, so removing iron first protects the softener resin. If your test also shows low pH, an acid neutralizer goes in too, and Aidan sets its place from your test.

The Fleck 2510AIO with Katalox-Light media removes up to 30 ppm of iron, 15 ppm of manganese, 10 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, and sediment down to 3 microns. It handles ferrous (dissolved) and ferric (particulate) iron. Iron bacteria is a separate problem: if you see slime or biofilm in toilet tanks, call us before you order. Shocking the well with chlorine only helps for a few days. Aidan usually points those wells to our ozone version of the Katalox iron filter, or a UV light after the filter.

We recommend installation by a licensed plumber, and Aidan supports your plumber by phone at 800-460-5810, 7 days a week. Both tanks ship empty, so the Katalox-Light and the softener resin are loaded through the included funnel at install. Each system needs a standard outlet and a drain nearby; drain tubing is not included. The bypass valves come already installed on both control valves.

The Fleck 5600SXT uses electronic demand regeneration. It counts gallons and only regenerates when the resin is actually exhausted. Aidan's own home (three people) goes through about one 40 lb bag every 30 to 45 days; bigger households and harder water use more.

The 2510AIO needs very little upkeep. It cleans itself every night at 2 AM (factory setting), pulling in fresh air and flushing iron and sediment to the drain, with no chemicals. On light water use it can be set to every 2 to 4 days. The Katalox-Light media typically lasts 6 to 8 years, depending on water use and iron level, and then only the media is replaced. Beyond that, run a yearly water test to confirm the iron is still being removed.

Pick the package by how many people live in the home and how hard the water is.

Iron filter: the 1.5 cu ft fits about 2 to 4 people with lower iron. The 2.5 cu ft fits 4 to 10 people.

Softener: the 48,000 grain fits up to 4 people on water up to about 15 grains of hardness. The 64,000 grain fits 5 or 6 people on water up to about 15 grains, or 3 or 4 people on harder water (up to about 30 grains for 3, about 20 for 4). The 80,000 grain is for 5 or 6 people on harder water, or 4 people at about 21 to 30 grains. Over 30 grains, or 7 or more people: text Aidan your test first.

Not sure? Send Aidan your water test (call 800-460-5810 or text Aidan at 443-277-2204) and he will tell you which package fits.

We recommend a sediment filter upstream of both systems if you have visible particles, sand, or sediment in your water. A 20" Big Blue sediment filter installed before the iron filter traps particles that could foul the valve. If your water is visually clear, you usually don't need one. We can tell you by looking at your water test or a photo of your tap water.