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3-Stage Whole House Well Water Filter & Softener System

The affordable starting point for well water treatment. Fixes low pH and hard water in one simple system.

NSF-Certified Components
|
🇺🇸 Made in USA

3-Stage Whole House Well Water Filter & Softener System

The affordable starting point for well water treatment. Fixes low pH and hard water in one simple system.

Walkthrough video thumbnail
Step 1Watch This Before Buying Meet Aidan and get a breakdown of how these systems work. Watch Video
Step 2Order a Mail-In Lab Test Your water chemistry determines the right equipment and size. Without test results, you're guessing. Order Test$199
Step 3Save Install Instructions Hand this to your plumber. Print, share, or use it for DIY. View Instructions
Chat With Aidan Feeling overwhelmed? Call Aidan. He'll tell you exactly what your house requires, even if it's less than what's on this page.
You save $390.00 as a complete system
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Aidan
Not Sure If This Starter System Is Right? If your water test shows iron above 0.3 ppm, you probably need an iron filter too. If it shows bacteria, you may need UV. Aidan will review your results and tell you exactly what you need. If a bigger or smaller package makes more sense, he will point you there. No pressure, no upsell.

Stage 1 Big Blue Sediment Filter

  • 4" x 20" Big Blue filter housing with mounting bracket
  • 5-micron sediment cartridge included
  • Filter wrench for easy cartridge changes

Stage 2 Acid Neutralizer (1.5 Cubic Foot Non-Backwashing)

  • Clack C1190 non-backwashing upflow valve
  • 10" x 54" Vortech mineral tank
  • 150 lbs of calcite media (3 x 50 lb bags)
  • No electricity or drain connection needed
  • Fillport for easy calcite additions

Stage 3 Water Softener (48,000 Grain)

  • Fleck 5600SXT electronic demand valve (NSF certified)
  • 10" x 54" Vortech mineral tank
  • 1.5 cubic feet of 10% crosslink resin
  • 18" x 33" salt brine tank with safety float
  • 1" stainless steel bypass valve (pre-installed)

Included With Every System

  • Free shipping to all lower 48 states (ships freight on pallet)
  • Fill funnel for calcite and resin
  • 7-day expert support from Aidan at 800-460-5810

Acid Neutralizer

ModelClack C1190 Non-Backwashing Upflow
MediaCalcite, 150 lbs (3 bags)
Tank10" x 54" Vortech (gravel-free)
pH Range5.5 - 6.9 (raises to ~7.0)
ElectricityNone required
DrainNone required

Water Softener (48,000 Grain)

ModelFleck 5600SXT Electronic Demand
Resin10% crosslink, 1.5 cubic feet
Tank10" x 54" Vortech (gravel-free)
Salt Tank18" x 33" with safety float
Service FlowUp to 10 GPM continuous
Bypass1" stainless steel, pre-installed
Power Backup48-hour capacitor

Sediment Pre-Filter

Housing4" x 20" Big Blue
Cartridge5-micron sediment (included)
ReplacementEvery 3-6 months depending on sediment load

All tanks and valves made in the USA. 5-year valve warranty, 10-year tank warranty on all systems.

Call before you install. Aidan walks every customer through placement and plumbing over the phone. Call 800-460-5810 with your basement or utility room layout.

Installation Order (From Well to House)

  1. Pressure tank (your existing tank)
  2. Sediment filter (Big Blue housing)
  3. Acid neutralizer (no power, no drain)
  4. Water softener (requires 120V outlet + drain line)

Electrical Requirements

Only the water softener needs power. You need 1 available 120V outlet in your utility area. The acid neutralizer and sediment filter are fully passive, requiring no electricity at all.

Drain Requirements

Only the water softener needs a drain line for regeneration. Route 1/2" tubing to a floor drain, utility sink, or outside (max 20 feet). The acid neutralizer does not backwash and needs no drain.

Outlet Count

You need 2 outlets total: one for the softener's drain and one for its power cord. The acid neutralizer connects inline with no drain or power. This is the simplest multi-system install we offer.

Space Planning

Plan for roughly 4-5 linear feet of wall space. The two tanks (acid neutralizer and softener) are each about 10 inches in diameter. The Big Blue housing mounts vertically and is compact. This system fits in tight utility areas.

Time Estimate

Most homeowners finish in 3-5 hours. This is the simplest multi-system install because only one system needs power and a drain. Aidan is on the phone at 800-460-5810 to walk through every step.

Sediment Filter Every 3-6 months

  • Replace the 5-micron cartridge when flow drops or it looks dirty. Unscrew the housing with the included wrench, swap the cartridge, and reinstall. Takes 5 minutes.

Acid Neutralizer Every 12-18 months

Water Softener Monthly salt check

  • Keep the brine tank at least 1/4 full with salt. Most homes go through a 40 lb bag every 4-8 weeks. The Fleck 5600SXT regenerates automatically based on your water usage.

That is it. Three systems, three simple maintenance tasks. Questions? Call or text 800-460-5810, available 7 days a week.

Acid neutralizer Acid Neutralizers: The Complete Guide Water softener Water Softeners: The Complete Guide Water softener sizing What Size Water Softener Do You Need? Well water Well Water Filtration: The Complete Guide Water test kit Well Water Test Kit (53 Contaminants)

What's In This Package

Installed in this order on your main water line.

Stage 1
20" Big Blue Sediment Filter Kit
20" Big Blue Sediment Filter Kit
Traps rust, sand, and particulate before it reaches the rest of the system
$195.00 individually
View this system
Stage 2
Clack 1.5 Cubic Foot (10x54) Vortech Tank Non Backwashing Acid Neutralizer
Clack 1.5 Cubic Foot (10x54) Vortech Tank Non Backwashing Acid Neutralizer
Corrects low pH / acidic well water using calcite
$1,295.00 individually
View this system
Stage 3
Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Electronic Demand Deluxe Water Softener
Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Electronic Demand Deluxe Water Softener
Removes hardness minerals so no scale builds up on plumbing or appliances
$1,895.00 individually
View this system
Purchased separately: $3,385.00
Complete system package: $2,995.00
You save $390.00 when purchased as a complete system

Video Guides

Watch our well water treatment guides has 32 years of industry experience.


Why Start With a 3-Stage System?

Fix the 2 Most Common Well Water Problems Without Overbuying

If your water test shows low pH and hard water but no iron, you do not need a 4 or 5-stage system. This starter package handles the two most common well water problems in the correct treatment order: neutralize the acid first, then soften. The acid neutralizer raises your pH to neutral using calcite. It needs no electricity and no drain, so it just sits in line and works. The water softener removes hardness minerals that cause scale buildup, soap scum, and dry skin. Together they transform aggressive, hard well water into clean, soft, neutral water throughout your home. All media is included. All tanks are Vortech gravel-free. All valves are professional-grade. And if you ever need to add iron removal, carbon filtration, or UV sterilization, every stage connects inline with standard 1-inch connections. Start simple. Add later if needed.
3-Stage System
Fixes pH + Hardness
All Media Included
Free Shipping
5 to 10 Year Warranties
7-Day Expert Support
Made in USA
Mid Atlantic Water Trust Logos
Feature Our System Others
System Design 3 Matched Stages in Correct Order Generic All-In-One Cartridge
pH Correction 1.5 CF Clack Non-Backwashing Often Missing Entirely
Softener Capacity 48,000 Grain / 10% Crosslink 24-32K / Standard 8% Resin
Softener Valve Fleck 5600SXT Demand-Based Timer-Based (Wastes Salt)
Sediment Pre-Filter Big Blue 5-Micron Included Extra Cost Add-On
Expert Support 7-Day Phone + Text + Email Limited or None
Warranty 5-Year Valves + 10-Year Tanks 1-Year Limited
System Design
✅ Us 3 Matched Stages in Correct Order
❌ Them Generic All-In-One Cartridge
pH Correction
✅ Us 1.5 CF Clack Non-Backwashing
❌ Them Often Missing Entirely
Softener Capacity
✅ Us 48,000 Grain / 10% Crosslink
❌ Them 24-32K / Standard 8% Resin
Softener Valve
✅ Us Fleck 5600SXT Demand-Based
❌ Them Timer-Based (Wastes Salt)
Sediment Pre-Filter
✅ Us Big Blue 5-Micron Included
❌ Them Extra Cost Add-On
Expert Support
✅ Us 7-Day Phone + Text + Email
❌ Them Limited or None
Warranty
✅ Us 5-Year Valves + 10-Year Tanks
❌ Them 1-Year Limited
Aidan

Got a Question About Your System?

Whether you need help with installation, valve programming, calcite refills, or troubleshooting, Aidan is available 7 days a week. Real answers from someone who has been doing this for 29+ years.

📞 Call Us 800-460-5810
✉️ Email Support support@midatlanticwater.net
🕒 Live Hours 7 days a week, 8am-5pm Eastern

Frequently Asked Questions

Not if your water test shows low or zero iron. Many wells have pH and hardness problems without significant iron. That is exactly what this system is built for. If your test does show iron above 0.3 ppm, call Aidan at 800-460-5810 and he will recommend a system that includes iron removal.

Yes. This system is designed so you can add an iron filter before the acid neutralizer, a carbon filter after the softener, or a UV sterilizer at the end of the line. All of our systems use standard 1-inch connections. You do not have to replace anything you already have installed.

The 48,000-grain softener and 1.5 cubic foot acid neutralizer are sized for homes with up to 4 bathrooms and normal water usage. If you have a larger home or very high water demand, call us and we will confirm the sizing. Most homes fit comfortably within this system's capacity.

Yes. With only 3 systems (and only 1 that needs power and a drain), this is the easiest multi-system install we offer. Plan 3-5 hours. Aidan walks customers through the full installation over the phone, 7 days a week at 800-460-5810.

Three things: salt for the softener (a 40 lb bag every 4-8 weeks), calcite for the acid neutralizer (top off every 12-18 months through the fillport), and a sediment cartridge swap every 3-6 months. None of these take more than 10 minutes.

Buying all 3 systems as a package saves $360 compared to purchasing each one separately. Everything ships on the same pallet, arrives at the same time, and is supported by the same expert. We also pre-match the sizing so the acid neutralizer and softener work together without flow rate bottlenecks.

3-Stage Whole House Well Water Filter & Softener System
3-Stage Whole House We... $2,995.00

Why This Starter System Costs More Than a Big-Box Alternative

Professional Components vs. Budget Alternatives

What You Get With Budget Systems

Budget water treatment bundles cut corners where it matters most: timer-based softener valves that waste salt, cheap resin that degrades in a few years, and partial media fills that need immediate topping off. Most skip the acid neutralizer entirely, leaving your copper pipes to corrode from the inside out even after the water is softened.

Worse, most online sellers offer little to no support after the sale. When you need help programming the valve or figuring out why your pH is still low, there is nobody to call.

The Real Cost Comparison

Budget Softener + Cartridge Filter
$800-1,500
  • Lifespan: Fails in 3-4 years
  • Result: Frequent repairs, poor water quality, leaks
  • Support: None
$0.50-0.80/day (frequent replacements, no pH fix)
Best Long-Term Value
Our Starter System
$2,995
  • Lifespan: Lasts 15+ years
  • Result: Done right the first time, peace of mind
  • Support: Lifetime USA Support
$0.27/day over a 30-year system life

These 3 systems cost $3,355 purchased individually. This package saves $360 and ensures everything is properly sized to work together. Over a 30-year system life, the cost works out to about $0.27 per day for treated water throughout your entire home.

What You Get With Our System

This starter system uses the same professional-grade components we have been selling for 29+ years: a Clack C1190 non-backwashing acid neutralizer and a Fleck 5600SXT demand-based water softener. Both tanks are Vortech gravel-free for better flow and easier service. The 10% crosslink resin in the softener lasts 20-30% longer than the standard 8% used in budget packages.

You also get Aidan on the phone 7 days a week. Before the purchase, during installation, and for the life of the system.

Contact Us
800-460-5810

We're here to help.

1-Year Risk-Free Guarantee

The Affordable Starting Point, Backed for Life

If this 3-stage system fails to fix your pH and hardness problems within 30 days of installation, contact us and we will work with you to resolve the issue. Whether that means troubleshooting your setup, adjusting valve programming, replacing a component, or issuing a full refund. No shipping heavy equipment back. No restocking fees.

10,000+ Systems Installed
455+ Verified Reviews
29+ Success Rate

After 29+ years selling and supporting water treatment systems, we know what works for wells with low pH and hard water. This starter system pairs two proven components, an acid neutralizer and a water softener, in the correct treatment order with a sediment pre-filter to protect both.

The Industry "Return Policy" Trap +

Most online retailers offer a return policy that requires you to ship everything back at your expense. For a multi-system package on a pallet, that is $200-300 in return freight. Then a 15-25% restocking fee on top. It is designed to make returns impractical.

How Our Real Guarantee Works
1
The System Doesn't Fix Your Water

If your water test still shows low pH or hard water after installation, that is on us.

2
You Call Us, We Fix It

We troubleshoot with you: water test results, installation order, valve settings, flow rates. Most issues are resolved with a simple adjustment.

Full Refund, No Hassle

If we cannot resolve the issue, you get a full refund. We handle the logistics. You do not ship anything back.

Aidan

This is what I recommend when someone calls with a well that has low pH and hard water but no iron problem. You do not need a 4 or 5-stage system if iron is not in the picture. Start here, get your water right, and add stages later if you ever need them. Call me with your water test and I will confirm this is the right fit.

Aidan
5.0
★★★★★ 455 Verified Reviews
29 Years in Business
10,000+ Homeowners Served
Real installs, real customers, real photos
Customer install: Fleck 2510AIO iron filter
★★★★★
Solved my very high iron issues

"I had well water with over 20 ppm ferrous and 7 ppm of ferric iron, plus manganese and some sulfur. Local water companies rejected me, said they couldn't help. I purchased two Fleck 2.5 cu. ft. 2510AIO iron filter tanks with Katalox-Light. Problem solved."

Amy H. Verified buyer · Fleck 2510AIO Iron Filter
Customer install: Clack 2.5 acid neutralizer
★★★★★
Corrosive water resolved

"New house, brass fittings on my Pex were all corroding. Tested the water, acidic at 5.5. Found Mid Atlantic Water YouTube videos which were very helpful, ordered the non-back washing 2.5. Easy install, water tests great now."

William H. Verified buyer · Clack 2.5 Acid Neutralizer
Customer install: Fleck 2510AIO iron filter
★★★★★
Amazing set up

"Straight forward installation. In, out, and the drain. Ran a back wash cycle then put it online and it works GREAT. Cleaned out the iron and raised the pH to 7.5. Culligan tried to sell me something twice the price."

Dustin H. Verified buyer · Fleck 2510AIO Iron Filter
Customer install: full water treatment system
★★★★★
Outstanding help and products

"Three contractors and two other suppliers reviewed my well report. Quotes ranged from $5,000 to $10,000. Then I found Mid Atlantic. Aidan reviewed the report and recommended a complete system. Same equipment, fraction of the cost, and the support was real."

Mark H. Verified buyer · Full Treatment System
Customer install: Clack 2.5 acid neutralizer
★★★★★
Does exactly what it's supposed to do

"Easy, bullet-proof installation. No moving parts. Raised my pH from 6.8 to a perfect 7.6. I had previously installed the same unit in my daughter's water system. Her pH was 5.2. Following Aidan's videos, both installs went smoothly."

Dale H. Verified buyer · Clack 2.5 Acid Neutralizer
Customer install: Clack 2.5 acid neutralizer
★★★★★
My water is fixed

"Super easy install. Shouldn't have to service it for approximately 24-36 months based on my water usage. Tank is solid, fittings are clean, no leaks. Exactly what was advertised."

Henry Hall Verified buyer · Clack 2.5 Acid Neutralizer
1-Year Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee
5 & 10 Year Warranties on Equipment
Free Lifetime US-Based Phone & Text Support
30-Day Returns, No Questions

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