Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Mattias
Are you looking to purchase a water softener to solve your hard water problems, but you are confused about which one to go for due to many market options or inadequate knowledge on which one is best for your home?
In the article, We will provide the perfect buying guide for a water softener system with the pros, cons, and overall reviews of the best water softeners for your apartment.
However, before we look at the reviews, let’s look at why your home needs a water softener and the factors to consider before choosing the best water softener for your home.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need A Water Softener?
According to reports, 85% of homes in the United States of America face hard water problems. But the good news is that water softeners are built to tackle these problems, supply softened water, and improve your home’s water quality.
To do this, water softeners undergo a process of ion exchange which involves the removal of hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium ions using the resin beads in the resin tank and replacing them with sodium ions and hence softening the water.
Here of the benefits of the soft water gotten as a result of this water softening process:
• It Prevents You From Having Dry Hair and Skin:
When you bathe with hard water, your hair becomes dry and itchy. Also, when you put your hands in hard water, it causes your skin to become dry.
However, when you use softer water, your hair will be silky smooth, your skin will feel fresh, and also avoid an itch.
Read also: Will Water Softener Water Kill Plants?
• It Helps You Save Money:
Hard water reduces the latter-forming ability of your soaps and detergent, causing you to spend more soap than usual and frequently purchase more.
But when you use treated water that doesn’t have hard water ions, your soaps and detergents form lather perfectly and finish less frequently, reducing the amount of money you spend on them.
• It Prevents The Buildup Of Scale In Your Water-Using Appliances:
One effect of hard minerals in your water is scale buildup in your plumbing system and other water-using appliances such as the kitchen sink, showerheads, etc.
However, when the water softener treats the water hardness, the water can no longer have such effects on your appliances.
Read also: How To Add Salt To Water Softener
• It Makes Your Cloth Sparkle:
When clothes are washed with hard water, they fail to bring out their bright look, have a stiff feel, and tend to be discolored after a while.
There can also be noticeable colored patches on these clothes after they are washed.
However, when soft water is used, it gives your cloth a sparkling look whenever it is washed.
• It Prevents The Presence Of Residue On Your Plates:
Hard water causes soap scums to appear on your dishes whenever they are washed and also causes hard water spots on your faucets when tap water is used too.
These hard water stains can also be visible on other surfaces in your home whenever hard water gets dry on that surface.
All these can be prevented by using a water softener to treat hard water and produce soft water.
• It Preserves Your Water Heater, Water Heating Elements, and Other Appliances:
When hard water is used at home, it will affect the performance of your washing machines, water heater, other heating elements, and other appliances.
But this can’t be experienced when soft water is used.
• In addition, this softening process also produces great-tasting water and improves the overall quality of the water.
Read also: 9 Reasons Why Your Softened Water Tastes Salty
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Water Softener
• The Type Of Water Softener
Before choosing a water treatment device for your apartment, the water softener you want to use is the first thing to consider.
There are four basic water softeners.
• Salt-based Water Softeners:
These water softeners need sodium chloride(salts), or potassium chloride in their brine tank to function effectively.
This salt is used to form brine solution and undergo the process of ion exchange which involves removing the hard water minerals and replacing them with sodium ions to produce softened water.
Also, its use of salt to soften means it will need maintenance and refilling salt from time to time to keep working properly.
This type of water softener isn’t only the most common water softening system but is also the most efficient.
• Salt-free Water Softeners:
Unlike the salt-based water softener system, these softeners do not need salt to treat water.
However, the impact of their saltless nature is that they don’t handle hard water problems like the salt-based system.
Instead of eliminating the hard water, these softeners function like water conditioners.
They undergo a template-assisted crystallization process which neutralizes the hard water minerals and makes them lose their potency to form scales in your plumbing system and water-using appliances.
And due to its functioning without salt, it doesn’t need to be maintained frequently for the refilling of salt.
• Dual-tank Water Softeners:
These water softeners are built for large homes.
They have two tanks, one used for regeneration and the other for supplying water to your home.
Due to its buildup, it occupies more space and is more expensive than the other water softeners. So if you live in a small home, you might need a more compact water softener. .
And as its regeneration process occurs frequently, you will need to refill the salt more often.
• Magnetic Water Softeners:
This water softener system uses electricity and magnetic charges to treat water, so it doesn’t require salt.
It is the thinnest water softener type and requires little to no maintenance.
However, they can’t completely remove hard water minerals from water and soften it; they can only handle little hard water issues.
• Size:
Another factor to consider before purchasing an apartment water softener is the space available in your home.
You must measure the available space and look for a system that will fit into it. Some apartment buildings are well designed, and you might find the perfect spot, while others might struggle with getting the softener to a good place.
If you have small spaces available, you need to look for a water softener in a smaller size.
You can go for a bigger water softener if you have a larger space.
Purchasing and trying to install a water softener system that is bigger than the available space could affect its effectiveness.
• The Level Of Your Water’s Hardness
Another factor you should check before choosing a water softener for your home is the level of your water’s hardness.
Purchasing a water softener that can’t handle the level of your water hardness will lead to you continually experiencing hard water issues.
To know your water’s hardness level, you will need to get your water tested by a professional or reach out to your water supply company to get an analysis report.
If your water hardness level is high, you should get a salt-based water softener, but if the hardness level of your water is not so high, then you can treat it using a salt-free water softener.
Also, ensure you use the right grain capacity to soften hard water.
Using a water softener with the wrong grain capacity will affect its effectiveness.
If you live in a small-sized apartment, you can get a water softener with a 16,000 to 32,000-grain capacity.
If you live in a medium-sized apartment, you can get a water softener with a 40,000 to 64,000-grain capacity.
If you live in a large-sized apartment with many people, you can get a water softener with 80,000-grain capacity and above.
Furthermore, notice the presence of sediments or contaminants through your water analysis report. You should get water or sediment filter along with a water softener or instead search for a dual-purpose water treatment device that can remove hard minerals and filter water.
If possible, purchasing a water softener from your local water supply company is also a good idea because they know much about the water you use and what you need exactly.
• Your Water Supply’s Flow Rate
To ensure that the water in your home is softened properly, you must ensure that the flow rate of the water softener you want to purchase is in sync with that of your water line.
If your water line has a high flow rate, then you should also go for a water softener with a high flow rate.
You should also consider the gallons of water that will be used simultaneously.
• Cost
While considering the appropriate factors you need in a water softener, you should also ensure that you don’t exceed your budget.
For example, purchasing a salt-based softening system will require you to refill it with salt from time to time, so breaking the bank to acquire one won’t be a good idea.
To prevent spending much money on your water softener soon, you should ensure that the one you purchase has a warranty.
• Brand
You should purchase a water softener from a renowned brand with proven quality to prevent you from getting less value for your money.
• The Water Softener’s Valves
You should also check the water softener’s bypass valve and metered valves.
The Bypass valve is in charge of diverting the water flow when needed, while the metered valve regulates the frequency of the water softener’s regeneration cycle and prevents unwanted regeneration.
When you purchase a metered water softener system, you will be alerted of the grain capacity required to soften your water. You will rest assured that it will automatically reprogram the number of regeneration cycles when needed.
• Setup Process
Getting a water softener system with a simple and less-complicated setup will be a good idea as it will prevent you from paying a professional to install it for you.
9 Best Water Softener For Apartments
1. Hansing Water Softener
It is safe to say this water softening system from Hansing is the “complete package.”
It is not just one of the best whole house water softeners in the market but is also a highly efficient scale and sediment removal and prevention system.
Built with stainless steel material, this device is also a filtration system.
It is also equipped with a scale inhibiting pleated membrane, which allows it to prevent clogging 7 times more efficiently than conventional anti-cloggers.
In addition, it has a micron pleated filter which gives it 7 times more filtration space, ensuring the high flow of water and maintenance of a high water pressure level.
Due to its water treatment prowess, it stops scale buildup from both hot and cold water supply and improves the smell and taste of well water.
Also, the water it treats gives your cloth a sparkling look, prevents hard water stains on your kitchen appliances, and ensures your water heater and dishwasher work effectively.
This salt-free water softener is small, easy to install, and has a 280,000-grain capacity, which makes it a good choice for apartment owners.
And since it doesn’t use salt, it doesn’t produce wastewater or water that can harm your plants or grasses when used on them.
Another interesting part of purchasing this product is that it has a 30-day return policy that allows you to return it for replacement or refund if it performs below your expectations in that period.
It has a 4.1/5 star rating and over 116 reviews, almost all being good words from satisfied customers.
2. PRO AQUA Water Softener
The Pro Aqua Water Softener is a mobile water softener built for maximum performance.
This mobile soft water portable softener is built for Boats, recreational vehicles (RV), and mobile homes but can also be used at home.
It can soften water in your home and while you are traveling on the road or water. It is also made with a petite construction to fit even the smallest compact design.
It is also easy to set up and supplies more than 40% more soft water than its counterparts.
This water softener uses table salt and undergoes its regeneration process in less than 30 minutes, all thanks to its fully-functional WS-P Regeneration kit.
It is built with a 16,000-grain capacity, and at 8 GPG, it can supply up to 2,000 gallons of water in 40 days.
Also, to ensure it lasts for a long time, it is protected with a polyethylene shell wrapped with fiberglass, a protective jacket made of neoprene, and fittings made with colossal brass material.
Built to treat both city and well water, it comes pre-filled with high-capacity resin beads and resin that remove stains and scales caused by hard water.
It is also built with a double pre-filtration system that filters the water of its impurities before it gets to its point of use, ensuring the extension of the resin bed’s life span.
3. H2OEliteLabs Salt-Free Water Softener Alternative
Although this water treatment device is a water conditioner, it is a perfect water softener alternative.
It is a descaler that prevents hard water minerals from coming together to cause the formation of scales in your plumbing system and other home appliances.
It is built for only indoor use and can handle 35 grains per gallon(GPG) of calcium hardness.
Furthermore, installing and increasing your water system’s overall pressure level is easy.
It can be mounted on the wall, save space, and collaborate with other already-installed water treatment systems.
Due to its impressive functionality, it is hard to see a bad review of this product.
4. On The Go OTG Portable Water Softener
It is built with a portable construction and has a handle that makes lifting it stress-free.
This lightweight system used at home and in RVs also permits a high flow rate and a low water pressure reduction.
With a hardness of 10-25 grains, an on-the-go water softener can produce 320 to 800 gallons of water for 20 days before its swift regeneration cycle, which uses table salt and takes less than 15 minutes.
With a 4.7/5 overall rating, 4.9/5 easy to install rating, and 4.8/5 easy to use rating, this is an excellent water softener you should consider purchasing.
5. iSpring Whole House Water Descaler and Conditioner
This water treatment system uses electromagnetic to descale and condition the water in the house without using chemicals or salt.
It is built with a 10 – 19 grain per gallon capacity. However, when the water’s hardness level is above 25 grains or the iron content is above 0.3 ppm, you should use a salt-based water softener or an iron removal filter to collaborate with it in treating the water.
Furthermore, it is easy to install, does not affect flow rate, and can function on any pipe.
Also, if you purchase this device, you will be given a 1-year refund warranty and technical support from the manufacturers for life.
However, despite its numerous positive reviews and ratings, some customers complain that theirs do not work as advertised by the brand or as testified by others.
6. Whirlpool Water Softener
If you are looking for a certified and modern water softener with all the new technologies, this is the water softener for you.
This water softener is built with a 6th sense technology that keeps track of your water softener and presumes what it needs.
It also has a Demand Initiated Regeneration technology that automatically ensures that salt is used accordingly and the regeneration cycle is carried out when necessary; and also signals to you when the salt in the brine tank is low.
In addition to its high efficiency, it ensures that water pressure is maintained in your home even when multiple appliances use water simultaneously.
It has a step-by-step installation kit to install it without stress and refill salt properly.
It is designed to remove 3 parts per million iron content and 65 grains per gallon of hard water minerals and is built ideally for small households.
With this water softening system, you can rest assured that your water-using appliances are in safe hands.
7. Mobile and Portable Water Softener
This softener is one of the best portable water softeners.
This 16,000-grain capacity softening system removes hard water minerals and iron content in water, making your drinking water taste better and improving your water’s overall quality.
With a 10-grain hardness, it can handle 2 gallons of hard water per minute.
It is lightweight and mobile and regenerates swiftly without the use of electricity. Using table salt in the system is the best way to regenerate it.
This salt-free water softener tank is pre-filled with a water softening resin that is highly charged and can be used on a pressure washer.
It is easy to install and use and can be used at home and in recreational vehicles. However, you should be careful with the hose connections as failure to properly install it will lead to leaking.
This product has a warranty which considers up to a 100% reduction in a refund based on the state the system is in. However, there is a 25% restocking charge placed on each refund.
8. Watts Portable Water Softener
This 10,000-grain water softener is built with fully functional flow valves and flow restrictors that improve the regeneration capacity by 55%.
It also has a high flow rate and low-pressure drop.
It is user-friendly and can be used at home and in recreational vehicles.
Also, you do not need to break the bank to maintain it.
It has a 4.4/5 star rating and hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied customers.
9. Yarna Water Descaler
The Yarna water descaler is a water treatment system built to remove and prevent scale buildup in the entire house.
It is a perfect salt-free water softener alternative and treats water using electric pulses to reduce the effects of hard water on your home appliances.
Its installation is easy and can be done in less than 15 minutes. It can be used on any type of pipe and requires no maintenance. And due to its salt-free water treatment system, it doesn’t produce wastewater.
It is also more expensive than regular water descalers and has a 1-year warranty and full refund policy.
It also has a 4.3/5 overall star rating, 4.2/5 value for money rating, and a 4.8/5 easy-to-install rating.
However, if you expect instant results, this system is not for you, as it tends to take up to 3 months to show signs of improvement in your water quality.
Best Water Softener For Apartments Summary
I hope you enjoyed this guide about buying a water softener for your apartment.
As you discovered, there are many water softeners to choose from, and hopefully, you can make an excellent choice to get clean water for your apartment.
If you live in a rental property, you can always ask the building owner/property manager if he or she can buy one.
Or if you’ve bought a new apartment? Tell the owner about the benefits of soft water and show this page.
Good luck!
Meet Mattias Jonsson, the head of content at RainSaucers. Passionate about gardening and water-related topics, he’s dedicated to providing expert information and resources to help improve your home, health, and wallet. Learn from his research and experience.