Hard water is a significant concern for people nowadays. And dealing with it requires a top-rated water softener. There are different types; some are salt-based, and some are salt-free. Salt Based Water Softeners soften the water correctly. However, you need to add salt regularly to ensure its efficiency. Moreover, for some people adding salt frequently can be tiresome. So they can buy the best salt-free water softener in 2024 instead. Yes, you are reading, right?
What we have here are saltless water softeners available in the market to reduce the hardness of the water. However, they do not remove hard metal ions from water; instead, they treat them, so they do not accumulate on the pipes, showerheads, and faucets.
Although several brands in the market produce water softeners on innovative technologies, getting the right one can be a tiring job. For this reason, we have listed some best salt-free water softeners, and you can choose your desired one.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
Best Salt-Free Water Softener Reviews 2024
After a lot of research, salt-free water softener consumer reports, and reviews, here are our residential salt-free water softener systems for 2024.
1. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter with Salt-Free Softener
Highly Chlorinated hard water is a big problem. Buying two different products can be very confusing and expensive. Aquasana Whole House acts as a filter and a salt-free conditioner. However, if you want to add the best salt-free water softeners to your supply line, then it is a top choice.
The Aquasana Softener comes with a filter tank, post-filter, and conditioner tank. However, it purifies water in 3 stages. Hard water enters the first tank, where it removes sediments. Then, the water enters the second tank to remove bacteria and algae. Finally, water enters the third tank to become chlorine and pesticide-free. So now the water is ready for household usage.
2 in 1: Aquasana’s double property filters the water from harmful agents like chlorine, pesticides, mercury, lead, and calcium. Further, it makes the water soft and tasteful.
Filtration System Technology: The water softening technology of Aquasana is called Scale Control Media (SCM). Besides, it changes the hard-mineral structure of crystals. It also reduces the formation of scale buildup.
Cost-Efficient & Low Maintenance: This Aquasana model can produce up to 1 million gallons of soft and impurities-free water, i.e., up to 10 years or more. So, this fact makes the product highly cost-efficient and everlasting. However, as it is a salt-free softening unit, it requires only changing filters every six months. Thus, making it low-maintenance and fuss-free.
- Suitable For Hair & Skin.
- Easy Customer Installation.
- UV Sterilight Filteration.
- Eco-Friendly & Salt-Free.
- Filters need changing after every six months.
- Pex Crimper Needed For Installation.
2. Aquios FS-220 Salt-Free Water Softener & Filtration System
The Aquios FS-220 is the best salt-free water softener system in 2024 that is engineered to give high-quality results. However, it prevents limescale deposits, and reduces chlorine, and other sediments from water. Furthermore, this system protects the pipes, faucets, showerheads, and appliances from limescale buildup.
Aquios Water Softener has a compact and sleek design that fits perfectly in a small space. Besides, the water system has a protective coating that ensures all the equipment and pipes of the softener are protected from corrosion-causing minerals. Hence, the water softener stays rust-free for years.
All-In-One Water Conditioner: Aquios FS-220 does not only soften the water but also conditions it to remove chlorine and other mineral sediments. However, it has carbon filters that aid in conditioning water. Hence, you get conditioned water in the house.
Innovative Technology: This best-softening unit uses innovative technology to eliminate limescale buildup on the pipes, faucets, showerheads, and kitchen appliances. The water softener has five-micron technology carbon filters along with polyphosphate that works well together in reducing the buildup of calcium and magnesium on pipes. As a result, the water gets softer, and you get tasteful, healthy, and hardness-free water.
Replaceable Cartridge: The system comes with a cartridge that efficiently works up to 40,000 gallons of water i.e., up to 6 months. The cartridge is easily replaceable, and you can buy it from any store. Aquios FS-220 has a twenty-year warranty on the valve and housing system.
- Minimal Maintenance.
- Good Water Pressure.
- Durable Construction Material.
- Eco Friendly.
- Doesn’t kill bacteria or viruses.
3. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler – Water Softener Alternative
Eddy Water Descaler is the easiest to maintain when it comes to limescale buildup. It is the best salt-free water softener of 2024 that relies on electromagnetic waves to achieve its goals. Moreover, it changes the adhesion property of limescale bypassing current into the water. Thus, it prevents the scale from sticking into your pipes.
The unit has a box and coils that are well-coiled around your pipe. What it does is deliver an electromagnetic wave that interacts with water. The magnetic waves go through incoming water. Thus, it prevents the sticking of limescale in pipes.
Budget-Friendly: On the other hand, the chemical composition of your water will not change (chlorine calcium, and magnesium will preserve). However, it will diminish your cleansing problems from your tap valve. Also, there is no need to change filters. So, It’s Affordable and convenient to use.
Lifetime Warranty: The Eddy Water Descaler comes with a lifetime warranty as there’s no doubt about its quality. However, it takes time to clear your home pipes of past mineral grains. You should give enough time to it before judging its performance. After that, you can see the actual effectiveness of electromagnetic technology.
Electricity Usage: This product is not waterproof. Secondly, it works on Electricity. So, you might see a slight increment in your electricity bill. However, this amount is negligible as compared to the price of salt, water consumption, and energy needed to run an ordinary water softener.
- Easy Customer Installation.
- Cost-Effective & Environment Friendly.
- Cheap to Maintain.
- 12 Months Warranty & Money-Back Guarantee + Lifetime Repair.
- Can’t be installed outdoors as it’s not waterproof.
- Doesn’t make the water softer.
4. Nuvo H2O Dphb-a Home Water Softener System
If you have hard water in your area, you might see limescale buildups in your water fixture, inside the pipes, and on showerheads. The solution lies in Nuvo H2O Salt-Free Water Softener, which has developed a revolutionary technology that makes it a top-rated water softener system. By using the new technology, it will not only provide tasteful soft water. But, also skips the whole salt-adding system.
Nuvo H2O has a Mounting Backplate and mounting Bracket. Moreover, it works on the scientific process called Chelation. In this process, the ions responsible for hardening the water are bound to the chelating agent. As a result, the pH level of water is low. Also, your skin and taste buds will enjoy this newly softened water.
Flow Rate & Capacity: The flow rate is exceptional. However, it quickly provides 12 to 15 gallons of water per minute. This model allows 2 to 3 taps to run simultaneously. Moreover, its capacity is 20000 gallons.
Innovative Technology: The chelation process keeps the mineral ions like magnesium and calcium soluble in water. Hence, preventing the buildup of limescale altogether. For instance, your washing machine will benefit from the presence of Nuvo H2O.
Regeneration System: The regeneration or cleaning system is manual. But, there is no use of salt in this system. However, we need to replace filters when they reach a capacity of 50,000 gallons. The system requires 2 x 20-inch cartridges for replacement.
- Affordable Decent Price.
- Water Quality Improves.
- Easy Customer Installation.
- Compact Design & Eco Friendly.
- Frequent Cartridge Replacement.
- The inlets might require connectors with the proper diameter.
5. Magnetic Water Technology Two-Unit Combo
Hard water is a serious issue, and for those who don’t want to buy bulky and large-sized water softeners, magnetic waves are an ideal choice. Magnetic Water Softener is not only super easy to install but takes up minimum space. Its long rectangular build makes it fit on the water pipe easily, and you won’t even know it’s there.
Material: This water softener has the simplest and most compact design and is made from high-quality steel. Moreover, the neodymium magnets are of high potency and work in softening the water without the need to add salt.
Hydro-Magnetic Technology: Magnetic Water Technology creates a magnetic field around the inlet water supply pipe. Because of this technology, the molecular structure of the hardness causes minerals to change, and instead of sticking to the pipes and faucets, they flow
Installation: The installation of this water softener is super easy and simple. All you have to do is place the water softening unit on the water supply pipe. To fasten the unit, use the straps that are included with the unit. Furthermore, a Magnetic Water Softener system is easily placed on any water supply pipe made from iron, copper, or PVC pipe.
Note: This softening system comes in two units, one for hot and the other for cold water pipes.
- Magnetic Technology.
- Durable and easy to install.
- Reduces Limescale Deposits.
- No Electricity Required.
- Some complaints of limescale deposits on the outer area of the water softener.
- Some customers felt the size is too small for their liking.
6. APEC Futura-10 Salt-Free Water Softener & Water Conditioner
APEC Futura-10 is not just a water softener but also a water conditioner. It uses hi-tech water treatment technology along with a carbon filter that ensures the removal of all sorts of sediments, and unwanted minerals from the water. Unlike the traditional water softener system, it doesn’t eliminate calcium and magnesium but rather breaks them down to prevent limescale deposits. However, its unique dual functioning makes it undoubtedly among the best salt-free water softeners available on the market.
Carbon Filter: The 10-inch pre-treatment carbon filter not only improves the taste of water but also reduces odor due to chlorine. Moreover, it also aids in removing iron and other sediments like sand, etc. from the water making it clear and safe to use. The freshwater due to the Futura-10 conditioning system is ideal for baths, saunas, and showers.
Water Treatment Technology: Futura-10 treats water without the need for additive salts or other corrosive chemicals for the remove of hardness, causing minerals. The technology includes ceramic media that not only attracts but also neutralizes hard water-causing minerals. However, it does not require backwashing, regeneration, or Electricity. Furthermore, the catalytic granules that aid in the conversion process are highly durable and have a longer life.
Maintenance & Usage: APEC salt-free water softener is extremely easy to install, and the conditioning system is also maintenance-free. Besides, this system does not require drainage for wasted water, backwash, Electricity, or frequent salt replacement. This softens up to 10 gallons of water per minute and can simultaneously supply water to 3 bathrooms.
- East to Install & Long-Lasting.
- Does not require Electricity.
- 10-year warranty and lifetime Manufacturer Support.
- Prevents Limescale Build-up.
- It doesn’t altogether remove hard water, causing minerals.
7. Yarna Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System
Capacitive Descaler System is an Alternative to a salt-free water softener that does not eliminate calcium and magnesium present in water. Instead, it uses an innovative technology that changes the hardness-causing metals so that they don’t accumulate on pipes and appliances. They stay in the water as a healthy component of water. Because of this innovative technology, this water descaler system is among our top choices for the best salt-free water softener.
Electrical Impulse Technology: Yarna Descaler System uses innovative technology to remove existing limescale buildup and prevents limescale from building up in the future. A computerized microchip controls the impulse. Moreover, the flat impulse bands that wrap around the water supply pipe transmit signal frequencies. The impulse band creates a frequency field that breaks down the molecules. Thus, it avoids molecule accumulation.
Water Softening Descaler: Unlike salt-based water softeners, this water softener descaler does not eliminate minerals like magnesium and calcium from the water. It saves these minerals in the water because of their health properties. Therefore, you can get rid of the limescale deposits by allowing your water to contain healthy minerals without the fuss of adding salts.
Installation: The installation is quite easy. All you have to do is secure the water softener descaler to the pipe using the zip ties. You can install it both horizontally or vertically or adjacent to the pipe. Yarna descaler fits perfectly on any type of pipe that is 1 inch in thickness, whether copper, steel, iron, or PVC.
- Easy installation.
- Reduces limescale deposits efficiently.
- Improves the Quality of water.
- Maintenance-free.
- Charges through its own adapter only.
8. Clearwave CW-125 Electronic Conditioner
Clearwave Conditioner is a simple and small unit that prevents limescale buildup and also makes it easy to clean already existing buildup from your kitchenware. Furthermore, this water softener eliminates the need for salt and therefore has zero maintenance. Due to low maintenance, it is one of the top salt-free water softeners.
Electromagnetic Wave: Clearwave conditions water by generating a series of electromagnetic waves. These waves change the behavior of molecules of magnesium and calcium. Because of the electromagnetic waves, the hard-mineral molecules are broken down into smaller microscopic particles and as a result do not stick to the pipes, faucets, and appliances. Therefore, due to the neutralizing properties of the water conditioner, the freely flowing hard water causes mineral particles to flow through the water system and pass out from the drainage.
Maintenance: Clearwave CW-125 water softener system not only protects pipes, faucets, showerheads, water heaters, and appliances from limescale deposits but is also maintenance-free.
Installation: The ClearWave water conditioner is super easy to install. You can fix it either horizontally or vertically. It is easily mounted on the wall, or you can place it on the main water supply pipeline. Moreover, it fits perfectly on all types of pipes like copper, stainless steel, iron, galvanized, or PVC.
Note: This portable salt-free water softener comes with 18 months of warranty.
- Prevents Limescale Formation.
- Easy Installation.
- Works well on any type of water inlet pipe.
- Uses Minimum Water.
- Some customers complained that the plastic ties that hold wire get loose.
How to Choose the Best Salt-Free Water Softener System?
Well, we have listed and rated the best salt-free water softeners above. Still, you have to ask yourself which one is worth your investment and which will not i.e., you just don’t have to rely on our reviews you have to consider some critical things while buying the best saltless water softener system in 2024. Below is an infographic image that will help you to finalize your decision:
Check Out: Want to check the Hardness of Drinking Water?
Benefits of Salt-Free Systems
Traditional water softeners use salt to replace the excess calcium and magnesium molecules in your water with sodium molecules. This type of water treatment has been shown to remain effective for years. Now you are thinking why should you choose a salt-free system instead?
Low Maintenance Cost
Generally, softeners require continual regeneration of the resin inside, resulting in weekly upkeep and maintenance. You’ll need to regularly check the salt levels and add more whenever needed. You’ll also need to flush the brine from the system. All of this upkeep can get tedious over time, but a salt-free system eliminates this issue. Many salt-free softeners don’t need any upkeep at all. They will simply continue to condition your water without any input from you. While some others will need filter replacements, which consume time and effort, or expense.
No Added Sodium
There are many reasons why you may limit, or at least monitor your sodium intake. Salt-based Water softeners increase the sodium content in your water, which can make a big impact on your sodium intake when you drink it all day every day. Salt-free softeners don’t add sodium to your water, so it’s much safer for individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, heart problems, or any other health concerns.
Benefits of Soft Water
Although salt-free systems don’t remove the minerals completely, they neutralize and prevent them from bonding together. This means that you’ll get all the benefits that soft water provides, without stripping the water of essential minerals. The calcium and magnesium that water softeners remove are necessary for your health. This gives salt-free systems a leg up since they keep in these vital nutrients.
Check Out: Water Conditioners and Water Softeners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do salt-free water softeners really work?
During the ion exchange process, a polymer resin bed attracts hard water minerals and replaces them with sodium ions; it is this removal of magnesium and calcium that defines water softening. Moreover, the truth is that salt-free water softeners do not soften water. But they condition it.
2. Do salt-free water softeners remove iron?
Water softener salts rinse over the resin to knock off the calcium and magnesium ions and flush them from the softener. But, excess iron often remains in the water traveling to your home for use. Moreover, salt-based water softeners remove iron.
3. What is a salt-free water conditioner?
A salt-free water conditioner is a water filtration system that crystallizes magnesium and calcium minerals prevalent in hard water. These micro-crystals are unable to leave the solution and attach to pipes and water heaters in the form of scale.
Check Out: Top Rated Water Conditioner Systems in 2024
Final Verdict
Although all of the products mentioned above are undoubtedly the best salt-free water softeners 2024 available in the market, in my opinion, the best among these are Aquasana Whole House Filter & Conditioner and Aquios FS-220 Filter & Salt-Free Water Softener. We recommend these systems not only because of their innovative technology but also because they filter the water. Therefore, you not only get rid of limescale deposits but also eliminate chlorine and sediments from water.
So, the next time you are in the market for buying a saltless water softener system for your home, don’t forget our recommendation!
Steve Smith is a United State Licensed Plumber with over 18 years of plumbing experience. Steve has conducted residential and commercial plumbing jobs throughout the state and currently works for one of California’s largest plumbing companies. When he’s not working, Steve enjoys spending time with his daughter and son.
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