Top 5 Whole House Water Softener & Filtration Systems

Does your water leave behind stubborn soap scum in the shower? Do you constantly battle dry skin or notice a strange taste in your drinking water? You are not alone. Many homes deal with hard water issues, and finding the perfect solution can feel like a maze. Choosing between just a softener, just a filter, or a combined system brings up tough questions about cost, maintenance, and what your family truly needs.

This confusion stops now. We break down exactly what a Whole House Water Softener and Filtration System does. You will learn the real differences between the units available today and discover how to match the right system to your home’s specific water problems. Get ready to say goodbye to mineral buildup and hello to truly clean, great-tasting water throughout your entire house. Let’s dive into making your water perfect.

Top Whole House Water Softener And Filtration System Recommendations

SaleNo. 1
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener w/High Efficiency Digital Metered...
  • 💧【 PERFECTLY DESIGNED FOR 3-4 BATHROOMS 】The Aquasure Harmony Series is the professional grade water softener that delivers ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire home.
  • 💧【 HIGHLY EFFICIENT 】Rated to treat 48,000 Grains of hardness by removing skin damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that clog up the skin pore and causes irritation. Triple Purpose Sediment/Carbon/Zinc pre-filter effectively removes 99% of water contaminants such as chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, bad odors, taste, soil, silt, sand, rust, heavy metals, and sediment.
  • 💧【 PROTECTS YOUR APPLIANCES 】Reduces water hardness and eliminates scale buildup while preventing damage to your plumbing and prolonging the lifespan of household appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, etc.
  • 💧【 AUTOMATIC DIGITAL METERED CONTROL HEAD 】Comes with a fully programmable backlit digital display which allows you to easily customize your auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and water usage. Also allows for easy monitoring and hassle-free maintenance.
No. 2
Aquasure Harmony Series 50,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener with High Performance Automatic...
  • 💧【 PERFECTLY DESIGNED FOR 4-6 BATHROOMS 】The Aquasure Harmony Series professional grade whole house water softener is rated to treat 50,000 grains of water hardness, removing skin damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that clog up the skin pore and causes irritation.
  • 💧【 EFFECTIVE & EFFICIENT 】The Triple Purpose Sediment/GAC/Zinc Pre-Filter removes 99% of harmful contaminants such as chlorine, VOCs, PFAs, bad odors, taste, soil, silt, sand, rust, sediment, and more, ensuring clean and safe water throughout your home.
  • 💧【 PROTECTS YOUR APPLIANCES 】Eliminates scale buildup while preventing damage to your plumbing, prolonging the lifespan of water-using household appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, etc.
  • 💧【 AUTOMATIC DIGITAL METERED CONTROL VALVE 】Comes with a fully programmable backlit digital display which allows you to easily customize your auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and water usage. Also allows for easy monitoring and hassle-free maintenance.
No. 3
Aquasure Whole House Water Filtration Bundle w/Water Softener, 75 GPD RO System & Dual Purpose...
  • 💧 【 PERFECT FOR 1-6 BATHROOMS 】This is the professional grade Whole House Water system that delivers high quality filtered, ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire home. Rated to treat 48,000 grains of hardness by softening water, removing hard minerals, and rejecting water contaminants.
  • 💧【 HIGHLY EFFICIENT 】 Triple Purpose Sediment/GAC/Zinc Pre-Filters effectively removes water contaminants such as chlorine, VOCs, bad odors, taste, soil, silt, sand, rust, heavy metals, and sediment. It also prolongs the lifespan of household appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, etc.
  • 💧【 ENJOY BETTER WATER AT HOME 】The Aquasure Reverse Osmosis system is a 4-stage water filtration system which helps ensure you have cleaner, healthier, and better tasting filtered water at all times. Easily replace filters every 6-12 months for best filtration and flow rate. For replacement filter, please search for B07GHSMYSJ.
  • 💧【 AUTOMATIC DIGITAL METERED CONTROL HEAD 】Comes with a fully programmable backlit digital display which allows you to easily customize your personalized auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and usage. No need for manual regeneration, backwash, draining, this system automatically regenerates and backwash, making it cost efficient and easy to maintain.
No. 4
Kenmore Elite 520 Hybrid Water Softener & Whole House Filtration System – NSF-Certified 2-in-1...
  • Perfect for Families: Designed for households of any size dealing with hard water and chlorine taste or odor. The Kenmore Elite 520 softens and reduces clear water iron, while also helping to improve taste and odor across your entire home
  • Drinking Water Filtration: Combines a water softener with a built-in carbon media filter to reduce chlorine taste and odor—no need for a separate pre filter. Enjoy better-tasting water, softer laundry, spotless dishes, and skin and hair that feel healthier
  • AI-Powered Technology: The IntelliSoft system uses artificial intelligence to learn your family’s unique water use patterns and regenerate only when needed. This smart, efficient system can use up to 40% less salt and helps to cut waste and ensure efficient household energy
  • Compact, High-Flow Design: Space-saving unit fits into tight basements or utility areas but delivers whole-home coverage. The 1″ high-flow valve maintains strong water pressure for showers, dishwashers, laundry, and every tap in your home
No. 5
Aquasure 64,000 Grains Whole House Water Filter Bundle with Automatic Digital Metered Control...
  • Perfect for homes with 4 to 5 bathrooms and up to 6 family members, who desires softened water and clean, pure drinking water for the whole family.
  • Rated to treat 64,000 grains of hardness by removing skin damaging hard minerals like iron and magnesium that clog up the skin pore and cause irritation.
  • Exceptional performance & high efficient Aquatrol control head and Aquasure reverse osmosis membrane help save water and reduce overall maintenance cost.
  • Constructed of high strength, premium-quality materials with built-in safety features that ensure your home is protected even during system downtime.
No. 6
Express Water Whole House Water Filter System | ULTIMATE PROTECTION | 3 Stage Home Filtration, Top...
  • WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTRATION: Notice the difference immediately with 3-stage water filtration process throughout your home. From every faucet enjoy crystal clear, drinkable, water and protect your health, pipes, and appliances.
  • COMPREHENSIVE FILTRATION SYSTEM: The ULTIMATE PROTECTION system was specifically designed to significantly reduce Chlorine, Heavy Metals (Lead, Arsenic, Chromium +More), and stop scale build-up in whole home water supply.
  • DELUXE WATER FILTER: With the Express Water Deluxe Series you get a heavy duty stainless steel bracket and free-stand frame. The system includes pressure release buttons for each filter and pressure gauges for system monitoring and ease of filter change.
  • ANTI-SCALE PROTECTION: Avoid costly repairs, ensure that pipes & appliances in your home are protected from scale and dirt/silt build-up. Laboratory packed polyphosphate works to effectively take out scale before entering home.
No. 7
PRO+AQUA Elite 5-Stage Whole House Water Softener and Filter Bundle System for Well Water | Reduces...
  • 5 STAGE ULTIMATE PROTECTION: Specifically designed to provide unmatched filtration performance for well water. This whole house filtration package will provide safe water for your entire home and remove many contaminants found in well water as well as hardness.
  • UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE: From small to medium size households on well water. The specially engineered filters are designed to work together in series in order to produce the best healthy, safe, soft, odor-free water.
  • PRO-GRADE MATERIALS: Designed for commercial demand but made for your home - With commercial grade parts, the PRO+AQUA systems will outlast any other leading system on the market, your systems will last for many years.
  • EASY LOW MAINTENANCE & AUTO REGENERATION: The PRO-100-E offers easy filter changes, the PRO-WELL-1E and PRO-S-80E Systems regenerate automatically for ease of mind maintenance.
SaleNo. 8
iSpring Whole House Water Filter System, Reduces Iron, Manganese, Chlorine, Sediment, Taste, and...
  • Whole house water filter that protect your family and household appliance from iron, manganese and more: Our 3rd stage iron water filter (FM25B) is specially designed for iron and manganese removal, reducing iron (MAX 3.0 ppm) and manganese (MAX 1.0 ppm). The water filter lasts up to 3 times longer than greensand due to the catalytic media not being consumed in the process. This whole house water filter system also removes sediment, chlorine, rust, herbicides, industrial solvents, and more.
  • DIY installation and maintenance - refer to our manual and our helpful YouTube videos for easy DIY installation. With 1 in. NPT inlet / outlet and 20 in. x 4.5 in. water filter cartridges, WGB32BM whole home water filter system has minimum impact on water flow (up to 15 GPM) and requires minimum maintenance.
  • Top-notch quality - the first stage high capacity polypropylene sediment filter achieves filtration down to 5 microns. The second stage carbon block filter is made of high quality coconut shell carbon for maximum filtration efficiency and filter life. Both water filters are tested by an independent third-party to meet NSF/ANSI standards. Both water filters have a capacity of 100,000 Gal. of water, enough to supply a family of four with clean water for a full year.
  • Peace of mind customer service - register online to activate your 1-year manufacturer warranty and life-time free tech support from U.S. local support team. We stand behind our products and if you encounter any problems with any of our products please reach out to us immediately. We are happy to help!

Choosing Your Whole House Water Softener and Filtration System: A Buyer’s Guide

Buying a whole house water softener and filtration system is a big decision for your home. These systems clean all the water that enters your house. This means better showers, cleaner laundry, and longer-lasting appliances. We will help you pick the best system for your family.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, certain features make a system much better. Look closely at these:

  • Capacity (Grain Removal): This tells you how much hardness the softener can remove before needing salt. Bigger families or homes with very hard water need higher capacity.
  • Flow Rate (GPM): This is how fast the water moves through the system. You need a high enough flow rate so that multiple showers and the dishwasher can run without low pressure.
  • Efficiency/Regeneration Type: Modern systems use less salt and water when they clean themselves (regenerate). Look for “on-demand” or “metered” systems; they are smarter than timer-based ones.
  • Filtration Media: Does it just soften, or does it also filter? Good systems use activated carbon to remove chlorine and bad tastes, improving the water quality overall.

Important Materials That Matter

The materials used inside and outside the unit affect how long it lasts and how safe your water is.

Tank Construction

Look for tanks made from high-quality, durable materials. Fiberglass reinforced plastic tanks are common and strong. For the highest quality, some systems use stainless steel, though they cost more. Ensure the tanks are certified by organizations like NSF International. This certification means they meet safety standards.

Valve Quality

The control valve manages the softening and filtering process. Fleck or Autotrol valves are often considered industry standards because they are reliable and easy to find parts for. A good valve lasts for many years.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes one system superior to another? It often comes down to how well it handles your specific water problems.

Improving Water Quality

Systems that combine softening *and* filtration offer the best results. Softeners remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium). Filters remove contaminants like chlorine, sediment, and sometimes heavy metals. If your water has both issues, a dual-purpose system greatly improves taste and protects your plumbing.

Reducing System Quality (What to Avoid)

Cheap, small-capacity systems often fail quickly. If a system is too small for your household’s water usage, it will regenerate too often. This wastes salt and water, and it might not fully soften the water before the next cycle. Also, avoid systems that use low-quality plastic components; these often crack under pressure over time.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you interact with the system matters. Modern systems are designed to be low-maintenance.

Ease of Use

Digital controls make setting up and monitoring the system simple. Check if adding salt is easy. If you travel often, look for systems with remote monitoring apps. Most systems require you to add salt every few weeks or months, depending on water hardness.

Real-World Use Cases
  • Hard Water Hotspots: If you see white scale on faucets or showerheads, a softener is essential. It stops scale buildup in water heaters and pipes.
  • Chlorine Sensitivity: If you dislike the smell or taste of chlorine in tap water, ensure the system has a strong carbon filter section. This makes drinking water taste much better.
  • Laundry Woes: Softened water cleans clothes better. You will use less detergent, and your fabrics will feel softer and last longer.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Whole House Systems

Q: How often do I need to add salt?

A: This depends on your water hardness and how much water your family uses. Most families add salt once a month.

Q: Will a softener remove all contaminants?

A: No. A softener only removes hardness minerals. You need a separate filtration component (like carbon) to remove chlorine, sediment, and bad tastes.

Q: Does softened water taste weird?

A: Some people notice a slightly slick or slippery feeling when washing, which is normal. Good systems do not add a bad taste; in fact, removing chlorine often improves the taste.

Q: How long do these systems last?

A: A quality whole house system, with good maintenance, usually lasts between 10 to 20 years.

Q: Is installation difficult?

A: Installation requires plumbing knowledge. Most homeowners hire a professional plumber to ensure proper connections and bypass valve installation.

Q: What is regeneration, and why is it important?

A: Regeneration is the cleaning cycle where the softener rinses the hardness minerals away using a saltwater brine solution. Efficient regeneration saves salt and water.

Q: Can I use any type of salt?

A: Use high-purity salt like solar salt or evaporated salt. Avoid rock salt, as it can leave impurities in the tank.

Q: Do I need a separate filter for drinking water?

A: If your whole house system has excellent carbon filtration, it might be enough. However, some people choose an extra Reverse Osmosis (RO) system under the kitchen sink for the purest drinking water.

Q: Will this system lower my water pressure?

A: If the system is correctly sized for your home’s flow rate (GPM), pressure loss should be minimal. Undersized systems cause noticeable pressure drops.

Q: Are these systems environmentally friendly?

A: Modern, efficient systems use less salt and water during regeneration than older models. Check the efficiency ratings before you buy.