The salt free softeners are effective and compatible with your plumbing system. They change the molecular structure of the hard water ions to prevent scale build up and improve the overall quality of the water. Below is a look at the 10 best salt free softening systems and a buying guide to help you choose the right one.
Best Salt Free Water Softeners: Quick Summary
- Best Budget Friendly Salt Free Water Softener: Yarna Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System
- Best Whole House Salt Free Water Softener: Aquasana whole house salt-free water conditioner
- Best Salt Free Water Softener for Small Family: AO Smith whole House Salt-Free Water Descaler
10 Best Salt Free Water Softeners
💧1. Best Electric Option: Yarna Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System
Features
- Type: Capacitive.
- Power rating: 4W.
- Max water hardness level: Unlimited.
- Plumping size: 1”.
- Weight: 1.25 pounds.
- Product Dimensions: 7” X2” X2” inches.
- Warranty: 10-year service warranty.
- Guarantee: 365 days money-back guarantee.
The Yarna CW24 Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System is a high performer. It is one of the most recommended units by plumbers and the cheapest option among the range of products reviewed in this article.
A single unit is enough for large households as well as small apartment complexes (up to 20 units). It is effective up to 20 miles along the pipe system from the installation point. It operates independently of the water flow. Therefore, you are not limited to installing only in an area where there is a high flow rate.
It is IP54 rated for both indoor and outdoor use. It can be mounted on a wall or directly on the pipe vertically, horizontally, or on adjacent pipes. You will need a minimum of 10” of free pipe space. It is best used on 1” pipes.
However, it is compatible with different types of plumbing systems including copper, iron, plastic, PVC, stainless steel, PE-x, and compound pipes. The unit is easy to install without and you do not require a plumber.
It comes with isolated copper impulse bands that connect to your pipe firmly. Yarna’s descaler cables are made using a special copper material of high alloy purity which maximizes the electromagnetic field transfer output.
The bands are extremely thin and flexible to enable you to easily maneuver around the water pipe even on tight corners. The manufacturer recommends winding the loops as close as possible and even overlapping whenever possible. As a result, you minimize space loss and maximize the direct-contact ratio by up to 97.5%. You can wind the cable in either direction.
The patented, whole-house capacitive water descaler is an electronic unit with a computerized micro-chip. It produces signal frequencies that are transmitted through ultra-flat impulse bands, which are wrapped on the water pipe.
This descaler has a unique operating mechanism. Instead of turning calcium carbonate ions into calcite, it turns them into vaterite. Vaterite are elongated, smooth crystals that flow easily in the water without adhering. The frequency also causes cations and ions to be in motion constantly minimizing ion solidification that could lead to scale build-up.
To back up its quality, the manufacturer offers a risk-free 365 days 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the descaler, you can return it for a full refund within a year of purchasing. The manufacturer also offers a 10-year service warranty.
💧2. Best for the Buck: Aquasana whole house salt-free water conditioner
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 7 GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Max water hardness level: 25GPG.
- Plumping size: ¾”.
- Upgrade options: Whole house filter system.
- Warranty: 6-year warranty on filter and tank.
- Guarantee: 90-day money-back guarantee.
The Simplysoft salt-free water softener has a dual tank system that is multifunction. It is not only a descaling system, but it also comes with a carbon pre-filter that gets rid of sediments. It easily hooks with the rest of your whole house filter system for comprehensive water treatment.
It utilizes the salt-free Scale Control Media (SCM) technology, which alters the structure of hard water minerals to prevent scale build-up. The inverted tank maximizes the amount of time the water is in contact with the SCM for optimal descaling. The 5-micron pre-filter removes silt, rust, and sediments that could clog up the conditioner.
You may need a professional plumber to install the unit to prevent leaks on the joints. It is most effective when installed as a complete whole house filter inclusive of the KDF filter.
The manufacturer recommends replacing the tank after every six months. It comes with a 6-year warranty on the filter and tank and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
💧3. AO Smith whole House Salt-Free Water Descaler
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 7 GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Max water hardness level: 25GPG.
- Plumping size: ¾”.
- Upgrade options: None.
- Warranty: 6-year warranty.
- Guarantee: None.
The AO Smith whole House Salt-Free Water Descaler is the most affordable salt-free system on this list. It has a one-tank design for descaling your water. The tank is filled with scale control media. It is best for use in households with 6 people or less.
The descaler is easy to install by yourself. It comes as a complete package inclusive of a shut-off valve, hose adapter, and nipple. It should be installed as close to the mainline as possible. It can be set up alongside other water treatment equipment including a water filter. However, it should be installed after a water heater or on a hot water line.
It comes with a 6-year warranty on the tank and media after which you should replace the entire unit.
💧4. Yarna CWD30 Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System
Features
- Type: Capacitive electromagnetic.
- Power rating: 12W.
- Max water hardness level: Unlimited.
- Plumping size: 2”.
- Weight: 1.34 pounds.
- Product Dimensions: 8” X2” X2.6” inches.
- Warranty: 10-year service warranty.
- Guarantee: 365 days money-back guarantee.
The Yarna CWD30 Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System is quite similar to the Yarna CW24 Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler. It differs in that it has a carbon fiber waterproof enclosure, fits on 2” pipes, and has a higher power rating. It is 1P55 rated making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use on residential property.
The whole house descaler is fitted with a computerized micro-chip that produces signal frequencies. The frequencies are then transmitted through the ultra-flat impulse bands via the water pipe to the water. It turns calcium carbonate ions into vaterite (long and smooth crystals) that easily flow with the water without adhering to the surrounding surfaces.
It is easy to install on pipes 2” wide or less and you do not need a plumber for the task. It is compatible with different types of plumbing systems including copper, iron, plastic, PVC, stainless steel, PE-x, and compound pipes.
It offers installation versatility as you can wind the wires in any direction and you can mount it vertically, horizontally, or on adjacent pipes. The unit comes as a complete package for installation, including zip ties, screws, anchors, and manuals.
The manufacturer backs up the descalers’ quality with a risk-free 365 days 100% money-back guarantee and a 10-year service warranty.
💧5. Tier 1 Eco Series Salt-Free Water Softener 1-3 Bathrooms
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 5GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Max water hardness level: 25GPG.
- Plumping size: ¾”.
- Upgrade options: carbon and KDF filtration and Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection.
- Warranty: None.
- Guarantee: None.
The Tier 1 Eco Series Salt-Free Water Softener is suitable for households with 1-3 Bathrooms. It comes with a sediment pre-filter that gets rid of rust, silt, and sediments for cleaner and clearer water. It is best recommended for use with city water but if you must use it with well water, pre-filter to get rid of iron, manganese, and copper.
The salt softener is engineered with TAC that prevents limescale buildup. The scale-reducing media is NSF/ANSI 61 tested and certified for optimal efficiency. Since it has an up-flow design it does not require a control valve or to be connected to electricity.
It is easy to install and comes with all the necessary parts, including two flex connectors, two stainless steel nipples, housing, bracket, and a ball valve. The 8X44 inch media tank and 20X4.5 inch pre-filter take up approximately 30 sq. ft.
The manufacturer offers a range of upgrade options including carbon and KDF filtration and Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. If your home has 3-6 bathrooms, go for the Eco Series KDF + Filter system as it has a larger pre-filter and conditioning tank.
Routine maintenance involves changing the pre-filter cartridge every 2-3 months and the media bed every 3-5 years depending on the hardness level of your water. There is no indication of a warranty on Amazon. However, you can sign up for a zero-interest payment plan via the Amazon store card.
💧6. Watts Premier OFPSYS whole House OneFlow Plus Salt-Free Scale Prevention
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 10 GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Max water hardness level: 75GPG.
- Plumping size: 1”.
- Upgrade options: None.
- Warranty: 5-year, 2-year, and 1-year.
- Guarantee: None.
This offers a two-in-one scale prevention and water filtration system. The TAC technology prevents mineral build-up while the 20-micron water filter removes chlorine, bad taste, odor, and sediments.
However, if the inlet water has heavy debris and sediments you may need to install a high capacity pre-filter before the OneFlow+.
The carbon block cartridge has a holding capacity of about 2.2lbs of dirt with chlorine taste and odor elimination efficacy for up to 50,000 gallons of water. The scale media is good for up to 250,000 gallons of water and should be replaced every 3 years.
It has a rating of 75GPG for maximum hardness. However, the manufacturer recommends that you test for its effectiveness for application on hardness levels that exceed 30 GPG.
It is easy to install either on the floor or by mounting on a wall. The unit is WQA certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 372 for lead-free. The carbon block and anti-scale media are also WQA certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and 61 standards respectively.
To back up its quality, the manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty on the tank, a 2-year warranty on media, and a 1-year warranty on the cartridges. However, there is no indication of a satisfaction guarantee.
💧7. APEC Water Systems FUTURA-10 Salt-free Water Conditioner
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 10 GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Max water hardness level: 25GPG.
- Plumping size: 1”.
- Upgrade options: None.
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty.
- Guarantee: None.
The FUTURA-10 is designed for use in residencies that have 1-3 bathrooms. However, there is a wide range of upgrade options to choose from, including
- Softener for 3-6 bathrooms.
- Softener with a coat for 1-3 bathrooms.
- Softener with a coat for 3-6 bathrooms.
- Softener + Flagship WH Filter 1-3 bathrooms.
- Softener + Flagship WH Filter 3-6 bathrooms.
- Softener + Standard WH Filter 1-3 bathrooms.
- Softener + Standard WH Filter 3-6 bathrooms.
The system has a high-quality build. It is designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA using heavy-duty materials. APEC has over 20 years of experience in designing and engineering water treatment equipment.
It prevents limescale build-up effectively up to hardness levels of 25GPG. It utilizes an innovative conditioning ceramic media to get rid of hard water minerals by converting them into scale-resistant crystalline form. Since the ceramic media is not consumed in the conditioning process, the unit offers exceptional durability.
It has a compact design that is easy to install into your home’s main water supply line. For a worry-free, it comes with a 10-year limited warranty and lifetime tech support. You can sign up for a zero-interest payment plan via the Amazon store card.
💧8. Aquios AQFS220 Full House Salt-Free Water Softener and Filter System
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 14 GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Max water hardness level: 22GPG.
- Plumping size: 3/4”.
- Upgrade options: None.
- Warranty: 20-year limited warranty.
- Guarantee: None.
The Aquios AQFS220 is an all-in-one full house salt-free water softener and filter system designed to get rid of sediments, chlorine, odor, bad taste, and prevent scale build-up.
It consists of a 20” 5-micron coconut carbon block filter that provides exceptional chlorine, odor, and bad taste removal. It uses food-grade scale prevention media (natural polyphosphate) that not only removes scale but also ensures that the water is fit for human consumption.
It is designed for residential use and fits on ¾” NPT inlet and outlet pipes. It is easy to install at the water main entry point. Its design incorporates a pressure relief feature that includes an O-ring seal to ensure the salt-free system is leakproof. It also ensures no pressure loss or reduction in water flow rate.
For maintenance, you will need to replace the filter cartridge after every 6 months. The unit comes with a 20-year warranty on the housing and valve.
💧9. SoftPro Elite Water Softener
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 12 GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Plumping size: ¾”.
- Max water hardness level: 81.
- Upgrade options: UV water purification.
- Warranty: Lifetime.
- Guarantee: 6 months money back guarantee.
This Softpro salt free water conditioner uses advanced salt-free technology to descale your hard water. It is suitable for households with 1-5 bathrooms with a capacity to handle max 17GPG. It has a scale removal efficiency of up to 99%.
It utilizes Softpro’s advanced Scale control technology (STC) to transform dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals to harmless microscopic crystal particles. It prevents accumulation of new scale and gets rid of old scale.
Like the SpringWell Futuresoft salt free water softener, the manufacturer recommends testing for and pre-treating well water for manganese, iron, hydrogen sulfide, copper, and other contaminants.
It is NSF certified and IAMPO third-party certified. It also comes with a 6-months satisfaction guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty on the tank and valve. The manufacturer offers various payment options, including Affirm and Quadpay with the option for making 4 interest-free payments. Notably, their customer support is easily accessible via online chat, phone, or email.
There are numerous upgrade options for this softening system including Whole House Chlorine + Filter, Viqua UV Light Disinfection Filter, KDF 55 Advanced Sponge Filter, AND Reverse Osmosis with Advanced Alkalizer Filter.
If you are keen about buying your salt-free conditioner from a company that gives back to the community, the SoftPro Elite Water Softener is a great opportunity. For every purchase, the company offers a full-year supply of clean water.
💧10. Futuresoft SpringWell Salt Free Water Softener
Features
- Type: TAC.
- Capacity: 12-20 GPM.
- Up-flow/Down-flow: Up-flow.
- Max water hardness level: 81.
- Plumping size: ¾”.
- Upgrade options: UV water purification.
- Warranty: Lifetime.
- Guarantee: 6 months money-back guarantee.
The SpringWell Futuresoft salt-free water softener is designed to offer up to 99.6% scale prevention and elimination. Unlike salt-based water softener systems, it operates without impacting the water pressure.
The salt-free conditioner is available in 3 models as follows:
- FSI – Suitable for 1-3 bathrooms, 6” tank width by 35” in height, 12 GPM flow rate.
- FS4 – Suitable for 4-6 bathrooms, 9” tank width by 48” in height, 15 GPM flow rate.
- FS+ – Suitable for 7+ bathrooms, 13” tank width by 54” in height, 20 GPM flow rate.
This salt-free water conditioner has a unique design to optimize its descaling properties. Through over 20 years of research, Springwell designed a tank that fluidizes the media bed effectively to enhance efficiency in the formation of calcite crystals.
As such, the hard water minerals do not stick even under extreme temperatures or pressure. The system employs the ActivFlo technology, in which the crystallization process is optimal at all flow rates. It also prevents the water pressure from dropping.
The manufacturer recommends pre-treating well water before channeling it through the salt-free conditioner. Elements such as iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, copper, and other contaminants could damage the Futuresoft media.
The saltless water conditioning system is easy to install. You can do it if you have intermediate to expert plumbing skills. Otherwise, hire a professional plumber or handyman. The system comes with a by-pass valve, pre-filter housing, 4-micron sediment filter, spanner wrench, mounting bracket and screws, and 1” MNPT elbow fittings.
You could opt for an easy installation kit – Clark connectors add-on. It is a 24-inch Clark component that allows you to mount the conditioner without glue, additional elbows, or other plumbing components.
Otherwise, you will need to provide your piping and fittings to set up the system. The manufacturer provides a detailed installation video and a downloadable installation guide on the product page.
When you buy directly from their website, there is an option for a payment plan with Affirm. The manufacturer also offers free shipping with FedEx. The salt-free water conditioner comes with a 6-month money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty on tanks and valves.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Salt FreeWater Softener
Here are the key features to consider when buying a salt-free water softener:
💧Water Composition
Salt-free water conditioners are best suited for use with water that has low sulfur, iron, or manganese content. The water should be within a PH range of 6-8. It should not exceed a hardness level of 25GPG.
A flow rate range of 12-15 GPM is usually sufficient for most households. Opt for 15 GPM and above if you have more than 4 faucets and fixtures and about 12 GPM for 1-3 faucets and fixtures.
💧Water Flow Rate
Most electronic salt-free softeners do not have a specified flow rate, but TAC conditioners do. Your water’s flow rate should not exceed the provided threshold even during peak times. Otherwise, there might be a pressure drop in the water flow or a dip in the descaling efficiency of the conditioner.
💧Versatility
Some salt-free water softeners offer an upgrade option e.g. carbon filter or UV filter. If you are keen on additional water treatment systems, consider a water conditioner that has upgrades.
💧Operational Costs
For electronic water conditioners, the main operational cost is electricity. It is generally low as these units are quite energy efficient. However, pay attention to the unit’s power rating. The higher the power rating, the higher the energy consumption.
The main maintenance expenditure for TAC conditioners is the cost of replacing the TAC media.
💧Seller Reputation
Buy salt-free conditioners sold by reputable sellers. Check previous customers’ reviews to get a sense of the manufacturer’s or seller’s reputation. You want to go for a unit that has a warranty and a satisfaction guarantee. The longer the warranty and guarantee period, the better. Also, prioritize a seller that offers great customer and tech support.
Another thing to look out for is tests and certification. Third-party tested units and certified units are more reliable than their counterparts. Two of the most authoritative certifications include the Water Quality Association (WQA) and National Foundation International (NSF International).
💧Ease of Installation
Generally, salt-free softeners are easy to install with readily available tools. Most electronic water conditioners come as a complete package with everything you need to install. On the other hand, you may need flex tubing and a wrench to install a salt-free conditioner. Always check your user manual for detailed instructions for installing your saltless water conditioner.
💧Dimensions
Determine how much space you have available to fit your water conditioner and go for one whose dimensions fit and leave a bit of room. Electronic conditioners are compact and can fit in even in tight spaces. They offer mounting versatility as they can be mounted on walls or pipes, either vertically or horizontally.
On the other hand, the tank design of most non-electronic salt-free conditioners takes up more space. Therefore, you need to account for the length and width of the tan when choosing an installation location.
💧Price
There is a wide range of salt-free softeners at different price points. You don’t have to buy the most expensive one on the market to get a quality, reliable, and effective conditioner. However, if you are keen on a premium-quality build, keep in mind that it will come at a premium price.
Salt-Free Water Softeners Vs Salt-Free Water Conditioners
Although salt-free softeners are often referred to as salt-free water softeners by manufacturers, sellers, and customers, they are not actual water softeners.
A water softener removes hard water minerals through the process of ion exchange. On the other hand, salt less water conditioners alter the molecular structure of calcium and magnesium elements to prevent them from accumulating on the water pipe, faucets, fixtures, and water appliances.
Essentially, salt less water conditioners are descalers. They do not alter the chemical composition of the water. On the other hand, a water softener alters the chemical composition of the water by removing calcium and magnesium ions and adding sodium ions.
💧What is Salt-Free Water Softener?
A salt-free water softener is a water filtration unit that crystalizes calcium and magnesium minerals to prevent them from being adhesive.
💧Types of Salt-Free Water Softener
There are two types of salt-free water conditioners: electronic and non-electronic
Electronic Water Conditioner
Electronic water conditioners have an operating mechanism whereby they produce an electromagnetic wave that changes the molecular structure of hard water ions. Typically, they are compact and small-sized. They are either fitted with a magnet or a capacitor.
Their design incorporates a main unit that houses the capacitor or magnet. It is then connected to an adapter that is plugged into a power source to power the unit. They also have cables or wires that transmit the electromagnetic wave through the water line to the water.
Electronic water conditioners are easy to install and virtually maintenance-free. Since they do not use salt, you do not need to clean or change Salt. Most have a low power rating, making them highly energy-efficient.
TAC Water Conditioners
On the other hand, non-electronic water conditioners work through a process known as Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC). Generally, their design consists of a TAC media in a tank.
The media has tiny polymer beads with craters of nucleation sites. When hard water comes into contact with the media, the magnesium and calcium ions are trapped into the nucleation sites where they form crystals.
Once the crystals reach a certain size, they break from the site and release into the water. This structure of the crystals enables them to easily flow with the water molecules without adhering to the sides.
💧When is it Appropriate to Use a Saltless Conditioner?
Below is a look at the most common situations that necessitate the installation of a saltless water conditioner.
If your water is hard
Most saltless water softeners effectively descale water up to a hardness level of 25 GPG. They are best suited for use with city water rather than well water. Well water may contain extremely high levels of hardness ions, which the conditioner will not be able to get rid of entirely.
If water softeners are banned in your area
Water softeners are banned in states such as California, Texas, Michigan, and Massachusetts. This is because water softeners release brine in the sewer lines. The high-sodium solutions can kill the good bacteria in the sewer lines and septic tanks inhibiting their ability to absorb excess water. As such, saltless water conditioners are a great alternative for salt-based water softeners.
If you are keen on the chemical composition of the water
Although calcium and magnesium minerals cause limescale build-up, in certain amounts they are essential for human health. Saltless water conditioners do not get rid of them which ensures that the water has nutritional value. Also, water that passes through a water softener has high levels of sodium which can be detrimental to your health.
If you are looking for a low maintenance solution for descaling water
Both electronic and TAC water conditioners are low maintenance. Unlike saltwater softeners, they do require regeneration or backwash. They do not have valves that need to be replaced over time. You may need to change the TAC media over time. This maintenance procedure is straightforward and you can do it yourself within a few minutes.
💧Advantages of using a Salt-Free Water Softener
- Affordable.
- Effective.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to maintain.
- Energy efficient.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Do not alter the chemical composition of the water.
- Do not strip the water of calcium and magnesium minerals.
- Do not add salt to the water.
- Do not take up too much installation space.
- The resultant water is not slimy.
- Can be set up alongside other water treatment methods.
💧Disadvantages of Using a Salt-Free Water Softener
Not effective for well water
Well water contains a high level of iron which covers up the TAC media and nucleation sites inhibiting its effectiveness in crystalizing the hard water minerals.
Do not make water “soft”
Water conditioners do not get rid of the hard water minerals. Therefore, it does not soften and the water may still leave some white spots on utensils or laundry. The soap may lather better in water that has not been descaled, but not as good as it would with softened water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Salt-Free Water Softeners Remove Iron?
Water conditioners do not remove iron. The most effective method of removing iron from water is by installing an iron filter on the mainline.
What Is the Best Saltless Water Softener?
There is a wide range of salt-free water softeners. We have reviewed 10 of the best salt-free water softeners. The right one has specifications that suit your needs. With that said, the best salt-free water softener has the following characteristics:
☑️Efficient and effective.
☑️Easy to install.
☑️Fits in with your pipe size.
☑️Compatible with your pipe type.
☑️Low maintenance.
☑️Durable.
☑️High-quality build.
Conclusion
Unlike traditional salt softening systems that employ the ion exchange process, saltless softening systems do not change the chemical composition of the water. Yet, they are equally effective at preventing scale formation.
