Best Water Softeners for Arizona 2023: All You Need to Know

Wondering what is the best water softener for Arizona?

No worries, you are not alone.

Most residents in Arizona are facing hard water issues, but it is not the end of the day, there are a few ways to deal with hard water, and one of the most efficient ways is using a water softener.

However, not all water softeners are ideal for the water in Arizona, so let’s check out this list of the best water softeners for Arizona homes.

Water in Arizona

Water is a critical resource in Arizona due to its arid climate and limited water availability. Arizona relies heavily on surface water and groundwater from the Colorado River, the Salt River, and the Verde River, as well as from aquifers beneath the state.

In recent years, Arizona has experienced significant drought and water shortages, which has led to increased efforts to conserve and manage water resources.

In addition to water scarcity, Arizona also faces water quality issues, such as high levels of hardness, arsenic and other contaminants in some groundwater sources.

Hard water is a common issue in Arizona due to its geology and arid climate. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, usually consisting of calcium and magnesium ions, which can cause scaling and other issues in plumbing and appliances.

In Arizona, many groundwater sources have high levels of minerals, which can lead to hard water issues. Hard water can cause scaling in pipes and appliances, reduce the efficiency of water heaters, make it more difficult to clean clothes and dishes, and dry and itchy skin after shower.

So, it’s almost crucial to install a water softener to deal with the hard water and prevent limescale forming.

To address hard water issues, many homeowners in Arizona use water softeners, which use ion exchange to remove the minerals that cause hardness. Water softeners replace the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, which do not cause scaling.

What Makes Water in Arizona Hard?

The culprit behind the hard water is the hardness minerals – calcium and magnesium that exist in the water.

The water hardness level refers to the amount of these hardness minerals in the water, usually measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

The water can be categorized as soft, slightly hard, moderately hard, hard, and very hard.

• Soft – 0 to 1 Grain per Gallon
• Slightly Hard – 1 to 3.5 Grains per Gallon
• Moderately Hard – 3.5 to 7 Grains per Gallon
• Hard – 7 to 10.5 Grains per Gallon
• Very Hard – above 10.5 Grains per Gallon

The water in Arizona varies from hard to very hard depending on the region you live.

To know the exact range of water hardness in your home, you may send the water sample to a lab for testing or use the water hardness level test kit, it will help in deciding the best water softener for your home in Arizona.

What is the Best Water Softener for Arizona? Salt-based or Salt-free?

There are two main types of water softeners in the market, salt-based and salt-free, and both types can be used to solve hard water problems.

Salt-based Water Softener

Salt-based water softeners utilize ion-exchange technology to replace calcium and magnesium ions in water with sodium ions, effectively removing all hardness minerals.

However, regular maintenance is required, including the need to refill salt bags to supply the sodium ions.

These systems typically consist of two tanks, one containing a resin bed for ion exchange, and the other holding and replenishing the salt for the softening process.

If anyone in the household is on a low-sodium diet, potassium chloride can be used instead of salt, although it is more expensive.

Overall, salt-based water softeners are highly effective in removing hardness minerals from water and are the best option for Arizona’s hard water.

Salt-free Water Softener

Salt-free water softeners, also known as water conditioners or water descalers, utilize technologies such as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) to alter the form of hardness minerals in water, preventing them from sticking to surfaces and forming limescale.

Unlike salt-based systems, they do not remove hardness minerals from water, but they effectively solve the most common issue caused by hard water – preventing limescale formation.

Additionally, these systems require less maintenance and have a lower ownership cost than salt-based water softeners because they do not require salts to operate.

The Best Water Softeners for Arizona: Salt-Based System

Here are some of the best salt water softeners for Arizona.

1. SpringWell Salt-based Water Softener SS [Review] – Best Water Softener for Arizona

Highlights:

• Bluetooth control head
• Strong performance and high efficiency
• Smart regeneration control
• High flow rate up to 20 GPM
• Simple sizing method
• Lifetime warranty & 6-month money-back guarantee

Why Choose the SpringWell Salt-based Water Softener SS?

The SpringWell Salt-based Water Softener is an excellent solution for hard water in Arizona. It effectively removes minerals that cause hardness and is built to last.

Equipped with a digital control head and Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily monitor and control the water softener remotely via your smartphone. This advanced technology helps you save money by efficiently using salts and reducing the frequency of refills.

It is ideal for use against high hardness levels in both municipal and well water in Arizona. The SpringWell system’s performance, features, flow rate, build quality, and price make it one of the best salt-based water softeners on the market.

Investing in a water softener is a wise decision as it prevents problems and hassles caused by hard water. Repairing or replacing appliances due to hard water issues is likely to cost more in the long run than the price of a water softener. Don’t wait for the worst to happen; install a water softener today to save money and protect your home’s appliances.

Pros:

• Effectively removes hardness minerals
• Suitable for treating very hard water (both city and well water)
• High efficiency with smart regeneration
• Remote monitoring and control via mobile app
• High water flow rate
• Sized by number of bathrooms
• Durable and easy to maintain
• Simple installation process
• Generous warranty policy

Cons:

• High upfront cost
• Installation process may take some time

SpringWell Discount Code: Apply the code “BRIZ5” for an additional 5% discount!

2. Fleck 5600SXT 64k Whole House Water Softener System [Review] – Best Water Softener for Arizona (Runner-up)

Highlights:

• 64,000 grains high capacity resin pre-loaded in the tank
• Fleck 5600 SXT Digital Metered Water Softener
• Pentair mineral and brine tanks (made in the USA)
• Ultra-efficient digital-on-demand water softener valve for salt and water savings
• Built-in capacitor keeps memory up to 48 hours

Why Choose Fleck 5600SXT 64k Whole House Water Softener System?

If you have a family of 4 to 6 members and are looking for a powerful water softening system, the Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener is an excellent choice.

This system is highly effective in removing hardness and a moderate amount of iron from both city and well water in Arizona. By doing so, it helps to extend the lifespan of your water filters, pipes, and home appliances, and prevents scale buildup in your toilets and appliances.

With the Fleck 5600 SXT metered digital valve system, you can easily program and regulate the system to regenerate only when necessary based on the measured water usage, saving you a lot of salt and water. On average, the system uses about 50 gallons of water during each on-demand regeneration, and you only need to replace the salt bags every 5 to 6 months.

The water softener system is made in the USA and ships with the pre-loaded tank for quicker installation. After each regeneration, the system automatically drains out the discharge line to flush out any residual, ensuring quality assurance.

This water softener is an excellent choice for well water in Arizona, and you can see the results almost immediately after installation. Say goodbye to spending time each month washing away hard scale using harsh chemicals and soap.

This size of water softeners can easily cost more than $3000, making this system relatively affordable.

Pros:

• 64,000 grains resin
• Treat high hardness level
• Pre-loaded tank
• Made in the USA
• High-efficiency SXT Metered Control valve
• Simple to install
• Inexpensive for its size

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky
• Not effective against the water with high iron concentration

3. AFWFilters IRON Pro 2 Water Softener [Review] – Best Water Softener for Well Water with Iron 

Highlights:

• 64,000 grains
• With Iron filter
• Removes hardness up to 70 grains per gallon
• Remove iron (4 – 7ppm), Manganese (up to 6ppm), and sediments
• Fleck 5600 SXT digital metered valve
• A high flow rate of 16 GPM
• A bypass valve is included
• Ships pre-loaded

Why Choose AFWFilters IRON Pro 2 Water Softener?

Are you tired of dealing with hard water and high iron content? If so, the AFWFilters IRON Pro 2 is the perfect solution for you. Unlike other water softeners and filtration systems that only handle iron concentrations up to 3ppm, this whole-house water softener can effectively remove up to 3 to 7ppm.

Say goodbye to red staining on your appliances, bathroom floors, and pipes once and for all. The AFWFilters IRON Pro 2 not only removes ferrous (clear water) iron, but it can also remove manganese up to 6ppm, sediments, magnesium, calcium, rust, sulfur, and other contaminants found in both city and well water.

This water softener is one of the best options for well water with high iron concentration, as it can remove all these contaminants with ease. Many customers have reported no more red stains or white scales caused by iron and hardness after using this water softener.

With a huge 64k grains of resin capacity, this system is perfect for large families that need long-lasting results. Don’t hesitate to try the AFWFilters IRON Pro 2 and say goodbye to hard water problems.

Pros:

• Eliminates iron and hardness in water
• Metered-based regeneration for high efficiency
• Durable
• Last for 5 to 7 years
• Installation is easy with properly instruction

Cons:

• Heavy
• Big size

The Best Water Softeners for Arizona: Salt-free System

Here are some of the best salt-free water softeners for Arizona.

1. SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-free Water Softener [Review] – Best Salt-free Water Softener for Arizona

Highlights:

• Up to 99.6% effectiveness on limescale prevention
• Can handle water with hardness up to 81 GPG
• Fast water flow rate
• Comes with a sediment pre-filter
• Does not require electricity
• Low maintenance
• Size by number of bathrooms
• The softening media can last for a lifetime

Why Choose SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-free Water Softener?

The SpringWell Futuresoft System is an affordable solution for treating hard water in Arizona without using salt.

This maintenance-free water softener operates without the need for electricity or salt and is made with high-quality components for safe and effective water treatment.

It is one of the best salt-free water softeners on the market and is designed to last a lifetime with no need for media replacement.

Only the pre-sediment filter needs to be replaced every 6 to 9 months, which is a simple and fast process.

The system has a high water flow rate of 12 to 20 GPM (depending on the model) to ensure no loss of water pressure during simultaneous use, making it ideal for households with multiple bathrooms.

Unlike salt-based systems, the Futuresoft is sized according to the number of bathrooms, making it easy to select the right model.

Choose from the following models:

• Model FS1: 1 to 3 bathrooms

• Model FS4: 4 to 6 bathrooms

• Model FS+: 7+ bathrooms

The SpringWell Futuresoft includes a sediment pre-filter to protect the softener media and your home from large particles.

It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 6-month money-back guarantee for peace of mind.

Pros:

• Effectively prevents limescale
• Can treat up to 81 GPG hardness water
• High water flow rate
• Virtually maintenance-free
• Does not require salts and electricity to operate
• Does not add sodium into the water and retain essential minerals
• Does not produce wastewater
• Comes with a sediment pre-filter
• Made with safe and high-quality materials
• Limited lifetime warranty & money-back guarantee

Cons:

• The initial cost is slightly high for some households

SpringWell Discount Code: Apply the code “BRIZ5” for an additional 5% discount!

2. Watts OneFlow+ Hybrid Salt-Free Water Softener System [Review] – Best 2-in-1 Salt-Free Water Softener for Arizona

Highlights:

• Salt-free and chemical-free water softener
• Reduce scale build-up in pipes, fixtures, and electric appliances
• Media cartridge lasts up to 250,000 gallons or 3 years
• Includes a 20-Micron radial flow carbon block filter to reduce sediments and chlorine taste and odor
• The filter lasts up to 50,000 gallons or 1 year
• Compact and easy to install
• Certified by WQA to NSF/ANSI Standard 372 for lead-free and NSF/ANSI Standard 61

Why Choose Watts OneFlow+ Hybrid Salt-free Water Softener?

If you prefer not to use a salt-based water softener, consider the Watts OneFlow+ Hybrid Salt-Free Water Softener System.

This system combines a salt-free water softener with a 20-micron carbon block filter for optimal results.

Unlike traditional water softeners that utilize ion-exchange technology to eliminate hardness, this salt-free system uses Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), a physical process that transforms hardness minerals into harmless microscopic crystal form that won’t cause scaling.

According to the WateReuse Research Foundation, TAC is the most effective method for preventing scaling compared to ion exchange. Although the system won’t eliminate or add any hardness minerals to water, it will convert them (such as calcium and magnesium) into soft particles that move freely in water and won’t attach to appliances, pipes, or floors.

Template Assisted Crystallization Technology Explained

This chemical-free and salt-free system eliminates the need to monitor and replace salt bags, doesn’t rely on electricity, and produces no wastewater.

Additionally, the included carbon filter effectively reduces sediments, chlorine taste and odor, VOCs, and other impurities from the water.

The system’s compact and lightweight design allows for easy installation in tight spaces. It’s also environmentally friendly as it doesn’t produce any wastewater that needs draining.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Watts OneFlow+ Water System is an affordable option compared to traditional water softeners.

Pros:

• The salt-free alternative to ion-exchange water softening
• Effective Template Assisted Crystallization technology
• Prevent scale forming
• Compact and lightweight
• Remove both hardness and water contaminants
• Minimal maintenance is needed
• Easy to install
• Produce great taste water
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Less effective for water with an extremely high level of hardness
• Last shorter compared to salt-based water softener

After You’ve Installed the Best Water Softener for Arizona Water, What Next?

Please take note that using a water softener does not guarantee your water is safe for consumption, so you still need a water filter to remove the contaminants in water such as sediments, Chlorine, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses.

If you are unsure which water filter is best for Arizona water, check out this list of best Reverse Osmosis water filters.

FAQ

Conclusion: Which Water Softener is Best for Arizona Water?

Arizona’s hard water can cause a variety of issues in homes, including buildup in pipes and appliances, as well as the need for more soap and detergent for cleaning.

To address these problems, homeowners in Arizona may want to consider installing a water softener.

The best water softener for Arizona water is one that effectively removes the high levels of minerals present in the water supply.

Due to the high level of water hardness, the best water softener for Arizona homes is the salt-based water softener such as SpringWell SS System, although there are also salt-free options available.

When choosing a water softener, homeowners should consider the size of their home and their household’s water usage, and consult with a professional plumber or water treatment specialist to determine the appropriate size for their needs.

Overall, a water softener can improve the lifespan and efficiency of a home’s pipes and appliances, as well as result in softer skin and hair.

Last but not least, you shall also install a Reverse Osmosis system to remove the contaminants in softened water so your whole family has access to safe and clean drinking water!

Read Next:

• Best Whole House Water Filters for Your Home
• Best Home Water Distillers
• Best Tankless RO Systems

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