In this Pelican NaturSoft Salt-free Water Softener review, I’ll be discussing all the important facts you need to know about the Pelican’s NaturSoft NS3 and NS6 water softeners.
Quick Summary (TL; DR)
The Pelican NaturSoft salt-free water softener is capable to prevent limescale, however, since it is not the only salt-free water softener in the market, we have to compare it to other salt-free water softening systems to judge its value.
After some deep analysis and investigation of the water softening system in the US market, we do not recommend Pelican NaturSoft Series due to its expensive price and mix customer reviews, which make it a bad deal as there are better alternatives which can perform the same or better job at better price.
If you are looking for a great salt-free water softener, check out the SpringWell Futuresoft Water Softener (read our review here).
Quick Overview: Pelican NaturSoft Water Softener Alternative NS3 vs NS6
| Model | NS3 | NS6 |
| Number of Bathroom | 1 to 3 | 4 to 6 |
| Water Flow Rate | 10 GPM | 15 GPM |
| Dimension | 18″ x 18″ x 49.5″ | 21″ x 19″ x 59.5″ |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Lifespan | More than 20 years | More than 20 years |
| Operating Pressure | 25 to 80 PSI | 25 to 80 PSI |
| Price | $$$ | $$$$ |
What is Pelican NaturSoft Salt-free Water Softener Alternative NS3/NS6
Pelican NaturSoft Water Softener NS is better known as a water conditioner and not a real water softener as it couldn’t remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium from the hard water.
The NaturSoft system will not soften the hard water, but it can effectively prevent the hardness minerals from forming limescale (which solves the main problem of hard water) without using salts or chemicals.
It is tested and proven to prevent limescale up to 99.6% and is virtually maintenance-free.
In other words, it will not remove the hardness minerals but alter their forms so that they won’t stick on the surfaces and form limescale.
These advantages make it a great alternative to salt-based water softeners.
Pelican NaturSoft Water Softener NS3 vs NS6: What’s the Difference
The main difference between Pelican NaturSoft NS3 and NS6 is the water flow rate.
NS3 has a flow rate of 10 GPM and is suitable for homes with 1 to 3 bathrooms, whereas NS6 has a flow rate of 15 GPM and is suitable for homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms.
Pelican NaturSoft Salt-free Water Softener Review: Performance and Features
Technology
The Pelican NaturSoft NS System uses a technology called Template Assisted Crystallization to prevent limescale forming.
The catalytic media inside the system attract and bind the hardness minerals into crystal form so that they will not stick on the surface of appliances, pipes, fixtures, and bathroom floors.
Impressive Performance
This salt-free softener system can handle water with a hardness level of up to 75 GPG (grains per gallon) which is impressive compared to most other salt-free water softeners that could only handle up to 25 GPG.
Contaminants Removal
The Pelican NaturSoft NS System does not remove any contaminant but binding the hard minerals into crystallized form to prevent them from forming limescale.
The 5-micron pre-sediment filter removes particles such as rust, dust, dirt, and sand to protect the softener’s catalytic media and your plumbing system.
If you need to remove more contaminants, you may buy their whole house water filtration system together.
Capacity
The Pelican NaturSoft NS System has an infinite capacity as the catalytic granules media is non-sacrificial, so no replacement is ever needed.
The main difference between NS3 and NS6 is the flow rate, just pick according to the number of bathrooms in your home and that is it.
Space Saving
Unlike salt-based water softeners which consist of two tanks – resin tank and brine tank, the Pelican NaturSoft is a single tank system, making it an excellent choice for homes with a tight space.
Does Not Require Electricity
The system does not require electricity to operate, which saves the energy bill and allows you to install it at a location that is out of a power socket.
Does Not Produce Wastewater
Unlike salt-based water softeners, the Pelican NaturSoft Salt-free System does not produce wastewater, so you don’t need to install it near the drain line.
Due to this, the salt-free system is good for our environment and can save your water bill too.
Does Not Add Sodium into Water
Since it is a salt-free water softener, meaning it will not add sodium into the water, which is great for those under a low-sodium diet.
Besides, the conditioned water will not have a slippery feel like softened water.
Maintenance-free
Since the salt-free system doesn’t require you to refill salts or replace the softening media, it is virtually maintenance-free.
NSF Certified
The Pelican NaturSoft NS System is certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and Standard 61 for product safety to ensure your home is getting the highest quality of water.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
The system is backed by a limited lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind throughout the product’s lifespan.
Pros:
- Effectively prevent limescale forming and prolong appliances’ lifespan
- Suitable for water hardness level up to 75 GPG
- Does not add sodium to water and preserves healthy minerals
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Does not produce wastewater (Eco friendly)
- Does not require electricity
- Single tank system
- Certified by WQA against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and 61
Cons:
- Does not remove hardness minerals
- High upfront cost
- Overpriced
- Mix customer reviews
Why You Should Consider the Pelican NaturSoft NS
Out of many models of salt-free water softeners in the market, the Pelican NaturSoft NS is one of the few that is performance-certified to prevent limescale over 99%.
Unlike traditional salt-based water softeners, it is environmentally friendly with no wastewater produced in the softening process and does not require electricity to operate. It will save your utility bills too!
It is also virtually maintenance-free with no salts refill is required. All you need to do is to replace the pre-sediment filter every 6 to 9 months which will take only a few minutes to complete.
Besides, the long-term ownership cost is low as you do not need to purchase salt bags or replace the catalytic media.
The Pelican NaturSoft NS System is among the best salt-free water softeners and is proven to be effective and long-lasting in protecting your home appliances and pipes.
Why Do You Need a Salt-free Water Softener?
The main problem of hard water is that the hardness minerals will stick to the surface of pipes and electrical appliances to form limescale.
The limescale inside the water-using appliances will reduce their lifespans and cause your energy bill to go up due to reduced efficiency.
Besides, it will also cause the water pressure in your home to drop gradually.
Water Softener is by far the most effective solution to prevent limescale from forming in your home.
However, the disadvantages of traditional salt-based water softeners such as periodic maintenance, the ongoing cost of purchasing salt bags, and environmental concern could turn some households away.
Fortunately, we now have salt-free water softeners as a great alternative to salt-based water softeners when comes to limescale prevention.
How It Looks Like Physically
Installation and Maintenance
The installation of the Pelican NaturSoft NS3/NS6 System is simple, so you should be able to set up the system by yourself within a few hours.
Also, the system does not require electricity to operate and will not produce wastewater, so it doesn’t limit you to install it near a power outlet or drain line.
Here are the installation steps in brief:
- Turn off your main water supply.
- Install the sediment pre-filter (blue color) after the main water inlet.
- Install the Pelican water softener tank vertically and connect it in between the pre-filter output and outgoing water supply via a bypass valve.
- Pre-soak the water softener’s catalytic media for 1 to 2 hours.
- Flush the water softener system for another 20 to 40 minutes before use.
The Pelican Salt-free Water Softener is virtually maintenance-free, all you need to do is to replace the sediment pre-filter cartridge every 6 to 9 months depending on the water quality and usage.
Should You Buy the Pelican NaturSoft NS3/NS6?
The Pelican NaturSoft salt-free water softener is capable to prevent limescale, however, since it is not the only salt-free water softener in the market, we have to compare it to other salt-free water softening systems to judge its value.
After some deep analysis and investigation of the water softening system in the US market, we do not recommend Pelican NaturSoft Series due to its expensive price and mix customer reviews, which make it a bad deal as there are better alternatives which can perform the same or better job at better price.
FAQ
1. How long the pre-sediment filter can last?
The sediment filter can last about 6 to 9 months.
2. Do I need to replace the softener media?
No. The Pelican NaturSoft catalytic granules media is made to be non-sacrificial, so it does not need to be replaced.
3. Can the Pelican NaturSoft NS System remove chlorine?
No. The system is designed to treat hardness minerals and not contaminants.
4. Can I install the system outdoor?
Yes. The system is made of durable material to withstand harsh environments, just make sure it is not exposed to extreme freezing.
5. Can the Pelican NaturSoft Water Softener Alternative prevent water spots completely?
No, the system cannot eliminate the water spots, but it makes the spots to be cleaned off easily and will not form limescale on the surfaces.
Conclusion
If you don’t feel like getting a salt-based water softener for some reason, then this salt-free system is a great alternative to protect your home and family.
However, after some deep analysis and investigation of the water softening system in the US market, we do not recommend Pelican NaturSoft Series due to its expensive price and mix customer reviews, which make it a bad deal as there are better alternatives which can perform the same or better job at better price.
If you are looking for a great salt-free water softener, check out the SpringWell Futuresoft Water Softener (read our review here).
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