Choosing the best water softener for your needs is one of the most important decisions a homebuyer can make. But there is an added stress when the water you are dealing with is coming from a well with high iron levels. Many times, when a home is primarily run on well water, there will be an increased risk of iron buildup. Throughout the evolution of water softener systems, we now have the option to purchase a water softener that removes iron.
In this article, I’ll review the best water filtration systems for well water I have used so far so that will hopefully help you make the best decision for your home. It is extremely important to learn as much as possible regarding your options for water softeners, especially when dealing with high levels of iron.
Take a look at my 3 favorite systems below. To save you time on research, I recommend comparing these three for your needs. I have also left up other reviews I have done over the years, but really these 3 are the ones I install most for my clients today.
The Springwell system is impressive. It works especially well for those who live in rural areas and are dealing with well water that is heavy in iron. One noticeable thing was the water pressure after the installation was not as affected as many other whole home water filters and softeners.
My Top 3 Whole House Water Softeners for Well Water | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Springwell WellWater + Softener Combo |  BEST ON THE MARKET |
| View Latest Price |
Fleck 5600SXT 64,000 Grain Water Softener |  BEST VALUE |
| View Latest Price |
Iron Pro 2 Combination water softener iron filter |  EASY INSTALL |
| View Latest Price |
Whole House Water Softener for Well Water Reviews
1. Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener with Iron Filter Review
Highlighted Features
If your water supply is coming from a well with high metal content, specifically iron, the Iron Pro 2 may be the best option for you. We mentioned that there is a specific iron filter associated with this water softening unit, and when you combine that with its unique, specialized mesh resin, you may not be able to find a better iron-fighting hard water treatment system than this.
One of the few units on the market that can remove traceable sulfur from water, this model of the Iron Pro 2 is a great choice for anyone who has many contaminants in their water. At a very affordable price, the Iron Pro 2 system is a great option for those looking for cleaner water from their wells.
Watching sink water go from a brownish color to crystal clear, pure water is an extremely satisfying feeling, and the Iron Pro 2 hard water treatment systems with Iron Filter do just that with proper installation. It can remove over 1,000 different particles and elements in your water, promising a refreshing shower, clean glass of water, and water spot-free dishware.
Additional Information:
- Type: Ion exchange, Salt-based water softener
- Grain Capacity: 64,000
- Flow Rate: 16 Gallons Per Minute
- Maximum Hardness Removal: Iron up to 6 ppm range, Manganese up to 6 ppm , Harness remove up to 75 GPG.
- Regeneration Cycle: Auto-regeneration based on water usage.
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 4 people.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
2. Pentair WS48-56sxt10 Fleck Water Softener System Review
Highlighted Features
If you’re looking for an iron-fighting water softener, the Pentair is a great option if you’re looking to maximize value. The Fleck control valve is arguably the best in its class and comes with all the features for total control of your hard water and water softening.
Not all homes come with standard pipe sizing, and one of our favorite things about the Pentair model is that they will send you the pipe connector of your choice to make installation a breeze.
We love that the resin comes stocked in the softening system; there is no messes or additional packaging that could stall you from having clean, crisp, and clear water for your home. Whether you’re in the city or the country, this model will have you covered for all your iron combatting hard water and water softening.
The large tank size holds over 250 pounds of pelletized salt, which is an amazing capacity causing fewer trips to the store for salt.
Additional Information:
- Type: Ion exchange, Salt based water softener
- Grain Capacity: 48,000
- Flow Rate: 14 Gallons Per Minute
- Maximum Hardness Removal: Up to 75 GPG
- Regeneration Cycle: Meter Based, Uses 50-60 gallons during regeneration
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 5 people
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
3. AFWFilters 5600SXT Water Softener for Well Water Review
Highlighted Features
I cannot say enough good things about the installation guide that comes with the AFW water softening unit. Having in-depth videos at your disposal for easy installation is worth the price of this water softener alone.
Once you install the full system and the Fleck control valve, you can program the machine and step away while the system will regenerate on its own when needed. The only thing you will have to worry about is salt!
The safety features of this AFW water softener system give me peace of mind as a homeowner that the system will function at peak performance, and I won’t need to worry about an overflow thanks to the built-in safety float and additional overflow drain. Look no further than a quality softener that will handle its business while you handle everything else in your life.
Additional Information:
- Type: Ion exchange, salt-based softener
- Grain Capacity: 48,000
- Flow Rate: 12 Gallons Per Minute
- Maximum Hardness Removal: Up to 50 GPG
- Regeneration Cycle: Auto-regeneration based on water usage, uses 40-50 gallons during regeneration.
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 6 people.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
4. iSpring RCC7 High Capacity Water Softener for Well Water Review
Highlighted Features
If you’re looking for better drinking water and sink water without the need for a full-scale water softening unit, then look no further than the iSpring under sink model. Using a 5-stage reverse osmosis process, your sink water will come out crystal clear after the softener, and filter combo removes over 1,000 different elements that do not need to be in your water.
Another thing we love about this iSpring unit is how easy it is to change the filters out. First off, filters are available from the manufacturer at direct pricing, and they can be changed in mere minutes. On average, a filter replacement is needed every three months, but considering this small sink unit does not use salt, you can offset the cost, and besides, there is no value you can place on clean drinking water.
Our Recommended Best Water Softener Reviews – (Tested for the subdivision homeowner)
With the iSpring model being used specifically for sink applications, it also comes in handy when washing dishes. Water that has gone through the iSpring hard water treatment systems and water filtration system will not leave water spots on any dishware. You will also realize very quickly how much better the water is for your skin compared to untreated water!
Additional Information:
- Type: 5-Stage Ro Water Filter
- Capacity: 75 Gallons
- Certified: NSF/ANSI 58
- Contaminates Removes: Including Iron It’s Removes up to 99% of over 1,000 contaminants.
- Flow Rate: Takes about 10 seconds to fill a glass.
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 5 people.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
5. Aquasana EQ-Well-UV-Pro-Ast Salt-free Water Conditioner Review
Highlighted Features
The most customizable water softener on our list, the Aquasana is not just a water softening system but entire water purifying, filtering, and softening system all in one. Using the saltless technology that Aquasana has developed on its own, this unit uses customs filters that are easily replaceable and affordable.
While this unit may be on the higher end of price, it is the only one on the list that features UV light purification technology that adds additional cleaning elements to your water tank. This is also the largest tank system we have using dual tanks to lessen the amount of time between regenerations.
The Aquasana Salt-free Water Conditioner system is not your typical water softening system, while it does do a great job at softening water, it is also a purification and filtration system all rolled into one. It can clean your sink and shower water of 99.9% of contaminants, all while providing a dedicated drinking water line for clean drinking water every time.
Additional Information:
- Type: Salt-Free Water Softener Alternative.
- Capacity: 500, 000 gallons or 5 years.
- Flow Rate: 7 Gallons Per Minute
- Maximum Hardness Removal: Works best with hardness levels at 15 GPG or below.
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 5 people.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
6. DuraWater 80K-56SXT-10AL 80K Water Softener System Review
Highlighted Features
The Durawater model is a classic design and technology that has been proven time and time again by homeowners all over the world. The included 10% crosslinked resin is better for the system tanks due to needing fewer regenerations because the resin can capture more particles than a typical 8% crosslinked system.
The LCD display touchpad could not be simpler, even for folks that have extremely little experience with technology or plumbing. The price point is just right as well, but you will see as you upgrade capacity from 24,000 GPI to their 80,000 GPI model, the price will increase, but that is to be expected within the water softener world.
Additional Information:
- Type: Ion exchange, Salt-based softener
- Grain Capacity: 80,000
- Flow Rate: 14-16 Gallons Per Minute
- Maximum Hardness Removal: 28 GPG.
- Regeneration: 8 lbs of salt and 60 gals of water per regeneration.
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 8 people.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
7. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable Grain RV Water Softener
Highlighted Features
If you are looking for portable, on-the-go water softening and purification, the OTG is the way to go. Designed for campers and RVs, all our test runs with this resulted in nothing but satisfaction. If you have an onboard water supply, this can be hooked to that to provide clean and softened drinking water and give owners peace of mind that water will not be a worry.
The standard size of 16,000 GPI is plenty for an RV or camper usage as well; we never ran out of water during our weekend trial in the mountains.
Using common table salt rather than pelletized salt, carrying regeneration salt is much easier than most water softeners for this application. You can store this machine anywhere on your vehicle or campsite and weigh only a mere 18 pounds; it is a must-have for RV users.
Additional Information:
- Type: Ion exchange, Salt-based
- Grain Capacity: 16,000
- Flow Rate: 5-7 Gallons Per Minute
- Maximum Hardness Removal: 10-25 GPG.
- Regeneration : 15 minutes.
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 2 people.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
8. Tier1 Essential Series 48,000 Grain Water Softener
Highlighted Features
Boasting one of the highest flow rates we have seen, Tier 1 is a great choice for people who want to keep their water pressure up, which is a concern of many homeowners. Another concern for many homeowners is finding a water softening system that does not take up a ton of space in their utility closet or basement.
Tier 1 takes up four fewer square feet of space than the typical water softening unit, all while providing the same features as the big players in the water softening game.
It comes with a standard capacity of 48,000 GPI, which is more than enough for the typical family of four. On average, a four-member family needs a unit that can produce 33,000 gallons in a day, and this unit covers that and a lot more.
Additional Information:
- Type: Ion exchange, Salt-based
- Grain Capacity: 48,000
- Flow Rate: 9 Gallons Per Minute
- Maximum Hardness Removal: Recommended for iron levels above 3ppm and Hardness 26 GPG.
- Regeneration : On Demand Regeneration.
- Ideal Household Size: Up to 4 people.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
What To Consider Before Buying A Well Water Filtration system
When choosing a filtration & softening unit for your home, several questions need to be answered. Every situation is different; just like every home is different. There several different questions you must answer in order to find the one that will work best for your home.
Budget
Water softening systems can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. There are numerous features and added programming capabilities that you can purchase, but some of those are not necessary, they are nice to have, but you can still get a quality water softener that does that job at a more affordable number.
Water Hardness
To determine the best water softener for your home, the first step that we need to take is to get an idea of how hard the water is in your home. This will you exactly what elements, toxins, and chemicals are in the water and, most importantly, the grains per gallon (GPI) within your water supply.
Choose The Right Softener Based On The Water Hardness vs. Users
| Hardness in GPG | 1 to 2 people* | 3 to 4 people* | 5 to 6 people* | 7 to 8 people* |
| 5-10 GPG | 32,000 Grain | 32,000 Grain | 32,000 Grain | 40,000 Grain |
| 11-20 GPG | 32,000 Grain | 32,000 Grain | 40,000 Grain | 48,000 Grain |
| 21-30 GPG | 32,000 Grain | 40,000 Grain | 80,000 Grain | 96,000 Grain |
| 31-40 GPG | 40,000 Grain | 64,000 Grain | 64,000 Grain | 96,000 Grain |
| 41-50 GPG | 64,000 Grain | 80,000 Grain | 96,000 Grain | 110,000 Grain |
| 51-75 GPG | 64,000 Grain | 80,000 Grain | 96,000 Grain | 110,000 Grain |
| 76-100 GPG | 80,000 Grain | 96,000 Grain | 96,000 Grain | 110,000 Grain |
You can figure out these levels in a few different ways. If you are connected to a city water supply, you can request a water report from your city itself, but if you are running water from a well or other supply, you can purchase a water testing kit from several different sources.
Depending on the results of the water test, you can determine the rating of the water softener you need by looking at your water’s GPI.
Rating
If you have a lot of sediment and grains that need to be removed from your water, you will want a higher-rated water softening unit. For most household applications, water softener systems come with a capacity ranging from 24,000 GPI to 80,000 GPI, the higher the number, the more grains per gallon the softening system will remove.
If you are on a city water supply, this will typically be a lower rating than someone who is using well water or an alternative source.
Usually, water coming from a well has a higher number of metal elements such as iron, which is a tough element to filter out, and therefore, the need for a home water softener system with 80,000 GPI capability may be needed.
Capacity
If you are looking for a softening system for your family home, your needs will be different than someone who is looking to get a water softener or water filtration system for a summer home or maybe even an RV or camper. According to most studies, the average human being uses 80 gallons of water per day.
You will need to combine the number of people in the home and the GPI in your water from the testing to determine the perfect unit for your home. The typical family of 4 uses 33,000 GPI of softened water daily, keep this in mind when starting your search for the best water softener for iron.
Special Situations
As we mentioned before, every situation is different. If you are living in a country home with an old well, your water test will most certainly come back with different levels of sediments than someone living in an urban environment.
If your water has a high amount of lead or something similar, you may want to gear your research toward iron-fighting water softeners or models that come with specific add-ons to fight high levels of metal or contaminants.
Typical Costs of Iron Filters For Well Water
Whether you want an affordable model or the best water filter for iron money can buy, you will have to spend at least $150 for the piece. A high-end iron filter can cost over $1,000.
Of course, it also depends on the type. Air injection control head models are the same price as water softeners, typically below $1,000. But an actual iron and manganese filter can get over $2,000 quickly. These are obviously more effective, but their price makes them hard to acquire.
Price Saving Considerations
While it is important to do a cost analysis or at least cor what the total cost of powering and maintaining an iron will be for a year or set timespan, it is also important to remember the savings it could have for your home.
Iron can significantly reduce the lifespan of washers, dishwashers, and water heaters. Having a heavy iron present in the water can also ruin your clothes and dishes or leave them with an odor.
In most cases, extending the life of clothes, appliances, and anything else the water comes in contact with can save more money and frustration thof the unit and main countenance.
What Else To Consider When Buying an Iron Water Filtration System
When considering purchasing an iron water filter for your well water, your needs are important. From maintenance costs to the ease of installer, a wide range of considers can be taken during the decision-making process.
This buying guide will give you additional details on the types of filters you can install, features to look for, maintenance considerations, and more. By the time you finish reading the buying guide, you should understand iron water filters for your well water.
A water softener will use salt as its filter media. As described above, when water is run through the water softener, the cations of magnesium, calcium, and iron are quite literally traded with sodium ions. In this way, the elements that make your water hard are removed from the water.
Water softeners are very efficient at removing the elements that make your water hard but won’t remove anything else. So if you have hard water with no other concerns, then a water softener is the perfect solution. But to remove contaminants you also need to use a filter.
Types of Iron Filters for Well Water
Water softeners are very efficient at removing the elements that make your water hard but won’t remove anything else. So if you have hard water with no other concerns, then a water softener is the perfect solution.
After reading our iron filter reviews, you may have noticed that most of them are different from the rest. This is because we included several types of filters. Here, we’re going to explain more about each:
3-Stage Water Filters
The 3-stage water filters usually use a combination of a sediment filter, a KDF media filter, and a carbon block. The sediment filter will reduce or remove any physical particles from the water such, as sand dirt, dust, silt, rust, and scale.
The third stage is an activated carbon block. Some are made of coconut carbon, and they are just as efficient as a normal carbon block would be. Carbon blocks will remove or reduce chlorine, benzene, radon, solvents, THM, and TCE.
Iron Oxidizing Filter
It is the standard type of iron filter you’ll find, using the same filtering process as explained above. In short, it catches the ferrous iron particles in the water and oxidizes them. Then these particles become denser non-soluble ferric particles helping the filter clean them out of the water.
This oxidation of the iron happens using chlorine, ozone, or potassium permanganate. Then, the particles are caught up in filter media. This media is typically made of solid manganese dioxide.
Air Injection Filter
This is another type of oxidizing filter, but instead of using materials, it uses air. Because of this, we had to put it separately.
The process is simple: it creates an air pocket on the tank that produces the perfect environment to oxidize the iron. Again, the ferrous iron becomes ferric, which stays on a filter media. Then the backwashing process takes it off the tank.
This filter is cleaner and more efficient than those using chemicals for oxidation.
Ion-Exchange Filter
Lastly, you’ll find water softeners. Using the ion-exchange process, this filter catches all the ferrous particles in the water and pierces them through the brine or salt. Here, the ferrous particles become ferric.
Then the water can get out of the system cleaner. Of course, as explained before, this process is less efficient and eventually leaves a lot to be desired.
Maintaining System Costs
Maintaining your system is one of the biggest considerations that you will likely make when choosing your water filter, especially one that removes iron from well water. Unfortunately, the filter media’s lifespan depends on how hard or contaminated your water is and how much water you use.
A home with four people and very hard or contaminated water will go through salt or filter cartridges a lot faster than a couple who just wants to get rid of the iron in their water. Manufacturers will usually give a range for the filter cartridges’ lifespan, so knowing approximately where you fall in that range is important.
A water softener will need salt added to it as needed. Most of the other filters will have cartridges that need to be replaced. You can usually buy the cartridges either individually or as a set. Depending on the filter, some of the cartridges might age differently.
Maintaining your system is obviously an added cost, but one that will keep you and your appliances healthy. It is important to consider this cost when purchasing your iron filter so the maintenance does not fall to the wayside.
With all that being said, the typical maintenance cost for a water softener for well water can run annually between $500-$1500.
How Does Iron Affect the Human Body?
In small quantities, iron is actually helpful. Our bodies need iron to transport oxygen, maintain healthy blood cell count, avoid lead toxicity, enhance skin’s semblance, and even keep nails and hair growth.
But once it starts to accumulate in large quantities, where water gets a yellowish color, changes the smell, and even the taste, iron can get dangerous. Without the best whole house water filter for iron, you can suffer a wide array of health issues, including:
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Liver and kidney damage
- Blood vessel damage
- Skin damage
- Hemochromatosis
- Diabetes
- Cirrhosis
- Heart failure
As you can see, reducing the amount of iron in your water may not only help you change its taste and odor but also prevent potentially life-threatening health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a water softener for well water?
When water is considered “hard,” this means that more elements and toxins in the water can cause issues with your water supply. Softer water is healthier and better for skin, drinking, and glassware.
Do I need a professional to install my water softener?
Many models are designed to be installed by the homeowner, even if you have little to no plumbing experience. If you’re not comfortable with installing it, then getting a professional is always the right decision.
Is there any financial benefit to having soft water?
Hard water is often more damaging to your piping and appliances. Eliminating limescale buildup will early in the life of your appliance making it last longer.
What does the resin in a water softener do?
The resin is there to act as a buffer between the water and hardening particles in the water. The resin captures the hardness ions particles while the clean water is let through to your water supply.
Can you remove iron from your water without using chemicals?
Brim can be used to remove iron from water instead of the widely used manganese greensand. This substance doesn’t require the use of oxidizing chemical agents to remove contaminants from the water. However, this method only works with water of specific pH levels.
Do carbon water filters remove iron?
Filters that use activated carbon to filter the water can remove iron, coliform, cysts, lead, arsenic, and many other heavy metals in tap water through mechanical filtration. These carbon filters use Kinetic Degradation Fluxion media to chemically react with water and remove the iron in it.
Are water softener-iron filter combos any good?
Using a water softener-iron filter combo in your house would be a great choice. It will purify your home water system, remove contaminants and soften your drinking water. The only downsides are the cost and size, if that isn’t a problem, then this option is a good choice.
How often will I have to maintain my iron water filter?
It depends on the company design filter, water consumption, and how hard or contaminated your water is. Some filter cartridges might only last a few months. Others could work for up to five years.
Is it safe to drink well water with iron?
Yes. Iron is an essential mineral that prevents anemia, fatigue, and some infections. But if you drink water with unhealthy amounts of iron, you may start to suffer adverse effects, as explained above. Generally, though, it is safe.
Will boiling water remove iron?
No. Boiling water is an excellent purification method against some pathogens and other living organisms and some types of organic materials. Sadly, heavy metals like iron are not removed with boiling.
How long does an iron filter last?
It depends on the quality of the product, but generally, they last 15 to 20 years. Whether an iron filtration system or water softener, this is the standard lifespan you may experience.
How do you remove heavy iron from well water?
In a standard iron filter, the process consists of oxidizing the iron until it gets trapped in the media. For water softeners, the process consists of separating the iron particles from the water using the resin.
How often should my iron filter regenerate?
Typically, iron filters generate every day at a specific time (when it’s not being used). But in high-flow environments like businesses or large households, the filters may go through multiple regeneration processes. This also depends on the amount of iron and other contaminants in the water. The more there are, the more times the filter will regenerate.
Best Well Water Softener – (Comparison Chart)
| Name | Type | Grain Capacity | Flow Rate | Household Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentair WS48-56sxt10 | Ion exchange | 48,000 | 14 GPM | 5 People |
| AFWFilters 5600SXT | Salt-based | 48,000 | 12 GPM | 6 People |
| iSpring RCC7 | Ro Water Filter | 75 Gallons | 10 seconds to fill a glass | 5 People |
| Iron Pro 2 Combination | Salt-based | 64,000 | 16 GPM | 4 People |
| Aquasana EQ-Well | Water Softener Alternative | 500, 000 gallons | 7 GPM | 5 People |
| DuraWater 80K-56SXT-10AL | Ion exchange | 80,000 | 16 GPM | 8 People |
| On The Go OTG3NTP3M | Salt-based | 16,000 | 5-7 GPM | 2 People |
| Tier1 Essential Series 48,000 | Salt-based | 48,000 | 9 GPM | 4 People |
Conclusion
Choosing a water softener, especially when dealing with well water and high iron levels can be a daunting task, especially for new homeowners. Using our guide, you will, at the very minimum, have a great place to start your search, and hopefully, you will find the right water softener in our in-depth list above.
With technology constantly evolving, it can be difficult to know what the newest and ‘best’ water filtration systems are on the market, but at this point, we know what works, and we have so many stories about people whose lives have been changed by the information above, I hope we can aide in your search too.
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