SpringWell Water Softener Review – Salt vs. Salt-Free

Springwell Water Filtration Systems offers two water-softening products: the Salt-Based Water Softener System and the FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener. Both of these water-softening systems are beneficial for use in mitigating the effects of hard water in your home. However, since their water-softening mechanisms are not the same, their advantages are not really on par. This review compares the two Springwell water softeners, highlighting the best use cases for each one.

SpringWell Salt Based Water Softener System Review

Features

Springwell’s salt-based water softener uses the same ion-exchange technology as every other water softener. However, it comes with a self-regenerating feature that improves its efficiency by minimizing water and salt wastage. It is best for those who want to rid their water supply of most/all the downsides of water hardness. But since it typically comes with some water wastage, it may not be optimal in places with limited water supply.

Besides its efficiency, the Springwell Salt-Based Water Softener System does well on the water pressure front. As long as you buy the recommended product for the number of bathrooms in your home, the system’s flow rate should be at least 0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) higher than the maximum your water outlets need. In other words, there’s almost no chance you’d have to spend more time at one of the taps or showers.

The fact that Springwell displays salt-based water softeners in terms of the number of bathrooms is a plus. People who cannot estimate the grain size and flow rate they need for their home’s plumbing system can readily make a choice.

The accessibility of this water softener’s control is one of its most distinctive features. The Bluetooth-enabled head makes it possible for you to control operations like backwash cycles and resin regeneration. Without the Bluetooth head, you will probably have to adjust such operations manually by going to the water softening system.

Beyond all we’ve said so far, the durability of the components of this salt-based water-softening system is more than decent. You are unlikely to replace anything in less than 5 years.

Maintenance requirements are minimal, and if you are handy, you should be able to install it yourself. The warranty and money-back guarantee are pretty fair. However, we agree with the common opinion that the prices are a bit steep.

Pros

• Bluetooth-enabled head for remote control of operations.
• Sustained flow rate.
• Relatively minimal water wastage.
• Low salt loss.
• The product page is pretty easy to understand for people who are not technically inclined.
• The overall durability is laudable.

Cons

• The salt-based water softeners are a bit expensive.

SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener Review

Features

Springwell’s salt-free water softener is better termed a water conditioner. It is best for those who are looking to prevent scale buildup, conserve water, and control their water’s hardness while spending less. It does not really soften hard water. Instead, it blocks the ability of hard water minerals to aggregate and form scales.

In the Springwell salt-based water softener, hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium are replaced by sodium and potassium through ion exchange. Consequently, the hardness minerals – calcium and magnesium – are removed, leaving you with softened water.

With the FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener, things are different. In place of ion exchange, FutureSoft uses template-assisted crystallization (TAC). TAC is basically a system that converts hard minerals to crystals, preventing the formation of scales. As a result, little or no scales are formed in plumbing systems that use salt-free water softeners (water conditioners).

The mechanism by which the Springwell FutureSoft conditions water precludes water wastage. There’s no ion exchange, no cleaning cycle, and no need to remove water containing hard minerals. So, you never have to worry about losing gallons of water.

Like the Salt-Based Softener, the models of the FutureSoft Softener are displayed in terms of the number of bathrooms in your room. This way, you can readily make a choice without having to worry about the technical details.

The flow rates of the Springwell FutureSoft Softeners and the Salt-Based Softeners are pretty close. So, in either case, you never have to worry about spending more time trying to get water at any of the outlets inside your home.

The FutureSoft Softeners use ActiveFlo Technology, and this makes flow rate variation more fluid. In other words, the system can condition water at low and high flow rates without losing effectiveness.

The salt-free water-softening system does not have a Bluetooth head. So, the accessibility is not the same as the salt-based softener. But then, the operations of a water conditioner may not require adjustments as often as an ion-exchange water softener. So, the absence of such an accessibility feature may not matter much.

The durability of the saltless Springwell water softener is also impressive. You are unlikely to need replacements in less than 3 to 5 years.

Pros

• Since hardness minerals are not removed, your body can get some benefits from them.
• There’s little to no water wastage.
• No scale buildup.
• Durable system.
• Steady flow rate.

Cons

• The water remains hard.
• Retains hardness minerals – this could be an issue in some cases.

Salt vs. Salt-Free Water Softener Comparison

Similarities

• The salt-based and salt-free water softeners both prevent scale buildup in plumbing systems.
• Both water-softening systems offered sustained flow rates between 11-20 GPM.
• They operate within the same pressure and temperature range and have the same tank widths.

Differences

Review Summary

A good water filtration system is a good investment. The Springwell salt-based water softener is the best option for thorough hard water treatment. However, if you are looking to conserve resources while minimizing damage to your plumbing system, the FutureSoft water softener would be just fine.