Best Water Softener System To Buy In Canada In 2023
As someone who has lived in Canada for many years, I know just how hard the water can be. Hard water can cause skin irritation, and damage to appliances and fixtures, and make it difficult to get clothes and dishes clean. That is why investing in a water softener system is an excellent choice for Canadians.
A water Softener is an equipment used to remove hardness-causing minerals like calcium and magnesium which causes a mineral build-up in your home pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances and leaves soap residue on skin and clothing.
A water softener works by exchanging the hard minerals for sodium ions, effectively softening the water and making it easier to use.
Why do you need a water softener?
There are several reasons why someone might need a water softener:
- Improved household appliances and fixtures: Hard water can cause mineral build-up in pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
- Cleaner and softer skin and hair: Hard water can leave soap residue on skin and hair, making it feel dry and dull.
- Better tasting and smelling water: Hard water can have an unpleasant taste and odor.
- Longer-lasting clothes: Hard water can cause clothes to wear out faster and become discolored.
- Energy savings: Hard water can reduce the efficiency of water-using appliances, leading to higher energy costs.
Overall, a water softener can help improve the quality of water for household use and provide several benefits for daily life.
Things to Look at While Buying a Water Softener
When shopping for a water softener, here are some key factors to consider-
- Capacity: Consider the size of your household and the amount of water you use to determine the appropriate capacity for your water softener.
- Water softener types: Water softeners are of two kinds one is salt-based and the other is salt-free. As per your specific needs and preferences, the right kind of softener is chosen.
- Water hardness: Determine the hardness of your water to choose the right size system and choose the right size resin tank.
- Salt efficiency: Look for a water softener that uses salt efficiently, reducing the amount of waste and the frequency of needed maintenance.
- Regeneration method: Consider whether you prefer a timer-based or demand-initiated regeneration method for your water softener.
- Warranty: It is important to choose a water softener that comes with an adequate warranty to protect your water softener from being damaged.
- Price: Compare the prices of different water softeners to find the best value for your budget.
- Brand reputation: It is recommended to choose a water softener from a reputed manufacturer to ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality product.
Taking these factors into consideration can help you choose a water softener that meets your specific needs and provides the best possible performance.
Top 10 Water Softener Systems in Canada
Finding a good water softener that takes care of your hair, skin, and limescale problems is a big task. With so many options available at every price range it becomes more confusing to choose the right one for your family. Here we have put down the 10 best water softener systems available in Canada based on factors such as performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
1. Chlor-A-Soft Water Softener “Our Pick“
Advantages:
- Remove Chemicals: Removes chlorine and volatile organic chemicals
- Dont Wastewater: Simple fully programmable electronic water softener that doesn’t waste any water
- Use Less Salt: Best efficiency water softener that uses 80% less salt than traditional water softeners
- Easy to install: Chlor-A-Soft Water Soften is easy to install and does not require a professional plumber.
- Long-lasting: Chlor-A-Soft Water Soften is made from high-quality materials and is built to last.
- Best Of Both Worlds: A combination system that provides water softening with chlorine and chemical removal.
2. Aquasure Harmony Series
Advantages:
- Effective: The Aquasure Harmony Series is highly effective at removing hard water minerals, improving the quality of water for household use.
- Efficient: The system is designed to use salt and water efficiently, reducing waste and the frequency of needed maintenance.
- Easy to use: The Aquasure Harmony Series features a user-friendly control panel and is easy to operate.
- Customizable: The system can be customized to meet the specific needs of each household.
- Warranty: The Aquasure Harmony Series comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Requires salt: The Aquasure Harmony Series requires salt to operate, which can be a drawback for those looking for a more environmentally friendly option.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as adding salt and cleaning the system, is required to keep the Aquasure Harmony Series functioning properly.
- Cost: Salt-based water softener systems, like the Aquasure Harmony Series, can be more expensive than other types of water softeners.
3. Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
Advantages:
- Dual filtration: The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station provides dual filtration, removing a wide range of contaminants and improving the taste and odor of water.
- Efficient: The system is designed to use water efficiently, reducing waste and the frequency of needed maintenance.
- Customizable: The system can be customized to meet the specific needs of each household.
- Easy to use: The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station features a user-friendly control panel and is easy to operate.
- Warranty: The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost: The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station can be more expensive than other types of water filtration systems.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as changing filters, is required to keep the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station functioning properly.
- Installation: Installation of the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station may require a professional plumber.
Price Range – This water softener comes in a price range of $2500 -$3500.
4. NuvoH2O Manor Complete Salt-Free Softener System
Advantages:
- Salt-free: The NuvoH2O Manor Complete Salt-Free Softener System does not require salt, making it an environmentally friendly option.
- Easy to install: The system is designed for easy DIY installation, saving you the cost of a professional plumber.
- Maintenance-free: Unlike salt-based water softeners, the NuvoH2O Manor Complete Salt-Free Softener System does not require regular maintenance, such as adding salt or cleaning the brine tank.
- Improves water quality: The NuvoH2O Manor Complete Salt-Free Softener System removes hard water minerals and improves the quality of water for household use.
- Warranty: The NuvoH2O Manor Complete Salt-Free Softener System comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Limited effectiveness: Salt-free water softeners, like the NuvoH2O Manor Complete Salt-Free Softener System, are less effective at removing hard water minerals compared to salt-based water softeners.
- Higher cost: Salt-free water softeners can be more expensive than traditional salt-based water softeners.
- Performance limitations: Salt-free water softeners may not be able to handle extremely high levels of hardness in household water.
Price Range – This water softener comes in a price range of $1140.
5. Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head
Advantages:
- Digital control: The Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head features a digital control system, making it easy to operate and adjust to meet your household’s needs.
- Customizable: The Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head is customizable, allowing you to choose the size of the resin tank and the salt tank to meet your household’s water hardness needs.
- Reliable performance: Fleck is a well-known brand in the water softening industry, known for producing reliable and high-quality systems.
- User-friendly: The Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head is user-friendly, with a clear and easy-to-use interface.
- Warranty: The Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Professional installation required: Installing the Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head requires a professional plumber, which can add to the cost of the system.
- Maintenance required: Salt-based water softeners, like the Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head, require regular maintenance, such as adding salt and cleaning the brine tank.
- Limited effectiveness: The effectiveness of the Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Head may be limited by extremely high levels of hardness in household water.
Price Range – This water softener comes in a price range of $1100 – $1400.
6. Tier1 Digital Water Softener System
Advantages:
- Digital control: This Softener System features a digital control system, making it easy to operate and adjust to meet your household’s needs.
- Customizable: This Water Softener System is customizable, allowing you to choose the size of the resin tank and the salt tank to meet your household’s water hardness needs.
- Affordable: This Water Softener System is more affordable compared to other water softener systems, making it a cost-effective option for households.
- User-friendly: This Water Softener System is user-friendly, with a clear and easy-to-use interface.
- Warranty: This Water Softener System comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Professional installation required: Installing the Tier 1 Digital Water Softener System requires a professional plumber, which can add to the cost of the system.
- Maintenance required: Salt-based water softeners, like the Tier1 Digital Water Softener System, require regular maintenance, such as adding salt and cleaning the brine tank.
- Limited effectiveness: The effectiveness of the Tier 1 Digital Water Softener System may be limited by extremely high levels of hardness in household water.
Price Range – This water softener comes in a price range of $550 – $1050.
7. IronPro 2 Combination Water Softener & Iron Filter
Advantages:
- Dual function: This water softener performs two functions, softening hard water and removing iron, making it a convenient and efficient solution for households with both issues.
- High-capacity: This water softener has a high-capacity resin tank, making it suitable for large households or commercial use.
- Effective removal of iron: This water softener is designed to effectively remove iron, preventing staining and discoloration of clothes, dishes, and fixtures.
- Easy installation: This water softener is designed for easy installation and comes with clear instructions.
- Warranty: This water softener comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: The IronPro 2 Combination Water Softener & Iron Filter may be more expensive than a separate water softener and iron filter system, depending on the capacity and features desired.
- Salt requirement: This water softener uses salt to regenerate the resin, which may be a concern for households with sodium or salt restrictions.
- Maintenance required: This water softener requires regular maintenance, such as refilling the salt and cleaning the resin tank.
- Complexity: This water softener is a complex system, which may require professional installation and maintenance.
Price Range – This water softener comes in a price range of $1385.
8. ABC waters Built Fleck 5600SXT 48,000
The ABC Waters Built Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 is a water softener system that utilizes Fleck’s 5600SXT digital control head.
Advantages:
- High capacity: This water softener has a high capacity of 48,000 grains, making it suitable for large households or commercial use.
- Digital control head: This water softener digital control head provides easy programming and control of the water softener system.
- Energy efficient: This water softener uses a metered regeneration process, which is energy-efficient and reduces water waste.
- Durable construction: This water softener is built with high-quality components and is designed for long-lasting durability.
- Warranty: This water softener comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: This water softener may be more expensive than other water softener systems, depending on the capacity and features desired.
- Salt requirement: This water softener uses salt to regenerate the resin, which may be a concern for households with sodium or salt restrictions.
- Maintenance required: The ABC Waters Built Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 requires regular maintenance, such as refilling the salt and cleaning the resin tank.
Price Range – This water softener comes in a price range of $2750.
9. Aquios AQFS220C Full House Salt-Free Water Softener and Conditioner
The Aquios AQFS220C Full House Salt-Free Water Softener and Conditioner is a popular choice for households looking for a salt-free solution for water hardness.
Advantages:
- Salt-free solution: This water softener provides a salt-free solution for water hardness, making it a good option for households with concerns about salt and sodium in their water.
- Improved water quality: This water softener can improve the overall quality of household water, making it taste and smell better.
- Easy maintenance: This water softener requires minimal maintenance, making it a convenient option for households with busy schedules.
- Eco-friendly: This water softener is an eco-friendly option, as it does not discharge salt or other chemicals into the environment.
- Warranty: This water softener comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Limited effectiveness: The effectiveness of the Aquios AQFS220C Full House Salt-Free Water Softener and Conditioner may be limited by extremely high levels of hardness in household water.
- Maintenance required: This water softener still requires some maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing the filter.
Price Range: This water softener comes in a price range of $420.
10. GE GXSH40V 40,000 Grain Water Softener
Advantages:
- High capacity: This Water Softener has a softening capacity of 40,200 grains. making it a good choice for households with high levels of water hardness.
- Energy efficient: It has an energy-efficient design, reducing electricity usage and saving on utility bills.
- User-friendly: It is user-friendly, with a clear and easy-to-use interface.
- Easy installation: This Water Softener is designed for easy installation, making it a good option for DIY enthusiasts.
- Warranty: The GE GXSH40V 40,000 Grain Water Softener comes with a warranty, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Disadvantages:
- Professional installation recommended: While this Water Softener is designed for easy installation, it’s still recommended to have a professional plumber perform the installation to ensure proper functioning.
- Maintenance required: Salt-based water softeners, like the GE GXSH40V 40,000 Grain Water Softener, require regular maintenance, such as adding salt and cleaning the brine tank.
- Limited effectiveness: The effectiveness of the GE GXSH40V 40,000 Grain Water Softener may be limited by extremely high levels of hardness in household water.
Price Range – This water softener comes in a price range of $849.
How To Maintain Your Water Softener
Maintaining a water softener is important for keeping it functioning properly and extending its lifespan. Here are some steps for maintaining a water softener:
• Check the salt level: The most common maintenance task for a salt-based water softener is adding salt when needed. Check the salt level regularly and add more when necessary.
• Clean the brine tank: Over time, the brine tank may collect dirt and debris, which can affect the performance of the water softener. Clean the brine tank periodically to remove any build-up.
• Replace the resin: The resin in the water softener can become clogged over time, reducing its effectiveness. Replace the resin periodically, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check the water softener settings: Make sure that the water softener’s settings are correct for your household’s needs. If necessary, adjust the settings to optimize its performance.
• Monitor the water hardness: Regularly check the hardness of your household’s water and adjust the settings on the water softener as needed.
• Call a professional: If you are having trouble with your water softener or it is not functioning properly, call a professional for service and repair of your water softener in Toronto.
FAQ
What are the benefits of a water softener system?
Some of the benefits of a water softener system include better tasting water, improved soap lathering and cleaning ability, reduced scale buildup in pipes and appliances, and longer appliance lifespan.
What should I look for in a water softener system?
When choosing a water softener system, consider factors such as the size of your household, the hardness of your water, the regeneration process, and the type of resin used.
How often do I need to regenerate my water softener system?
The frequency of regeneration depends on the size of the unit, the hardness of the water, and the amount of water used. Some systems are equipped with a meter that measures water usage and automatically initiates regeneration when needed.
How much does a water softener system cost?
The cost of a water softener system varies depending on the size, features, and brand. In Canada, a basic system can start at around $500, while a high-end system can cost several thousand dollars.
Is a water softener system safe?
A water softener system that uses salt or potassium chloride for regeneration is safe for most households, but it may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet. There are also alternative systems available that use no salt.
