6 Types of Water Softeners and How to Choose One

Salt-Based Water Softeners

• Best for: Different home sizes and portable options

A salt-based water softener can also be referred to as an ion exchange water softener, as it draws heavy minerals (like calcium and magnesium) into a resin within the softener, then releases sodium ions to complete the ion exchange process. Water passes through this filtration system into a separate tank once softened. While this method does add minimal amounts of salt to the water, the addition is relatively unnoticeable and the water content takes on a healthy state of neutrality that won't damage appliances, water fixtures, or your skin and hair.

These systems are the most commonly used type of water softeners, and they come in a variety of sizes for a range of different homes. This includes small, portable salt-based softeners that are ideal for camping and RV trips. However, it should be noted that there is a drawback to these systems beyond the addition of salt to the water. The resin needs to be regularly recharged because the softener runs out of positively charged sodium ions to exchange for heavy minerals.

Choose either a metered system that automatically regenerates the water softener after a specific volume of water has passed through, or opt for a timed system that regenerates the sodium ions according to a set schedule instead of a metered volume of water. There are plenty of budget options, while high-end water softeners also exist in salt-based models. Typical prices range between $400 to $1,000, plus any optional installation costs. This type of softener should last between 10 and 15 years depending on maintenance by the owner and how often it's used.

Salt-Free Water Softeners

• Best for: Softening water without added salt

Salt-free water softeners utilize a template-assisted crystallization (TAC) system to neutralize the minerals in water, rather than the ion exchange process of salt-based softeners. If you don't like the idea of adding salt to your drinking water or you're looking for a system that is relatively maintenance-free, then a salt-free water softener is a good option to improve water quality. These softeners look similar to salt-based options, but as water flows through the water softener, the heavy minerals attach to polymeric beads at microscopic nucleation sites.

The minerals stick to the sites and begin to form into crystals during a neutralization process that prevents the minerals from binding to anything as they pass through the water. When the minerals are neutralized, they detach from the sites and travel harmlessly through the water without causing mineral buildup or scaling. However, it should be noted that these systems may not be as effective when dealing with very high levels of hard water or households with a higher than average water usage. They also have a higher initial cost than salt-based water softeners at about $500 to $3,000 and are expected to last about 10 years.

Dual-Tank Water Softeners

• Best for: Homes with high water usage

The main difference between a dual-tank water softener and a standard salt-based water softener is that there are two tanks, which makes it easier for the softener to manage a larger amount of heavy minerals, as well as a higher volume of water. These systems are designed with two resin tanks, allowing one tank to always remain functional, even while the other tank is going through a salt regeneration cycle.

However, dual-tank water softeners take up a lot of space and come with a hefty price tag (up to $6,000 or more), so they are really only necessary for large homes with high water consumption. Like standard salt-based water softeners, options with dual tanks should last between 10 and 15 years.

Magnetic Water Softeners

• Best for: Smaller size and easy installation

Magnetic water softeners work as water descalers, which reduce the scale deposits (mineral buildup) that water passes through in your home's plumbing system. These softeners neutralize heavy minerals by stripping the negative or positive ions with a magnetic field. Since the minerals are no longer negatively or positively charged, they do not bind to each other, allowing the minerals to remain entirely soluble in the water.

A full-size water softener doesn't always fit into a smaller home, as salt-based and salt-free systems can take up a lot of space. A magnetic water softener helps avoid this problem with a very compact size that simply straps onto the water pipe. You don't even need to cut into the water line to install these devices, though they do require a source of electricity. Most products are very affordable and can be plugged into an available power outlet. Some magnetic water softeners or descalers need to be hardwired into the home's electrical system. However, they do make a good budget option at $200 to $400 on average.

Because of their simple installation process, plug-in magnetic softeners are a great option for renters that don't require permanent changes to the home (and can be brought to another home easily if you move in the future).

Reverse Osmosis Water Softeners

• Best for: Under-sink water softening treatments

Reverse osmosis water softeners use high pressure that forces water through a semipermeable membrane to filter minerals, metals, and nitrates from the water. These units are not typically made for whole-home water treatment, but they are popular systems for under-sink installation, giving you access to softened water at a single point. Under-sink units usually consist of one to three cartriges that connect to your sink's water pipes inside the lower cabinet.

This type of water softener also works to filter out contaminants from the water, instead of just treating the heavy minerals. Reverse osmosis systems can come at a high price of about $1,800, but some budget options are also available for around $100. These water softeners are relatively limited due to the point-of-use design. Like salt-based and TAC systems, reverse osmosis options should last between 10 and 15 years when maintained properly.

Shower Head Water Softeners

• Best for: Shower water softening treatments

Shower head water softeners are designed to remove minerals from shower heads by filtering the water as it passes through, typically in a salt-based design. This helps ensure the water you bathe in doesn't contain heavy minerals that can dry out your hair and skin while making it difficult to rinse away soap and shampoo.

This is an affordable option to enjoy the benefits of softened water in the shower without needing to install a whole-home water softening system, typically costing between $20 and $100 (though more luxury options are available). These softeners are easy to install and should last for several years, though they do have a cartridge filter that will need to be replaced about once every three months. Some products even come with extra features like vitamin fortifying filters and scented filters, though these additions aren't appealing to everyone.