Most households have hard water coming out of their pipes. This type of water can cause unsightly spots and residue on tile, glass, and metal items. Water softeners can help with this problem, so we have researched which brand may be best for you.
Kinetico, Culligan, and EcoWater are three popular water softeners, but each has pros and cons.
- Kinetico does not need electricity to run, but it is expensive.
- Culligan is reasonably priced, but installation is difficult to navigate.
- EcoWater has a remote display but is dependent on a WiFi connection to give system updates.
In this article, we will discuss each softener. Read on further to get insights into which is the best softener for your home.
What Does Hard Water Do?
Hard water is safe for use, but it contains minerals that affect the performance of your home appliances. This kind of water also leaves residue on surfaces, hardware, and kitchen tools.
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The amount of calcium and magnesium in the water can damage appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. The scale build-up that results in the water heater will make it less energy efficient.
White spots on sinks, bathroom hardware, glass shower enclosures, and even your utensils can be caused by hard water.
Washing your hair with hard water can leave it stiff and dull. In addition, shampoo and body wash soaps will lather better if you are not using hard water.
The solution then is to use a water softener, as it cleans the water of calcium and magnesium. This regeneration process reduces limescale build-up and water residue. It will also help appliances perform better and prolong their usage.
Kinetico Pros and Cons
Kinetico water softener is certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA). This certification assures customers that the product is in line with its claim of removing hard water deposits.
Pros
- Savings on Electricity: Kinetico's non-electric technology utilizes kinetic energy so soft water is produced without the need for electricity. This technology helps save on energy costs.
- No Electrical Components: The machine works without the need for a timer, computer buttons, and other electrical components. So this minimizes repairs and part replacements.
- Efficient Regeneration: The system cleans water depending on volume usage. It will regenerate more soft water when usage is high and stop on low usage days.
- Warranty: Kinetico products come with a five- to 10-year warranty, depending on the model you get.
- Varied Tank Choices: Customers can choose a single, twin, or multi-tank water softening system.
- Continuous Water Supply: Kinetico offers multiple-tank water softener models that can store clean water, so that you have a continuous water supply. This system of storing water makes it convenient for days when you are doing multiple loads of laundry or have guests spending the night.
Cons
- Pricey: The Kinetico Essential Series comes with multiple tanks which provide generous flow rates. However, the system can set you back $5,000.
- Limited Water Supply: Water flow stops while regeneration is happening in the single tank of Kinetico's compact Essential Series.
Culligan Pros and Cons
The company that makes Culligan water softeners highly values customer satisfaction and affordability.
Pros
- Refund Policy: They will remove the water softener system and even refund what you paid if you are not satisfied within 30 days of purchase.
- High Water Flow: These systems can provide high water flow, even in areas where water pressure is low.
- Corrosion and Rust Proof: When installed outdoors, the tanks are built to withstand corrosion, rust, and UV rays.
- Smart Technology: The Culligan Connect App can help you check water flow, usage, and salt level. It even allows you to set a timer to activate the cleaning system.
- Easy on the Pocket: To help you decide which Culligan model will best fit your water usage and space, Culligan allows homeowners to rent their systems. The monthly rental fee includes 10-point maintenance, water check, and repairs.
- Various Models to Choose From: Culligan makes three water softener systems that will fit small and large homes.
- Built-in Filtration Technology: Culligan's Metered Medalist Softener has integrated water filtration technology, so what you get is not just soft water but potable water as well.
- Reliable Water Flow: The Culligan with twin or multiple tanks is more efficient in providing soft water 24/7. While one tank regenerates water, the other supplies the water, so the water supply is not cut off.
Cons
- Electricity Dependent: Culligan water softener machines run on electricity. Interruptions in the electricity supply can lead to less or no water supply.
- Technology-Based Monitoring: Water usage, water quality, and machine performance are all monitored on an app. Difficulty in monitoring happens when WiFi is down or not available.
- Installation Issues: Culligan water softener system is complicated to navigate on your own. You may also need to pay a professional installer.
EcoWater Pros and Cons
The EcoWater water softener system is compact but efficient in the use of water and salt to regenerate soft water.
Pros
- Wifi Technology: It has WiFi connectivity for easy monitoring as well as meter reading. Users are notified remotely of water usage if salt is getting low and maintenance is needed.
- Good Filtration System: The resin bed provides good water filtration and does not affect the water flow.
- Durable Tank: EcoWater's tank has a durable liner to keep it from corroding or rusting.
- Versatile Tank System: The single-cabinet tank takes up less space because the brine system inside the tank. The dual tank has a separate compartment for its salt brine and water storage.
Cons
- Remote Display: EcoWater's remote display helps users know the system's performance. If your WiFi signal is weak, you will not know about the salt status and other water treatment issues.
- Lack of Transparency on Pricing: Customers have to go through a sales agent to get a price quote.
Which Softener To Choose
Kinetico, Culligan, and EcoWater water softeners offer efficient performance and durability. All of these products have technology that works well in ensuring that hard water is cleaned of harsh chemicals.
These three products also give many options in terms of tank capacity and space needed for the system's installation.
That being said, Culligan offers the best option in terms of affordability. It is the only product among the three that offers equipment rental, making it easy on the pocket.
Renting the equipment can you help save on costs, as it does not require customers to shell out a large sum at the start.
How to Prevent Hard Water Stains
Thoroughly wipe dry surfaces after use to prevent hard water buildup. Water left to dry on shower enclosures, sinks, and bathtubs will leave watermarks that will be hard to remove. The same goes for metal utensils, pots, and pans.
However, if a hard water stain exists already, use a microfiber towel and water stain remover. Choose a remover that is safe to use on different materials such as porcelain, granite, and metal.
See this hard water stain remover on Amazon.
How To Remove Hard Water Stains
You can try DIY solutions as well to remove hard-water scale and scum buildup. Here are some of your options:
Baking S0da
One of the multipurpose kitchen staples is baking soda. It is mildly abrasive, which helps scrub off difficult dirt and scale build-up.
Baking soda mixed with water is natural stain remover, especially on ceramic tiles and grout. Apply the paste mixture to the stained area. Let it stay for a few minutes before brushing the surface with a soft-bristled brush.
See this grout cleaner and scrub brush on Amazon.
Vinegar and baking soda mixture can also remove calcium and magnesium deposits, especially on kitchen hardware. Mix these two kitchen items and brush or soak the item with the mixture.
Letting the mixture stand overnight will help easily remove the deposits. Wash it off to see sparkling and clean faucets and shower heads.
See this baking soda on Amazon.
Pumice Stone
A pumice stone is formed from volcanic rock and is used as an abrasive cleaner. This cleaning tool can remove limescale build-up and rings formed from hard water.
It can also remove rust and iron and calcium stains on porcelain fixtures. Use a pumice stone if you see hard water stains on bathtubs, toilet bowls, and sinks.
See this pumice stone on Amazon.
In Conclusion
Among the three water softeners, Culligan offers the best value, as it offers a rental option for the equipment.
However, each brand has its level of efficiency and durability. We hope this article has helped in your search for the right water softener for your home use.
In case you have other water concerns at home, we have these articles to help you: