The best water softeners in the UK 2023

Hard water loaded with limestone has harmful effects on your plumbing, your appliances. In addition, it makes your skin dry and irritated after your baths. The solution, install a water softener to regulate the level of calcium and magnesium in your water. This will also have a beneficial effect on your energy bill! Here is a guide to help you choose the best water softener.

Water2Buy W2B200 water softener | water softener for 1-4 people 1
8/10

Best value for money

Water2Buy W2B200 water softener | water softener for 1-4 people

The best water softener

Ideal for a family of up to 4 people, the W2B200 from Water2buy can generate a maximum of 1250 liters of water per day. This device has an automatic cleaning system with a digital meter control.

320 £ on Amazon

The Water2buy W2B200 water softener is a device designed to filter both city water and well water. This equipment can generate up to 1250 liters of water per day with a performance of up to 400 ppm. It also has a resin system delivering negative ions that will neutralize magnesium and calcium ions. The machine has an automatic cleaning and regeneration cycle that starts automatically after predefining the amount of water needed.

With a dimension of 52 x 22 x 65 cm, the W2B200 is constructed of high performance fiberglass against corrosion and a polyethylene tank with a removable lid. The unit adopts a ¾" to 22mm connection fitting with a pre-mounted bypass valve. It is also equipped with digital meter control to limit water and salt consumption.

AEG Osmosis (AEGRO) - Heavy Metal Filter Reverse Osmosis System for Under Sink Water Filtration, White 2
7/10

Best value for money

AEG Osmosis (AEGRO) - Heavy Metal Filter Reverse Osmosis System for Under Sink Water Filtration, White

The best entry-level water softener

If you are not looking to invest in expensive products. AEG Osmosis is a water softener with multiple filters that remove minerals and unwanted elements from the water.

132 £ on Amazon

The AEG water softener of the AEGRO brand is a cost-effective solution. It develops a water filtration system with three filtration stages. The machine will provide you with pure, fresh and healthy water on a daily basis. It is a device for users who are looking for a simple, affordable and effective solution. Taking dimensions of 30.5 x 27.9 x 43.2 cm, the tank can store up to 6.4 liters of water.

The water purifier is capable of purifying pollutants, chlorine and pesticides without the need to use chemicals but only its osmotic system composed of 3 filters in order to decrease the concentration of various harmful substances including arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, nitrates, ammonium, chloride, sodium and zinc. It even removes limescale from your water.

Fleck 5600 SXT 25L Water Softener complete with accessories 3
8/10

Best value for money

Fleck 5600 SXT 25L Water Softener complete with accessories

The best high-end water softener

The Fleck 5600 SXT water softener is a water softener with a European-made PUROLITE resin softener. It is equipped with an electronic display with LCD backlight and a volumetric and electronic valve.

495 £ on Amazon

Ideal for a household of 4 to 6 people, the Fleck 5600 SXT consists of a 25 liter PUROLITE resin monoblock softener. The advantage of the latter is the consumption of water without additional equipment with the reduction of salt. The electronic display shows the amount of water before the next regeneration in service mode or the remaining cycle in regeneration mode. The regeneration mode can be programmed according to the use, immediate, delayed, delayed time or weekly.

However, it should be noted that it can only be triggered once the treatment volume has been reached. The water softener is delivered with all accessories, the analysis and installation kit. The installation kit includes 2 x 18 mm quick couplings with 3 stainless steel hoses, 1 x 9''3/4 complete protection filter with 20 µm microfiber cartridge, brass nipples, a fixing bracket and a dismantling key. The analysis kit consists of a TH analysis kit and a mini tube cutter.

Water2Buy W2B800 water softener for 1 to 10 people 4
8/10

A great choice

Water2Buy W2B800 water softener for 1 to 10 people

Excellent water softener

If you're a large family of 10 or less, install the Waterbuy W2B800 Water Softener in your home to enjoy approximately 3,680 liters of softened and filtered water per day, completely free of limescale.

343 £ on Amazon

The Waterbuy W2B800 is an ideal water softener for a large family because of its ability to generate a large volume of fresh water up to 3680 liters per day. The unit is equipped with digital meter control to regulate the salt and water consumption when needed. It adopts an automatic self-cleaning function by performing a regeneration cycle. For its consumption, it uses 90 liters of water in a full regeneration cycle.

W2B800 water softener is made of high corrosion resistant fiberglass with polyethylene tank. To treat water hardness, it has pre-filled high quality IonX resin. Adopting a compact design, the machine takes dimensions of 110 cm with a length of 50 cm and a width of 22.5 cm. Upon purchase, the equipment comes with a user's manual, RU and UE power plug, high flow connection fittings, pre-mounted bypass valve, bypass lever and silicone.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best water softener

Any specific needs?

The best water softener

The best entry-level water softener

The best high-end water softener

Excellent water softener

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best water softeners

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Water2Buy W2B200 water softener | water softener for 1-4 people 5
8/10
AEG Osmosis (AEGRO) - Heavy Metal Filter Reverse Osmosis System for Under Sink Water Filtration, White 6
7/10
Fleck 5600 SXT 25L Water Softener complete with accessories 7
8/10
Water2Buy W2B800 water softener for 1 to 10 people 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Water2Buy W2B200 water softener | water softener for 1-4 people
AEG Osmosis (AEGRO) - Heavy Metal Filter Reverse Osmosis System for Under Sink Water Filtration, White
Fleck 5600 SXT 25L Water Softener complete with accessories
Water2Buy W2B800 water softener for 1 to 10 people
Ideal for a family of up to 4 people, the W2B200 from Water2buy can generate a maximum of 1250 liters of water per day. This device has an automatic cleaning system with a digital meter control.
If you are not looking to invest in expensive products. AEG Osmosis is a water softener with multiple filters that remove minerals and unwanted elements from the water.
The Fleck 5600 SXT water softener is a water softener with a European-made PUROLITE resin softener. It is equipped with an electronic display with LCD backlight and a volumetric and electronic valve.
If you're a large family of 10 or less, install the Waterbuy W2B800 Water Softener in your home to enjoy approximately 3,680 liters of softened and filtered water per day, completely free of limescale.
Household size
1 to 4 people
1 to 4 people
4 to 6 people
1 to 10 people
Dimensions (L x W x H)
42 x 22 x 65 cm
33 x 27.9 x 33.4 cm
50 x 32 x 114 cm
50 x 22.5 x 110 cm
Filtration tank capacity
22.68 kg
6.4 kg
60 kg
25 kg
Water consumption per cycle
37 litres
6.4 litres
175 liters
90 liters
Warranty
7 years
2 years
7 years old
7 years old

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - water softener

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

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How to choose your water softener

Before you buy, you should consider the different features ofa water softener to assess your needs. How many people are at home? What is your annual water consumption? These questions will help you make the best possible choice.

#1 - Test your water

In order to know the capacity of your future water softener, you must test your water to know its hardness or Hydrotimetric Title (TH

). The water hardness (TH) is expressed in French degrees such as 46 °F for example.

To evaluate your water, you should know that a water with a TH lower than 20 °F does not need to be softened, because it is considered as a medium hard water. For optimal water consumption, it is recommended to keep your water within the 10-20°F range

. Below 10°F, water is said to be "aggressive" and can do more damage than hard water with a TH above 30°F.

So, to know the hardness of your water you can proceed in 4 different ways:

  • The Ministry of Health website: Go to the official page of the Ministry and enter your department number and your postal code. You will then see the results for your municipality.
  • Your commune: Call your commune and ask for the information you need.
  • Your energy bill: This information is usually mentioned on your bill. You just have to look for the mention TH which indicates the hardness of your water.
  • By buying a sampling kit: this way, you can regularly test the hardness of your water.

#2 - Your needs

First

of all, you need to know that a water softener does not deliver unlimited water. The device is equipped with an exchanger, resin or CO2, which exchanges calcium and magnesium ions for other ions such as sodium. The capacity of the device to provide a certain amount of softened water is directly related to the volume of its exchanger. So, for a successful purchase please choose a model that matches your needs.

#3 - Practicality

A

water softener is a piece of equipment that requires regular maintenance especially to ensure water purity. When your filter becomes overloaded with calcium and magnesium ion, it will no longer effectively soften your water.

Your device must then regenerate the resin filter and there are 3 types of softeners on the market:

  • The manual type: you have to observe and control the regeneration periods of your device.
  • The automatic type: you only have to fill its sodium tank.
  • With hardness sensor: it is an automatic machine, but it inserts the sodium according to the TH of the water thanks to its sensors. You save money on your sodium refills.

#4 - The standard

A

water softener is not like any other appliance, because it provides you with softened water according to an approved process. However, to avoid problems such as a tank that has trouble emptying or malfunctioning mechanisms, it is recommended to buy models with CE or nF markings. The majority of products with these standards are certified as safe and can be sold in the European zone.

How to maintain a water softener?

The maintenance of a water softener can be done by yourself or by calling a professional. This allows you to keep your water softener in good condition for a long time. If you want to do this yourself, here are the different steps to do.

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The brine level

On a softener that uses sodium as a currency, it is important to ensure that the salt or brine level is always sufficient. You can do this by simply looking at the pan or if the water starts to rise to the bottom. This is how you will know to refill your salt bin.

You must remember that it is not kitchen salt that is used, but a special mixture that is purchased in the store. In general, this mixture is sold in 25 kg bags. So, you need to check your salt level every month so that the exchanger works properly.

The prefilter

Look at the state of your prefilter and check its color. If it's turning a yellow or ochre color, it's time to replace it. Generally, this part has a life span of between 6 to 12 months.

Disinfection

You need to clean the resin balls in a salt model. To do this, you need to get a product that is specifically designed for this purpose. Typically, this is a disinfectant liquid sold in bottles of 150 to 500 mL. The reason for the packaging is that the amount of product to be used depends on the resin volume of the device. To know yours, consult the device's user manual. Once you know the amount, pour the contents of the bottle into the salt tray.

Finally, you can wait for the water softener to perform its regeneration automatically or you can initiate this phase manually. Once the regeneration phase is complete, your device is ready for use again. Please note, however, that disinfection should be done once a year.

On the other hand, if you were away for a long period of time it is essential to perform a disinfection before using the device and therefore the cold water in the house.

The different types of water softeners

There are 3 types of water softeners on the market. Each model has its own operating mode that may or may not be suitable for your situation. To help you better understand their specificities, we present them below.

Resin softener

This is the most common model available on the market. The device uses sodium fixed on resin balls to capture calcium and magnesium ions. It is an efficient system, because it softens the water and limits the residue of

limestone and scale that circulates in your pipes. Its main disadvantage is that it completely demineralizes your water. To remedy this, many users create a bypass or connect it only to hot water.

A salt-free softener

This

type is perfect for those who want to limit the emission of scale and limescale. Indeed, this mechanism does not allow you to soften

, concretely, your water like the salt models. Here, the filters are made of activated carbon and volcanic rock. The water under pressure passes through the different layers of the filter. This process eliminates the element responsible for the formation of scale: CO2. In addition, it transforms the calcium into aragonite. This material has the ability to agglomerate to form a block that does not settle on the surface of the pipe.

CO2 softener

The

CO2 softener is the most advanced of the three, but it is significantly more expensive and must be installed by a professional. It uses carbon dioxide to transform calcium and magnesium carbonates into bicarbonate. This system has the advantage of softening and removing calcium ions without demineralizing your water. It is a gentle method that does not require regeneration, but it requires a budget starting at 1,000 euros for its installation.

Water softener or anti-scale filter?

Water softener

The resin or CO2 water softener is an all-in-one solution. It softens your water and effectively removes limescale from your pipes. This way, you can extend the life of your washing machine, coffee maker, etc. Of course, it is expensive. But over the course of a year you will pay for it and see its benefits. Moreover, its installation can require the intervention of a professional, because its use requires a good calibration.

A well-calibrated device gives an optimum result. Poorly calibrated, you will consume a lot of water during regeneration and you will not see any difference between the quality of the incoming and outgoing water. Furthermore, a wrong setting can make your water salty and unfit for consumption. This causes some users to only connect it to hot water.

Anti-scalding filter

A scale filter can be considered a salt-free water softener. It uses magnetic or electromagnetic elements to counteract the chemical reaction of calcium and magnesium. This reaction leads to the formation of limescale deposits in pipes and appliances.

However, this type of filter does not soften the water. It is simply an anti-scale system that limits the emission of limescale into your water system. Its advantage is that you can install it anywhere on the distribution network and its installation does not require any specific talent.

Verdict

The water softener is primarily intended for people living in places with hard water or those with fragile skin. Whereas the anti-scale filter is suitable for everyone who is concerned about the health of their household appliances.

Why buy a water softener?

To remove limescale

Limescale has a harmful effect on your body. But water containing limescale also tastes bland and irritates the throat. To remedy this problem, you can use a water softener. This product eliminates limescale by replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium. The use of this product makes the running water you use in your home healthier.

To avoid clogging of your pipes

Limescale can mutate to form scale that clogs your pipes. Clogged pipes can cause serious damage to your home. A water softener will prevent the formation of scale and help you keep your pipes in good condition. Your pipes will be cleaner and will last longer.

To take care of your skin

The limescale present can cause dehydration, making skin dry and extremely sensitive. By softening the water you use for your shower or bath, you rehydrate your skin in a more suitable way. Indeed, when water is softened, it is less aggressive.

To save money

By investing in a water softener, you no longer need to buy various anti-scaling products. In addition, by washing your clothes with softened water, they will be more supple and will keep their beautiful appearance intact. It is therefore no longer necessary to use a fabric softener. It is also a way to save on detergents. In addition, softened water allows you to limit electricity consumption, since it heats up more quickly and reduces the amount of time the heater is used.

To ensure the longevity of your appliances

Limescale quickly wears out the internal systems of your appliances. By eliminating the reduction with a water softener, they will function better and your appliances will not be clogged by impurities. Your equipment will thus benefit from an optimal longevity.

The best brands of water softeners

In our opinion, the best brands of water softeners in 2022 are :

Fleck
Culligan
Bayard
Water2Buy
DeltaPlus

Fleck, creator of the SXT valve, has an excellent reputation. This American company offers robust and affordable resin water softeners.

With over 20 years of experience, Culligan offers two highly reliable product lines. An innovative company, the Modernity range is a model in its category.

With 50 years of experience in the field of water softeners, Bayard offers water-saving devices with an excellent guarantee.

It is a company with solid expertise in water treatment. It designs different types of devices such as reverse osmosis machines and, of course, domestic water softeners.

DeltaPlus manufactures electricity-free water softeners such as the Simplex range. Their solid knowledge of water treatment allows them to constantly innovate.

What is the price for a water softener

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
250 £ to 350 £
Mid-range
350 £ to 500 £
High-end
more than 500 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Check the salt level.

One of the important tips for water softener maintenance is to check the salt levels. This is because when the salt level drops, you start to get hard water. By checking regularly, you can monitor the calcium and magnesium content of your water.

Watch for salt bridges.

When

you start using the water softener regularly, it is possible that a hardened salt bridge will form in the brine tank. The use of poor quality salt, high temperatures or humidity are the most common causes of salt bridge formation. Check and clean the brine tank regularly to prevent salt bridging. However, care should be taken when cleaning the salt bridge: improper cleaning can damage the walls of the water softener.

Use the right salt.

Many

people are content to use whatever salt is available in their home for the water softener. When in order to get the best results, it is necessary to use the right type of salt. Tablets or crystals are the two types of salt you can use for the water softener. Although most softeners use cubed salt, it is best to consult the manual to find out what type of salt will work with your machine.

Check the hardness of your water (TH).

To make

sure you have the water softened to your requirements, it's a good idea to check the hardness of your water once a month. By doing so, you will notice if your settings are still working. If not, you can adjust the exchange level of the water softener.

Do not drink the water!

In

the case of a resin softener, people with high blood pressure should not drink the softened water. This water has been cleaned of calcium and magnesium ions, but it contains excess salt.

FAQ

What is the best water softener?

The best water softener depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

How do I replace the cartridge (pre-filter) in my water softener?

To do this, you must turn off the water supply to your appliance and remove the excess pressure by opening a tap connected to it. Then unscrew the filter and replace it. Once you have made sure that everything is in place, you can open the water valve and see if there are any apparent leaks.

How do I know if the water softener really works?

To check the efficiency of your unit, simply take two separate measurements. First, take a water sample without going through the softener and test the water hardness (TH). Then, take water from the outlet of your equipment and test it as well. If the water at the outlet is less hard, it means that your device is working. Moreover, you can calibrate the hardness of your water at the outlet thanks to the control mechanism present on your equipment. However, be aware that water that is too soft is corrosive.

Is softened water safe to drink?

Yes, softened water is safe to drink unless you are on a low-sodium diet, as it is demineralized water with low calcium content. Especially if you use a model that uses sodium as an exchange ion.

Is there a difference between limescale and scale?

Limescale is present in water as early as the water distribution station. When cold water is heated, a chemical reaction occurs that produces solidifying limescale deposits, known as scale.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , ecoenergiesolutions.com
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  8. , maison-travaux.fr
  9. , conseil.manomano.fr
  10. , mrrooter.com
  11. , leroymerlin.fr
  12. , culligan.fr
  13. , futura-sciences.com
  14. , castorama.fr
  15. , 60millions-mag.com
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  17. , parisse-sa.be
  18. , cedeo.fr
  19. , izi-by-edf.fr
  20. , aeg-traitementdeleau.fr
  21. , bfmtv.com
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  33. , prix-travaux.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Water2Buy W2B200 water softener | water softener for 1-4 people 9
Water2Buy W2B200 water softener | water softener for 1-4 people
AEG Osmosis (AEGRO) - Heavy Metal Filter Reverse Osmosis System for Under Sink Water Filtration, White 10
AEG Osmosis (AEGRO) - Heavy Metal Filter Reverse Osmosis System for Under Sink Water Filtration, White
Fleck 5600 SXT 25L Water Softener complete with accessories 11
Fleck 5600 SXT 25L Water Softener complete with accessories
Water2Buy W2B800 water softener for 1 to 10 people 12
Water2Buy W2B800 water softener for 1 to 10 people

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