How Much Does a Water Softener Cost?

Factors Influencing the Cost of Water Softeners

There are a few types of water softeners, and the cost of each is determined by size and capacity, features and technology, installation costs, long-term cost, plus the manufacturer and system’s quality. Learn about each below.

Type of water softeners

There are two main types of water softeners to pick from: Those that are salt-based and ones that are salt-free. Most salt-based softeners operate with a single tank but there are also dual-tank systems which operate with two resin tanks. Dual-tank softeners are popular among people living with well water, since dual-tank systems can take on a heavier workload while ensuring the home never runs out of soft water. Most homes, however, do not require dual-tank systems.

Salt-free water softeners are more economical than salt-based systems, which cost more to install and maintain, however salt-free softeners won’t meet the needs of many homeowners given these systems change the chemical composition of hard water instead of actually reducing hard water minerals, like salt-based systems do.

If you have strict dietary needs forcing you to minimize your sodium intake, or don’t want to deal with the hassle of adding salt to your softener, a salt-free water softener could be the right choice, but it’s best to discuss your needs with an experienced WaterPro before making a final decision.

Size and capacity

Water softeners are measured by their grain capacity (grains per gallon) which directly impacts their size. The higher the grain capacity, the larger the system and the more expensive it will be; yet you need the correct size and capacity for your home to avoid unnecessary regeneration cycles or periods where you may not have enough soft water to meet your home’s needs.

Recommended grain capacity is determined by the following criteria:

• Estimated daily water usage for your whole home
• How hard your water is
• How often you want your softener to regenerate (once a week is standard)

Once you answer the above, multiply your daily water usage by your water hardness level in grains per gallon. For example, if your home requires 150 gallons of water daily, and your water hardness is 20 grains per gallon and you want a water softener that regenerates weekly, you will need a water softener that has a grain capacity of at least 21,000. If you ever host or have house guests stay over, be sure to budget extra capacity to ensure you always have soft water.

Not sure how much water you use at home? According to many estimates, the average person uses 80-100 gallons of water daily, so if you have a family of four expect to use 320+ gallons of water a day.

Features and technology

Smart technology and other advanced features can increase the upfront cost of adding a water softener to your home, however the savings over time make the added cost a worthwhile investment. For example, many advanced features are designed for improved efficiency.

Designed, assembled and engineered in the United States, water softeners from EcoWater boast HydroLink Plus® Wi-Fi and smartphone app monitoring, which includes low salt and service reminder alerts. Using patented technology that incorporates artificial intelligence, water softeners from EcoWater are among the most efficient in the industry, ensuring you regenerate less frequently and use the lowest amount of salt possible.

Installation costs

For peace of mind and a job done right, it’s a good idea to hire a licensed professional, like an EcoWater Pro, to install your new water softener. The job can run up to a few thousand dollars, depending on the system you purchase, including its grain capacity and size, and where you need it installed, but you don’t want to skimp on such an important appliance purchase when it’s meant to solve your hard water problems for 10-15 years before needing replacement.

With EcoWater, you get white-glove treatment and flawless customer service, as you buy your water softener from an EcoWater Pro who’s trained to provide perfect installation of your water softener.

Long-term costs

Assuming you get a salt-based water softener, the primary ongoing cost for your water softener, other than the energy it consumes, is salt. EcoWater water softeners are high-efficiency models, with most requiring 10 or fewer bags of salt per year.

Some recurring maintenance is also required, usually done annually. Many homeowners choose to do at least some maintenance themselves, but it can also be done by a professional such as an EcoWater Pro who will check your drain line, clean the Venturi valve, inspect all your connections and test your water to see if the level of hardness has changed. They can also clean and inspect the brine tank and resin bed.

Brand and system quality

When it comes to the health of you, your family and protecting your home from hard water, you want a good quality water softener but that doesn’t mean you can’t also find good value. EcoWater has been making water softeners for a century and has the patents to back up its history of quality and innovation, ensuring you get a softening system that’s built to endure.

The Solution for Hard Water

Committed to quality, innovation and improved efficiency, EcoWater provides better home water to help you live a better life. All EcoWater water softeners are backed by a robust warranty and our dealer network is among the most extensive and experienced in North America. If you’re ready to fix your hard water problems, find your local EcoWater Pro to book your free in-home water test to get started.