Even though salt based water softeners are the most effective way to truly soften hard water, they may not be suitable.
If you don’t like the ‘slippery’ feel you get from the resulting water or you’re on a sodium restricted diet and therefore need another option.
Salt-free systems are rising in popularity for a number of reasons, and one system is the Aquios full house water softening and filtering system.
This system is tagged as the ‘all-in-one system that conditions, filters, eliminates scale without pressure loss’, which is a big call.
Lets take a closer look and see if this salt-free system is the right choice for you.
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
PROS
- Slim and compact design
- Double acting - water softener & Filter combined
- Requires no electricity
- Great warranty & money back guarantee
CONS
- Requires filter cartridges - which must be replaced and cost money
- Can cause problems if you have high sediment content in your water
- Salt-based systems will do a better job of softening water
Product Specifications
- Double acting system- works to soften AND filter hard water at the same time.
- Softening water- This is a salt-less system, which means it works to soften water without the use of any salts. Instead, it uses a commercial, natural technology that ensures that these minerals do not accumulate or build up in your pipes and appliances. To find out more about how salt-less systems work, click here.
- Water filter- Uses a carbon block filtration cartridge (which sits inside the tank and is replaceable) to filter water after it has been softened- this means other sediments and undesirable minerals (such as chlorine) are removed from your drinking water. This is something a standard water softener cant do.
- Requires cartridges for the filtering process– one is included in the original purchase, Which is rated for 40 000 gallons of usage (approximately 6 months of use for the average family)
- Compact design- its a slim system, and the filtering process happens inside the system, so only one tank is required
- Requires no electricity
- 20 year warranty/60 day money back guarantee
What We Liked About Aquios Water Softener
Salt-free system – No salt is required to run this system. This means costs savings as there is no need to replace salt, and its also a huge advantage if you are on a sodium restricted diet.
Ease of use – No programming at all is required with this system, all you have to do is install it, and then change the filter cartridges when required (which is usually every 6-12 months).
Reduces scale build up – Salt-less systems work to change to structure of the water running through your pipes, meaning scale build up is actually reduced over time, fixing potential problems
Sleek compact design – This is one of the thinnest systems on the market, perfect for tight spaces. It measures 27 x 10 x 8 inches.
Great warranty and money back guarantee – A very attractive 20 year warranty and a 60 day “no questions asked” policy- meaning you can return if for a full refund within the first 60 days if its not for you.
What We Didn’t Like About Aquios Water Softener
Filter cartridges require replacing – There may be no salt to worry about, but you have to replace the filter cartridge for the filtering to be effective. Time between replacements will vary depending on your usage, but each is rated for 40 000 gallons of use. Each cartridge will cost between $59-$69
Not suitable for very hard water – If your water hardness is on the harder side of the scale, this system may not be as effective at solving your hard water problems. Salt-based systems are more effective for harder water areas.
Steer clear if you have sediment problems – If your water has high levels of sediment content, this system may end up costing you an arm and a leg to run. More sediments means the filter cartridge will be spent in a shorter amount of time, and frequent replacement could get costly. Have a water test done to see if you fall in this bracket.
Best Suited For
- Customers who are looking for a softener & filter, but don’t want to purchase both – If you’re looking for both, buy this and save yourself a big chunk of money
- Medium sized households – This system will work for houses with 2-4 bathrooms.
- People on sodium restricted diets – This system uses no salt, so is a great choice if this describes you
Not So Great For...
- Households with very hard water – If your GPG is over 10, avoid this system as it won’t do a great job. Take a look at A Fleck System instead.
- Household with sediment problems – If you have abnormal sedimentary problems with your water (you will know if you do), avoid this system as your filter will be constantly clogged.
The Verdict
If you have very hard water, or if your water has high levels of sediment, this is not the system for you – we recommend a salt-based water softener system.
If you’re considering a salt free water softener, there are plenty of attractive options about the Aquios Full House system. It’s dual acting (to soften and filter your water) and has a very attractive warranty.
A great choice for the homeowner who wants a salt free system that requires almost no maintenance and no programming, just set, forget, and enjoy your soft, filtered water.
Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars