In the world of water softening, salt-free alternatives are gaining popularity for their eco-friendly and low-maintenance appeal.
This review delves into Springwell’s Futuresoft lineup, exploring effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value for households. We’ll examine how this salt-free water softener stands up to traditional methods in improving water quality without the usual hassles of salt-based systems.
- FS1 – Slightly more compact unit than FS4 and FS+. This unit offers flow rates ideal for house sizes with 1-3 bathrooms.
- FS4 – This system allows for increased flow rates suitable for houses with 4-6 bathrooms.
- FS+ – For larger homes with 7+ bathrooms, the FS+ is the ideal system.
- Also Check Out: Top Rated Water Softener Reviews And Buying Guide
Overview
Navigating the world of water softeners can be pretty daunting, but the Springwell Futuresoft emerges as a leading choice among salt-free options. This review delves into the reasons behind its high user ratings, spotlighting its features and benefits.
The Springwell Futuresoft stands out with its innovative salt-free technology, offering health and environmental advantages. Its installation process, which is often a complicated aspect of water softeners, is extremely user-friendly.
Maintenance is another area where these models excel, requiring essentially no effort and making any one of these systems a convenient option for homeowners.
All in all, Springwell’s Futuresoft filters is a significant player in the salt-free water softening market, providing an effective and hassle-free solution.
Pros
- Installation is very straightforward, supported by quality instructions and videos provided by the manufacturer.
- Springwell water filters are conveniently packaged with all necessary components for setup, and they offer an optional Clack connectors installation kit for even easier assembly and less trips to the hardware store.
- The design of these systems is sleek and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring they don’t become an eyesore in garages or basements.
- Media NEVER needs to be replaced!
- Utilizing ActivFlo the system works with even low flow conditions.
- Customers can enjoy a 6-month, risk-free satisfaction guarantee.
- The systems come with a lifetime warranty, providing long-term peace of mind.
- Free shipping is included, while most competitors don’t include this!
- All components are certified for use with drinking water systems.
- Many available system upgrades that eliminate some of the cons mentioned below.
- Great option for homes containing copper piping.
- Substantially reduces scale buildup, glass etching and calcium staining.
- No electricity needed for powering the filter.
Cons
- With older homes, there will tend to be a clean-out period where water quality may lead to increases in calcium within the water. This is to be expected with any softener system.
- Does not remove calcium and magnesium from water sources.
- Does not reduce soap usage.
- Does not provide complete scale buildup, glass etching and calcium staining.
- The standard configuration of these systems is not suitable for water with high bacterial content, such as surface water.
- These filters should not be used with water containing hydrogen sulfide, oils, copper levels exceeding 1.3 mg/l, or high concentrations of iron and manganese without additional pre-filtration measures.
Springwell Whole Home Filtration System Review
My Personal Thoughts
This salt-free water softener system stands out for several reasons, making it a top choice for those in the market for an eco-friendly and economical water treatment option. The ease of installation is one of its most commendable features. Even those not particularly skilled in DIY home projects would find setting up this system manageable and straightforward.
When it comes to maintenance, the system shines with its simplicity. Unlike traditional water softeners that require regular salt refills and monitoring, this salt-free model offers a hassle-free experience. Its ‘set it and forget it’ approach is a significant advantage, freeing users from the burden of constant upkeep.
From a cost perspective, this system proves to be a wise investment. The upfront cost is balanced by the long-term savings on salt, as well as equipment protection. These aspects make it not only a budget-friendly option but also an environmentally sustainable choice.
Overall, this salt-free water softener system is a solid option for those seeking an effective, low-maintenance, and cost-efficient solution to hard water problems. It embodies the ideal blend of functionality, ease, and eco-consciousness.
Performance
The salt-free water softener system delivers outstanding performance, effectively tackling hard water issues without the use of salt. Its innovative technology ensures that minerals causing hardness are neutralized, leading to softer water that’s kinder on appliances and plumbing. Users consistently report a noticeable improvement in water quality, with a reduction in scale buildup and a fresher taste.
This system also excels in its ability to maintain water pressure, a common issue with traditional softeners, thus ensuring a steady and reliable flow. The fact that it doesn’t add sodium to the water is a significant health benefit, especially for those on low-sodium diets. Overall, the salt-free softener system’s efficiency in softening water, coupled with its environmental friendliness and health benefits, marks it as a superior choice in water treatment technologies.
Capacity
The capacity of these systems are only limited to the designed flows they are engineered for and the media NEVER has to be replaced!
Environmental Impact
The Springwell Futuresoft water softener system offers notable environmental benefits, making it a greener choice for conscious consumers. Unlike traditional salt-based softeners, it doesn’t release excess salt brine into the environment, reducing the risk of soil and water contamination. This system also conserves water, as it doesn’t require the backwash cycle that salt-based systems do, thereby decreasing water wastage significantly.
By preventing scale buildup without using salt, it helps maintain the natural balance of minerals in the water, which is better for the ecosystem. Additionally, the reduced energy consumption due to less scale buildup on appliances and pipes translates to a lower carbon footprint. Overall, the salt-free water softener system represents an eco-friendly solution that not only benefits the user but also contributes positively to the broader environmental conservation efforts.
Flow Rate
FS1: 12 GPM Service
FS4: 15 GPM Service
FS+: 20 GPM Service
Contaminants Filtered
The Futuresoft salt-free water conditioner is equipped with an additional 5-micron sediment filter which offers enhanced filtration capabilities, effectively removing a range of contaminants from your water supply.
This setup excels in filtering out larger particles such as dirt, sand, and sediment that’s greater than 5 microns in size, ensuring clearer and cleaner water.
While the salt-free conditioner primarily tackles conditioning of hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium, it is not meant for filtering contaminants, the filtering capability of the system is accomplished with the sediment filter.
Together, this combination ensures a significant reduction in various visible and invisible contaminants, contributing to overall better water quality in your home.
Design
These systems aren’t the usual eye-sore many filters tend to be. With the flat black finish these systems are sleek!
Installation and Maintenance
There’s nothing more frustrating than purchasing a system that ends up being extremely difficult to install.
However, with SpringWell filters, it’s clear that considerable thought has been put into making the installation process user-friendly. Key steps, such as attaching the head to the top of the filter unit, are easy to miss.
As with any installation project, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the installation manual and watch any available installation videos in advance.
Maintaining these systems is incredibly straightforward. After installation, the only regular maintenance task is replacing the sediment filter, which is a simple and quick process that takes just a few minutes. Beyond that, it’s essentially a “set it and forget it” scenario!
what’s Included
- Filter Tank
- Sediment Filter Housing
- (1) x Sediment Filter
- Sediment Filter Spanner Wrench
- Sediment Filter Mounting Bracket
- (2) x MNPT fittings
- Tank Head for Carbon Filter
- Gasket and gasket lube
- Hose Bib Assembly
- Bypass valve
What’s NOT Included
- Garden hose for system soaking and flush.
- 1”x3” long PVC nipples (you’ll need to buy 3) If going with a SF+ unit, check the installation guide.
- Plumbers Tape
- 2 x 1” Threaded connectors (Slip/Threaded [male] elbow)
- Drill with 3/16” drill bit.
- 1” PVC shut off valve
- PVC Primer and Cement
- (1) 1” (24 – inch long) corrugated water connectors. If going with a SF+ unit, check the installation guide.
- (2) 1” (24 – inch long) corrugated water connectors. If going with a SF+ unit, check the installation guide.
- SF+ 1.5” PVC Pipe (10’)
- SF+ 1.5” PVC shut off valve (3)
- SF+ 1.5” Elbow connectors (slip) (8)
- SF+ 1.5” Adapter (slip x thread) (4)
- Wrench and pliers
Media Lifespan & Replacement
Salt-free softener systems boast a significant advantage in terms of media lifespan, as they do not require any replacement of the media throughout their lifetime.
Unit Size
Springwell Futursoft FS1
- 1-3 Bathrooms
- 12 GPM Service
- Tank Width: 6″
- Tank Height: 35″ (39 with head)
Springwell Futuresoft FS4
- 4-6 Bathrooms
- 15 GPM service
- Tank Width-9″
- Tank Height – 48″ (52″ with head)
Springwell Futursoft FS+
- FS+: 7+ Bathrooms
- 20 GPM Service
- Tank Width 13″
- Tank Height – 54″ (58″ with head)
Customer Service/Reviews
SpringWell’s Futuresoft filters are highly rated with over 130 5 star reviews. Some of the more recent reviews stated:
- “My water left white spots on everything that got water on it. My black stove top was a nightmare as for cleaning, it always looked like oil was smeared on it. Since I installed the salt free water softener the white spots are gone, the stove is finally black streak free. It took a couple of days for it to be noticeable, I couldn’t be more happier with my system. The only thing I would have done differently, is buy the whole system together over a year ago.”
- “Excellent investment! Added the full salt free system to our well set up. Had it installed by a professional plumber which was a little extra cost but worth it for us. We spoke directly with Michael at the company who helped us with our selections. Definitely get your water test so you get the set up you need.”
- “After just a few weeks the fixtures are starting to clear up, our skin & hair feel better – and no slick soapy feeling. We got this softener because we are on a low producing well and can’t afford to waste water on backflush. The people at SpringWell were great – walked us through the entire process and got us the product we needed.”
Warranty
Springwell’s systems have a lifetime warranty!
Add-On’s
There are several additional upgrades that can be added to this filter array to take your water filtration to another level at relatively low cost and engineered to perform optimally.
- Easy installation kit- Allows you to forgo that trip to the hardware store to purchase those extra parts needed for piping connections.
- UV- UV technology is highly effective in managing waterborne microbiological concerns, including bacteria and viruses such as E.coli, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia lamblia. Our UV system is designed to eliminate 99.9% of dangerous pathogens, viruses, and bacteria, ensuring your home’s water supply is safe from contamination.
- RO- Enhance your water’s purity with Springwell’s Reverse Osmosis upgrade, expertly designed to remove the tiniest impurities and contaminants, delivering exceptionally clean and refined water quality that’s built to operate at the right flows of the system.
- Whole House Water Filter System- Experience the ultimate taste and odor removal with Springwell’s carbon filter upgrade, which proficiently absorbs any residuals, offering you water that is refreshingly pure and free from any unwanted flavors or smells.
Springwell Futuresoft Vs. The Competition
Springwell Vs Aquasana Salt-Free Water Conditioner
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Rated Flow Rate: 12 GPM
- Consumable Replacement Frequency and cost per year: 2x per yearTotal cost per year ~$40.00
- Installation Location : Inside
- Warranty: 10 Years
- Rated Flow Rate: 7 GPM
- Consumable Replacement Frequency and cost per year: 2 x $29 for post filters each year2 x $60 pre filter each year Total cost per year ~ $178.00
- Installation Location : Inside
Our Verdict
For homeowners who desire the advantages of salt-based filter systems but prefer to avoid the maintenance of salt in brine tanks and periodic resin replacements, Springwell’s futuresoft filter systems are a great choice. Moreover, Springwell offers optional filter upgrades to enhance water filtration according to individual requirements.
Springwell’s futuresoft filters are a reliable option for those in search of a dependable water conditioner. If you have the necessary space in your garage or basement, choosing Springwell’s systems is a decision you’re unlikely to regret.
FS1: Homeowner’s with 1-3 bathrooms
FS4: Homeowners with 4-6 bathrooms
FS+: Homeowners with 7+ bathrooms
