Springwell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener Review

Are you looking for one of the best salt-free water softeners on the market?

If so, you might want to consider Springwell Futuresoft.

This softener uses advanced electronic filtering to provide you with Futuresoft salt-free water softened water without using salt.

Keep reading for our detailed review of this softener.

Helpful Resources:

• Top Rated Softeners This Year
• Best Water Softeners For Well Water

What Is A Salt-Free Water Softener?

Traditional water softeners use salts to reduce the hardness of water, which removes calcium, magnesium, or other hard minerals from water in a process called ion exchange. Although effective, the process has many disadvantages.

Typical salt-based softeners and water filtration systems must be regenerated often. This requires washing the resin media bed to clear the accumulations and recharge the resin with sodium (sometimes potassium). It wastes massive amounts of water and puts excessive salt into your drinking water supply, ultimately contaminating the environment.

Salt-free systems, on the other hand, don’t use salt. They depend on a process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC). Water molecules attach to the surface of a mineral template and form larger crystals. These larger crystals cannot pass through pipes or enter your appliances, so they remain in the filter media bed without harming your home’s plumbing or other water systems. The result is softened water without salt and without waste.

These minerals, in their crystalline form, will not cling to pipes or other surfaces and thus remain suspended throughout the water system’s journey through your house.

As a result, your plumbing and home appliances are kept safe from scaling. The momentum of growth will slow down and, on top of that, already established scale development will gradually dissolve. This will improve the operation of your water heater, for example. It can also increase the lifespan of your appliances and make them more efficient.

The Futuresoft also comes with a post-filter to remove any residual hardness from the water before it enters your home. This ensures that you have the highest quality softened water possible.

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Springwell Futuresoft System information

SpringWell Futuresoft salt-free water softener is an entire house water descaler and water conditioner. The water systems remove old scales from pipes and other appliances while removing new scales. SpringWell Futuresoft’s ultimate goal is to extend your appliances’ lifespans and protect against hard water corrosion. 

Futuresoft is able to adapt itself to water hardness to enable all households to benefit most from its conditioning capacity.

Springwell water filtration systems can be purchased in three versions of the platform: FS1, FS4, and FS+. The models differ greatly in the way it flows, hence the size of the bathrooms that they will be used in.

• Because of its smaller tank and lower flow rate, the FS1 is the smallest and least powerful of the Fluval FX models. The FS1 is designed for home usage with three bathrooms, so most people should be fine with it.
• The FS4 is the best choice if you have between 4 and 6 bathrooms in your home. It has a flow rate of 15 GPM.
• The FS+ is the most extensive SpringWell Futuresoft configuration. It is designed for large homes or other facilities with more than 7 bathrooms and it has a flow rate of 20 GPM.

It works better with water with a pH of 7-9 and a temperature of 33-125 degrees. Springwell’s salt-free water conditioner performs well across the three different configuration types. This system uses sodium-free media tanks to perform fluidization processes. These transform hardness-causing minerals into crystals that will not stick as much as limescale on a surface.

In this Springwell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener review, we’re talking about this whole-house descaling and water conditioning system.

 Specifically, model FS1.

This model is top-quality and we will detail why it received our top recommendation on our water softener rating page.

In addition to removing existing scale from appliances and pipes, these salt-free water softeners prevent it from forming again. As a result, the Springwell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener prevents corrosion and lengthens the lifespan of your home’s appliances. 

Every softener comes with an installation kit and the parts necessary for installing the unit. When receiving your Springwell water softener, it comes with the following:

• 1-inch MNPT fittings (two)
• Bypass valve
• Gasket and tube
• Hose bib assembly
• Mounting bracket
• O-ring for the pre-filter housing
• Pre-filter housing 
• Sediment filter
• Spanner wrench
• Springwell conditioning tank 

Pros

• It’s more cost-effective to run compared to a salt-based system because it doesn’t use electricity or water waste
• If you’re on a low-sodium diet, the system uses a salt-free conditioning process
• You can benefit from healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium because the softener doesn’t remove them 
• The system is easy to install and doesn’t require much maintenance
• If your home has between one and three bathrooms, you won’t notice a drop in water pressure

Cons

• You must change the tank’s resin, which adds to the system’s overall maintenance
• The system does not remove hard water but changes the chemical structure to prevent scale

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What To Consider Before Buying A Springwell Futuresoft Water Softener

Salt-free water softeners are an environmentally-friendly alternative to salt-based systems. The Springwell water softener FS1 self-adjusts to the hardness of your home’s water. That way, you are getting the most out of your conditioning abilities.

What’s great about this unit is that it doesn’t use electricity or wastewater when it’s softening water. 

Also, this water filtration system is virtually maintenance-free. That means you don’t have to worry about cleaning it regularly or topping it off with salt. Instead, Springwell water softeners use template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to change the chemical structure of hardness causing minerals without the salt.

The process involves suspending hard water minerals to prevent them from forming into limescale while preventing the removal of beneficial minerals. 

Ideal Customer for a Springwell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener

If you use well water and find that a water filter isn’t enough, installing one of these water filters is ideal. Wells wreak havoc by causing scaling on appliances, faucets, and pipes. It also causes strange odors and tastes and a slippery feel.  

Also, if you are someone who has hard water with regular tap water and doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of a salt-based system then this model is an ideal choice for you.

Other Points to Consider About Springwell’s Futuresoft Model

• Remember that it isn’t a water filter.
• They require a pre-filter if the water contains too much copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, or other contaminants. 
• The optimal flow rate is 12 gallons per minute for between one and three bathrooms.
• Ensure there’s enough space for the system’s installation
• It might be necessary to hire a handyman or professional if you’re not handy with tools or DIY installations. 
• The recommended operating temperature is 34-120 F
• The recommended operating pressure: 20-80 PSI

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Springwell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener Review Features & Benefits

There are many benefits to using the Springwell Futuresoft over other salt-free softeners:

• It’s certified by WQA to remove up to 99% of hardness from water. This makes it one of the most effective salt-free softeners on the market.
• It comes with a pre-filter and sediment filter to remove large particles from your water before it enters the softening chamber. This prolongs the life of the system and ensures that you have the highest quality softened water possible.
• It has a sleek design that will look great in your home.
• It’s backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that your investment is protected.
• You’ll never have to add salt. This means no more heavy lifting or dealing with messy bags of salt.
• There’s no wasted water. Traditional softeners must be regularly regenerated, which means flushing 10-20 gallons of water down the drain for every 1 gallon of softened water produced.
• Salt-free softeners don’t pollute the environment. Because there’s no salt used or discharged, these softeners are much better for the planet.
• The water produced by SpringWell FutureSoft feels different from ordinary soft water. It doesn’t feel slippery, as it hasn’t been treated with sodium ions.
• Conditioned water provides better lathering of soaps and shampoos, which is beneficial to your skin and hair.

Many competitors may look similar to the Springwell Futuresoft FS1, but they don’t have the same features and benefits. 

Look for the following to ensure you’re getting the highest quality water softener:

Environmentally-Friendly Process

Springwell water softeners are environmentally-friendly because they don’t produce wastewater, require electricity, or use chemicals. Despite these features, the unit doesn’t cause a drop in your home’s water pressure. The system exceeds the competition with its high water pressure of between 12 and 20 gallons per minute. 

Futuresoft Media

Instead of using an ion exchange process, Springwell systems use fluidization and Futuresoft media to convert your home’s hard water into calcite crystals. This crystallization process conditions or neutralizes your water. 

Prevents Corrosion

These systems reverse the damaging effects of corrosion in your home’s appliances and pipes. They also prevent future scale build-up by up to 99.6%. Doing so, that naturally increases the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing. 

Sizing

Sizing for a conventional water softener is by the grain, which is the number of minerals like calcium and magnesium the media removes before regeneration occurs. However, sizing for Springwell’s systems is by how many bathrooms are in your home.

Warranty

Springwell offers a lifetime warranty on their softeners and a six-month money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not happy with the water quality in your home’s appliances or taps after using this unit, you can return it without any hassles. 

Prevents & Cleans Existing Scale

Traditional systems will only add to the scale build-up in your home by discharging salt into your water. The Futuresoft F1 is different because it prevents and cleans existing scales without using salt, unlike other brands on the market.

Capacity

The system’s capacity refers to the number of gallons of water it can treat before changing the media. A stand-out benefit of Springwell water systems is that you don’t even have to change their media.

Contaminants Filtered

It would be best to keep in mind that Futuresoft FS1 water conditioners aren’t water filters, but they do have sediment filters. That means they cannot remove hard water minerals. Instead, a Futuresoft water softener prevents limescale formation and build-up. However, you can add this water softening system to your water and sediment filter if you have concerns about your well water contaminants. 

Customer Service

Springwell backs each salt-free system with a limited lifetime warranty. You also have a six-month money-back guarantee to ensure these are the best water softening systems for your home. 

Design

Springwell softeners feature vertical designs for vertical installation. Installing these systems means ensuring at least four feet are surrounding the unit and at least a foot of wall space for the sediment filter. Their design doesn’t feature a wastewater tank or electrical cord, so there’s no need to install them near a drain or electrical outlet. 

Flow Rate

The flow rate refers to the number of minutes it takes for water to move through a water filter, sediment filter, or water softener. Suppose there’s a barrier between the tap and water inlet that typically reduces water pressure. We love Futuresoft’s brisk water flow rate which ranges between 12 and 20 gallons per minute. The FS1 model’s flow rate is 12 gallons per minute.

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Media Lifespan & Replacement

The media in a Futuresoft FS1 salt-free water softener can last for years without replacement. That’s because the system uses fluidization and Futuresoft media to convert your home’s water hardness into calcite crystals. These calcite crystals don’t need to be replaced, so you save money on media replacement costs.

Recharge Time

The recharge time is the number of minutes it takes to regenerate or recharge the unit after it runs out of soft water. A fast recharge time is vital for larger homes with multiple bathrooms since you don’t want to wait around for the unit to recharge. 

Fortunately, this isn’t an issue with Springwell systems since they don’t need to recharge. Time is the number of minutes it takes to regenerate or recharge the unit after it runs out of soft water.

Unit Size

The unit size refers to the physical size of the water filter, sediment filter, or water softener. For example, a whole-house water filter measuring 16 by 6 inches will have a smaller physical footprint than a 24 by 8-inch model. However, keep in mind that whole-house filters with larger tanks will have a higher flow rate. Springwell Futuresoft salt-free water softener is one of the best water softeners on the market, and it’s easy to see why.

This unit is designed to provide your home with softened water without using salt, making it a more eco-friendly option. Springwell also offers a lifetime warranty on their softeners and a six-month money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not happy with the water quality in your home’s appliances or taps after using this unit, you can return it without any hassles. 

Other Downsides to Consider

Springwell Futuresoft is a whole-house water softening system that is designed for use with city water supplies. If you have a private well, this unit may not be the best option for you. Additionally, this unit does not come with a wastewater tank or an electrical cord. So, you will need to install it near a drain or electrical outlet.

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Bottom Line

The Futuresoft FS1 salt-free water softener is an excellent option for those who are looking for an eco-friendly and salt-free way to soften their water. This unit doesn’t require any electricity to operate, so you don’t have to worry about high energy bills and it has virtually no maintenance.

Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty and a six-month money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not happy with the water quality in your home after using this unit, you can return it without any hassle.

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Social Proof & Reviews

I scoured the Internet and found many positive Springwell Futuresoft Water Softener reviews.

Here is what a few customers said:

“I was somewhat hesitant to purchase without conversation….Scott answered all of my questions and helped me to place my order. He evoked a sense of pride in the company and the products….made my purchase decision easy. Upon installation, I was surprised to find misinformation in the installation manual. Mario cleared up my confusion and assured me corrective action is underway. I had my razor blade ready and was beginning to “remove the blue plastic”.

As we are at day 6 after full install it seems that our water is of much better quality than before and we are looking forward to “no scale”.

Here, the customer expresses how impressed he is with the system’s water pressure compared to the unit he was using previously:

We replaced our Aquasana system with this system once it was all used up (3-year system).

The Aquasana system was only 7GPM and this one is 12GPM so much better water pressure. The SpringWell system also seems to do a better job of reducing the effect of the hard water molecules (since salt-free systems treat the molecules not remove them.

This reviewer talks about his issue with the product’s o-ring and presents a workable solution:

“This water softener so far working great unfortunately the company that manufactured the pre-filter is not very good had a problem keeping the rubber o ring in place and the filter leaks really bad do yourself a favor go get the GE whole house filter. 100% better no leaks have a shut-off valve and the canister is clear so you can see when you need to change the filter cartridge I got it at Home Depot.”

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Installation And Maintenance 

For those who have experience with DIY projects, installing Springwell water softeners shouldn’t be a problem. Each of these softeners comes with detailed installation instructions and an online video. The system is easy to set up because it doesn’t require connections to electricity or a water source.

In addition to the manual that includes a detailed table of contents and instructional video, Springwell also provides 24/7 customer support.

So, if you run into problems, there’s someone available to help. If the process seems too confusing, it’s ideal to hire a handyman or professional plumber. Typically, these individuals can install these water filtration systems quickly. 

This Springwell water softener uses a salt-free media tank that uses template-assisted crystallization to eliminate your water’s hardness. That way, the hard water minerals don’t convert into crystals and stick to plumbing and other surfaces. 

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Springwell Futuresoft FAQ’s

How Do Salt-Based Water Softeners Work Differently Than Salt-Free Ones?

Salt-free water softeners don’t remove the hard minerals from your water. Instead, they use a process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to prevent the minerals from bonding together and forming scale.

TAC works by binding the hardness minerals with nucleation sites so they can’t attach themselves to surfaces like your pipes or appliances. This process doesn’t change the chemistry of your water, but conventional salt-based water softeners work by exchanging calcium and magnesium in the hard water for sodium. 

Then, the hard water flows through a resin bed that’s full of sodium ions. As the water passes through, the sodium ions attach themselves to the resin beads.

Will a Salt-free Water Softener Reduce Water Pressure In My Home?

A salt-free conditioner won’t reduce the water pressure in your home like salt-based systems might. In fact, most people see an increase in water pressure after installing a salt-free softener because the system doesn’t remove hardness minerals. 

Do Salt-Free Water Softeners Work In All Areas?

Salt-free water conditioners will work in all areas, but they may not be as effective in areas with very hard water. If your water is extremely hard, you might see a small amount of scale buildup over time. However, this scale will be much easier to clean than the scale that builds up with hard water. 

Do I Need A Whole House Water Filter System in Front of This System?

We strongly suggest having an integrated whole house water conditioner system behind the salt-free system. Because city water generally contains high chlorine and chloramine concentrations in the water, we suggest this combo system to make sure you get the very best quality water to the faucets.

Is This System Good For A Home With A Private Well?

Well water can be highly contaminated. Conventional wisdom suggests that you have your contaminated water tested before making any decisions about a filtration system. 

We would also recommend a pre-filtration system to remove sediment, hydrogen sulfide, and other contaminants from the water before it enters the softener.

How Will Salt-Free Conditioning Systems Affect Warm Water Heaters?

Salt-free water softening systems can help save on energy costs associated with heating water. Hot water heaters work more efficiently when there is less build-up of scale on the element. This can lead to significant savings over time, as well as prolonging the life of your hot water heater.

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Conclusion

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly solution to clearing up hard water issues in your home, the Springwell salt-free softener is an ideal choice.

Not only does this whole house water softener system prevent limescale build-up, but it doesn’t require electricity like salt-based water softeners. 

Unlike a salt-based water softener that uses an ion-exchange process and produces waste, the Springwell water filtration system is a salt-free softener that doesn’t require electricity. 

On the other hand, if you want to look at Springwell’s other softening options including salt-based systems be sure to check out our Springwell water reviews guide.