Best Salt Free Water Softeners for Your Home in 2023

Hard water is a common problem faced by many households. It can cause mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, leaving stains on dishes and laundry, and even causing skin irritation.

Water softeners are an effective solution to this problem, but traditional salt-based water softeners come with their own set of issues. They require regular maintenance, consume a lot of water and electricity, and add sodium to the water.

That’s where salt-free water softeners come in. 

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6 year warranty AO Smith Whole House Water Softener Alternative
Install kitAquasana Whole House Water Filter System
Easy Install Tier1 Eco Series Salt-Free Water Softener
Quick DIY YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System

Salt-free water softeners use a variety of technologies to remove minerals from the water without the use of salt. Some use electromagnetic waves, while others use filters or catalytic media. They are a more eco-friendly and low-maintenance option compared to traditional water softeners.

Salt-free water softeners do not remove minerals from the water entirely, but rather change their form so they don’t cause buildup in pipes and appliances.

When looking for the best salt-free water softener, consider factors such as the size of your household, the hardness of your water, and the type of technology used.

Some salt-free water softeners are more effective than others. Some may not work well with extremely hard water. We spent hours researching various salt-free water softeners to identify the ones that provide the best balance of effectiveness and affordability.

Best Salt-Free Water Softeners

Hard water can cause a variety of problems in your home, from clogged pipes to dry skin and hair. While traditional water softeners that use salt can be effective, they’re not the best choice for everyone. If you’re looking for an alternative to salt-based water softeners, one of these salt-free options might be just what you need.

AO Smith Whole House Water Softener Alternative

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If you’re looking for a salt-free water softener that works for both well and city water, the AO Smith Whole House Water Softener Alternative is a great option. It’s long-lasting, cost-efficient, and easy to install, making it a great choice for households of four or more people.

Pros

  • Reduces scale build-up in pipes and plumbing without the use of chemicals or electricity (which means no cleaning, backwashing, or salt-bags required!)
  • Works effectively on water for use in drinking, cooking, showering, and bathing
  • Engineered to work with both well and city water systems
  • Warranty for up to 6 years or 600,000 gallons.

Cons

  • Will not reduce TDS, sulfur, or iron, so it may not be the best option for those with high levels of these minerals
  • Installation may require some plumbing experience, may not be best for those not comfortable with DIY projects
  • May not be as durable as some other options on the market
  • Relatively heavy at 12 pounds
  • May not be as effective as a traditional salt-based water softener

Our verdict: If you’re looking for a reliable, salt-free water softener, the AO Smith Whole House Water Softener Alternative is definitely worth considering. Keep in mind that the system will not reduce TDS, sulfur, or iron.

Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System

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If you’re looking for a cost-efficient and long-lasting solution to improve the quality of your home’s water, the Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System is a great option.

Pros

  • Removes up to 97% of chlorine from regular tap water
  • Salt-free conditioner reduces scale while leaving healthy minerals in your water
  • Installation kit included for 0.75 inch pipe fittings for easy homeowner installation

Cons

  • May not be as effective as a salt-based softener for extremely hard water
  • PEX tubing is not included, you may need to purchase it separately if your home’s plumbing requires it
  • May arrive separately in multiple packages, which can be a hassle to track and receive

Our verdict: the Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System is cost-efficient and long-lasting design, and can save you money on purified water for up to 10 years. Overall, this is a great investment for anyone looking to improve their home’s water quality.

Tier1 Eco Series Salt-Free Water Softener

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The Tier1 Eco is easy to install and doesn’t require electricity.

Pros

  • The scale reducing media has been tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 61 for health effects.
  • Reduces costly scale damage to your home’s appliances and piping.
  • No control valve to program, backwash waste cycle, expensive salt refills, and no need for electricity.

Cons

  • May not work as well as traditional salt-based water softeners for extremely hard water.
  • May not remove all minerals from the water, which could lead to some buildup over time.
  • May need to be replaced more frequently than traditional salt-based water softeners.

Our verdict: if you’re looking for a salt-free water softener that’s easy to install and doesn’t require electricity, the Tier1 Eco Series is a great option.

YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System

If you’re looking for an effective salt-free water softener that doesn’t remove healthy minerals from your water, the YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System is a great option. 

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The YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System is a patented water descaler system designed to treat water for the whole house. It treats water with electric pulses generated within the electronic unit and controlled by a micro-chip.

These pulses are transmitted by bands that are wrapped around the pipe and change the minerals in the water as it flows by, allowing for the breakdown of crystals that would otherwise build up and form scale.

Pros

  • Easy installation with no tools or specialized help required
  • Does not require salt or any water to be wasted
  • Reduces the negative effects of hard water without removing healthy minerals

Cons

  • May take up to three months to observe significant improvement
  • Not suitable for pipes larger than 1 inch
  • May not be as effective as traditional water softeners for extremely hard water

Our verdict:

The YARNA CWD24 Water Descaler System is completely DIY with no need for any tools. Installation is simple, takes only 15 minutes and is 100% maintenance free. Works with any type of piping up to 1″ thick including iron, copper, stainless steel, plastic, PVC, PE-x, and compound pipes. 

Buying Guide

Factors to Consider

When choosing a salt-free water softener, there are several factors to consider:

FactorDescription
Water HardnessMake sure to choose a system that can handle the level of hardness in your water.
Water UsageConsider the size of your household and how much water you use to determine the appropriate system size.
InstallationSome systems require professional installation, while others can be installed by the homeowner.
PriceConsider your budget and look for a system that offers the best value for your money.

Features to Look For

Here are some features to look for when choosing a salt-free water softener:

  • Capacity: Make sure the system can handle the amount of water your household uses.
  • Flow Rate: Look for a system with a high flow rate to ensure adequate water pressure throughout your home.
  • Filter: Some systems come with a built-in filter to remove impurities from your water.
  • Warranty: Look for a system with a good warranty to ensure you are protected in case of defects or malfunctions.