The Best Water Softeners UK in 2023

Are you tired of dealing with hard water in your home? Do you want to improve the efficiency and lifespan of your appliances while also enjoying soft, clean water?

Look no further than the best water softeners available in the UK in 2023.

Water softeners are essential devices that can remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from your water supply, reducing the hardness and providing numerous benefits for your home. Not only can they save you money on your water and energy bills, but they can also improve the taste and feel of your water.

In this article, we will guide you through the different types of water softeners available and the factors to consider when choosing the best one for your needs and budget. So, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, read on to find out how you can enjoy the benefits of soft water in your home.

Best Water Softeners

If you’re looking for the best water softener for your home, there are several options available that can meet your needs. You may want to consider the Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener, which is easy to install and has a high capacity.

Another option is the BWT WS555 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Block/Tablet Water Softener, which uses less salt and water and has a compact design.

Additionally, the Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE Water Softener and BWT WS455 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Block/Tablet Water Softener are worth considering for their performance and reliability.

Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener

The Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener is a reliable and efficient solution for households of up to 10 people. It is designed to generate approximately 3680 liters of soft water every day, making it ideal for families that require a steady supply of clean water.

The digital meter control system is efficient and consumes less salt and water, making it a cost-effective solution for those who want to save money on their water bills. The Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener is perfect for use with both city and well water, ensuring that your water is always clean and safe to use.

The Water2Buy W2B800 Water Softener is built to last, with high-strength corrosion-resistant fiberglass and a polyethylene tank that is both durable and long-lasting. The adjustable water hardness feature ensures that you can customize the water softness to suit your needs, while the prefilled premium-grade ionX resin ensures that your water is always clean and free of impurities.

The pre-fitted bypass valve maintains optimal water pressure throughout the home, while the automatic self-cleaning feature performs a regeneration cycle when needed, ensuring that your water is always clean and fresh.

Product Specs:

• Suitable for a family of 1-10
• Generates approximately 3680 litres of filtered soft water every day
• Engineered for both city and well water
• Equipped with an efficient digital meter control to consume less salt and water
• Size: 225 X 500 X 1100 mm
• Suitable for installation in a garage or basement
• Connects to mains water supply and softens water in the entire home
• Requires a power source, but only consumes a tiny amount of power annually (Approx 20 euro/pounds)
• Built to last with high strength corrosion-resistant fiberglass, polyethylene tank, adjustable water hardness, and prefilled premium-grade ionX resin
• Pre-fitted bypass valve maintains optimal water pressure throughout the home
• Automatic self-cleaning feature performs a regeneration cycle when needed
• Meter Softener measures water usage and only regenerates when necessary, making it more efficient
• Regenerates at 3am when the water supply is not in use, using approximately 90 litres of water
• Comes with Water2Buy easyConnect app for easy setup

BWT WS555 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Block/Tablet Water Softener

You’ll appreciate the compact design of the BWT WS555 Hi Flow Water Softener, which makes it easy to fit into your kitchen cupboard. This water softener comes with an installation kit, making it a breeze to set up, and features a 14 litre capacity. With the included flexible hoses for the 22mm feeds in and out, the installation process is straightforward and DIY-friendly. The blue plastic lid covering the pipework and the valve assembly just balances on top, while the drain hose supplied is basically a normal garden hosepipe.

The BWT WS555 Hi Flow Water Softener is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and effective water softener that provides good quality water to a 4 bed home. It offers the option to choose from block or tablet salt, and provides no obvious drop in water pressure. Additionally, the salt blocks are easier and cleaner to deal with than tablets.

Overall, the BWT WS555 Hi Flow Water Softener is a great value for money compared to competitors, and with great customer service and quick answers to queries, you can be sure you’re making a solid investment.

Product Specs:

• Manufacturer: BWT
• Part Number: WS555
• 5 years parts & 2 years labour at home warranty
• All materials are BS6920 Certified
• Size: 14 Litre
• Colour: Blue
• Style: Single
• Power Source: AC/DC
• Item Package Quantity: 1
• Maximum Pressure: 5 Bars

Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE Water Softener

If you’ve been struggling with hard water and you’re looking for an efficient and sustainable solution, the Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE Water Softener might just be what you need. This water softener is designed to remove existing limescale and prevent new scale formation. It protects your appliances and provides a kinder experience for your skin and hair.

The Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE Water Softener is suitable for families of up to 7 people in hard water areas and 5 people in very hard water areas, making it a versatile choice for many households. It’s also sustainable and efficient, using up to 24% less water and 12% less salt than previous generations.

It’s easy to install and set up, with a digital display panel and simple 3-button control. The self-protect program detects leaks, delays regeneration until 2 am, stores data in the event of a power cut, initiates additional regeneration if required, and learns and remembers water usage patterns. It even automatically adjusts to GMT and BST time changes. Plus, it’s WRAS approved, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards.

Product Specs:

• Product Name: Monarch Water Ultimate Midi HE Water Softener
• 7 year parts and 2 year labour guarantee
• Suitable for family sizes of 1-7 people in hard water areas and 1-5 people in very hard water areas
• Supplied with a standard installation kit for traditional plumbing systems
• Uses up to 24% less water and 12% less salt than previous generations
• High flow rates and low pressure drops
• Digital display panel and easy 3 button control
• Self Protect Programme with various features
• Uses Tablet salt only
• Manufacturer: Monarch Water
• Part number: MMWS
• Item Weight: 20 kg
• Product Dimensions: 48.5 x 27 x 55.5 cm
• Maximum Pressure: 5 Bars

Factors to consider when buying a water filter

Before purchasing a water filter, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you choose the right one for your needs.

Start by analyzing the type and level of contaminants in your water, such as lead, chlorine, and bacteria. Next, consider the flow rate and capacity of the water filter, as well as the installation and maintenance requirements.

Also, take into account the cost and lifespan of the water filter and its replacement parts, as well as the certification and warranty of the water filter and its manufacturer. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a water filter that will provide you with clean and safe drinking water for years to come.

The type and level of contaminants in your water

Knowing the type and level of contaminants in your water is crucial when choosing the best water softener for your home. This will help you determine the type of water softener that can effectively remove the specific contaminants in your water and provide you with clean and safe water for your household.

Here are some of the contaminants that you may find in your water and the corresponding water softener solutions:

• Hardness minerals: This includes calcium and magnesium which cause hard water. A water softener that uses ion exchange technology can effectively remove these minerals from your water and provide you with soft water.
• Chlorine: This is a common disinfectant used in water treatment plants that can affect the taste and odor of your water. A water softener that uses activated carbon or KDF filtration can effectively remove chlorine from your water.
• Heavy metals: This includes lead, mercury, and arsenic which can be harmful to your health. A water softener that uses reverse osmosis or distillation can effectively remove these metals from your water.
• Bacteria and viruses: This includes harmful microorganisms that can cause illnesses. A water softener that uses ultraviolet or ozone sterilization can effectively remove these contaminants from your water.

By knowing the type and level of contaminants in your water, you can choose the best water softener that can provide you with clean and safe water for your household. Make sure to consult with a water treatment professional to determine the best water softener solution for your specific needs and budget.

The flow rate and capacity of the water filter

You might be interested to know that when choosing a water filter, it’s important to consider the flow rate and capacity to ensure that it can meet the demands of your household without compromising its effectiveness.

The flow rate refers to how much water can pass through the filter in a given time, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A higher flow rate means that more water can be filtered faster, but it may also reduce the contact time between the water and the filter media, which can affect its ability to remove contaminants.

The capacity refers to how much water the filter can treat before it needs to be replaced or regenerated. It is usually measured in gallons or liters and depends on the type and size of the filter, as well as the quality of the water.

A larger capacity means that the filter can last longer and provide more value for money, but it may also require more maintenance and replacement costs. It’s important to choose a filter that has a flow rate and capacity that matches your household’s water usage and quality, as well as your budget and preferences.

The installation and maintenance requirements of the water filter

Once you’ve chosen your water softener, it’s crucial to remember that proper installation and regular maintenance are critical to ensure its optimal performance and long lifespan.

It’s recommended to have a professional plumber install your water softener to avoid any potential issues or complications. They’ll ensure that it’s correctly connected to your main water supply and that the resin tank and brine tank are appropriately positioned and secured.

To maintain your water softener, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and schedule regular cleaning and regeneration cycles. This will prevent any buildup of minerals or salt in the system and ensure that it continues to produce soft water efficiently.

Additionally, it’s important to check the salt and water levels in the brine tank regularly and refill them as needed. By keeping up with proper installation and maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of soft water for many years to come and extend the life of your water softener.

The cost and lifespan of the water filter and its replacement parts

If you’re considering a water softener, it’s essential to understand that they come with varying costs and lifespans depending on the type and brand you choose, as well as the replacement parts needed for maintenance.

The initial cost of a water softener can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the size, features, and technology of the unit.

Electric water softeners are generally cheaper than non-electric ones, but they also require more maintenance and consume more salt and water. Non-electric water softeners may cost more upfront, but they’re more efficient and eco-friendly in the long run. Magnetic or electronic water conditioners are the cheapest option, but they may not be as effective as true water softeners in removing hardness minerals from your water.

The lifespan of a water softener depends on the quality of its components and the water usage of your household. Most water softeners can last for 10 to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance. However, some parts may need to be replaced periodically, such as the resin beads, the control valve, the brine tank, and the filter cartridges.

The cost of replacement parts can vary from a few pounds to several hundred pounds, depending on the brand and model of your water softener. It’s important to factor in these costs when budgeting for a water softener and to choose a reliable and reputable brand that offers a good warranty and customer support.

The certification and warranty of the water filter and its manufacturer

When choosing a water softener, it’s important to consider the certification and warranty of both the filter and its manufacturer. Look for water softeners that have been certified by reputable organizations such as NSF International, Water Quality Association (WQA), or British Water. These certifications indicate that the water softener has been tested and verified to meet certain standards for performance, safety, and efficiency.

In addition, check the warranty offered by the water softener and its manufacturer. A good warranty should cover the cost of repairs or replacements for a reasonable period of time, typically 3 to 10 years. Make sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the warranty, such as exclusions, limitations, and requirements for maintenance and installation.

A reliable manufacturer should have a good reputation for customer service and support, and be responsive to your inquiries and complaints. By choosing a certified and warrantied water softener from a reputable manufacturer, you can have peace of mind and confidence in your investment.

The environmental impact and efficiency of the water filter

Consider how much water and salt the water softener will use and how it will affect the environment, as well as how efficient it is in providing you with soft water.

Water softeners require salt to regenerate the resin beads and remove the hard minerals from your water. The amount of salt used depends on the size of the system, the hardness of your water, and the frequency of regeneration.

While salt is a natural and abundant resource, its excessive use can have negative effects on the environment, such as soil and water pollution, and harm aquatic and plant life. Therefore, it’s important to choose a water softener that uses salt efficiently and responsibly.

Look for models that have a salt-saving feature, a low salt indicator, and use high-quality salt that is free of impurities and additives. You can also consider using alternative salt options, such as potassium chloride or block salt, which may be more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Moreover, the efficiency of the water softener is crucial in ensuring that you have a steady supply of soft water without wasting water, salt, and energy.

A water softener that is too small for your household or has a low flow rate can result in insufficient soft water and frequent regeneration, which can increase your water and salt bills and reduce the lifespan of the resin beads. On the other hand, a water softener that is too large can waste water and salt during regeneration and cause a drop in water pressure.

Therefore, it’s essential to choose a water softener that is appropriate for your water usage and household size and has a high flow rate and capacity. Look for models that have a variable cycle time, a bypass valve, and a user-friendly control panel that allows you to adjust the settings and monitor the performance of the system.

By choosing an efficient water softener, you can not only save money and resources but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible lifestyle.

The taste and quality of the filtered water

Have you ever tasted water that had an unpleasant flavor or odor, or looked cloudy or discolored? Water softeners can improve the taste and quality of your water by removing the minerals and impurities that cause these issues.

Soft water is free of the metallic, bitter, or sour taste that hard water can have, and has a clean, crisp, and refreshing taste instead. Soft water also enhances the flavor of beverages, such as tea, coffee, and juices, and makes them more enjoyable to drink.

In addition to taste, soft water can improve the appearance and clarity of your water. Soft water is crystal clear and colorless, without any sediment, particles, or cloudiness that can make it unappealing or unappetizing. Soft water also leaves less residue on your glassware, dishes, and cookware, making them look cleaner and shinier.

By investing in a water softener, you can enjoy better-tasting, clearer, and more refreshing water that satisfies your thirst and quenches your desire for a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions