Why Choose These Popular Water Softener Models

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

Popular Water Softener Models

Let's chat about two favorites in the water-softening world: the Rheem Preferred Series and the GE Smart Water Softener System. Folks seem to really dig these for their efficiency, ease of use, and dependability.

Rheem Preferred Series

The Rheem Preferred Series is a big hit, covering households of all shapes and sizes with models in three capacities: 18,000, 32,000, and 42,000 grains. That means you're spoiled for choice when picking one that vibes with your home.

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener is particularly a crowd favorite with its quick, no-nonsense approach to softening water.

Key Features:

• Instant Impact: Hits the ground running to soften water right away.
• User-Friendly: Simple to fiddle with and operate.
• Salt Efficiency: Doesn't gobble up too much salt for recharging.
• Variety: Picks for whatever size household you've got.
  
  

Model	Grain Capacity	Perfect For
RHS18 Preferred	18,000	Small households
RHS32 Preferred	32,000	Medium households
RHS42 Preferred	42,000	Big households

GE Smart Water Softener System

The GE Smart Water Softener System is all about smart tech and simplicity. Through a nifty app, you can pretty much be the boss of your system from anywhere—yes, even your couch. It also comes armed with a built-in filter to kick your water quality up a notch.

Key Features:

• Remote Control: Tweak and monitor stuff from your phone.
• Built-in Filter: Cleans up water by catching more junk.
• Alerts and Notifications: Lets you know when it's time for some system TLC.
  
  

Feature	Perks
Remote App Control	Stay on top of things wherever you are
Built-in Filter	Keeps water tasting and feeling crisp
Alerts and Notifications	Handy reminders for keeping the system in shape

So if you're looking to bump up your home water quality game, these top dogs—the Rheem Preferred Series and the GE Smart Water Softener System—got you covered. They've got the smarts and the charm to fit anyone and everyone's needs. 

Choosing the Right Water Softener

Picking out the just-right water softener for your home doesn't need to feel like solving a mystery. Once you have a handle on what makes salt-based and salt-free systems tick, you're on the road to a solid choice.

Salt-Based vs. Salt-Free Systems

Let's break it down: salt-based and salt-free systems both have their perks and quirks.

Let's see how they stack up:

Salt-Based Systems

If you're in an area where your water's tougher than a gym workout, salt-based ion exchange softeners are the go-to. They kick out calcium and magnesium ions and swap them for sodium, which makes the water play nice with your pipes and gadgets. It's like giving a much-needed vacation to your plumbing and appliances, keeping that pesky scale buildup at bay.

• Perks:

• Works wonders on hard water

• Stops limescale dead in its tracks

• Gives longer life to appliances
  
  

• Downsides:

• Needs regular salt top-ups

• Adds some sodium to your water
  
  

Salt-Free Systems

Salt-free systems like descalers don't yank minerals out, but they do keep them from ganging up into scale. They're the easy-going, low-hassle, green option since you can say goodbye to salt replacements.

• Perks:

• Barely takes any upkeep

• No salt involved

• Kind to Mother Earth
  
  

• Downsides:

• Not a true softener of water

• Might not cut it if your water's extra hard
  
  

Feature	Salt-Based Systems	Salt-Free Systems
Softening Efficiency	High	Moderate
Maintenance Required	High (Salt Refill)	Low
Environmental Impact	Adds Sodium	Eco-Friendly
Scale Prevention	Excellent	Good
Initial Cost	Moderate to High	Moderate to High

Things to Think About When Picking a System

As you ponder water softeners, here's some stuff to keep in mind:

Water Hardness

Figure out how tough your water is. If you're battling seriously hard water, a salt-based system is probably your best sidekick.

Household Size

Got a big crew at home? You'll need a beefier system with enough oomph to make sure everyone gets the nice softened water.

Budget

Think about both the price tag upfront and the ongoing wallet hits. While salt systems may start cheaper, don't forget those salt refill bills.

Green Concerns

Into keeping things eco-conscious? Salt-free could win you over with its planet-pleasing vibes.

Installation and Space

Peep at the room you've got for setting up the system. Some need more elbow space, and other might require a pro to come hook it up, which could cost extra.

Deciding between salt-based and salt-free systems all boils down to what suits you and yours best. Knowing each type's strengths and quirks gets you set for picking the one that fits snug with your home and life.

For more scoop, including a look at models like the Rheem Preferred Series or GE Smart Water Softener System, dive into our in-depth guides on favorite water softener models.