Outdoor water softeners are essential for many households that rely on well water, which often contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals cause water hardness, which can lead to issues like soap scum, limescale buildup, increased wear and tear on plumbing and appliances, and even dry skin and hair. An outdoor water softener can efficiently tackle these issues, offering a convenient solution to soften water outside of the home.
Outdoor water softeners are specifically designed to withstand the elements, protecting the inner workings from rain, sun, and other environmental factors. These units are compact and easy to install, making them a popular choice for people looking to address hard water issues without taking up valuable indoor space. Investing in an outdoor water softener not only improves the quality of water in your home, but also can extend the life of your water-using appliances.
When choosing the best outdoor water softener for your household, it’s crucial to consider factors such as capacity, efficiency, ease of installation, and durability. It’s essential to select a water softener that can handle the demands of your water usage and is built with materials that can withstand various weather conditions. Moreover, a water softener that’s simple to install and maintain is an added bonus for homeowners who prefer a hassle-free solution.
In pursuit of the best outdoor water softeners, we’ve dedicated countless hours to researching and testing different models. We prioritized those that excel in capacity, efficiency, durability, and ease of use to identify the top-performing units for a variety of needs. Stay tuned as we dive into our top picks that will help you combat hard water challenges and enhance your overall water quality.
What is an Outdoor Water Softener?
An outdoor water softener is a specially designed water softening system that is built to withstand varying outdoor weather conditions. These systems remove excess minerals such as calcium and magnesium that cause hard water, which can lead to multiple issues such as reduced soap efficiency, buildup on appliances, and even certain negative health impacts. By installing an outdoor water softener, we aim to provide our homes and properties with softened water to alleviate these problems.
The primary reason for installing an outdoor water softener is to save space within our homes, while still enjoying the benefits of a water softener. It’s an ideal choice if we have limited indoor space, or simply prefer the aesthetic of not having an appliance taking up room inside. Additionally, outdoor water softeners are often easier to install and maintain, as they are more accessible for servicing or replacement.
Outdoor water softeners function in much the same way as their indoor counterparts. They use an ion exchange process to replace the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium or potassium ions. This process not only reduces limescale and buildup but can also improve the efficiency of our household appliances, extend their lifespan, and provide a better overall water quality for our daily use.
However, it’s crucial to understand that outdoor water softeners require extra considerations to ensure their durability and effectiveness. For instance, these systems must be built with materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and other weather-related factors. Additionally, proper insulation and protective enclosures may be necessary to guarantee the unit’s longevity, especially in regions with harsh winters or intense sunlight.
In conclusion, an outdoor water softener is an excellent solution for those looking to soften their water supply while prioritizing space efficiency and ease of maintenance. By selecting a unit with the proper materials and considering the local climate conditions, we can enjoy all the benefits of water softening without sacrificing indoor space or complicating our home’s aesthetics.
Best Outdoor Water Softeners
Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener | Salt & Water Saving Technology | NSF Certified | Automatic Whole House Soft Water Regeneration, White
64,000 Grain Aquasure Harmony Whole House Water Softener - Reduces Hardness & Minerals, Improves Water Quality, For 4+ Bathrooms
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System - Softener Alternative w/ UV Purifier, Salt-Free Descaler, Carbon & KDF Media Filters Sediment 97% Of Chlorine 500,000 Gl- EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System - Softener Alternative w/ UV Purifier, Salt-Free Descaler, Carbon & KDF Media Filters Sediment 97% Of Chlorine 500,000 Gl- EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST
We have compiled a list of the best outdoor water softeners to make your search easier. These products are designed to handle various water hardness levels, ensuring your outdoor water usage is more efficient and free of unwanted minerals.
Whirlpool WHES40E water softener is ideal for households of 1-6 plus people and removes up to 10 ppm of clear water (ferrous) iron
NSF certified to reduce hard water symptoms such as embarrassing stains, build up on your Plumbing and Faucets and spotting on dishes
Whirlpool water softeners automatically Calculate how much salt and water is required to regenerate and only uses what is necessary, resulting in a significant reduction in salt and water usage
Full 1-year parts and labor . The system can be extended to 2 years when you buy 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser (sold separately)
Dimensions: 19" D x 18" W x 47 7/8" H
The Whirlpool WHES40E is an excellent choice for families of 1-6+ people looking for a reliable and efficient outdoor water softener.
Pros
Efficient salt and water usage
Works on both city and well water
NSF certified for reducing hard water symptoms
Cons
Installation kit may have some defects
Slightly damaged during shipping for some customers
More expensive than some other models
We recently implemented the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener in our household and noticed a significant improvement in the quality of our water. The softener effectively eliminates mineral stains and allows for a more efficient use of detergent in the wash, resulting in cleaner and softer fabrics. Our water-using appliances have been running more efficiently and seem to be lasting longer, saving us energy and maintenance costs.
The Whirlpool water softener features demand initiated regeneration, ensuring that the system only regenerates based on the hardness level and the actual water usage. This results in both salt and water savings compared to traditional models. Furthermore, the softener is compatible with both city water and well water systems, increasing its versatility and usefulness.
One downside that we encountered was that the installation kit appeared to have some defects, which resulted in a minor leak at first. Fortunately, customer service was responsive and promptly provided a replacement. Additionally, some customers have reported receiving slightly damaged units, but from our experience, this did not affect the performance of the product.
In conclusion, the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener stands out as an efficient and versatile solution for softening outdoor water. Despite some minor issues with the installation kit and shipping, the softener provides value in its performance and the savings in energy, water, and maintenance costs for our household appliances.
Aquasure Harmony Series 64,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener
💧【 PERFECTLY DESIGNED FOR 4 OR MORE BATHROOMS 】The Aquasure Harmony Series is the professional grade water softener that delivers ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire home.
💧【 PROTECTS YOUR APPLIANCES 】Reduces water hardness and eliminates scale buildup while preventing damage to your plumbing and prolonging the lifespan of household appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, etc.
💧【 CLEANER HOME WATER 】Rated to treat 64,000 grains of hardness by removing skin damaging hard minerals like calcium and magnesium that clog up the skin pore and causes irritation.
💧【 AUTOMATIC DIGITAL METERED CONTROL HEAD 】Comes with a fully programmable backlit digital display which allows you to easily customize your auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and water usage. Also allows for easy monitoring and hassle-free maintenance.
💧【 PREMIUM QUALITY 】Every Aquasure Water Softener is constructed with a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, fiberglass-lined polyethylene tank, durable bypass valve, and prefilled premium-grade resin. Besides the 30-day money-back, Aquasure stands behind its products by providing 5-year extended manufacturer warranty and life-time free US based tech support when you activate your product online within 60 days.
The Aquasure Harmony Series is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking ultra-soft water and advanced appliance protection for their entire house.
Pros
Ideal for 4 or more bathrooms
Protects appliances and plumbing
Automatic digital metered control head
Cons
Tall and large size
Requires additional flex line for 1.25” PVC plumbing
Installation may be challenging for some users
We recently used the Aquasure Harmony Series 64,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener, and it has been a game changer for our home. The ultra-soft water has not only improved the quality of our water, but it has also helped to reduce and eliminate scale buildup. With its professional-grade design, it is perfect for a larger home with four or more bathrooms.
The best feature of this water softener is its ability to protect our appliances and plumbing from damage caused by hard water. By reducing water hardness, the Aquasure Harmony Series prevents scale buildup and extends the lifespan of our washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater.
One of the most convenient features of this water softener is the automatic digital metered control head. It comes with a fully programmable backlit digital display, which allows us to customize the auto-flush intervals based on our incoming water quality and water usage. This feature also makes monitoring and maintenance hassle-free.
However, the Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener is quite large and tall. This may pose a challenge for some homeowners with limited space for installation. Additionally, the installation process can be complicated if you have 1.25” PVC plumbing, as it may require additional flex lines, which are not readily available in local big box stores.
Despite these minor drawbacks, we have had a positive experience with the Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener. It is an excellent investment for homeowners in need of a reliable, high-quality water softening system that not only enhances their water quality but also protects their appliances and plumbing.
Aquasure 48,000 Grain Water Softener
No products found.
We highly recommend the Aquasure 48,000 Grain Water Softener for households up to 6 people, as it provides desired soft water with easy installation, user-friendly interface, and efficient water usage.
Pros
Efficient digital metered system
High capacity for households up to 6 people
Easy-to-program settings and installation
Cons
Heavy (121.71 pounds)
Requires regular maintenance
May need additional filters for optimal water quality
The Aquasure 48,000 Grain Water Softener is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for an efficient and reliable whole house softening system. We were impressed by the ease of installation and intuitive interface of the digital meter. The backlit LCD display made it simple to monitor and adjust our system settings, ensuring optimal efficiency at all times.
In our experience, this whole house water softener system easily handled the water needs of a busy household with up to 6 people. It operates using salt or potassium and regenerates only when required, saving hundreds of gallons of water. The high-flow rate and bypass valve made this water softener feel like a seamless addition to our existing plumbing system.
The only downsides we observed with this system were its weight and the necessity of regular maintenance. Weighing in at 121.71 pounds, the Aquasure water softener is quite heavy, which may pose challenges during the installation process. Additionally, the system requires consistent maintenance to ensure proper performance. However, these are relatively minor concerns when considering the overall quality and functionality of this water softener.
In summary, the Aquasure 48,000 Grain Water Softener is a fantastic option for those seeking an efficient and user-friendly whole house softening solution. It provides exceptional water softening capability and easily integrates into your existing plumbing system. The few drawbacks we experienced do not outweigh the many benefits and features that make this product a top choice.
Clean, Great Tasting Water From Every Tap In Your Home - Activated carbon is effective at reducing organic chemicals including pesticides and herbicides while allowing for a fast and reliable flow rate with no noticeable change in water pressure.
High-Performance Well Filter System - Salt-free conditioner, carbon and KDF filtration engineered to maximize filtration and reduce scale while leaving healthy minerals in your water. This system will NOT reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Cost Efficient and Long Lasting - Clean water for less than 0.01 dollar a gallon - Save twice as much compared to other brands on purified water for 500,000 gallons or 5 years
Salt-Free Scale Prevention: Minimize scale buildup in pipes and plumbing through a salt-free and chemical-free system. No cleaning, backwashing, salt bags, or electricity are required. This system does not soften water or remove minerals that cause hardness
Effective Solution for Moderate Hardness: Best suited for water with hardness below 15 grains per gallon, alkalinity under 250 mg/L, pH below 8.3, and iron content less than 0.3 ppm. Conditions water for drinking, cooking, and bathing for households of 4+.
We highly recommend the Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System for its effective filtration and salt-free descaling features.
Pros
Removes 97% of chlorine and reduces organic contaminants
Salt-free descaling technology protects pipes and plumbing
Cost-effective long-lasting solution for clean water
Cons
Not suitable for reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Pex tubing not included
Requires pre and post filter replacement every 2 months
The Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System has truly changed our experience with well water. Its carbon and KDF filtration media, UV purifier, and Scale Control Media (SCM) salt-free technology greatly improve our water quality. After using it, we enjoy clean, great-tasting water from every tap in our home.
We appreciate the easy maintenance of this system. There’s no need for draining or back flushing. Simply replacing the pre and post filters every 2 months results in optimum filtration and flow rate. The installation is also straightforward, with a top-grade installation kit and components.
One drawback is that this system is not designed to reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). However, it effectively handles the majority of common well water contaminants. Apart from TDS, the Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System is an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their water quality without relying on salt-based softeners.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best outdoor water softener, there are several factors to consider to ensure we select the right product for our needs. In this buying guide, we’ll discuss the key features and aspects to consider before making a purchase.
Capacity
The capacity of a water softener is an essential factor to consider. This is measured in grains and indicates the amount of hardness a system can remove before it needs to regenerate. To determine the appropriate capacity, we need to take into account our daily water usage and the level of water hardness in our area.
Type of Softener
There are different types of water softeners available, such as salt-based, salt-free, and reverse osmosis systems. Each type has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Salt-based systems are generally more effective at removing hard minerals, while salt-free systems are better for the environment and require less maintenance. Reverse osmosis systems provide excellent water filtration but may not be suitable for all outdoor applications.
Installation and Maintenance
Consider how easy it is to install and maintain the water softener. Some systems are designed for DIY installation, while others may require the assistance of a professional. It’s also essential to understand the maintenance requirements, such as how often the system needs to regenerate and if any additional filter replacements are necessary.
Budget
Water softeners can vary in price substantially, so it’s essential to choose a product that fits within our budget without compromising quality. In the long run, investing in a more expensive system with better performance and efficiency can save us money on water bills and appliance repairs.
By taking into account the capacity, type of softener, installation, maintenance, and budget, we can make an informed decision when selecting the best outdoor water softener for our needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to protect from freezing?
To protect our outdoor water softeners from freezing, we should take several steps. First, ensure proper insulation of the unit. This can be done by covering it with foam or insulating blankets. Second, consider installing a small heater or heated wire within the enclosure, specifically if the area experiences extreme cold. Finally, check on the unit regularly and keep surrounding areas clear of snow and ice to reduce risk.
Salt-free or regular?
When choosing between salt-free and salt-based water softeners, we must consider our water requirements and environmental impact. Salt-free softeners, also known as water conditioners, don’t remove hard minerals but prevent them from sticking to surfaces. They’re eco-friendly and low-maintenance, but might not be the best choice if we have very hard water.
On the other hand, salt-based water softeners replace hard minerals with sodium through ion exchange process, making them highly effective. However, they require more maintenance and might pose environmental concerns due to salt discharge.
Top reliable brands?
Some of the most reliable outdoor water softener brands we can consider include Fleck, GE, Whirlpool, and Kinetico. Each of these brands offers varying features, capacities, and price points, allowing us to choose a water softener that best fits our needs.
Suitable for outside hoses?
Outdoor water softeners can be suitable for outside hoses, although we should always refer to the specific product and consult with the manufacturer to ensure it meets our needs. Using a dedicated outdoor water softener can greatly reduce mineral deposits in hoses, irrigation systems, and garden appliances.
Installation: outside or garage?
The optimal location for our water softener depends on various factors such as climate, available space, and accessibility. Installing it outdoors can help save indoor space, but we must ensure it’s well-protected from extreme weather conditions. Conversely, installing it in a garage can provide more protection, although we should consider temperature fluctuations and ventilation.
DIY enclosure options?
If we’re interested in creating a DIY enclosure for our outdoor water softener, there are a few options. We can use wood, metal, or plastic for a sturdy and weather-resistant structure. Ensure that the enclosure provides adequate ventilation and insulation to prevent freezing in colder climates and overheating in warmer areas. Also, make sure our enclosure allows easy access to the unit for maintenance and refilling of salt.
