Best Water Softener For Small Spaces (Reviews & Guide)
When living in small spaces such as a cramped apartment, a tiny house, or a mobile home, finding the right water softener for your space comes with its own set of challenges. Fortunately, there are compact water softeners available that offer enough performance to make a real difference without taking up too much space.
From size and functionality to maintenance and cost, there are a few things to consider when shopping for a space-saving water softener. In this article, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to finding the best water softener for small spaces. I’ll discuss the features to look for and tips on how to make the most of your purchase.
Best Overall
PRO+AQUA 16,000 Grain Portable Water Softener for RV, Trailers, Boats, Mobile Car Wash, Pressure Wash – Protects Water Systems from Hard Water Damage and Corrosion, with Pre-Filled High-Capacity Resin
Best Portable
On The Go OTG4-VM-DBLSOFT Portable Compact Double Standard 16,000 Grain Water Softener with Drinking Water Safe Brass Fittings (NOT made in China, assembled by U.S. Workers in Indiana
Best For Up to 4 People
Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Softener | Salt & Water Saving Technology | NSF Certified | Automatic Whole House Soft Water Regeneration, 0.75 inches, Off-White
Best for RV
Mobile-Soft-Water Portable 16,000 Grain (tm) Unit with Tank, Tank Head, Lead-Free Plastic NSF 61 Male GHC Tank Connections, Distributor, Resin and Instructions. Used in Rv & Car Wash Applications.
Best Capacity
EcoPure EPHS Conditioner | Water Softener & Filtration System Hybrid | NSF Certified | Salt Saving Technology
PRO+AQUA 16,000 Grain Portable Water Softener for RV, Trailers, Boats, Mobile Car Wash, Pressure Wash – Protects Water Systems from Hard Water Damage and Corrosion, with Pre-Filled High-Capacity Resin
On The Go OTG4-VM-DBLSOFT Portable Compact Double Standard 16,000 Grain Water Softener with Drinking Water Safe Brass Fittings (NOT made in China, assembled by U.S. Workers in Indiana
Mobile-Soft-Water Portable 16,000 Grain (tm) Unit with Tank, Tank Head, Lead-Free Plastic NSF 61 Male GHC Tank Connections, Distributor, Resin and Instructions. Used in Rv & Car Wash Applications.
Important Considerations Before Buying a Compact Water Softener
There are a few critical factors to consider when looking for the right water softener for your space:
Dimensions
Before buying a space-saving water softener, make sure to research the exact dimensions and double-check to be certain it will fit into your desired space. Measure twice and buy once! Make sure you know exactly how much length, width, and height are required for installation so that your new system fits perfectly in its designated area.
Some units also require additional clearance around them or space on the top or below them for plumbing connections and maintenance access. Be aware of all these details before ordering your unit to avoid any surprises after delivery!
Capacity
It is essential to check the grain capacity of the unit beforehand. This will help ensure that you don’t end up with a system that doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your needs. When considering grain capacity, you must take into account how much water your household uses and how hard your water supply is. The more people in your household and the harder the water supply, the higher grain capacity will be necessary.
The ideal water softener for a small space should have at least a 16,000-grain capacity. If you purchase one that is too small for your home, you may find yourself needing to regenerate more often than necessary, which wastes salt and money in the long run.
Maintenance Requirement
Some water softeners may require more frequent service and maintenance than others, which could make them difficult to maintain in limited spaces.
It is important to consult with the manufacturer or seller on the frequency of maintenance required for each model. This can help you select a model that meets your needs and fits into your allotted space without any hassles.
In addition, you should also inquire about repair costs associated with each model so that you can factor them into your budget when deciding which one to buy.
Type of Water Softener
The next factor to consider is the type of water softener you need. Salt-based water softeners are the most popular choice, as they are typically more efficient and cost-effective. They also require a separate brine tank that needs to be refilled regularly with salt. On the other hand, salt-free water softeners are more affordable and require no maintenance.
Other Features
Finally, you should also consider the water softener’s features and capabilities. For example, some models offer an automatic regeneration feature, which can help extend the life of your system. Additionally, some water softeners come with a digital display that can provide detailed readings and performance information.
【 HIGHLY EFFICIENT 】Hard water is notorious for smelling like rotten eggs and having a foul taste. Improve the overall smell and taste of water and protect your water system from hard water deposits, build-up, corrosion, and scale by using a portable water softener.
【 READY TO USE IN 5 MINUTES 】This PRO+AQUA Portable Water Softener comes fully assembled with 3/4" high flow in/out garden hose ports and has a 16,000 grain capacity for up to 60 days (2,000 gallons) of softened water. Works with both city and well water.
【 MULTI-PURPOSE & EFFECTIVE】Innovatively designed in the U.S., this portable water softener can not only be used in your RV, trailer, marina, boats, to soften water for all your water needs like drinking and bathing water but also spas, mobile car washing and pressure washing to combat the effects of hard water.
【 NO ELECTRICITY REQUIRED 】Requires no tools or electricity. Easily connect your RV, Boat or Pressure Washer to any standard water hose connections typically found in campgrounds, park faucets. Easily regenerates with 2 boxes of common table salt in less than 30 minutes.
【 VALUE FOR MONEY 】Despite its compact size of only 10" x 19.5", this portable softener & conditioner produces twice the gallons and 40% more soft water compared to other brands, making it the best choice for protecting your water system. Comes with a 2-year warranty.
Softener Type: Salt-Based
Grain Capacity: 16,000
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 20 inches
Warranty: 1-year on parts
This all-in-one water softener fits nearly any tight space, without compromising on performance. With a 16,000-grain capacity and Pre-Filled high-Capacity Resin, PRO AQUA gives you the ultimate convenience and efficacy that comes with a bigger unit but in a smaller frame.
This convenient product is designed for small spaces and works with both well and city water sources. In just five minutes, it’s ready to use at up to 5 GPM flow rate giving you continuous performance for all your applications.
With just two boxes of table salt, your water softener will fully regenerate in under 30 minutes – making it one of the quickest and most efficient on the market today. Not only that, but since this is a mobile softener it can easily be moved around depending on your specific needs – freeing up precious space in any area of your home.
Pros
Compact and portable
Impressive grain capacity for the size
Faster regeneration
Designed and assembled in the USA
Cons
Some users reported a low water pressure
#2. Best Portable: On The Go OTG4-VM-DBLSOFT Water Softener
The Double Standard Softener & Conditioner produces twice the gallons compared to the standard model and is the largest compact RV softener on the market.
Built for the owner of any RV/Marine model, this 16,000 grain unit is a perfect fit and supplies approx. 40% more soft water than any other unit on the market. It simply regenerates with 2 boxes of common table salt in less than 30 minutes and provides the owner with soft water up to 1600 gallons or up to 40 days.
Its compact, space-saver design allows it to be installed in the tightest places. It will allow high flow rates with very low pressure drop.
Its unique features includes easy to carry handle on top, large mouth opening for easy salt addition, high grade premium resin, travel friendly option of cap & plug to prevent leakage and is built for quick & simple regeneration.
It utilizes a standard garden hose connection between park faucet and your RV/Marine, requires NO tools or electricity and its compact design 22”H x 9.50”dia. can be easily stored in your storage bay or dock side locker.
Softener Type: Salt-Based
Grain Capacity: 16,000
Flow rate: 3 GPM
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 24 inches
On The Go Water Softener fits perfectly in small spaces while still delivering maximum water-softening power. It offers a 16,000-grain capacity with a flow rate of 3 GPM. It requires no tools or electricity and doesn’t take up a lot of room, but still helps improve the taste and odor of your water.
Installing this machine is a breeze with its user-friendly setup making it perfect for tiny homes, cramped apartments, and caravans on the go! An easy-to-carry handle on top ensures that transportation and setup are simple and hassle-free.
Plus, the use of high-grade premium resin guarantees a quality performance no matter where you’re using it.
Whirlpool WHES30E is ideal for households of 1-4 plus people and removes up to 8ppm of clear water (ferrous) iron
NSF certified to reduce hard water symptoms such as embarrassing stains, build-up on your plumbing and faucets as well as spotting on dishes
Whirlpool water softeners automatically calculate how much salt and water is required to regenerate and only use what is necessary, resulting in a significant salt and water savings
Full 1-year parts and labor . The system can be extended to 2 years parts and labor when you buy 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser (sold separately)
Softener Type: Salt-Based
Grain Capacity: 30,000
Hardness Reduction Level: 95 grains per gallon
Clear water iron: Up to 8 ppm
Dimensions: 19 x 18 x 43.5 inches
This space-saving water softener is the ideal solution for anyone looking to enjoy a better shower experience without taking up too much room. Certified by NSF and with 30,000-grains capacity, you can take comfort in knowing that your home’s water quality will be taken care of with this compact but powerful softener.
Its slim design will fit perfectly alongside any other appliance or laundry system to provide you with maximum protection at minimal size.
This Whirlpool Water Softener is the ideal solution for households of 1-4 plus people. With advanced iron removal capabilities up to 8 ppm, it will leave your water noticeably softer and clear of any sediment that may have caused staining or discoloration in your clothes or dishes.
Best of all, this system continually monitors and automatically adjusts regeneration as needed so that your home will always enjoy clean and soft water without interruption!
This is truly an ideal appliance for any home with hard water, no matter how small or large it may be.
Pros
Demand initiated regeneration
DIY installation kit
Space-saving design
Easy to clean
Cons
It requires frequent salt refills in order to work properly.
#4. Best for RV: Mobile-Soft-Water Portable Softener
16,000 grains Total Hardness Removal Portable and Manual
Removes Total Hardness and Soluble Iron
Suitable for Recreational Vehicle Use
LEAD FREE USEPA, NSF61 Approved Water Connections
Includes Manual
Softener Type: Salt-Based
Grain Capacity: 16,000
Clear water iron: Removes soluble iron
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 21.63 inches
Mobile-Soft-Water Softener is the superior choice when it comes to connecting to your recreational vehicle’s water supply. With a 16,000 Grain capacity and NSF61 approval, you can have peace of mind knowing that your water will be properly filtered and softened. Plus, with an easy setup and maintenance process, you’ll be saving time on installation while reaping the full benefits of soft water all season long!
With a garden hose in and out connection, it can reduce both total hardness as well as soluble iron levels for better quality drinking water.
It has been designed for 150 psi operating pressure and comes with a one year limited warranty on materials. This means that you can enjoy the benefits without fear of any unexpected costs resulting from defective parts down the line.
Pros
Portable space-saving design
Easy to install
Requires minimal maintenance
NSF61 Approved
Cons
It has nylon fittings instead of brass fitting
#5. Best Capacity with Hybrid Softening: EcoPure Water Softener & Filtration System
SALT SAVING TECHNOLOGY: Autosense Technology is an exclusive feature that calculates how much salt and water is required to regenerate the system and only uses what is necessary, resulting in a significant reduction in salt and water usage
SOFTENING AND FILTRATION IN ONE: The EPHS is NSF-certified to reduce hard water levels along with harmful contaminants including lead, chlorine, sediment, calcium, magnesium & iron
PERFECT FOR URBAN AND RURAL AREAS: This whole home softening/filtration system hybrid is designed to be used with both city and private well water sources. Water Connections – Standard 1" NPT male pipe thread
EASY SETUP & MAINTENANCE: Intuitive programming controls, low salt indicator light and compact single tank design provide an easy softening solution
Softener Type: Salt-Based
Grain Capacity: 31,000
Hardness Removal Level: 100 grains per gallon
Iron Removal: 3 ppm
Dimensions: 16.5 x 19.75 x 48 inches
The EcoPure Hybrid Softening and Filtration System is the perfect solution for small spaces, as it combines both functions into one compact system. Not only that, but you can rest assured knowing that our product is NSF-certified, meaning it is reliable and safe to use.
With the power to soft 31000 grains, the unit is designed for families with 1-6+ people.
It filters sediment from your home’s water supply, removing lead, chlorine, sediment, calcium, magnesium, and other organic matter so you can enjoy great tasting soft water straight from your tap.
The low salt indicator feature simplifies the experience of using a water softener by monitoring how much salt is in the tank and alerting you with an indicator light when it’s time to refill your reservoir.
This all-in-one solution is designed to remove contaminants both from city and private well water sources for total home filtration.
Pros
Autosense technology to save salt and water
2-in-1 (Water softener + filtration system)
Space-saving design
NSF Certified
Cons
Fragile plastic made parts
Compact Water Softeners – FAQs
How much salt does a compact water softener use?
An average compact water softener with a 16,000-grain capacity requires between 15-18 lbs of salt per regeneration cycle, which typically occurs every two weeks. To determine the exact amount of salt a compact water softener consumes, you should consider the daily household use and the hardness level of your well or municipal tap – both can affect the overall amount of salt needed.
Is a compact water softener with 16,000-grain capacity enough for a family of four?
A compact water softener with a 16,000-grain capacity is generally sufficient for a family of four. However, the actual capacity required may vary depending on the water usage and the water hardness level in your area. To determine the exact water softening capacity required for your household, you can consider the following factors:
Water usage: The average water usage per person in a household is about 80-100 gallons per day. For a family of four, the total water usage would be about 320-400 gallons per day.
Water hardness: Water hardness is usually measured in grains per gallon (GPG). You can check the water hardness level in your area by contacting your local water utility or by purchasing a water hardness test kit.
Based on these factors, you can calculate the exact water-softening capacity required for your household. For example, if four people use 320 (80 x 4 = 320) gallons per day and the water hardness level is 10 GPG. A water softener with a 16,000-grain capacity will be able to provide soft water for up to 5 days before regeneration (16,000 ÷ 10 = 1600 gallons of softened water divided by daily water usage: 1600 ÷ 320 = 5 days).
What can I use instead of a water softener?
While a traditional water softener may be the most effective way to soften hard water, there are several other methods that can be used for the same purpose.
Here is a list of some popular and effective water softener alternatives:
Water Descalers
Magnetic descalers are an increasingly popular option as they reduce the mineral deposits found in hard water without using any chemicals or salts. These devices attach to your plumbing and use powerful magnets to create an electromagnetic field that breaks up the calcium molecules found in hard water, which helps prevent scale buildup.
Salt-free Filtration
Salt-free filtration systems use advanced technologies like catalytic media conversion and ion exchange to soften hard water without introducing additional sodium into your home’s drinking supply.
Electronic Water Conditioners
Electronic water conditioners are an excellent alternative to traditional water softeners. These devices use a direct current of electricity that passes through the water in your home and changes the mineral properties of the hard water. By altering the molecular structure, these electronic conditioners eliminate limescale buildups and reduce scale buildup on fixtures and appliances.
The benefit of using an electronic water conditioner rather than a traditional salt-based softener is its ease of installation and maintenance. With no tanks or salt refills needed, these systems are quick to set up and require very little upkeep beyond regular descaling as needed.
What is the typical lifespan of a water softener?
On average, a water softener can last for about 10-15 years with proper maintenance. The lifespan of a water softener can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the quality of the unit, the type of water, maintenance, and the environment. However, some units may last longer or shorter depending on the above-mentioned factors.To ensure that your water softener has a long lifespan, it is important to perform regular maintenance such as replacing the resin beads and cleaning the unit as per the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also advisable to use high-quality water treatment salt and to avoid overloading the unit beyond its capacity.
What size water softener for a family of 4?
If you have a family of 4 and need a water softener, consider a system with a capacity of at least 32,000 grains. This size is ideal for households that use an average amount of water. Investing in the right water softener will ensure soft and clean water for your family’s needs.
