Soften Your Bathtub Woes: The Top Water Softener Solutions

Hard water can be a real nuisance, especially in the bathroom. From leaving mineral deposits on your fixtures to damaging your hair and skin, it can make your once relaxing soak in the tub feel like a chore. But with the right water softener, you can have soft, mineral-free water for a luxurious bath time experience.

Types of Water Softeners for Bathtubs

There are two main types of water softeners for bathtubs: whole-house and point-of-use systems.

  • Whole-house systems: These systems treat all the water that enters your home, providing soft water for all uses, including your bathtub.
  • Point-of-use systems: These systems treat only the water that is used in a specific area, such as your bathtub. They are more affordable and easier to install, but they only provide soft water in the specific area they are installed in.

Whole House Water Softener Systems: The Ultimate Solution

For those who want to soften the water in their entire home, a whole house water softener system is the ultimate solution. These systems are designed to treat the water that enters your home, providing you with soft water from every tap. Here’s what you need to know about whole house water softener systems:

  • Installation: Whole house water softener systems require professional installation, as they need to be connected to your main water supply. The installation process can take a few hours, but it’s well worth the investment if you want to have soft water throughout your home.
  • Maintenance: Whole house water softener systems require regular maintenance, such as resin replacement and cleaning. However, the maintenance is relatively simple and can be done by the homeowner or by a professional.
  • Benefits: The benefits of having a whole house water softener system are numerous, including:
    • Soft water from every tap: You’ll have soft water from every tap in your home, including your bathtub, kitchen sink, and shower. This means that you’ll enjoy the benefits of soft water in every room in your home.
    • Improved water quality: Whole house water softener systems remove hard water minerals and other impurities, improving the quality of the water in your home.
    • Long-term savings: By treating the water in your entire home, you’ll save money in the long run, as you’ll no longer have to replace appliances, fixtures, and other items damaged by hard water.
  • Product Recommendations: We’ve already written an article on our recommendations for the Best Whole Home Water Filter and Softener Combos, so we’ll link to that article here and also include a summary table of our recommendations below:
Best Overall
Aquasure Signature Series Water Purification Unit - Chlorine Reduction, Fiberglass Material, Multicolor, 4-6 Bathroom Homes, 64,000 Grain Hardness Rating, Digital Metered Control Head
Best for Well Water
Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System - Salt-Free Descaler, Carbon & KDF Home Water Filtration - Filters Sediment & 97% Of Chlorine - Water Softener Alternative - 1,000,000 Gl - EQ-1000-AST
Best for City Water
APEC Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-15 Whole House Water Filter & Salt Free Water Softener Systems for 3-6 Bathrooms
Best Budget Pick
Filtersmart Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener Combo, Filters Chlorine & Sediment Filtration for 1-3 Baths, 7 GPM, 1 Million Gallons
Best Salt & Electric Free
NuvoH2O Manor Duo Whole House Water Softener and Filtration System - Includes 1 Softening Cartridge and 1 Taste (Carbon Filter) Cartridge
Aquasure Signature Series Water Purification Unit - Chlorine Reduction, Fiberglass Material, Multicolor, 4-6 Bathroom Homes, 64,000 Grain Hardness Rating, Digital Metered Control Head
Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System - Salt-Free Descaler, Carbon & KDF Home Water Filtration - Filters Sediment & 97% Of Chlorine - Water Softener Alternative - 1,000,000 Gl - EQ-1000-AST
APEC Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-15 Whole House Water Filter & Salt Free Water Softener Systems for 3-6 Bathrooms
Filtersmart Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener Combo, Filters Chlorine & Sediment Filtration for 1-3 Baths, 7 GPM, 1 Million Gallons
NuvoH2O Manor Duo Whole House Water Softener and Filtration System - Includes 1 Softening Cartridge and 1 Taste (Carbon Filter) Cartridge
$1,699.99
$1,722.27
Price not available
Price not available
$1,304.99
-
Amazon Prime
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-
-
Best Overall
Aquasure Signature Series Water Purification Unit - Chlorine Reduction, Fiberglass Material, Multicolor, 4-6 Bathroom Homes, 64,000 Grain Hardness Rating, Digital Metered Control Head
Aquasure Signature Series Water Purification Unit - Chlorine Reduction, Fiberglass Material, Multicolor, 4-6 Bathroom Homes, 64,000 Grain Hardness Rating, Digital Metered Control Head
$1,699.99
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Best for Well Water
Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System - Salt-Free Descaler, Carbon & KDF Home Water Filtration - Filters Sediment & 97% Of Chlorine - Water Softener Alternative - 1,000,000 Gl - EQ-1000-AST
Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System - Salt-Free Descaler, Carbon & KDF Home Water Filtration - Filters Sediment & 97% Of Chlorine - Water Softener Alternative - 1,000,000 Gl - EQ-1000-AST
$1,722.27
Amazon Prime
Best for City Water
APEC Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-15 Whole House Water Filter & Salt Free Water Softener Systems for 3-6 Bathrooms
APEC Water Systems WH-SOLUTION-15 Whole House Water Filter & Salt Free Water Softener Systems for 3-6 Bathrooms
Price not available
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Best Budget Pick
Filtersmart Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener Combo, Filters Chlorine & Sediment Filtration for 1-3 Baths, 7 GPM, 1 Million Gallons
Filtersmart Whole House Water Filter System & Salt Free Water Softener Combo, Filters Chlorine & Sediment Filtration for 1-3 Baths, 7 GPM, 1 Million Gallons
Price not available
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Best Salt & Electric Free
NuvoH2O Manor Duo Whole House Water Softener and Filtration System - Includes 1 Softening Cartridge and 1 Taste (Carbon Filter) Cartridge
NuvoH2O Manor Duo Whole House Water Softener and Filtration System - Includes 1 Softening Cartridge and 1 Taste (Carbon Filter) Cartridge
$1,304.99
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In conclusion, a whole house water softener system is the ultimate solution for those who want to have soft water throughout their home. They require professional installation, but the benefits are numerous, and they provide you with soft water from every tap in your home. Consider one of the product recommendations above for a luxurious bath time experience, and improved water quality throughout your home.

Point-of-Use Water Softener Systems: A Closer Look

Point-of-use water softener systems are an excellent option for those who are looking for a simple and affordable solution to soften the water in their bathtub. These systems are designed to treat the water in a specific area, making them ideal for those who only want soft water for bathing. Here’s what you need to know about point-of-use systems, including product recommendations:

  • Installation: Point-of-use systems are relatively easy to install, as they don’t require any major plumbing work. Most systems can be installed under your sink or near your bathtub, and they can be connected to your existing water supply.
  • Maintenance: Point-of-use systems are low-maintenance, as they don’t require frequent resin replacement or cleaning. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and your system should provide you with soft water for years to come.
  • Product Recommendations: We’ve written an article on the Best Shower Head Water Softener Filters, and some of these may work for your particular bathtub configuration so we’ll link to that article here and also include a summary of those recommended products below:
Best Value & Best Seller
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter - Reduces Dry Itchy Skin, Dandruff, Eczema, and Dramatically Improves The Condition of Your Skin, Hair and Nails - Chrome (SF100)
G-Promise Luxury Filtered Handheld Shower Head, 6 Spray Settings Shower Set with Effective Filter of 2 Cartridges, Adjustable Metal Bracket, Extra Long Stretchable Hose, Chrome (Chrome with Filter)
Aquasana Filtered Shower Head - Max Flow Rate w/ Adjustable Showerhead - Reduces Over 90% of Chlorine from Hard Water - Carbon & KDF Filtration Media - Soften Skin & Hair - AQ-4100
Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Showerhead with Massage, 10,000 Gallon, Chrome, 8.5"L x 4.75"W
Luxsego Filtered Shower Head with Handheld, High Pressure 3 Spray Modes Showerhead Set Built-in Calcium Sulfite, Water Softener Shower with Filter Beads for Hard Water Remove Chlorine and Improve Skin
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter - Reduces Dry Itchy Skin, Dandruff, Eczema, and Dramatically Improves The Condition of Your Skin, Hair and Nails - Chrome (SF100)
G-Promise Luxury Filtered Handheld Shower Head, 6 Spray Settings Shower Set with Effective Filter of 2 Cartridges, Adjustable Metal Bracket, Extra Long Stretchable Hose, Chrome (Chrome with Filter)
Aquasana Filtered Shower Head - Max Flow Rate w/ Adjustable Showerhead - Reduces Over 90% of Chlorine from Hard Water - Carbon & KDF Filtration Media - Soften Skin & Hair - AQ-4100
Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Showerhead with Massage, 10,000 Gallon, Chrome, 8.5"L x 4.75"W
Luxsego Filtered Shower Head with Handheld, High Pressure 3 Spray Modes Showerhead Set Built-in Calcium Sulfite, Water Softener Shower with Filter Beads for Hard Water Remove Chlorine and Improve Skin
$35.86
$54.79
$79.99
$54.86
$35.99
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Best Value & Best Seller
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter - Reduces Dry Itchy Skin, Dandruff, Eczema, and Dramatically Improves The Condition of Your Skin, Hair and Nails - Chrome (SF100)
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter - Reduces Dry Itchy Skin, Dandruff, Eczema, and Dramatically Improves The Condition of Your Skin, Hair and Nails - Chrome (SF100)
$35.86
Amazon Prime
G-Promise Luxury Filtered Handheld Shower Head, 6 Spray Settings Shower Set with Effective Filter of 2 Cartridges, Adjustable Metal Bracket, Extra Long Stretchable Hose, Chrome (Chrome with Filter)
G-Promise Luxury Filtered Handheld Shower Head, 6 Spray Settings Shower Set with Effective Filter of 2 Cartridges, Adjustable Metal Bracket, Extra Long Stretchable Hose, Chrome (Chrome with Filter)
$54.79
Amazon Prime
Aquasana Filtered Shower Head - Max Flow Rate w/ Adjustable Showerhead - Reduces Over 90% of Chlorine from Hard Water - Carbon & KDF Filtration Media - Soften Skin & Hair - AQ-4100
Aquasana Filtered Shower Head - Max Flow Rate w/ Adjustable Showerhead - Reduces Over 90% of Chlorine from Hard Water - Carbon & KDF Filtration Media - Soften Skin & Hair - AQ-4100
$79.99
Amazon Prime
Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Showerhead with Massage, 10,000 Gallon, Chrome, 8.5"L x 4.75"W
Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Showerhead with Massage, 10,000 Gallon, Chrome, 8.5"L x 4.75"W
$54.86
Amazon Prime
Luxsego Filtered Shower Head with Handheld, High Pressure 3 Spray Modes Showerhead Set Built-in Calcium Sulfite, Water Softener Shower with Filter Beads for Hard Water Remove Chlorine and Improve Skin
Luxsego Filtered Shower Head with Handheld, High Pressure 3 Spray Modes Showerhead Set Built-in Calcium Sulfite, Water Softener Shower with Filter Beads for Hard Water Remove Chlorine and Improve Skin
$35.99
Amazon Prime

In conclusion, point-of-use water softener systems are an excellent option for those who want to soften the water in their bathtub. They’re easy to install, low-maintenance, and provide excellent results. Consider one of the product recommendations above for a simple and affordable solution to your hard water problems.

Can Salts Be Added Directly to the Bathtub to Soften the Water?

Adding salts directly to your bathtub may seem like an easy and affordable solution to soften the water, but it’s not the best choice. Here’s why:

  • Ineffective: Adding salts to the bathtub only temporarily softens the water, as the salts will dissolve and become diluted quickly. This means that you’ll have to add more salts every time you take a bath, making it an inefficient and time-consuming process.
  • Harmful to skin and fixtures: Certain types of salts, such as Epsom salt, can be harsh on your skin and may cause dryness and irritation. Additionally, the minerals in the salts can leave residue on your fixtures, making them difficult to clean.
  • Messy: Salts can make a mess in your bathtub and around your bathroom, as they can scatter and spill easily. Cleaning up after a salt bath can be a hassle, and it’s not something you want to deal with every time you take a soak.

In conclusion, adding salts directly to your bathtub is not the best solution to soften the water. Investing in a proper water softener system is a more effective and convenient option that will provide you with soft, mineral-free water for a luxurious bath time experience.

Conclusion

Investing in a water softener for your bathtub can make a big difference in your daily routine. From improving the look and feel of your skin and hair, to preserving your fixtures and increasing the lifespan of your plumbing, a water softener is a worthwhile investment. Choose the best solution for you and get ready to enjoy a luxurious bath every time.