Pros:
I noticed after a couple of days that the water softened, and unlike other softeners I have had, the effect is consistent over time.
The tank holds five 40lb bags of salt and seems to be consuming about a bag a week on the initial setting of 25, but my wife and I are the only permanent residents.
FYI, do NOT use soft water in your pool. It will cause calcium deposits to form (looks like acne), and they are difficult and expensive to remove. I have a trick that costs less than $75 and 8 hours or so of your time to remove them. Pneumatic grinder.
I think all of these systems are overpriced for what they are, but this system is inexpensive compared to others.
There isn't much I can't do with the correct tools and supplies so installation was a breeze. Whatever piping you connect to the inlet/outlet must be perfectly level (applies even pressure to 0-rings in the inlet/outlet. If not, it puts too much stress on the o-ring inside the snap in portion of the inlet/outlet and could result in leaks. You must push firmly to cause those connections to "snap" into place. Tighten the threaded end of the inlet/outlet firmly, but do not overtighten. A trick I use for PVC is to tighten it as firmly by hand as you can. Hook everything up. If it leaks at the threads, turn off the water supply and tighten it a half turn or so. Turn the water on and observe the connection for additional leaks. If there are still leaks, repeat the process. In this way, you stop the leak but avoid breaking the threaded connection from over tightening. Always install a ball cock valve between the soft water system and your sidement filter along with one before your sediment filter so you can easily service your sediment filter which I highly recommend.
Other:
I recommend the "pro" version of the soft water system to avoid having to install a whole home filter at least for a while. I have another brand's RO system under our sink that connects to our ice maker, but at some point, I will add the whole home filter. If you add a paper filter to your whole home that you can see through the mount and look at it after a week of operation, you will understand why. A softener is not a filter (unless you buy the "pro" that also filters), and a sediment filter only removes sediment. So the pro is not as good as a number of the whole home filteration systems.
Our MUD (municiple utility district) publishes annual water quality reports. They are great to use as a general guide for how much softening and filtering you need. You will probably have to do some conversion calculations.
Here is some helpful information:
The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). One grain is equivalent to 17.1 milligrams of calcium or magnesium dissolved in one liter of water. For example, one aspirin is equal to 5 grains, and when dissolved into a gallon of water, the unit of measure would be reported as 5 grains per gallon. Your municipal water supply may measure water hardness in mg/L or ppm. 1 gpg = 17.1 mg/L or 17.1 ppm. Soft water is less than 1 gpg, whereas hard water is anything above 7gpg.
See Whirlpool's website
Classification Range of hardness (ppm)
Soft 0 - 60
Moderately Hard 61 - 120
Hard 121 - 180
Like a coffin nail - anything over 180
See-https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/wq/wq-5.html
You will know the system is working if your soap suddenly produces a lot more suds, your skin feels smooth after a shower, and your hair doesn't seem to need conditioner any longer. Note: your appliances that use soap will also experience more suds. You don't need as much soap to clean, well, anything.
If you install it outside (which Whirlpool says you can if you protect it from direct sunlight), I recommend a cover. There is one sold on Amazon that fits perfectly, but it is not insullated. Those of you in cold weather climantes will at least need to find better protection for the inlet/outlet to avoid damage from freezing.
Con: it is not a smart system. I would at least like the ability to monitor the salt in the tank and change other settings if possible.
| Brand | Whirlpool |
|---|---|
| Color | Gray |
| Product Dimensions | 19"L x 18"W x 48"H |
| Material | Plastic |
| Included Components | Softener system, bypass valve, installation kit, instruction manual |
| Purification Method | Sedimentation |
| Item Weight | 112 Pounds |
| Model Name | WHESFC |
| Manufacturer | Water Channel Partners |
| Part Number | WHESFC |
| Item Weight | 112 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 19 x 18 x 48 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | WHESFC |
| Size | 1 Count (Pack of 1) |
| Style | Filter |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Batteries Required? | No |
