We have "very hard water" but didn't want to add the salt into our water that a softening system had, so we ordered this "descaling system" and although not perfect, it is working well enough to be noticeable (especially on glasses washed in the dishwasher). https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B085ZZM4SG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have been searching for water softener for over a month now! I am an electrical engineer/ computer programmer who has built three bathrooms right from installing well pump, to drain pipes to the septic tank and everything in between 100%. Location Catskill New York 1) Culligan came and gave me a $4000 quote testing the water at 17 grain 2) local company at 2500 and I'm still waiting for more local quotes 3) YouTube is dominated by online water companies with water in their names like quality water, discount water etc. Most seem to build their systems with fleck 5600. (Discount water has genesis) They also bombard you with Facebook and Google ads. I'm still taking a look at the quotes they sent me 4) Big box store website and Amazon is full of rave reviews for Whirlpool, rheem, Kenmore etc of $600 range., With people claiming that they last up to 20 years. All plumbers, local water stores and online water stores have one common enemy: The Big box store product. They claim these things last only one year or two contrary to the reviews. 5)rheem at home Depot has the most impressive technology on paper. Compact size, Wi-Fi flow meter and remote emergency shut off(if you buy that stand alone it's $300!!) Most new systems are metered, but mechanical. I like the electronic systems because the firmware update in future will make it better. 6) since my aim is just to stop my on demand water heater, shower head and washing machine from clogging I already bought the following highly rated products 1) yarna Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085ZZM4SG/ 2) 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Scale Inhibition Inline Water System AP430SS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NKETXQ/
7) I also got a free old Culligan 2012 system from Facebook marketplace as a backup if the descaling doesn't work. A company sells adapters so that you can replace the proprietary Culligan control valve with fleck etc.
This is where I'm at. I haven't installed or tested anything because it's a brand new house under construction. Before I move forward I would love to hear your opinion. Thanks