Ask yourself three questions. First, how hard is your water? Get a cheap test strip from Amazon. If it’s over 8 grains, go salt-based. Under 8? Salt-free might work.
Aquasure Water Softener System Whole House Digital, 1-2 Bathrooms
Second, what’s your budget? A good salt-based system costs $400–$700, plus installation. A salt-free system is similar, but you might not need a plumber. And portable ones? Under $100. Pick your pain point.
Third, are you lazy or hands-on? If you never want to think about it again, spring for a high-end automatic model like the Fleck 5600SXT. If you like tinkering, a basic manual model will save you cash.
