Best Water Softeners for Modern Homes: Why Choose SoftPro

Hard water sneaks up on a home until it’s impossible to ignore—dry, itchy skin; cloudy glassware; white crust on fixtures; a water heater that rumbles because it’s choking on scale. If you’re seeing a 20–30% increase in energy bills or replacing appliances years ahead of schedule, hard water is likely the culprit. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates most American homes have moderately hard to very hard water, and when hardness climbs past 10 grains per gallon (GPG), the damage accelerates: buy water softener soap won’t lather, laundry turns stiff, and scale builds on everything water touches.

The Kirkmans learned this the expensive way. They’re a blended family of five in Rancho Cucamonga, California—known for stubborn hardness. Alex (38, firefighter) and Dana (36, pharmacist) bought their forever home last year. Their city water tested at 18 GPG, and they noticed chalky residue on shower doors within days. A clogged dishwasher pump cost $240; a tank-style water heater estimate came in at $1,600 to replace if scaling kept up. They tried a big-box “30,000 grain” softener, but it regenerated at the wrong times, ran out of soft water by Saturday afternoons, and chewed through salt.

That’s where my family comes in. I’m Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips. I founded Quality Water Treatment in 1990 after seeing neighbors get sold oversized, underperforming systems with expensive service contracts. We created SoftPro to change how this industry treats people—reliable engineering, honest guidance, and lifetime support. My son Jeremy leads our consultative sales process, matching systems to real water analysis. My daughter Heather handles operations and writes the DIY install guides that make homeowners say, “I didn’t know a softener could be this straightforward.”

Below, I’ll walk you through the best water softeners for modern homes—our SoftPro ECO, SoftPro Elite, and our Smart Home+ control option—organized into 10 decisive reasons. I’ll also highlight when pairing a SoftPro softener with filtration makes sense, especially for city water (chlorine, chloramine, fluoride) and well water (iron, hydrogen sulfide). If you’re looking for the most efficient way to protect your home, this list is your blueprint.

1. SoftPro Elite Upflow Regeneration – 75% Salt Savings and 64% Water Reduction for Cost-Conscious Homeowners

When I started designing the SoftPro Elite, I wanted to fix the waste I saw in traditional downflow systems. Downflow pushes brine across the entire resin bed from top to bottom—simple, but inefficient. You end up over-cleaning the resin and rinsing excess brine down the drain. The SoftPro Elite’s upflow regeneration reverses that. Brine enters from the bottom and moves upward, targeting only the exhausted portion of the resin. That focus is the secret behind up to 75% salt savings and 64% water savings compared to old-school designs.

Technical advantage: Upflow regeneration, paired with demand-initiated metering, means the system only regenerates when needed and only uses the brine required. On a typical 48,000 grain (48K) Elite unit, families often cut salt from 6–8 bags per month down to 2–3, depending on hardness and usage. Smarter reserve: The Elite uses a 15% reserve capacity—half of what many conventional brands require—so you don’t carry an oversized safety stock or waste salt. If you’ve been burned by units that regenerate too soon or too late, this is a breath of fresh air. Real-world results: The Kirkmans saw their salt consumption drop by more than half overnight. Their Elite 48K unit handles 18 GPG at roughly 12–14 gallons per minute peak household demand, replenishing resin only as needed and avoiding salt dump cycles.

As a water guy who has installed every type of valve under the sun, I can tell you upflow isn’t a gimmick—it’s the most efficient way to regenerate an ion exchange softener. That’s why we built it into our flagship model.

Highlights

75% salt savings with upflow regeneration 64% water savings with targeted brining and efficient rinse 15% reserve capacity that avoids waste Demand-initiated metering: regenerates only when needed

2. SoftPro ECO Value – Professional-Grade Performance at Budget-Friendly Prices for First-Time Softener Buyers

Not everyone needs a flagship. If you’re on city water, new to softening, or watching your budget, the SoftPro ECO is the best value entry-level system I know how to build. It’s engineered with the same professional DNA as our Elite—NSF 372 lead-free components, 8% crosslink resin, demand-initiated metered control—without the premium upflow valve.

Who it’s for: City water customers who want a reliable, efficient softener at the lowest price point. First-time buyers who don’t want a “starter” unit that quits in five years. Owners who prefer simple operation and a smaller salt footprint than traditional timers. Efficiency: The ECO improves salt efficiency by about 10% over old downflow timers thanks to its metered control. The unit measures actual water use, avoids needless midnight regenerations, and has a 48-hour capacitor backup so programming stays put during power blips. Durability: With 8% crosslink resin, the ECO is built for 15–20 years of life under normal municipal conditions. You get a lifetime warranty on the tank and valve, the same as our Elite—because we don’t play the “short warranty on budget models” game.

For the Kirkmans’ neighbors—new parents on a tight budget—Jeremy recommended the SoftPro ECO 32K. Their 12 GPG city water and smaller household fit the ECO perfectly. It delivered the soft water they needed without the cost of an upflow valve.

Highlights

Best-in-class entry-level softener Metered regeneration saves salt vs. timer units Lifetime warranty on tank and valve 10% better salt efficiency than traditional softeners

3. Emergency 15-Minute Quick Regeneration – How SoftPro Prevents Running Out of Soft Water During Peak Usage

Weekend chaos happens. Houseguests arrive, laundry piles up, the dishwasher runs twice a day, and suddenly your softener hits its reserve faster than expected. With lesser systems, you’re stuck with hard water until a full cycle completes. The SoftPro Elite has a built-in solution: an emergency 15-minute quick regeneration.

What it does: The Elite can trigger a rapid mini-regeneration to recharge enough resin capacity to get you through peak demand. It doesn’t waste a full brine cycle or dump excessive salt; it gives you just enough to finish the rush, then returns to its normal schedule. Why it matters: This is the difference between a comfortable weekend and hard water invading every faucet. It’s also the difference between preserving your resin bed and overworking it when demand spikes. The Kirkman test: When Alex’s parents visited for four days, the Elite’s quick regen kicked in twice. They never ran out of soft water, and the system recovered without blowing through salt.

As a softener designer, I like features that solve problems in the real world. Emergency quick regen is one of those unglamorous features that makes daily life smoother—and protects your investment.

Highlights

15-minute emergency regen during peak demand Prevents hard water bleed-through Preserves salt and water by avoiding unnecessary full cycles

4. 15% Reserve Capacity – Why SoftPro Elite Needs Less Reserve Than Culligan’s 30%+ Requirements

Reserve capacity is your safety net—the fraction of resin you “hold back” so you don’t run out before the next regeneration. Many dealer-installed systems (including several Culligan configurations) default to 30% or more. That’s conservative, but it’s also wasteful. You carry a big reserve you seldom touch, forcing more frequent regenerations and higher salt use.

SoftPro Elite’s 15% reserve: We engineered the Elite to manage its reserve intelligently with metered usage and upflow efficiency, safely cutting reserve in half. The result is fewer regenerations and lower salt without risking hard water breakthrough. The savings stack: Lower reserve + upflow brining + demand metering = significant operating savings over the life of the unit. It’s one of the quiet reasons people tell us their salt costs dropped by hundreds per year. Practical example: A 48K Elite with 15% reserve keeps a lean buffer that refills only when necessary. If daily usage swings, the controller adjusts, learning your patterns rather than forcing you into wasteful schedules.

I’ve reviewed countless service logs from households switching off higher-reserve dealer units. Moving to a properly sized Elite with 15% reserve is often all it takes to put salt and water costs back under control.

Highlights

15% reserve vs. typical 30%+ reserves elsewhere Fewer regenerations, lower salt and water usage Intelligent metering adapts to your household patterns

5. $1,200 Annual Savings – Reducing Salt, Water, Soap, and Energy Costs with High-Efficiency Upflow Technology

Soft water is more than a comfort upgrade—it’s a home economics upgrade. Over 30+ years, I’ve watched two budgets side by side: homes with efficient softeners, and homes without. The differences are measurable.

Salt and water: With up to 75% less salt and 64% less water used in regeneration, many families save $200–$350/year right there. Detergents and soaps: Soft water can cut soap, shampoo, and detergent use by 30–50% because you get a real lather and complete rinse. That’s often another $150–$300 saved annually. Energy: Scale on heating elements drives energy costs up 10–20%. Maintaining scale-free lines and water heaters—especially tankless—can save $150–$300 per year. Your heater also lasts longer. Appliance life and maintenance: Fewer plumber calls to replace clogged dishwasher pumps, fewer leaky faucet cartridges, less money wasted on “spot-free” dishwasher additives. Conservatively, that’s $200–$300 in avoided costs annually.

Add it up, and many households see close to $1,200 per year in combined savings and avoided costs with an efficient upflow softener like the SoftPro Elite. It’s not marketing hyperbole; it’s how scale economics works in modern homes.

Highlights

Save on salt, water, soaps, detergents, and energy Protect high-value appliances (water heater, dishwasher, washer) Realistic annual savings approaching $1,200 in many homes

6. Lifetime Warranty Coverage – Tanks and Valves Protected Forever with Transferable Family-Backed Guarantee

When I stamped the SoftPro name on our systems, I put my family’s reputation on the line. That’s why the SoftPro ECO and SoftPro Elite carry a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves. Not five years. Not “limited with fine print gotchas.” Lifetime.

NSF 372 lead-free components: You start with certified, safe materials. We source professional-grade valves and tanks that can tolerate the pressure swings and temperature shifts of real homes. 8% crosslink resin rated for 15–20 years: Resin is the heart of a softener. Ours is engineered for longevity under typical city water. On well water with iron, we’ll advise pre-treatment to protect the bed—our team will walk you through it. Real support from real people: If you ever need us, you get my team—Jeremy in sales support, Heather in operations, and our technicians who’ve seen every installation scenario. We don’t hide behind dealers or service contracts. You call us; we answer.

A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. We’ve been doing exactly that since 1990, and we plan to keep your system running for decades.

Highlights

Lifetime warranty on tanks and valves Family-backed service and support Built with NSF 372 components and long-life resin

7. Appliance Protection Value – Extending Water Heater, Dishwasher, and Washing Machine Lifespan by 2–5X

Scale is corrosive to anything that heats or moves water. A one-eighth inch of scale on a heating element can waste 20% more energy. It also eats tank anodes and clogs mixing valves. By removing hardness, SoftPro softeners reduce scale formation to near-zero in conditioned lines, extending appliance life significantly.

Water heaters: Tankless manufacturers often require soft water above certain hardness levels to maintain warranty. Tank heaters benefit just as much—no scale blankets, better heat transfer, fewer flushes. Dishwashers: Soft water prevents the nozzle clogs and pump failures that plague kitchens in hard-water regions. You’ll also retire rinse aids because glasses come out spotless. Laundry: Soft water restores fabric softness without heavy fabric softeners, which means less mechanical stress on washers and a cleaner drain path.

For the Kirkmans, the biggest relief was the water heater. The rumble vanished after their Elite ran for a month, dissolving existing scale in manageable, safe increments downstream. They postponed that $1,600 replacement indefinitely.

Highlights

Scale prevention protects and extends appliance life Fewer service calls and replacement parts Better performance from day one

8. Spa-Like Water Quality – Softer Skin, Shinier Hair, and Spotless Dishes Throughout Your Home

It’s easy to talk about numbers and warranties. But the reason most families tell me they’ll never go back to hard water is the feel. Soap actually rinses off. Skin doesn’t itch after a shower. Hair lays flat and shines. Towels feel soft again without fabric softeners that gunk up fibers.

Measured change: At 18 GPG like the Kirkmans, water hardness drops to near 0–1 GPG after the Elite. That’s the difference between soap scum and a clean rinse. Everyday wins: Minimal squeegeeing, no white crust on showerheads, and glassware that sparkles. The time saved wiping mineral deposits is real. Less product, better results: Shampoos and surfactants are meant for soft water. You’ll use about half the amount and get a richer lather that rinses faster.

Soft water improves life quietly every day. That’s what keeps my family passionate about doing this work the right way.

Highlights

Noticeably softer skin and hair Spot-free dishes and cleaner fixtures Less soap, quicker rinsing, better lather

9. Complete City Water Solutions – Pairing SoftPro Elite Softeners with Fluoride and Carbon Filters

Hard water isn’t the only city water challenge. Municipal systems add chlorine or chloramine for disinfection and often fluoridate. If you want softer water and cleaner taste throughout the home, consider a complete solution.

The SoftPro Elite softener is commonly purchased with the Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter for city water customers concerned about municipal additives and chemicals. This pairing tackles hardness at the softener while the dedicated filter removes 94–97% of fluoride along with chlorine, chloramine, and VOCs. You’ll taste and feel the difference at every tap.

Integrated install: The filter goes first, then the Elite, so the softener resin doesn’t see chlorine/chloramine that can degrade resin over time. This sequencing extends resin life and keeps flow rates strong—15 GPM on the Elite means multi-bath homes run smoothly. The Jeremy touch: Jeremy Phillips reports this is our most popular city configuration for families who want an all-in-one solution. He’ll size the filter and softener to your flow demand and hardness so you don’t experience pressure drop. DIY-friendly: Heather’s install guides show shared bypass setups, labeling, and startup steps. Most handy homeowners complete the entire system in a weekend.

Bundle and save when you purchase together. You’ll get soft water, better taste, and cleaner bathing—all without the cost or hassle of dealer contracts.

Highlights

SoftPro Elite + Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter for city water Protects resin from chlorinated water and improves taste Bundle and save when you purchase together

10. Complete Well Water Solutions – Combining SoftPro Elite Softeners with Iron Filtration

Well water homeowners fight a two-front war: hardness and iron. A softener alone can manage low iron (up to 2–3 ppm with the Elite), but it’s not the right tool for heavy iron. You’ll foul the resin and shorten its life. The proper solution is a dedicated iron filter first, then the softener.

The SoftPro Elite softener is commonly sold with the AIO Iron Master filter for well water customers dealing with both hardness and iron contamination. The Iron Master uses air injection oxidation to convert dissolved iron into filterable solids—no chemicals—handling 15–20 ppm iron in many wells. The Elite then softens the water efficiently without iron beating up the resin.

Sequencing and sizing: We configure the AIO to your iron level and flow rate, then size the Elite’s grain capacity accordingly. Common pairs are an AIO 1.0–1.5 cu ft with an Elite 48K–64K depending on family size and hardness. Hydrogen sulfide option: If you’ve got rotten egg odor, the KDF Filter can supplement iron and H2S reduction. Well water owners often combine the SoftPro Elite with the KDF Filter for additional iron and hydrogen sulfide removal alongside softening. Bundle and save on this effective well water treatment package. Maintenance and longevity: A properly sequenced AIO + Elite combo keeps resin clean, valves happy, and drains clear.

Bundle and save when you purchase together. The complete well water package safeguards your plumbing, eliminates rust stains, and delivers luxurious soft water throughout your home.

Highlights

AIO Iron Master + SoftPro Elite for iron and hardness KDF option for iron plus hydrogen sulfide Bundle and save when you purchase together

11. Professional-Grade Flow and Capacities – 15 GPM, 32K–110K Grain Options, and Real-World Sizing That Works

One reason big-box softeners struggle is capacity claims that don’t hold under real flow. We size SoftPro systems by the numbers that matter: hardness GPG, number of occupants, and peak-flow demand.

Flow performance: The SoftPro Elite maintains up to a 15 GPM service flow—enough to handle simultaneous showers, laundry, and dishwashing in most American homes without pressure complaints. Capacity options: 32K, 40K, 48K, 64K, 80K, up to 110K grains for large or high-hardness homes. For 18 GPG and five people, an Elite 48K–64K is typical. For 25+ GPG or seven-plus people, move to 80K–110K to maintain long resin life and fewer regenerations. Reserve logic: Remember that 15% reserve—right-sized capacity means you’re not regenerating every other day or storing a mountain of salt.

Call Jeremy with your hardness, iron (if any), and household size; he’ll translate GPG into a properly sized system in minutes. That’s our family’s promise: honest sizing, not upsizing.

Highlights

15 GPM flow keeps pressure steady 32K–110K grain capacities cover small condos to large estates Right-sizing avoids wasted salt and short-cycling

12. DIY Simplicity with Pro-Grade Hardware – Pre-Installed Bypass, Quick-Connects, and Heather’s Step-by-Step Guides

Nothing frustrates me more than seeing homeowners pay premium installation fees for systems designed to be dealer-dependent. We build SoftPro for DIY or local plumber installs without headaches.

Pre-installed bypass valve and quick-connect fittings: You won’t spend hours hunting specialty parts. Connections are straightforward, and labeling is clear. 48-hour self-charging capacitor: Power outage? Your programming is safe. When power returns, the controller remembers where it left off. Heather’s guides: My daughter Heather produces the installation and startup manuals—color photos, diagrams, and callouts that demystify each step. Customers routinely say this was the first “stress-free” home system they’ve installed.

If you prefer a pro install, any competent plumber can handle it in an afternoon because we’ve removed the guesswork. Either way, you’re not locked into an expensive service arrangement.

Highlights

Pre-installed bypass and quick-connects Clear manuals and videos for DIY confidence Self-charging capacitor protects settings

Competitor Comparison: SoftPro Elite vs. Culligan – Upflow Efficiency and Ownership Freedom That Pay for Themselves

Culligan is the name many homeowners know because of national advertising and dealer networks. Their systems soften water, no question—but the ownership model and efficiency profile often cost families more over time. A typical Culligan setup is sold through a dealer, bundled with monthly service plans, and configured water softener system maintenance with higher reserve capacity. While those service visits feel reassuring, they lock you into recurring fees, proprietary parts, and limited control over your own system.

SoftPro flips that script. The Elite’s upflow regeneration saves up to 75% on salt and 64% on water compared to traditional downflow systems common in dealer lines. Our 15% reserve target reduces unnecessary regenerations and keeps operating costs tight. We offer lifetime tank and valve warranties without requiring you to sign service contracts. Instead of a dealer gatekeeping support, you get my family—Jeremy for sizing and performance questions, Heather’s installation guides and operations expertise, and technicians who speak plainly about maintenance you can do yourself.

Over 10 years, the difference is stark. Salt savings, fewer gallons wasted, no monthly dealer fees, and longer appliance life add up. If you value independence, proven engineering, and lifetime support that doesn’t come with a monthly invoice, the SoftPro Elite is worth every single penny.

Competitor Comparison: SoftPro Elite vs. Fleck 5600SXT – Modern Upflow Control vs. Traditional Downflow Simplicity

The Fleck 5600SXT is a workhorse valve that’s been around forever. It’s reliable, widely available, and familiar to many installers. But it’s a traditional downflow platform, and that matters if your goal is minimum salt and water use. Downflow cleans the entire resin bed with each regeneration, even if only a portion is exhausted. That means more salt, more water, and more frequent cycles—especially when paired with large reserve settings.

SoftPro Elite uses a modern upflow valve, demand metering, and precise brining to target only the exhausted resin. Households upgrading from a 5600SXT typically report immediate reductions in salt consumption and extended time between regenerations, especially at moderate-to-high hardness (15–25 GPG). Add the Elite’s emergency 15-minute quick regen and 15 GPM service flow, and daily life improves—no pressure dips, no running out of soft water during a busy weekend.

Fleck is solid equipment, but the 5600SXT’s downflow approach belongs to another era of water softening. If efficiency and long-term operating cost are priorities—and for most families they are—SoftPro’s upflow design, lifetime warranty, and family support structure are worth every single penny.

Competitor Comparison: SoftPro Elite vs. Kinetico – Efficient Performance Without Dealer Dependencies

Kinetico built a following on non-electric, twin-tank designs that regenerate with soft water. It’s clever engineering and delivers continuous soft water. The catch is price and dealer dependence. Their systems often come with premium price tags, proprietary parts, and service structures that keep you tied to a local franchise for support. While performance is solid, the total cost of ownership can be high.

SoftPro Elite takes a different path: electrically controlled upflow regeneration that maximizes salt and water savings without proprietary lock-in. The Elite’s 15% reserve, emergency quick regen, and lifetime warranty provide all-day reliability with parts and support that don’t require a franchise visit. For most households, a single-tank Elite with proper sizing covers all peak demand without complexity, and if you ever need us, you deal directly with the Phillips family—not a dealer hierarchy.

When you weigh initial purchase, salt and water efficiency, warranty, and long-term independence, the Elite gives modern homes everything they need to beat hard water—without the premium dealer strings attached. For homeowners who want top-tier efficiency and ownership freedom, SoftPro is worth every single penny.

FAQ: Water Softener Systems and SoftPro Answers

1) Which SoftPro softener (ECO or Elite) is right for my home?

Choose ECO if you want the best-value, professional-grade entry system for city water and moderate demand. Choose Elite if you want maximum efficiency (up to 75% salt savings), 15% reserve, emergency quick regen, 15 GPM flow, and the flexibility to handle up to 3 ppm iron.

2) How does upflow regeneration save 75% on salt compared to traditional softeners?

Upflow targets only the exhausted portion of resin from the bottom up, reducing brine use and shortening rinse times. Paired with demand metering, it eliminates unnecessary regenerations—cutting salt and water waste dramatically.

3) What grain capacity do I need for my family size and hardness level?

As a quick rule: 32K for small households and <10 GPG, 40–48K for 10–20 GPG and 3–5 people, 64K+ for 20–30 GPG or larger homes. Call Jeremy with your GPG and headcount; he’ll size it precisely and account for peak flow.

4) Can I install SoftPro softeners myself with DIY instructions?

Yes. Heather’s guides and our quick-connect hardware make DIY installs straightforward. Many homeowners complete the job in half a day. Plumbers appreciate the clean layout and pre-installed bypass valve.

5) What’s the difference between SoftPro Elite and Culligan softeners?

Elite uses upflow regeneration, 15% reserve, and demand metering for industry-leading efficiency—without locking you into dealer service contracts. We provide lifetime tank and valve warranties and direct family support.

6) How often water softener system installation will my SoftPro softener regenerate?

It depends on hardness and water use. With demand metering, most families see regeneration every 5–9 days on properly sized units. The controller adapts as your usage changes.

7) Does SoftPro Elite handle iron or do I need a separate filter?

The Elite handles up to about 3 ppm iron. For higher iron (5–20 ppm), pair an AIO Iron Master first, then the Elite. This prevents resin fouling and keeps performance high.

8) What warranty coverage comes with SoftPro softeners?

Lifetime warranty on tanks and valves across ECO and Elite models. We use NSF 372 lead-free components and 8% crosslink resin designed for 15–20 years of service under typical conditions.

9) Should I pair my softener with a filter for complete water treatment?

City water: Consider the Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter or the Catalytic Carbon Filter to reduce fluoride, chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and PFAS. The SoftPro Elite is commonly purchased with these filters. Bundle and save when you purchase together. Well water: Pair with the AIO Iron Master or KDF Filter for iron and hydrogen sulfide. Bundle and save when you purchase together.

10) What’s the total cost of ownership for SoftPro vs. competitors over 10 years?

With upflow efficiency, lower reserve, no dealer contracts, and lifetime warranties, SoftPro ownership typically saves hundreds per year in salt, water, and service—often several thousand dollars over a decade, plus appliance life extensions.

11) Do SoftPro systems work on both city and well water?

Yes. ECO and Elite handle city and well water. For well water with significant iron, we’ll integrate an iron filter first. For city water with chlorine/chloramine/fluoride, we’ll recommend a whole-home filter ahead of the softener.

12) Will a softener increase my water bill?

Efficient demand-initiated systems like the Elite minimize regeneration water. Most households see negligible increases that are offset many times over by savings in salt, soaps, and energy.

Conclusion: The SoftPro Difference—Family Values, Proven Engineering, and a Home That Feels Brand New

Hard water punishes homes quietly—until the damages pile up. The right softener reverses that arc. With SoftPro, you’re getting more than a machine; you’re getting a system engineered from 30+ years of field lessons and a family determined to do business the right way. The SoftPro ECO gives first-time buyers an honest, professional-grade start. The SoftPro Elite delivers the high-efficiency upflow performance and 15% reserve logic that cut operating costs to the bone while protecting your entire plumbing system. Add in the Smart Home+ control convenience, and you have a lineup made for modern homes.

If your water is city-treated, the Elite is commonly purchased with whole-home filtration for fluoride, chlorine, and chloramine. If you’re on a well, the Elite is commonly sold with AIO iron filtration for a comprehensive solution. In both cases, bundle and save when you purchase together. And through it all, you get my family—Jeremy guiding you to the perfect configuration, Heather making installation simple, and our team ready when you call.

From softer skin and shinier hair to longer-lasting appliances and lower utility bills, SoftPro transforms the way your home uses water. That’s been our mission since 1990: transforming water for the betterment of humanity, one home at a time. Choose SoftPro, and make hard water problems a thing of the past.