In our opinion, the SpringWell SS Salt-Based Water Softener System is one of the most dependable and capable ion exchange water softeners currently on the market.
Table of Contents
🧾 Overview
The Springwell Salt-Based Softener is a traditional salt-based water softener that uses the conventional ion exchange method to remove hard minerals, eliminating limescale and removing existing scale in pipes and fixtures.
There are three salt-based water softeners included in the SS series:
- The 11 GPM SS1, for homes with 1-3 bathrooms
- The 13 GPM SS4, for homes with 4-6 bathrooms
- The 20 GPM SS+, for commercial use
There’s no difference in the quality of softening or scale removal between these water softeners – all three offer an equally high-quality performance, and all three are made from certified, durable components. The only difference is size and flow rate. Choose based on your water usage (drinking water and appliance usage) and family size.
You’re protected by an impressive limited lifetime warranty and a 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee when you buy the Springwell Salt-Based Softener.
Our readers get 5% off at springwellwater.com – 👉 Click here to get your coupon.
💡 Features
Bluetooth control head
The smart Bluetooth control head lets you input your hard water level, check the status of the system, and pre-programmed regenerations. You can also download the Springwell app to eliminate the need to use the control head at all.
Polypropylene tanks
The Springwell SS salt-based softeners are built to last with high-quality, certified polypropylene tanks. There are two tanks: one that holds the brine (salt) and one that holds the softening resin.
Softening resin
The resin (or mineral) tank is pre-loaded with softening resin (which typically lasts for around 8 years).
Installation kit
For simple installation, the SpringWell softener systems come with an installation kit that includes the electronic head, a 50-inch drain line, a brine tank, a hose clamp, and a bypass valve. Written instructions and a video overview are also available for installation.
Limited lifetime warranty
You can buy the Springwell whole house water softener with confidence. The system comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee – so if you receive a faulty product or you simply don’t like what you get, you should be able to return it or receive a free replacement.
✅ Best For
We think the SpringWell SS series is the best choice for folks who want to spend wisely on the best-value salt-based water softener from a consistently reliable brand. Most customers agree that paying slightly more for SpringWell water softeners is worth it for the high-quality softening and outstanding service provided by the manufacturer.
🚦 Performance
Even from looking at the system’s design from the outside, it’s clear that this water softener performs better than a cheaply-produced softener ever could.
Made from sturdy, durable polypropylene and wrapped in a neoprene sleeve, the SS tanks are designed to keep the cold and humidity out, preventing tank sweating or freezing and ensuring optimum performance in all climates.
If you’re looking for the most efficient performance and guaranteed soft water around the clock, high-quality ion exchange softeners like the Springwell SS series are the best option.
The innovative design of the Springwell SS makes it capable of completely removing hard minerals from your water, so you won’t just see a reduction in limescale, but an elimination. The result? Longer-lasting appliances, softer skin and hair, and reduced cleaning.
Here’s a summary of the Springwell SS’ performance as evaluated through our third-party laboratory analysis.
| Contaminant | Pre-Filtration | Post-Filtration | % Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | 0.0267 PPM | 0.0158 PPM | 41% |
| Bromodichloromethane | 0.00832 PPM | 0 PPM | 100% |
| Chloroform | 0.0208 PPM | 0 PPM | 100% |
| Cobalt | 0.0011 PPM | 0 PPM | 100% |
| Copper | 0.222 PPM | 0.0532 PPM | 76% |
| Fluoride | 0.6 PPM | 0.5 PPM | 17% |
| Lead | 0.0182 PPM | 0.0007 PPM | 96% |
| Manganese | 0.002 PPM | 0.0013 PPM | 35% |
| Molybdenum | 0.0016 PPM | 0 PPM | 100% |
| Nickel | 0.0125 PPM | 0 PPM | 100% |
| Strontium | 0.125 PPM | 0.09 PPM | 28% |
| Sulfate | 36 PPM | 27.2 PPM | 24% |
| Total THMs | 0.02912 PPM | 0 PPM | 100% |
| Zinc | 0.917 PPM | 0.255 PPM | 72% |
The system measures the saturation of the ion exchange resin and only performs regeneration cycles when absolutely necessary, preventing salt and water waste and helping to extend each cycle.
The Springwell operates at a flow rate of between 11 and 13 GPM, helping to maintain your current water pressure. To put this into perspective, the average water softener flow rate is between 7 and 10 GPM.
With the Springwell SS, you can guarantee you won’t be caught short when you’re trying to shower with the washing machine on, or flush the toilet while your dishwasher is running. Note, though, that if your home’s water pressure is higher than 80 PSI, the system won’t work.
The units in the SS series are designed to be paired with any other SpringWell system, including the SpringWell whole house water filter system, SpringWell’s well water filtration system, and the SpringWell UV water purification system, for additional tap water treatment.
Our readers get 5% off at springwellwater.com – 👉 Click here to get your coupon.
🔧 Installation
Like all Springwell systems, the SpringWell SS1 is designed to be installed easily by the homeowner. The job involves cutting through your water pipe, upstream of your water heater so you’ll need some basic plumbing understanding.
If you’re a handy person, you’ll be able to install the Springwell softener in roughly 4 hours. The instructions are clear, and you can find video tutorials online.
Anyone who doesn’t feel confident in their plumbing abilities would be better off hiring an expert plumber for installation, which will add around $200 to $400 to the initial price tag.
What’s Included?
Included in the package are all the basics you need for the initial setup, including:
- The brine and resin tanks
- 50-inch drain line
- Electronic head
- Bypass valve
- Hose clamp
- MNTP fittings (X2)
- Power connections
🛠 Maintenance
The Springwell uses ion exchange to soften water, which means it requires salt to operate.
You’ll need to add salt to the unit’s brine tank every few months. The brine tank can hold more than 200 lbs of salt, and it’s easy to load with its wide mouth.
The softening resin will last for around 8 years before it needs to be replaced.
📕 Manual
Here’s the user manual, containing instructions for the SS1, the SS4, and the SS+: https://www.springwellwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SS1_SS4-Installation-Instructions.pdf
📝 System Info
The Springwell gives you full control over the unit with its smart bluetooth head, which lets you set your own backwash timings, view and change settings, check the status of the system, and more.
For ultimate simplicity, download the SpringWell app and use it to monitor and control your system from anywhere in the world. It’ll let you start a backwash cycle remotely at any time and help you to better understand how the system works, so you can make decisions to improve efficiency and save money in the long run.
Instead of being advertised in grain capacity, which can often confuse customers (most people don’t know what size water softener they need for their home), the Springwell SS is available in different sizes based on the number of bathrooms you have.
We’ve already shared your size options for these softeners.
Our readers get 5% off at springwellwater.com – 👉 Click here to get your coupon.
🔔 Pros & Cons
👍 What We Like
- The SpringWell SS series offers a highly efficient softening performance
- All units are built for DIY installation
- The intuitive regeneration saves money on salt & water
👎 What We Don’t Like
- Even the smallest unit is quite expensive upfront. Great value? Yes. Still expensive? Yes.
- You may need a professional handyman for installation
- The SpringWell softeners don’t come with a sediment filter. You’ll need to buy your own if you have well water.
💭 Our Verdict
We’ve tested and compared all the best water softeners, and the SpeingWell SS series continues to top our “best” guides for its high-quality water softening and consistently reliable performance. Customers agree that the SpringWell water softeners hugely improve their water quality. Plus, you get all the benefits of a SpringWell product, including lifetime warranty and 6-month money-back guarantee. Top marks from us.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
How much salt does the SpringWell SS need?
The SS needs about 30-80 pounds of salt per month, depending on your water usage and your household size. Get into the habit of checking the salt tank once every three weeks and topping up the salt when needed.
What’s SpringWell’s tech support like?
We’ve heard only good things about SpringWell’s tech support. The manufacturer offers great customer service – but with any luck, you won’t need to talk to the tech team anyway.
Can you use the SpringWell SS for well water?
Yes. The SpringWell SS range is designed for use with any water supply, including city water and well water. The SS softener systems are capable of preventing scale buildup even from a very hard water supply. Conduct a water test if you’re keen to know more about your water hardness.
