How to Pick the Best Water Softener: SoftPro Elite Feature Walkthrough

Hard water doesn’t tap politely. It barges in, coats your fixtures with crust, chokes your showerheads, and drains energy from your water heater. Left unchecked, hardness minerals can quietly add hundreds in wasted soaps and energy each year while shaving years off major appliances. I’ve seen brand-new homes in high-hardness regions lose water pressure within a couple of winters because mineral scale settled into pipes and heater tanks like concrete. Ask yourself: how many cycles has your dishwasher run this month just to get glasses to come out reasonably clear?

Meet the Navarrete family. Mateo Navarrete (36), a robotics technician, and his wife, Carina (34), a second-grade teacher, live in Peoria, Arizona, with their two kids, Leo (8) and Isa (5). Their city report showed 22 GPG hardness with 0.8 PPM dissolved iron and a hint of chlorine taste. After trying an electronic “descaler” that made big promises but no tangible difference, they replaced two showerheads in eighteen months and watched their gas bill creep upward as their water heater struggled under a layer of mineral scale. The clock was ticking—another summer of desert water and they’d be pricing out a premature water heater swap.

This guide shows you exactly how to pick the best water softener—and why the SoftPro Elite Water Softener is the system I recommend to families like the Navarretes. We’ll break down the tech (and the hype) so you can decide with confidence. We’ll cover how SoftPro’s upward-cleaning approach slashes salt use, how the metered controller stops wasteful cycles, what grain capacity fits your household, how to maintain pressure at 15 GPM during busy mornings, what diagnostics matter, and how warranty and support protect your investment for the long haul.

Let’s walk through the seven must-know factors—feature by feature—so your next water softener decision is your last one.

#1. Upward Cleaning That Cuts Salt and Water Waste — SoftPro Elite Upflow Regeneration vs. Traditional Downflow

If you want the Best Water Softener System, start where efficiency truly lives: the direction of the cleaning cycle. SoftPro’s upflow approach sends brine upward through the resin, expanding the bed and scrubbing it more completely so you can use dramatically less salt and water per cycle.

Technical explanation

• In an upflow regeneration design, the brine travels from the bottom and rises through the resin, fluidizing it so trapped calcium and magnesium release effectively. The expanded bed increases contact time and improves brine utilization—meaning you’re not dumping salt you didn’t need. In my testing and third-party data, upflow typically uses about 2–4 lbs of salt per cleaning, where old-school downflow designs often burn 6–15 lbs for the same capacity. Water waste drops as well; I’ve measured 18–30 gallons per cycle on efficient upflow vs. 50–80 gallons on dated systems. For families like the Navarretes, this change immediately translated to fewer bags of salt, fewer cleanings per month, and tangible utility savings.

Competitor comparison: SoftPro vs. Fleck 5600SXT (detailed analysis)

• Performance: The Fleck 5600SXT is a proven workhorse, but it uses a downflow regeneration path on most setups, pushing brine downward through a compacted resin bed. That consumes more salt per pound of hardness removed. SoftPro’s upflow process consistently delivers higher brine contact efficiency and needs a smaller reserve capacity to prevent runouts.
• Real-world application: The Navarretes were adding salt monthly with their old system at their last home. With SoftPro Elite, they refilled salt every other month. Fewer cycles, less water waste, and gentler brine draw led to a cleaner resin bed capable of handling their 22 GPG hardness plus 0.8 PPM of iron without drama.
• Value conclusion: Over five to ten years, the salt and water savings alone close the price gap with legacy designs. SoftPro’s upflow advantage is worth every single penny.

Family tie-in

• After the Navarretes installed SoftPro Elite, their brine usage dropped so noticeably that Carina joked their garage finally stopped looking like a salt warehouse. The first-month utility bill reflected the new normal.

How upflow improves resin performance

Upward brine movement fluidizes the resin beads, allowing full contact with the cleaning solution and dislodging hardness ions that hide in compacted pockets. This reduces channeling, a common issue in downflow systems where brine races through the path of least resistance and leaves some beads under-cleaned. Better cleaning means longer time between regenerations and higher effective capacity.

Water and salt math you can feel

Salt used per cleaning translates into how many bags you haul. If a family regenerates four times per month, a downflow system using 10 lbs per cleaning consumes roughly 40 lbs monthly. A SoftPro upflow doing the same work at 3 lbs averages around 12 lbs monthly. At current pellet pricing, the difference adds up fast. The Navarretes saved enough in their first year to fund a weekend getaway.

Key takeaway

• If you want genuine efficiency, chase upflow. It’s the game changer behind SoftPro Elite’s reputation.

#2. Smarter Cleaning Schedules — Demand-Initiated Metering Prevents Waste and Keeps You in Soft Water

Salt savings are pointless if your softener runs when the house barely used water. SoftPro Elite’s demand-initiated regeneration uses a metered control valve to regenerate only when the resin is actually nearing exhaustion.

Technical explanation

• A metered valve tracks every gallon that passes through the system. Using the programmed grains per gallon (GPG) and capacity settings, the controller calculates remaining capacity in real time. When it’s time to clean, it does—no sooner, no later. Compare that to time-clock systems that regurgitate on a schedule whether you used 20 gallons or 200. The smart valve controller with a 4-line LCD touchpad displays gallons remaining, days since last cycle, and error diagnostics. One tap initiates a manual cycle if you expect a houseful of guests.

Competitor comparison: SoftPro vs. Whirlpool/GE timer-based models (detailed analysis)

• Technical performance: Many big-box units from Whirlpool or GE Appliances still emphasize time-based cleaning. It’s simple, but not intelligent. You get regeneration events on the calendar instead of in tune with reality. SoftPro’s metered approach trims unnecessary cycles, so resin, salt, and water are used only when needed.
• Real-world application: The Navarretes noticed fewer 2 a.m. Cycles waking the dog. Because regeneration was based on actual usage, nighttime cleanings happened only after big laundry days or weekend guests. They also loved the “gallons remaining” readout—it became a planning tool around busy weeks.
• Value conclusion: Fewer unnecessary cycles lowers cost of ownership and keeps soft water ready on your schedule. That peace of mind is worth every single penny.

Family tie-in

• Mateo, the numbers guy, checked the controller weekly for the first month. The projection matched their real usage down to the day—he now trusts it more than his budget app.

Emergency reserve and quick-cycle protection

If you’re running heavy and brush 3% remaining capacity, SoftPro’s 15-minute emergency top-up ensures you don’t run dry before the next full cleaning. This short cycle gives you a bridge of soft water without wasting a full regeneration. It’s a small feature that solves a big annoyance.

Vacation mode prevents stagnant water issues

Leave for a week? The controller automatically performs a brief refresh every seven days to keep the system sanitary. That automatic housekeeping prevents microbial growth and keeps the bed fresh for your return.

Key takeaway

• Smarter metering equals fewer wasted cycles, less salt, and constant soft water confidence.

#3. Consistent Shower Pressure and Whole-Home Flow — 15 GPM Service Rate Keeps Mornings Moving

A Best Water Softener that throttles your pressure defeats the purpose. The SoftPro Elite maintains a robust 15 GPM flow rate (with higher peak capability), so simultaneous fixtures don’t turn a shower into a trickle.

Technical explanation

• Thoughtful internal porting and a full-bore bypass valve help limit pressure drop to roughly 3–5 PSI during normal service. With standard 3/4" or 1" connections, the system integrates smoothly into most homes. Proper sizing matters here: bigger tanks and resin volumes reduce friction losses at higher demands. The Navarretes noticed this most on Tuesday mornings—two showers, a dishwasher rinse, and an irrigation valve opening—still no complaints from the kids.

Competitor comparison: SoftPro vs. Culligan dealer systems (detailed analysis)

• Technical performance: Culligan offers capable systems with good flow, but customers often rely on dealer programming and service calls for even minor adjustments. SoftPro’s design emphasizes both performance and user independence—programmable settings and diagnostics in your hands. The strong flow coefficients in SoftPro’s valve and plumbing path let it compete toe-to-toe, while giving you control without a service contract.
• Real-world application: The Navarretes previously hesitated to tweak settings on a dealer unit. With SoftPro’s screen navigation, they quickly adjusted hardness for seasonal changes in their municipal blend and confirmed flow by watching gallons-per-minute during peak use.
• Value conclusion: Powerful flow plus user autonomy lowers costs and keeps pressure steady year-round. That control is worth every single penny.

Family tie-in

• Carina noticed her shampoo finally rinsed out quickly without that clingy, mineral-coated feel. The kids just loved that the tub filled faster.

Pipe sizing and pressure best practices

If your home runs 1" main lines, stay with 1" on the softener to avoid bottlenecks. Check incoming pressure: SoftPro operates between 25–125 PSI, though I recommend a regulator above 80 PSI to protect fixtures. A properly sized softener (48K–64K grains for many mid-to-large homes) maintains stable flow during peak hours.

Drain and install layout for healthy flow

Plan a drain line within 20 feet for gravity discharge, or use a small condensate pump if needed. Keep bends gentle and avoid kinks. A level platform and straight shot plumbing reduce turbulence and maintain that strong, consistent service rate.

Key takeaway

• Soft water should be felt—not by lower pressure, but by smoother showers and reliable whole-home flow.

#4. The Right Size for Your Household — Grain Capacity, Regeneration Frequency, and Sizing Math That Works

Pick the wrong capacity and you’ll either burn salt unnecessarily or run out of soft water. SoftPro Elite offers five grain capacity options—32K, 48K, 64K, 80K, and 110K—so every home lands in the sweet spot.

Technical explanation

• Sizing starts with this formula: People × 75 gallons × hardness (GPG) = daily grains to remove. For the Navarretes: 4 × 75 × 22 = 6,600 grains per day. A 64K system with efficient upflow typically regenerates every 6–8 days at their usage, leaving cushion for a heavier laundry week. Proper sizing spreads out cleaning cycles, reduces salt consumption, and maintains stronger flow by avoiding undersized resin beds.

Family tie-in

• Jeremy Phillips from our team reviewed the Navarretes’ water report, weekend habits, and iron level to confirm the 64K choice. That upfront analysis is why they aren’t babysitting their softener.

When 32K or 48K make sense

Smaller households with moderate hardness (8–15 GPG) often thrive on 32K–48K systems. You’ll get clean, predictable performance with regenerations spaced every 5–7 days. Smaller tanks are easier to place in tight utility closets and typically use even less salt per cleaning.

When to move up to 80K or 110K

Large homes with five or more people and hardness north of 20 GPG often benefit from 80K–110K capacity. Longer runs between regenerations, more headroom for guests, and reduced pressure drop at high demand points justify the larger resin volume.

Key takeaway

• Choose capacity with math, not guesswork. The right size pays you back every week.

#5. Resin That Lasts, Media That Captures More — Fine Mesh and 8% Crosslink Longevity

A water softener’s heart is its media. SoftPro’s high-efficiency ion exchange resin (8% crosslink) and optional fine mesh resin pack more capture sites into the same footprint, handle up to 3 PPM of dissolved iron, and stand strong for up to two decades.

Technical explanation

• Cation exchange is the science: positively charged resin beads trade sodium ions for hardness ions like Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. With approximately 2.0–2.2 milliequivalents per gram of exchange sites, the resin loads up until it hits about 85% exhaustion. That’s when metered control and reserve settings matter. Fine mesh beads are smaller—more surface area, tighter capture. For families with clear-water iron around 1–3 PPM, fine mesh is a strategic upgrade to protect both the resin and downstream fixtures.

Family tie-in

• After months of service, the Navarretes’ tub spouts and faucet aerators stopped clogging. Mateo ran a quick hardness test—0–1 GPG at the tap. That’s the “feel” you want: luxurious soap performance without the mineral film.

Resin lifespan and protection tips

Keep chlorine in check—SoftPro resin tolerates up to about 2 PPM, but if your city runs hot on disinfectants, consider a small carbon prefilter. Annual sanitization and occasional resin cleaner keep media young. Expect 15–20 years from quality 8% resin under normal conditions.

What happens during regeneration

The brine tank mixes salt and water to create a brine solution. During the cleaning cycle, the brine draw stage pulls that solution through the resin, replacing hardness ions with sodium. A thorough rinse and backwash reset the bed. In an upflow pattern, you use less brine to do the same job—one of the key reasons SoftPro burns through fewer bags.

Key takeaway

• Invest in superior resin and you’ll feel the difference every single morning—and for many years.

#6. Real Diagnostics, Real Support — Smart Controller, NSF 372, and QWT’s Family-Backed Warranty

Tough problems need real information. SoftPro’s smart valve controller gives you real-time data, error codes, and manual overrides. Certification and warranty prove the build quality isn’t just marketing copy.

Technical explanation

• The backlit LCD touchpad displays gallons remaining, GPM in real time, days since last regeneration, and specific error codes (like injector obstruction) for fast troubleshooting. The self-charging capacitor keeps settings safe for up to 48 hours in a power outage. Certification matters: SoftPro is NSF 372 lead-free with IAPMO materials safety compliance. You’re buying a system built to rigorous standards, not a mystery box.

Brand story and support

• SoftPro Water Systems is the product line I created at Quality Water Treatment back in 1990 because I was tired of families being oversold and under-served. Jeremy sizes systems with precision, Heather’s team runs logistics and a stellar how-to library, and I continue tuning designs for maximum efficiency. The lifetime warranty on tanks and valve is our handshake—backed by three decades of doing right by customers.

Why certifications and warranty matter

Anyone can claim “premium.” Third-party validation like NSF and IAPMO eliminate guesswork. Our warranty covers the parts that make or break a softener—the valve and tanks—for life, with 10-year coverage on electronics. It’s transferable to a new homeowner, which quietly increases your property value.

When diagnostics save the day

Error codes and flow readouts turn guesswork into a plan. If the injectors need cleaning or a drain line is restricted, you’ll see it. The Navarretes ran Heather’s injector screen cleanout video in year one; five minutes later, they were back at full efficiency.

Key takeaway

• Visibility and backing turn a product into a partner. That’s the SoftPro Elite difference.

#7. DIY-Friendly, Real-World Installs — Save on Setup and Start Enjoying Soft Water Faster

A “Best Water Softener” shouldn’t require a parade of technicians. SoftPro Elite is built for straightforward, code-compliant installation with thoughtful touches that make life easier long-term.

Technical explanation

• Plan for an 18" x 24" footprint and 60–72" of vertical clearance to load salt comfortably. Standard 110V at a GFCI outlet is ideal. Keep your drain line within 20 feet for a gravity run, or add a small pump. Connect to 3/4" or 1" plumbing with quick-connect fittings. Program hardness and capacity on the controller, perform an initial manual regeneration, and you’re in business.

Family tie-in

• Mateo, who’s handy, completed the install in an afternoon using PEX couplings. He texted Jeremy the water report beforehand; we confirmed settings within minutes.

Pre-install checklist from my bench

• Verify hardness with a reliable test kit.
• Confirm capacity sizing using your daily grain load.
• Check inlet pressure (target 50–80 PSI for best results).
• Ensure proper slope on the drain and a clean standpipe.
• Have salt ready—40–80 lbs to start—using solar pellets or evaporated salt (not blocks).

Maintenance rhythm that takes minutes

• Monthly: top off salt to keep a few inches above the waterline; break up any crust.
• Quarterly: clean the injector screen and inspect the bypass.
• Annually: sanitize the resin tank and replace any prefilter cartridges. The Navarretes folded these checks into their seasonal home tune-ups—easy and fast.

Key takeaway

• A clean install and simple maintenance routine make SoftPro Elite a system you live with, not live for.

Side-by-Side Perspective: SoftPro Elite vs. SpringWell SS1 (targeted comparison)

When customers compare SoftPro Elite with SpringWell SS1, we talk efficiency and reserve. SpringWell’s standard programming often relies on a larger reserve margin (commonly around 30% or more) to avoid runouts. SoftPro’s precision metering and emergency quick-cycle support let the Elite operate comfortably at around a 15% reserve. On the salt and water side, SoftPro’s upflow brine path maximizes brine contact and typically reduces waste per cycle, whereas many conventional configurations on competing platforms lean on downflow and heavier brine dosing to hit the same targets.

For everyday living, the differences appear in your garage and at your tap. The Navarretes noticed fewer salt hauls, fewer night-time regenerations, and a controller that told them exactly how many gallons were left before a clean. With a similar-sized system and similar water conditions, these operational efficiencies added up to hundreds saved across the first couple of years. Factor in the lifetime valve and tank warranty and direct family support from QWT, and SoftPro Elite’s value is clear and, frankly, worth every single penny.

FAQ: Your Most Technical Questions, Answered

1) How does SoftPro Elite’s upflow regeneration save so much salt compared to traditional downflow softeners?

Upflow sends brine upward through the resin, expanding the bed and ensuring more complete contact. That means fewer pounds of salt are required to scrub the same number of grains. In field use, I see SoftPro Elite clean effectively with roughly 2–4 lbs of salt per cycle, while many downflow units need two to four times that. The demand-initiated regeneration also prevents wasteful cleanings when the home used little water. For the Navarretes at 22 GPG, the switch to upflow cut their salt hauling almost in half and reduced waste water per cleaning substantially. Compared to a Fleck 5600SXT or timer-based big-box units, SoftPro’s combined upflow-plus-metering strategy typically lowers annual operating costs dramatically. If your goal is a Best Water Softener that stays efficient after year one, this is the critical difference. My recommendation: pair upflow with accurate sizing and emergency reserve—SoftPro Elite nails all three.

2) What grain capacity do I need for a family of four with around 18–20 GPG hard water?

Use the baseline formula: People × 75 gallons × GPG hardness. For four people at 19 GPG, that’s about 5,700 grains per day. A 48K can work if your usage is steady and you’re optimizing salt efficiency, but I commonly suggest a 64K for families nearing 20 GPG. The larger bed offers longer intervals between cleanings (often 6–8 days), better flow under multiple fixtures, and more resilience during busy weeks. The Navarretes are four people at 22 GPG and opted for a 64K—dead-on for their schedule. With the SoftPro Elite Water Softener, a correctly sized system and upflow cleaning keep salt consumption low even with the larger capacity.

3) Can SoftPro Elite handle iron as well as hardness minerals?

Yes, up to about 3 PPM of clear-water iron is within design limits—especially if you choose fine mesh resin. Iron competes with calcium and magnesium for resin sites, so better surface area and efficient cleaning matter. SoftPro’s upflow regeneration cleans the resin more thoroughly, minimizing iron fouling and keeping capacity consistent. The Navarretes run 0.8 PPM iron, and their faucets and tub trim now stay clean without that orange haze that used to appear around the drain. For iron above 3 PPM or for ferric (particulate) iron, I recommend a dedicated iron filter ahead of the softener. Compared to salt-free conditioners, which don’t remove iron or hardness, SoftPro Elite is the practical solution when iron and hardness show up together.

4) Can I install SoftPro Elite myself, or do I need a professional plumber?

Many homeowners install SoftPro Elite themselves thanks to quick-connect fittings, a clear controller menu, and Heather’s video library. You’ll need basic plumbing skills, the right fittings for your pipe type (PEX is DIY-friendly), and access to a proper drain and GFCI outlet. Plan 18" x 24" floor space and 60–72" of height for salt loading. That said, local codes may require backflow prevention, and soldered copper may be better left to a pro if you’re not comfortable with a torch. Unlike certain dealer-only brands, your SoftPro warranty remains intact whether you DIY or hire it out. The Navarretes saved a few hundred dollars on installation by tackling it themselves on a Saturday.

5) What space requirements should I plan for installation?

For a 48K–64K SoftPro Elite, an 18" x 24" footprint and 60–72" vertical clearance is ideal. Keep the drain line within 20 feet for gravity discharge—or use a small pump if that’s not possible. Confirm nearby 110V power and ensure incoming pressure is between 25–125 PSI (I prefer 50–80 PSI). Place the softener near the home’s point-of-entry so all internal lines benefit. The Navarretes mounted their system adjacent to the water heater for a compact, tidy install that still allowed access to the brine tank lid and controller.

6) How often do I need to add salt to the brine tank?

It depends on capacity and usage. With upflow efficiency, many families refill every one to two months. Keep salt a few inches above the water level in the brine well—don’t overfill. The Navarretes went from monthly refills with their previous setup to roughly every other month with SoftPro Elite. Use high-purity solar pellets or evaporated salt; avoid block salt. Check for bridging (a hardened crust) and break it up if present. A quick monthly look under the lid is all most homes need.

7) What is the expected lifespan of the resin media and valve components?

Quality 8% crosslink ion exchange resin typically lasts 15–20 years with normal municipal water. Avoiding excessive chlorine exposure and performing annual sanitization stretches lifespan. SoftPro’s valve and tanks carry a lifetime warranty—this is where our confidence meets your long-term value. The smart valve controller electronics are covered for 10 years. With regular maintenance (injector screen cleaning, annual sanitize, and proper salt), the system is designed for the long haul. That’s a major reason the SoftPro Elite Water Softener is my go-to recommendation.

8) What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years, including salt and water?

System cost varies by capacity, typically $1,200–$2,800. Professional install can add $300–$600 if you don’t DIY. Annual salt with efficient upflow often falls between $60–$120; water used in regenerations is modest compared to downflow units. Resin replacement generally isn’t necessary within 10 years. Compared to timer-based and downflow systems, SoftPro Elite’s lower salt and water usage can save $1,200–$2,500 over a decade. In the Navarretes’ case, their salt spend dropped noticeably, and fewer cleaning cycles cut their water waste. My take: if you’re playing the long game, SoftPro’s efficiency and warranty protection lower true ownership cost.

9) How much will I actually save on salt annually?

Savings depend on hardness, capacity, and usage patterns. If a downflow unit consumes around 10 lbs per cycle at four cycles per month (480 lbs/year), and an upflow SoftPro Elite averages 3 lbs at the same frequency (144 lbs/year), you’re cutting salt by roughly two-thirds. At common retail pricing, that’s a meaningful annual difference. The Navarretes cut their refills nearly in half over the first year. Your numbers may vary, but the directional savings are reliable thanks to the more efficient brine contact and fewer unnecessary cycles via metered control.

10) How does SoftPro Elite compare technically to Fleck 5600SXT?

The Fleck 5600SXT is dependable, widely used, and I respect it. But its typical downflow layout generally uses more salt and water per regeneration to achieve the same net softening. SoftPro’s upflow cleaning extracts more from each pound of salt, and its demand-initiated logic keeps cleanings aligned with real usage. For homeowners like the Navarretes with 22 GPG and occasional iron, upflow plus fine mesh resin delivered cleaner media and fewer cycles. Over 5–10 years, SoftPro’s efficiency advantage, combined with a lifetime valve/tank warranty and direct family support from QWT, wins on cost and convenience. If you want the most efficient path to truly soft water, SoftPro Elite is my pick.

11) Is SoftPro Elite better than dealer-only Culligan systems?

“Better” depends on your priorities. Culligan builds solid gear, but it often comes with dealer-only service, proprietary parts, and scheduled maintenance plans. Many homeowners prefer independence—install flexibility, direct control over programming, and easy access to parts. SoftPro Elite was engineered for that independence without sacrificing performance: powerful flow, upflow cleaning, smart diagnostics, and robust warranty. The Navarretes appreciated avoiding recurring dealer visits and enjoyed dialing in their own settings as their usage changed. For hands-on homeowners who value both efficiency and autonomy, SoftPro Elite is the smarter fit.

12) Will SoftPro Elite work with extremely hard water (25+ GPG)?

Absolutely—just size correctly. For 25+ GPG with 4–5 people, I usually recommend 64K–80K capacity. The larger bed keeps service flow strong and spaces out regenerations to 5–7 days. If iron is also present above 3 PPM or it’s particulate (ferric), add a dedicated iron filter upstream. SoftPro’s 15 GPM service rate and efficient upflow make it a real contender even in desert and Midwest hotspots. I’ve placed Elites in homes at 28–30 GPG that now enjoy consistently soft water with far fewer bags of salt than their previous units. For very high hardness, engage Jeremy for personalized sizing—getting that part right makes all the difference.

Conclusion: Choose Once, Enjoy for Decades

Picking the Best Water Softener isn’t about shiny brochures—it’s about how the system performs after the honeymoon. SoftPro Elite brings the right combination: upflow cleaning that slashes salt and water waste, metered intelligence that regenerates only when needed, serious flow at 15 GPM for busy homes, resin designed to last, diagnostics that put you in control, and warranty and support from a family-run company that’s been at this since 1990.

For the Navarretes, the change was softpro elite immediate: silky showers, cleaner fixtures, a quieter garage without constant salt top-offs, and a controller that tells the truth. SoftPro Elite didn’t just match their needs—it anticipated them. That’s the hallmark of a system built for real life.

If you’re ready to stop fighting hard water and start enjoying your home again, size the system correctly, lean into upflow efficiency, and go with a brand that backs you for the long haul. SoftPro Elite is, in every practical sense, the last softener your home should ever need.