Quality Water Treatment claims using their SoftPro Elite City water softener can save up to 64% water savings, 75% salt savings and 68% operating cost savings. Is this system really that efficient? Does getting that efficiency mean making compromises to reliability and usability?
Who Makes the Elite SoftPro Elite High-Efficiency City Water Softener ?
The SoftPro Elite City water softener is made by Quality Water Treatment, who also make Fleck and Quantum water treatment products. This is an established company that has over 30 years of experience building consumer and commercial water treatment systems. This is good to know, since a water softening system is a long-term investment. Years from now, when it needs repairs, you can trust that parts will still be available.
The Filter: High Quality Components in a Range of Sizes
The SoftPro Elite’s ion exchange filter is available in 8 sizes with grain capacities from 24,000 to 110,000. These filters use 10% cross link resin, which offers the longest life span of any resin on the market. This resin pre-loaded in systems up to 64,000 grains. Larger systems are partially pre-loaded and are packaged with enough resin to load the rest of the filter chamber. Depending on the filter size you buy, you can expect maximum flow rates from 7 to 32 GPM. A built-in filter basket prevents resin from entering your plumbing system.
The bypass valves are mounted up high, next to the controller. They use a pair of bright red knobs that are easy to see and easy to use. The SoftPro uses an NSF-certified control valve, so it should be reliable.
Regeneration: Targeting Minimum Salt and Water Usage
The Elite uses salt for regeneration, which is significantly cheaper than potassium. Costs are further reduced by using upflow regeneration. This only pushes minerals out of the used resin instead of the entire filter. Normally, the system regenerates automatically at 2 am as needed. If filter capacity falls below 3% during the day, it can do a quick recharge in 15 minutes. This unit re-makes 70% of the brine solution before regeneration, cutting salt use by up to 30%. Full backwash is only required every fifth generation, greatly reducing water use. The brine tank is fed softened water, so it stays clean longer.
The controller has an automatic refresh mode that flushes out the system if it’s unused for 7 days. This prevents bacteria growth. Setting the controller to vacation mode stops water softening altogether, but it still runs this refresh cycle once per week.
If you’re using clean municipal water, you can use the automatic backwash override to skip backwashing and bed cleaning during the regeneration cycle. The controller lets you skip up to 10 backwash cycles, which greatly reduces water and salt use.
The built-in capacitor backup charges automatically, providing at least 48 hours of power to the controls during outages. This unit doesn’t have a low salt warning, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the brine tank.
The company says they’re working on an app that will let your control the water softener remotely. However, it isn’t clear if the current model will support the app, or if an upgrade will be available for current water softener models.
Installation: Easy Enough to Do Yourself
The Elite City uses one inch high-flow connectors for water, plus additional connectors for the drain line and brine line. Quick disconnects are used for every hose.
QWT offers a quick connect kit for 1 and ¾ inch connections. This kit works with all pipe materials, except PVC. Installation guides and videos available on their website. The installation is simple enough to do yourself, if you already have a loop for a water softener built into your home’s plumbing. The company says it should take most people about four hours to put the system in themselves, while professionals can do the job in about three hours.
Most of what you’ll need comes with the water softening system. You’ll need to provide your own drain line, as well as plumber’s tape for the connections. The instructions list all the tools you’ll need.
Options for Better Water Filtration
The Elite City is set up to work with other QWT products, making it easy to improve the quality and taste of your tap water. None of these add-ons are required, but they can solve problems specific to your municipal water supply.
SoftPro Elite High-Efficiency City Water Softeners
Warranty and Returns
The SoftPro Elite City doesn’t have a uniform warranty. Instead, each component is guaranteed separately:
The company offers a 6 month satisfaction guarantee with some caveats. If you don’t like your water softeners, you can return it, but you’re responsible for all shipping charges. You also may be charged a 25% restocking fee. Warranty coverage does not cover any on-location servicing.
Benefits of Using the SoftPro Elite City Water Softener
While this water softening system is not the cheapest, few can compare to this long list of advantages.
Conclusion
I understand that buying one of the most expensive water softeners requires some careful consideration. There are cheaper systems that can be quite effective and last quite a long time. Few come with a lifetime warranty and the type of customer service that SoftPro provide.
I believe the real rewards come in the form of long-term savings. Because this is such highly efficient system, with constant electronic monitoring, you’re not wasting any water, salt, or resin. Another benefit of the sophisticated monitoring is that you don’t end up with salty water. Your water tastes better and is safe for people on a low-salt diet.
As I said in the introduction, you get what you pay for. If you’re willing to spend top dollar, you can expect top quality and performance. This is something I can well appreciate.
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