Hard water is a quiet budget killer. It drives up energy bills, chews through appliances, and turns simple chores into weekend projects. In homes with high hardness, water heaters run longer to force heat through a layer of rock-like scale, laundry never quite feels clean, and glass shower doors develop a stubborn haze that laughs at your elbow grease. You don’t need a lab coat to see the pattern—when calcium and magnesium ride along in your water, everything in the house works harder.
Meet the Orellana family—Miguel (41), a commercial electrician, and Priya (39), an oncology nurse—in Round Rock, Texas. Their municipal water tested at 18 GPG with a faint chlorine smell and 0.7 PPM clear water iron. In two years they replaced a shower fixture, had a plumber flush a tank-style water heater, and spent over $360 on extra detergents and spot removers. A bargain “salt-free conditioner” gave them a few weeks of hope… followed by the same cloudy glasses and sticky soap film. As Miguel put it, “I didn’t need a gadget. I needed the right tool.”
If you’re in their shoes, this guide walks you through the exact decision process I use for my own customers. We’ll cover how to size a system, why regeneration direction matters more than most folks realize, what the controller should tell you in plain English, and how to calculate the true cost over 5–10 years. I’ll also show you where SoftPro Elite’s efficiency and engineering pull away from old-school designs—so you make your last softener purchase for a long time.
Here’s the roadmap:
- Capacity and flow come first—get the sizing right for your home and hardness. Upflow regeneration saves salt and water—details matter. Metered control beats timers—don’t pay to clean resin that isn’t dirty. Iron, chlorine, and real-world contaminants—choose media that can handle your water, not someone else’s. Plumbing performance—pressure and simultaneous flow considerations. Smart valve diagnostics—useful data, not gimmicks. Reserve strategy and emergency regeneration—no more “ran out” weekends. DIY installation realities—what you need, what you don’t. Warranty and support—who stands behind you years from now. Cost of ownership—5- and 10-year math that actually pencils out.
Let’s build this decision step-by-step.
#1. Correct System Sizing for Real Homes – Grain Capacity, People, and GPG Done Right
Getting the capacity right ensures your softener regenerates every 3–7 days—frequent enough to keep resin healthy, not so often that you waste salt and water.
Why capacity matters for hard water households
A properly sized system handles daily hardness removal without choking flow at peak times or triggering nightly cleanings. Undersize it and you’ll burn through salt; oversize it and you’ll tie up money without added benefit.
How the math actually works
- Daily hardness removal = People × 75 gallons × hardness in GPG. The Orellanas: 4 people × 75 × 18 GPG = 5,400 grains/day. A SoftPro Elite 48K grain capacity will typically regenerate every 6–8 days at that usage when efficient settings are used. A 64K gives more cushion for guests or an outdoor bathroom addition.
SoftPro offers grain capacity options from 32K, 48K, 64K, 80K, to 110K. I sized the Orellanas at 64K because Miguel often has extended family visiting, and they run two showers plus laundry weeknights.
Family example: Round Rock reality
Priya wanted fewer regeneration nights; the 64K model with efficient programming gave them a 7-day rhythm at their usage, with room to grow.
H3: Sizing rules of thumb
- 32K: 1–2 people up to ~10 GPG or 3 people if hardness is mild. 48K: 3–4 people at 11–15 GPG or smaller households above 20 GPG. 64K: 4–5 people at 15–20 GPG—common sweet spot. 80K–110K: Large families or very hard water (20–30+ GPG), light commercial, or luxury bathrooms with high simultaneous demand.
H3: Regeneration frequency sweet spot
SoftPro’s efficiency shines when regeneration stays in the 3–7 day window. It keeps resin active and clean without consuming excessive salt. With the Orellanas, a seven-day cycle conserved salt and avoided Sunday-night rumbling.
H3: Accounting for real-life peaks
Bigger isn’t automatically better. But if you run two showers, a dishwasher, and a washer within the same hour, prioritize capacity and flow (see Item #5). The 64K capacity paired with SoftPro Elite’s 15 GPM service flow easily covered the Orellanas’ weeknight cluster.
Key takeaway: Run the numbers before you buy. Right-size capacity and you set the whole system up for efficient, quiet performance.
#2. Upflow Regeneration That Actually Reduces Costs – SoftPro Elite vs Downflow Designs
Nothing in a softener matters more to ongoing costs than the direction of the regeneration. This is where SoftPro Elite pulls away from older approaches.
Upward cleaning, smarter brine use
During regeneration, upflow regeneration sends brine upward through the resin, expanding the bed and contacting unused exchange sites first. This boosts brine contact efficiency and strips out trapped hardness more thoroughly.
- Typical downflow systems use 6–15 lbs of salt per regeneration. SoftPro’s upflow often needs 2–4 lbs for the same job—plus a 64% cut in water used for the cleaning cycle. Resin bed expansion in upflow improves cleaning, especially when there’s a bit of iron in the mix.
Family example: Salt runs, halved
Miguel tracked salt use. After switching from the failed conditioner to a SoftPro Elite, his monthly salt pickups dropped from three bags to about one and a half—roughly $90 down to $35–$40 in a typical month given their usage and visitors.
H3: The chemistry, simplified
The ion exchange resin swaps Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ for Na⁺. When the resin gets saturated, brine must displace those hardness ions. Upflow brine reaches the most depleted sites first, which means fewer pounds of salt to reset capacity. That’s why SoftPro can achieve 4,000–5,000 grains removed per pound of salt.
H3: Cycle timing and water waste
A full upflow cycle typically runs 90–120 minutes, with rinse steps tailored to your hardness. The Orellanas’ programming cut their regeneration water waste dramatically compared to neighbors with basic downflow units.
H3: Fleck comparison—old-school vs modern flow
Fleck 5600SXT is a solid, long-lived workhorse using downflow cleaning. It just isn’t optimized for today’s salt and water conservation expectations. Across thousands of installs, I’ve consistently seen SoftPro’s upflow approach deliver measurable reduction in salt per cycle. Efficiency gains translate into lower operating cost year after year—worth every single penny.
Key takeaway: Choose upflow. It’s the difference between constantly buying salt and smartly stretching each bag.
#3. Metered Demand-Initiated Control – Stop Paying for Unnecessary Regenerations
If your softener regenerates on a schedule rather than based on actual water usage, you’re paying to clean resin that isn’t dirty.
Why metering matters
The smart valve controller on SoftPro Elite uses a metered valve to track gallons used and remaining capacity. It regenerates only when capacity is actually depleted, not because the calendar says so.
Family example: Week-by-week variability
On Priya’s night shifts, water use drops. The meter delays cleaning, saving salt and water. During school breaks with cousins visiting, the system speeds up regeneration to keep soft water available—without manual fiddling.
H3: Real-time diagnostics you’ll actually use
- 4-line LCD shows gallons remaining, days since last regeneration, and error codes. Backlit touchpad for dim garages or basements. Self-charging capacitor keeps settings for 48 hours during power outages.
H3: Timer-based drawbacks
Timer units regenerate even when nobody’s home. That wastes salt and water, and it can actually shorten resin life by over-cleaning. With SoftPro Elite’s demand-initiated regeneration, you avoid those dead cycles and keep the system tuned to your life.
H3: Whirlpool/GE comparison—calendar vs data
A number of big-box timer models still use fixed schedules. It’s better than nothing, but it isn’t smart. The difference shows up in your salt bin and your water bill. The Orellanas saw fewer regenerations in light-use weeks, and no “hard water morning” during heavy-use weekends—worth every single penny.
Key takeaway: Let the meter drive the schedule. Your salt and water savings depend on it.
#4. Handling Iron and Hardness Together – Fine Mesh Resin for Real-World Water
Many neighborhoods have a touch of iron alongside hardness. If your softener can’t cope, you’ll see faint orange staining and sluggish resin over time.
Why iron management matters
SoftPro Elite can handle up to 3 PPM iron in addition to hardness minerals, especially when paired with fine mesh resin. The finer bead size increases surface area, improving capture and release during upflow cleaning.
Family example: The orange line mystery
Priya spotted a subtle tan line at the tub’s waterline. Their lab test confirmed 0.7 PPM iron. The SoftPro Elite’s fine mesh configuration handled it without a separate iron filter, and upflow cleaning prevented resin fouling.
H3: Fine mesh resin benefits
- Smaller beads, greater surface area for ion exchange. Better at dislodging trapped iron during regeneration. Maintains capacity and flow when iron is present, avoiding premature resin failure.
H3: When to add pre-treatment
If iron creeps above 3 PPM, add a dedicated iron reduction system upstream. Jeremy (my son) often recommends a simple cartridge for low sediment, or a dedicated iron filter for higher levels. But for many households, SoftPro Elite’s fine mesh approach covers that light iron beautifully.
H3: Ion exchange fundamentals refresher
In cation exchange, hardness ions load the resin until it’s 80–85% saturated. Reserve (see Item #7) then kicks in to ensure you never experience hardness breakthrough before a regen. With iron in the mix, that reserve strategy is even more important.
Key takeaway: If your water carries a trace of iron, choose a softener ready for it. Fine mesh with upflow cleaning is a proven one-two punch.
#5. Whole-Home Flow and Pressure – 15 GPM That Keeps Up with Modern Living
A softener that chokes at peak demand is worse than no softener at all. Showers should stay strong even when the washer kicks on.
Flow rate and pressure basics
SoftPro Elite delivers a 15 GPM service flow (higher peak), with a typical 3–5 PSI pressure drop through the system under normal service. Minimum inlet pressure is 25 PSI; maximum is 125 PSI (regulator recommended above 80).
Family example: Two showers, washer, dishwasher—no drama
The Orellanas regularly run two showers while laundry and the dishwasher spin. With 1" plumbing and SoftPro’s full-port bypass, pressure stayed stable. No “cold surprise” when someone flushes.
H3: Pipe size and fixtures
- Standard 3/4" or 1" connections (choose 1" if your main is 1"). If you’ve upgraded to rain heads or body sprays, let us size for higher peak GPM. Check aerators and showerheads for pre-existing mineral plugging; replace if clogged to fully enjoy the soft water.
H3: Water heater efficiency
Soft water prevents the insulating layer of scale that forces your heater to run longer. Within weeks, Miguel told me his gas bill trended down—no miracle, just physics working in your favor.
H3: Drains, standpipes, and code
You’ll need a 1/2" drain line with gravity fall to a nearby standpipe or floor drain. If the distance is long or slope is limited, a small condensate pump solves it.
Key takeaway: Look beyond capacity. A 15 GPM service flow keeps your house humming during peak use.
#6. Smart Valve Features You’ll Actually Use – Diagnostics, Vacation Mode, and Quick Controls
“Smart” doesn’t mean complicated. It means the controller tells you what’s happening and adapts to your schedule.
Practical data, not gimmicks
The smart valve controller shows gallons remaining, days since last regen, and real-time flow. A vacation mode triggers a light refresh every 7 days to prevent stagnation. Error codes pinpoint issues fast so Heather’s team can walk you through fixes by phone.
Family example: Vacation without worries
When the Orellanas visited family for a week, vacation mode protected the system without wasting salt. They came home to perfect soft water, no odors, no hiccups.
H3: Manual override when you want it
Need a regen before guests arrive? Initiate a manual cycle with one button. The self-charging capacitor preserves your programming in an outage for up to 48 hours.
H3: Diagnostics that shorten service calls
From injector screens to brine draw checks, the controller’s alerts help you find the exact step that needs attention. That means most homeowners avoid a plumber visit and solve minor issues in minutes.
H3: EcoWater comparison—connected vs dependable
Some brands lean heavily on Wi‑Fi connectivity for basic functionality. It’s convenient until your Wi‑Fi glitches. SoftPro’s design keeps performance in the controller with proven electronics. No app dependency, no cloud reliance. The result is reliability that shows up year after year—worth every single penny.
Key takeaway: Choose features that serve you daily: clear display, vacation refresh, hands-on control when you need it.
#7. Efficient Reserve Strategy and Emergency Regeneration – Soft Water On Demand
Running out of soft water Saturday morning isn’t an option. Reserve capacity and emergency cycles keep you covered.
What reserve actually means
Many softeners hold back 30%+ of capacity as a safety buffer. SoftPro Elite optimizes this with only about 15% reserve, thanks to accurate metering and upflow efficiency. More usable capacity between regenerations equals fewer cycles and less salt.
Family example: Unplanned sleepover, no problem
When the Orellanas hosted a cousin’s soccer team, the system flagged capacity dipping toward reserve. It had one more shower-heavy morning in the tank and then triggered a full regen overnight—no hard water surprise.
H3: Emergency 15-minute refresh
If capacity dips below about 3% unexpectedly, SoftPro Elite can run a fast 15-minute emergency regeneration. It buys you time for laundry or a round of showers until the full cycle runs later.
H3: Why reserve percentage matters
A high reserve percentage forces early regeneration, wasting salt. With precise metering and efficient upflow cleaning, the Elite squeezes more service water from each pound of salt.
H3: SpringWell comparison—reserve requirements
SpringWell’s softeners often carry a larger programmed reserve than SoftPro. That buffer can be useful in timer-based models, but with SoftPro’s metered accuracy and emergency refresh, the smaller reserve delivers more usable capacity with less waste—worth every single penny.
Key takeaway: Smarter reserve plus emergency refresh equals soft water continuity without overspending on salt.
#8. Installation Without the Headaches – Planning, Space, and DIY Tips
A clean install pays dividends for years. The Elite is designed to be approachable for handy homeowners—and straightforward for plumbers.
Space and hookups at a glance
- Footprint: About 18" × 24" for a 48K–64K system. Height: 60–72" clearance for service and salt loading. Power: Standard 110V GFCI outlet. Drain: Within ~20' for gravity; farther with a small pump. Bypass: Full-port included, 3/4" or 1" quick-connect fittings.
Family example: Garage fit-out in Round Rock
Miguel mounted the bypass on 1" PEX with shark-bite style connectors, set the brine tank near a wall for easy pellet loading, and used the existing laundry standpipe for the drain. Total DIY time: a Saturday morning plus a coffee break.
H3: Pre-install checklist
- Test hardness in GPG; note any iron or chlorine. Verify mainline pressure (35–70 PSI is typical sweet spot). Choose a location upstream of branches and hose bibs you want untreated. Confirm drain slope, plan for an air gap.
H3: Programming basics
- Input hardness (add 1 GPG per 1 PPM iron as a rule of thumb). Set the time, metering mode, and vacation refresh. Initiate a manual regeneration to prime the resin with brine and rinse thoroughly before use.
H3: When to call a pro
If you’re sweating copper or need a pressure regulator/backflow device per local code, a plumber is a good investment. The Elite warranty does not require professional installation—but code compliance always matters.
Key takeaway: Plan your layout, prep your plumbing, and follow Heather’s guide videos. A clean install is well within reach.
#9. Maintenance That Takes Minutes – Salt, Sanitation, and Simple Checks
Soft water shouldn’t add chores to your life. Keep a simple rhythm and you’ll protect your system and your wallet.
What monthly care looks like
- Keep 3–6" of salt above the water in the brine tank. Break up any salt crust if a bridge forms. Check the display: gallons remaining and last regeneration date. Dip a test strip: aim for 0–1 GPG at a kitchen tap.
Family example: Five-minute routine
Priya checks the salt level the first weekend of each month. Miguel gives the brine tank rim a quick wipe and visually checks the drain line. That’s it.
H3: Quarterly and annual tasks
- Quarterly: Rinse the injector screen, verify bypass movement, inspect drain flow. Annual: Sanitize the resin tank with a softener-safe cleaner, replace any pre-filter, review programming if your household changed size.
H3: Resin lifespan and replacement
SoftPro’s 8% crosslink resin is a sweet spot for capacity and durability—expect 15–20 years under normal municipal conditions. If you have high chlorine, consider a carbon prefilter to extend resin life.
H3: Troubleshooting quick hits
- Hard water breakthrough? Check salt, run a manual regen, confirm injector screen is clean. Low flow? Clean aerators, verify no sediment filter is clogged. Error code? Call Heather’s support team; the controller will tell us exactly where to look.
Key takeaway: Ten minutes a month keeps your system in top shape and your water consistently silky.
#10. Compliance, Safety, and Proven Performance – Certifications that Matter
A softener touches every fixture in your home. Independent validation and safe materials aren’t optional.
What to look for
- NSF 372 for lead-free design and IAPMO materials safety certification. Independent testing showing 99%+ hardness reduction (typical lab results for modern ion exchange). A family-owned supplier who will pick up the phone years later.
Family example: Peace of mind for healthcare workers
As a nurse, Priya asked about materials safety. SoftPro Elite’s certifications, combined with Quality Water Treatment’s 30+ year reputation, satisfied their due diligence. She also appreciated having a real person—Heather—on email support within hours.
H3: What certifications don’t do
Certifications don’t guarantee proper sizing or installation. They validate the components and design. The rest comes down to analysis, programming, and care—our wheelhouse.
H3: Why ion exchange endures
Ion exchange softening is a century-old, lab-proven process. Unlike “softening without salt” products that only alter scaling behavior, ion exchange removes hardness to 0–1 GPG. That’s the difference you feel on your skin and see in your shower.
Key takeaway: Demand real certifications and a partner who’s accountable. That combination keeps your home protected.
#11. Warranty, People, and Staying Power – The QWT Family Advantage
Technology is half the value. The other half is who stands behind it.
Lifetime coverage where it counts
SoftPro Elite includes a lifetime warranty on the control valve and mineral tank, with long coverage on electronics and brine tank structure. It’s backed directly by Quality Water Treatment—no third-party warranty maze.
Family example: One call, straight answers
When Miguel asked about relocating the unit for a garage remodel, our team walked him through best practices and parts. No pressure, no runaround—just solutions.
H3: Who you’ll work with
- Craig Phillips (that’s me): System design and efficiency tuning. Jeremy Phillips: Pre-purchase analysis, sizing, and straightforward recommendations. Heather Phillips: Install guides, parts, shipping, and friendly support.
H3: Kinetico comparison—proprietary vs standard parts
Kinetico builds excellent equipment but often locks homeowners into dealer service and proprietary components. SoftPro uses industry-standard connections and serviceable parts with direct family support. Over a decade, the flexibility and warranty combine to reduce real ownership cost—worth every single penny.
Key takeaway: Warranty is a promise. Our family has kept that promise since 1990.
#12. Real Cost of Ownership – 5- and 10-Year Math You Can Live With
Sticker price isn’t the whole story. The right softener pays for itself in reduced salt, less water waste, and appliance protection.
Baseline numbers that matter
- System purchase: typically $1,200–$2,800 depending on capacity. DIY install: $0 beyond fittings; pro install: $300–$600 average. Annual salt with upflow metered design: about $60–$120 for many households. Annual water for regeneration: roughly $25–$40. Resin lifespan: 15–20 years; replacement $250–$400 when needed.
Family example: The Orellana tally
Miguel’s old tank heater flushing cost $180; replacement would’ve been $1,600–$2,200. Laundry and dish detergents dropped by roughly $26/month. Over five years, between energy savings, detergents, and avoided service calls, they expect $1,600–$2,300 in savings—on top of protecting fixtures and finishes.
H3: 5-year outlook
SoftPro Elite: $1,800–$3,200 all-in (system, salt, water, optional pro install). Downflow timer systems often land $2,500–$4,500 due to higher salt and water usage and more frequent regeneration. That gap widens with harder water.
H3: 10-year outlook
Expect $1,200–$2,500 lower operating costs vs traditional downflow units. Add another $2,000–$5,000 in avoided appliance degradation. Few upgrades in a home pay you back this consistently.
H3: Culligan comparison—service dependence vs independence
Dealer-only models can be convenient, but recurring service contracts and proprietary scheduling add to lifetime cost. With SoftPro Elite, metered efficiency and DIY-friendly service reduce recurring expenses. Over a decade, the autonomy and lower salt/water use make the Elite the financial winner—worth every single penny.
Key takeaway: Look beyond purchase price. Upflow metering and family-backed support bend the cost curve in your favor.
FAQ
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 contacting the most depleted exchange sites first. That targeted contact means fewer pounds of salt achieve a full reset—often 2–4 lbs instead of 6–15 lbs per cycle. The SoftPro Elite also trims regeneration water by about 64% versus many downflow designs. In practice, the Orellanas cut their salt runs nearly in half after installing the Elite. Compared to downflow workhorses like the Fleck 5600SXT, upflow simply uses brine more intelligently and rinses more efficiently. My recommendation: if you value ongoing savings, upflow is non-negotiable.
What grain capacity do I need for a family of four with 18 GPG hard water?
Start with the formula: 4 people × 75 gallons × 18 GPG = 5,400 grains/day. A 48K can work if usage is moderate and steady. If you have peak demand (two showers plus laundry), step up to 64K to extend days between regenerations and protect flow. That’s exactly what we did for the Orellanas in Round Rock, and it aligned their regen schedule to a comfortable weekly rhythm. If you host often or have luxury fixtures, 64K is the safer pick.
Can SoftPro Elite handle iron in addition to hardness minerals?
Yes—up to about 3 PPM clear water iron. Pairing the Elite with fine mesh resin improves iron handling by increasing surface area. The Orellanas had 0.7 PPM iron and saw their faint tub line disappear after install. If your iron is higher than 3 PPM, we’ll add dedicated pre-treatment. Program hardness slightly higher (add 1 GPG per 1 PPM iron) to account for iron’s load on the resin.
Can I install SoftPro Elite myself, or do I need a professional plumber?
Many homeowners install it themselves. You’ll need basic tools, the ability to tie into 3/4" or 1" plumbing, and a nearby drain and outlet. The bypass valve uses quick-connect fittings, and Heather’s videos walk through layout, programming, and priming. If you’re soldering copper or need pressure regulation/backflow per code, hire a pro. The Orellanas used 1" PEX with push fittings and wrapped their install in a Saturday morning.
What space requirements should I plan for installation?
Plan about 18" × 24" for the mineral tank and brine tank footprint, with 60–72" height for service access and salt loading. You’ll need a 110V GFCI outlet within cord reach and a 1/2" drain line to a floor drain or standpipe (gravity preferred, pump if needed). Keep salt storage dry and accessible; don’t cram the brine tank into a damp alcove where bridging can occur.
How often do I need to add salt to the brine tank?
Most families add salt every 4–8 weeks, depending on hardness and usage. With SoftPro’s upflow efficiency and metered control, you’ll use noticeably less salt than timer-based systems. The Orellanas moved from three monthly bags to roughly one and a half. Keep 3–6" of salt above the water, and break any crusts that form on top. Check the display monthly and you won’t be surprised.
What is the lifespan of the resin?
The 8% crosslink resin in SoftPro Elite typically lasts 15–20 years on municipal water. High chlorine or oxidants shorten resin life; a carbon prefilter can help in those cases. Resin replacement, when eventually due, runs roughly $250–$400 in media. The Orellanas’ municipal water had manageable chlorine residuals, so we did not add carbon—if yours is strong, we’ll discuss it.
What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years?
For most households: system purchase, a possible one-time install cost, and yearly salt/water. Expect roughly $1,800–$3,200 over five years and a clear operating-cost advantage by year ten versus downflow timers. The Elite’s demand-initiated regeneration and upflow mechanics produce ongoing savings. Add avoided appliance degradation—water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines—and you’re looking at several thousand dollars preserved over a decade.
How much will I save on salt annually?
Every home is different, but many families see annual salt costs around $60–$120 with SoftPro’s upflow metered design versus two to three times that with downflow timers. The Orellanas dropped their monthly spend to roughly one-third of their neighbors’ timer-based systems. Track your bags for a few months; you’ll see the difference.
How does SoftPro Elite compare to Fleck 5600SXT?
Fleck 5600SXT is reliable but uses downflow regeneration, which generally consumes more salt and water per cycle. SoftPro Elite leverages upflow regeneration, precise metering, and a slimmer reserve (about 15%) for real efficiency gains. In daily life, that means fewer regen cycles, less salt to haul, and lower water bills. I’ve serviced both for years—the Elite’s operating costs and diagnostics give it the long-term edge.
Is SoftPro Elite better than Culligan systems?
Culligan builds capable systems, but many models tie you to dealer service, proprietary parts, and ongoing service contracts. SoftPro Elite uses standard components, clear in-home diagnostics, and our family’s direct support—no gatekeepers. Over a decade, homeowners like the Orellanas benefit from independence, lower salt/water use, and a warranty that’s handled directly by us.
Will SoftPro Elite work with extremely hard water (25+ GPG)?
Yes—size appropriately. For 25+ GPG, consider 64K–80K capacity depending on household size and peak flow needs. The Elite’s 15 GPM service flow keeps showers smooth even under heavy demand. best water softener If iron is present, ensure it’s within the 3 PPM range or plan pre-treatment. Program the controller with accurate hardness, and your cycles will stay efficient without breakthrough.
Final Word from Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips
When hardness creeps past 10 GPG, every month without a plan costs you—more soap, more energy, and shorter appliance life. The SoftPro Elite pairs the right science—upflow regeneration, metered control, fine mesh options—with a controller that speaks plainly and a family company that answers the phone. For the Orellanas, it wasn’t about bells and whistles; it was about finally seeing clear glassware, consistent showers, and a salt bin that empties slowly.
If you’re ready to stop buying the same problem twice, SoftPro Elite is your next and last softener. Sized correctly, installed cleanly, and supported by people who care, it’s a decision you’ll feel every time you turn on the tap.