Water filtration
Whole-house water filters and softeners
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Whole-house systems run from about $1,000 for a filter to $3,000+ for a filter and softener combo before installation. Here are the main types and the systems worth shortlisting.
Featured models
Best combo for hard city water
SpringWell Water Filter + Salt Softener Combo (CF1 + SS1)
Carbon filter + salt softener · 1–3 bathrooms (CF4/SS4 for 4–6) · 9 GPM filter / 11 GPM softener
Typical price: About $2,200–$2,900 (larger sizes cost more)
See the combo at SpringWellBest filter-only system for chlorine and taste
Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000
Whole-house carbon/KDF filter · Typical homes (sizing by flow) · 7 GPM rated (14.6 GPM peak)
Typical price: About $1,000–$2,000 (frequent sales)
See Rhino at AquasanaBest softener for big households and very hard water
US Water Systems Matrixx Smart Metered Softener
Salt softener (metered) · Sized by model: MXX-100 / 150 / 200 · 10 / 15 / 20 GPM
Typical price: About $1,450–$2,450 (MXX-100)
See Matrixx at US Water SystemsSpecs from each maker's product page; prices are typical ranges seen in October 2026 and change often.
Buy right once: Start with your water test, then size for your household as it grows. Too little flow drops pressure, and too small a softener regenerates constantly.
Before you buy, check:
- A recent water test: hardness, iron and chlorine or chloramine
- Peak flow in GPM for your bathrooms
- A drain, an outlet and space near your main shutoff
Product types
Whole-house carbon filters
Remove chlorine taste and smell at every tap.
Example: Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000, about $1,000–$2,000 (frequent sales)
Salt-based softeners
The only option here that removes hardness minerals.
Example: US Water Systems Matrixx Smart Metered Softener, about $1,450–$2,450 (MXX-100)
Filter + softener combos
Two tanks, filter first, for city water that's also hard.
Example: SpringWell Water Filter + Salt Softener Combo (CF1 + SS1), about $2,200–$2,900 (larger sizes cost more)
Buying guides
Buying guide
Whole-house water filters and softeners: how to choose by water test, flow rate and household size
The leading systems compared, softener sizing in grains with worked examples, flow-rate sizing and regional advice.
Sizing tools
Water softener grain calculator
The softener capacity your household needs between regenerations.
How it works: Grains/day = people × gal/day × (hardness + iron ppm × 4); capacity = grains/day × regen days, rounded up to the next standard size. To convert mg/L hardness to gpg, divide by 17.1.
Estimate only; confirm with your installer or the manufacturer.
Sources for this tool
Whole-house flow (GPM) sizer
Peak flow when several fixtures run at once, so the filter or softener doesn't choke your pressure.
How it works: Peak GPM = showers × 2.5 + faucets × 2.2 + washer about 2 + hose about 5 (federal maximums; washer and hose are typical assumptions).
Estimate only; confirm with your installer or the manufacturer.