/>Hi, I'm Julius K. I live in Utah. Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips asked me to share my homeowner experience with local tap water from the city and the SoftPro® Elite HE Water Softener for City Water (Industry's Best Softener & Filter Combo) I purchased. This is how my adventures played out. I hope this helps you in your decision.
Let me start by saying this product is working as well or better than its competitors, though I wish the seller included some water testing strips with the device. After eighteen months of daily use, I can honestly say this investment transformed our household water quality in ways I didn't expect.
When we moved to our current home in Utah, I thought city water meant "problem-free water." Boy, was I wrong.
The supposedly "treated" municipal water left white spots on everything - our glassware looked perpetually dirty, our coffee maker developed a crusty buildup within weeks, and my wife complained constantly about her hair feeling like straw after showers.
Our monthly water bill showed we were consuming normal amounts, but we were burning through soap, shampoo, and cleaning products at an alarming rate. I found myself scrubbing our shower doors twice a week just to keep them presentable.
The Hard Reality of "Soft" City Water
Did you know that city water can still be incredibly hard despite municipal treatment?
I certainly didn't until I tested ours and discovered we had 18 grains per gallon of hardness - well into the "very hard" category.
The problem starts at the source. Our municipal water comes from underground wells rich in dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. While the city treats water for safety by removing harmful bacteria and adding chlorine for disinfection, they don't address hardness minerals that cause everyday household headaches.
These dissolved minerals wreak havoc in multiple ways:
**Scale buildup** occurs when hard water evaporates, leaving behind mineral deposits on fixtures, appliances, and surfaces. This isn't just cosmetic - it reduces the efficiency and lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
**Soap interference** happens because calcium and magnesium ions bind with soap molecules, creating an insoluble scum instead of cleansing lather. We were literally washing our dishes and ourselves with mineral-soap sludge.
**Appliance damage** accelerates as mineral scale accumulates inside pipes, water heaters, and household appliances. Our previous water heater lasted only six years before mineral buildup caused complete failure.
**Personal care impacts** became evident when family members developed dry, itchy skin and dull, brittle hair. The mineral content was stripping natural oils and leaving residue.
Beyond the immediate annoyances, I calculated we were spending an extra $89 monthly on cleaning products, bottled water, and premature appliance maintenance. Over a decade, hard water would cost us nearly $11,000 in additional expenses and replacements.
My Research Journey Into Water Softening Solutions
>After confirming our water hardness with a basic test kit (18 grains per gallon), I dove deep into water treatment options. The learning curve was steeper than expected.
**Salt-based ion exchange systems** emerged as the gold standard for hardness removal. These systems work by passing hard water through resin beads loaded with sodium ions. Calcium and magnesium minerals swap places with sodium, effectively "softening" the water. The resin regenerates periodically using salt brine to recharge the beads.
**Salt-free conditioners** appeared cheaper initially but don't actually remove hardness minerals. Instead, they crystallize minerals to reduce scale formation. For our severe hardness level, this wouldn't address soap interference or personal care issues.
**Reverse osmosis systems** remove minerals completely but typically serve only drinking water due to slow production rates and high waste ratios. Whole-house RO systems cost significantly more and waste substantial amounts of water.
**Capacity calculations** became crucial. Our household of four uses approximately 280 gallons daily. With 18-grain hardness, we needed a system capable of removing 5,040 grains of hardness daily. Most residential systems range from 24,000 to 64,000 grain capacity.
**Efficiency ratings** varied dramatically between manufacturers. Some systems regenerate based on preset schedules regardless of actual usage, wasting salt and water. Demand-initiated regeneration systems monitor actual usage and regenerate only when necessary.
**Certification standards** helped narrow choices. I prioritized systems certified by NSF International for structural integrity (NSF 58) and performance claims (NSF 44). WQA Gold Seal certification provided additional third-party validation.
**Installation requirements** ranged from simple to complex. Some systems needed professional installation due to electrical connections, drain requirements, and bypass valve integration. Others offered DIY-friendly designs with detailed instructions.
The SoftPro Elite caught my attention due to its combination water softening and filtration capabilities. Rather than installing separate systems for hardness and chlorine removal, this unit addressed both issues simultaneously. The upflow regeneration design and demand-initiated controls promised superior efficiency compared to conventional downflow systems.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The SoftPro Elite arrived via freight delivery in professional packaging that immediately conveyed quality. The main unit weighed significantly more than expected - a good sign indicating robust construction rather than lightweight plastic components.
**Physical construction** impressed me immediately. The mineral tank featured a thick fiberglass exterior with a smooth gelcoat finish that resisted scratching during handling. The brine tank used heavy-duty polyethylene construction with a secure, gasketed lid.
**Component quality** exceeded expectations throughout. The SoftPro Valve system felt substantial with precision-machined fittings and heavy-duty electrical connections. Bypass valves included premium ball valve construction rather than cheap gate valves found in budget systems.
**Documentation completeness** stood out compared to other appliances I've installed. The manual provided clear installation diagrams, detailed programming instructions, and comprehensive troubleshooting guides. A separate quick-start guide offered condensed setup steps for experienced DIYers.
**Included components** covered everything needed for basic installation: inlet/outlet fittings, drain line fittings, bypass valve assembly, salt-efficient brine tank, and detailed hardware package. I appreciated that SoftPro included quality fittings rather than requiring separate trips to the hardware store.
**Initial concerns** centered on the installation space requirements. The combined unit footprint measured larger than anticipated, requiring relocation of some storage items in our utility room. However, the single-unit design still used less space than separate softener and filter systems would require.
Installation Experience and Setup Process
> I chose DIY installation to save costs and understand the system thoroughly. With moderate plumbing experience and the right tools, the project took one Saturday from start to finish.
**Pre-installation preparation** required shutting off main water supply and draining the line section where I'd install the bypass valve. I installed the system after our pressure tank but before the water heater to treat all household water while maintaining good flow pressure.
**Plumbing connections** used standard 1-inch copper fittings that matched our existing main line. The SoftPro Valve system included unions on both inlet and outlet sides, allowing easy disconnection for future maintenance without cutting pipes. The bypass valve assembly installed inline, providing a way to isolate the system if needed.
**Drain line routing** required running 1/2-inch tubing to our utility sink drain. The upflow regeneration design meant fewer drain cycles compared to conventional systems, but proper drainage remained essential. I secured the drain line to prevent movement during regeneration cycles.
**Electrical requirements** involved running 110V power to the control head. The SoftPro system includes a GFCI-protected cord, but I installed a dedicated outlet near the unit for safety and code compliance. The control head draws minimal power during normal operation.
**Initial system startup** followed a specific sequence outlined in the manual. After connecting all plumbing and electrical, I slowly opened the bypass valve to fill the system while checking for leaks. The automatic air purge feature eliminated initial air pockets.
**Programming the control head** required entering our water hardness level, household size, and desired regeneration schedule. The digital interface offered multiple programming options, but the default settings worked perfectly for our situation. The system automatically calculated regeneration frequency based on our inputs.
**First regeneration cycle** ran automatically after initial programming. I monitored the complete cycle to ensure proper operation and familiarize myself with the sounds and timing. The upflow regeneration process took approximately 90 minutes and used noticeably less water than our previous traditional system.
**Pressure and flow testing** confirmed the system maintained excellent water pressure throughout the house. Even with multiple fixtures running simultaneously, I measured only a 3 PSI pressure drop across the system - well within acceptable ranges.
Comprehensive Feature Analysis and Performance
> After extensive use, several features distinguish the SoftPro Elite from conventional water softeners and justify the investment.
**Upflow Regeneration Technology** operates fundamentally differently from traditional downflow systems. Instead of pushing brine through the resin bed from top to bottom, the SoftPro system flows regeneration solution upward through the bed. This countercurrent flow ensures more thorough resin cleaning and dramatically improves salt efficiency. In practical terms, I use approximately 40% less salt compared to our previous conventional softener while achieving better hardness removal.
**Demand-Initiated Regeneration** monitors actual water usage rather than running preset time schedules. The system tracks treated gallons and initiates regeneration only when the resin bed approaches capacity. This smart timing means we never run out of soft water, and the system never wastes salt regenerating prematurely. Our regeneration cycles occur every 8-12 days depending on usage patterns, saving an estimated 300 pounds of salt annually.
**Integrated Carbon Filtration** addresses chlorine, chloramines, and organic contaminants that softening alone cannot handle. The dual-purpose media bed removes hardness minerals while simultaneously filtering chemical tastes and odors. This eliminates the need for a separate carbon filter system and provides comprehensive water treatment in a single unit. Our water now tastes clean and fresh without any chemical aftertaste.
**SoftPro Valve Precision** delivers exceptional reliability and programmability. The electronic control head offers multiple regeneration options: immediate, delayed, or day-of-week scheduling. The valve handles all system functions - service, regeneration, and backwash cycles - with precise timing and flow control. After eighteen months, I've experienced zero mechanical issues or programming glitches.
**High-Capacity Resin System** uses premium-grade ion exchange media rated for extended service life. The 1.5 cubic foot resin bed provides 45,000 grain capacity, handling our family's hardness removal needs with room to spare. The high-quality resin maintains consistent performance without degradation, and the upflow regeneration keeps the bed properly classified and efficient.
**Salt Efficiency Optimization** results from the combination of upflow regeneration, demand-initiated controls, and high-capacity resin. I purchase salt every 3-4 months instead of monthly with our previous system. The brine tank uses less salt per regeneration while achieving superior hardness removal - typically reducing our 18 GPG water to less than 1 GPG throughout the regeneration cycle.
**System Monitoring Capabilities** provide real-time information about performance and maintenance needs. The digital display shows days until next regeneration, gallons remaining until regeneration, current flow rate, and system status. This transparency helps me track salt levels, plan maintenance, and troubleshoot any issues before they affect water quality.
