The 7 Best RV Water Softeners

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

The 7 Best RV Water Softeners

RV water softeners effectively enhance the quality of water used in your vehicle. This solution can protect your RV’s plumbing fixtures, reduce soap usage, and improve the feel of the water on your skin and hair.

• Importance: Protects plumbing and appliances and enhances water quality.
• Types: Salt-based, salt-free, magnetic, and portable softeners.
• Installation: Typically accessible, following provided instruction manuals.
• Maintenance: Periodic recharging with salt; frequency varies.
• Cost: Varies widely based on type, size, and brand.
• Benefits: Prevents mineral buildup and improves water quality.
• Considerations: Budget, size, water hardness, lifespan considerations.

A recreational vehicle water softener unit, also called a portable hard water softener, offers its users the benefits expected from stationary, softer units used at home.

The only difference is that it can be carried and moved around. This feature is beneficial for motor homes, recreational vehicles, and boats.

The best portable hard water softener on the market will make a superb investment for people always on the road. Some recreational vehicle owners already face polluted and hard water.

A hard water softener on board ensures that your water has been thoroughly filtered before you use it to cook, take your bath, or wash your dishes.

Hard water is contaminated with elevated levels of hard minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Its red appearance, strange taste, and foul smell might recognize it. To complicate things further, hard water does no good for the plumbing system.

A bath or a shower with hard water causes skin irritations and coarse hair. Soap doesn’t dissolve, making it challenging to make bubbles.

If you have tried living the RV life, you would already know the annoying issues of using hard water. Fortunately, portable hard water softener units are now available to transform hard water into soft water.

Since these units are designed to be portable, you can load one in your recreational vehicle or motor home before you hit the road.

This machine will help you remove magnesium, calcium, and other hard minerals that contribute to the water’s hardness. Filtered water is called soft because it is safe and convenient.

A hard water softener guarantees that your pipes will be protected and your kitchen appliances will live longer. It also means you don’t have to continue descaling your kettles and pots, which are usually victims of limescale buildup.

This article will present the top 7 portable hard water softener models to help you choose the best one for your RV.

The 7 Best RV Water Softeners

1. MSW 16Kgr

Summary

MSW 16Kgr is a water-softer unit that is worth considering. It eliminates the annoying effects of using hard water, making RV life more comfortable and convenient.

This is a superb investment as it can effectively remove 16,000 grains to soften water. 

It conditions water by removing the calcium, magnesium, iron, lead, and other heavy metals often found in wells and municipal water sources. It can also treat a huge amount of water in a minute. At maximum, you could enjoy 5 gallons of soft water.

Mobile Soft Water’s water softener unit promotes convenience and ease in the real sense. You don’t have to plug this unit into an electric source to make it work.

It doesn’t need energy, and it’s portable. Those two things can already please any RV owner, but it gets better.

This unit’s tank handles up to one-half cubic feet of highly charged and capable resin. It is built with durable and excellent materials. The inlet is made with lead-free nylon, and the pressure vessel is made with reinforced fiberglass plastic.

It also features nylon fittings, which are safe for treating drinking water, as the National Sanitary Foundation approves of this material.

The only potential problem is that the kit doesn’t include a hose connector for the water input. It’s essential for proper installation, and you will get a separate bill.

Pros:

• Features maximum capacity of 16,000
• Treats water and filters out heavy metals and harmful chemicals
• Regeneration cycles don’t need electricity to initiate
• Features NSF-approved nylon fittings
• Very portable

Cons:

• The package doesn’t include the input water hose connector

2. PRO+AQUA Portable Water Softener

Summary

PRO+AQUA is compatible with RVs, boats, and car wash. PRO+AQUA is a reputable brand, so you can expect this unit to be another excellent choice.

The unit was designed to make RV life more comfortable. It solves all the problems you have caused by using hard water in your RV life. 

This model was designed to work well with recreational vehicles but can also be used in small apartments, mobile homes, and boats.

And I am very impressed by how fast and easy the regeneration process is with this model. You might be as surprised as I am that this unit regenerates conveniently using either table salt or rock salt within only minutes.

One regeneration cycle produces a maximum of 2k gallons of soft water. This magnificent ability makes this model a very efficient water softener.

One look and I knew right away that this unit could easily be moved around. It helps a lot that it can be easily stored away and handled. 

The Aquasure water softener system was designed with a handle that makes it easy to carry and secure. It’s also very convenient because it doesn’t need electricity to run.

However, I wouldn’t recommend using this water softener unit for a small or large house. It is only ideal for boats, trailers, and motorhomes. Otherwise, it won’t work quite as well, rendering it useless.

Pros:

• Compatible with recreational vehicles, motor homes, small apartments, and boats
• Features a fast and convenient regeneration process
• Each regeneration yields two thousand gallons of soft water
• Features a compact and portable design
• Ease of handling and storage

Cons:

• It cannot be used to support a household efficiently

3. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT

Summary

On the Go, OTG4-DBLSOFT is something I would highly recommend, knowing its maker’s reputation. With a capacity of 16,000 grains, you enjoy two times more than the previous version and the other systems.

One more thing worth mentioning is that it can deliver about 40 percent more softened water compared to other portable models. This feature is made possible by its size. Its ability to complete a regeneration cycle in under 30 minutes is equally impressive.

The OTG4-DBLSOFT water softener system is truly a powerhouse because it delivers 40 days’ worth of water or 1,600 gallons of soft water.

This unit is a blessing for RV and boat owners. It was also designed to be space-friendly.

Because it has a wide opening, pouring salt will be easy. The integrated handle on top will also make it easier for you to carry it around. Plus, effortlessly connect this tank with an inlet hose, taking advantage of its 360-degree swivel.

The package also includes a travel-friendly plug and cap to supposedly prevent leakage. I’d hate to be the bringer of bad news, but some people have been disappointed because there’s still leakage at the connections.

For this kind of trouble, a tape of Teflon would come in very handy.

Pros:

• Equipped with 16k grain capacity
• 40 percent more soft water yield compared to other water softeners
• Features a compact design for a smaller footprint
• Features a wide opening to make salt hassle-free
• Specifically designed for RV and marine use

Cons:

• Few reported leakages at the connections

4. SoftPro Water Softener System

Summary

I’m confident you’ll love the SoftPro and can recommend this model because I was impressed by its performance, efficiency, and overall quality.

I’m sure you’ll also be delighted to have this automatic water softener system on board. Yes, you read that right. This model is automated, so you don’t have to deal with manually operated regeneration cycles.

This unit has a maximum grain capacity of 21,000 thanks to the integrated resin.

This model can also be used in mobile homes, tiny houses, condominiums, and apartments. Since it is compact, it will have a small footprint. You can allocate just a small space to put it on.

Another good news is that the valve is programmable, which gives you better control. I have no complaints about the materials used in the SoftPro water softener system.

The manual is easy to comprehend and straightforward, so you don’t have to consult anyone to install it properly. The package also comes with an installation kit.

The installation kit has everything you’ll need: a brine line, sanitizer packet, silicone lube, and test strips to measure the hardness of the water. It’s a great deal.

The only thing that could stop you from choosing this model is its price. Of course, you can’t expect all these features to come cheap.

Pros:

• Automated water softener system
• Compatible with recreational vehicles, boats, motor homes, condos, and small apartments
• Features a small footprint and lightweight design for more mobility
• The package includes a step-by-step guide and installation kit

Cons:

• Expensive

5. Watts M7002 Flow-Pur

Summary

Watts’ M7002 Flow-Pur is highly recommended if you invest in a reliable and durable water softener system. What I love about this model is its portability. It weighs only 24 pounds, so it’ll be easy to install and move around.

Another thing worth mentioning is the unique design of this system’s valve. It allows regeneration without disconnecting it first, which is the case for other models.

A drain line restricts the flow for a more efficient regeneration cycle. This feature also increases the capacity by 55 percent at maximum.

Also, I am delighted to share the news that this unit’s tank doesn’t have an open base, making it more secure. Instead, the makers have designed its base to feature a cradle.

As a result, it has gained much more flexibility, making installation easy. You can install the M7002 Flow-Pur water softener system in your recreational vehicle, boat, or motor home.

This model also delivers excellent performance even when using table salt. You don’t have to buy potassium, which is more expensive and more complicated.

The flow rate is also something that this model boasts because it can reach up to 4 gallons per minute. The flow rate also has a low-pressure drop.

Getting 4 gallons per minute secures your water supply, and the water pressure lets you use every drop.

On the other hand, the M7002 Flow-Pur water softener unit will probably make connecting long hoses difficult because the hose fittings cannot be rotated.

Pros:

• Features a small footprint and compact design for more mobility
• The regeneration cycle doesn’t require disconnection of the unit
• Equipped with a secure tank
• Features low-pressure drop and high water flow rate
• Compatible with recreational vehicles, boats, and motor homes

Cons:

• This unit’s hose fitting cannot be rotated

6. On The Go OTG3NTP3M Portable Water Softener

Summary

OTG3NTP3M is the second model from the On the Go brand. It is also an excellent choice because it requires little effort to utilize.

This unit will provide soft water for a week or two, depending on how much water you use.

I’m happy that this unit also features a compact and lightweight design. It can soften between 300 and 700 gallons of hard water before you’ll have to recharge it again. That’s plenty, but you’d be happy to know that regeneration or recharging will not take long.

This model will only need 15 minutes and one box of common salt to regenerate successfully. Storage is also easy and convenient, as there are caps for both the inlet and outlet valves.

OTG3NTP3M also grants you control over the water flow because the inlet has a shut-off valve.

It is worth mentioning that this unit already has adapters to quickly hook it up with our recreational vehicle. It also connects with garden hose connectors and boats. This unit has versatility and flexibility, which are significant advantages.

However, you cannot use the OTG3NTP3M water softener system straight out of the box. But I can assure you that setting up is still quick and convenient.

Pros:

• A regeneration cycle supplies enough soft water to last for a week or two
• Features a small footprint and lightweight design for more mobility
• It only needs 15 minutes to regenerate
• Easily hooks up in marine, garden hose connectors, and recreational vehicles

Cons:

• This unit cannot be used straight out of the box

7. On The Go OTG4-StdSoft Portable Water Softener

Summary

Still, one of the best-performing water softener units is model OTG4-StdSoft from On the Go. This manufacturer is proving to be a reliable brand, scoring three spots on this list.

This portable hard water softener performs excellently in changing hard water to soft water.

I didn’t fail to notice that it was explicitly designed to prevent stains from rust and buildup from hard minerals. It dramatically improves the water quality by removing the weird taste and odor in hard water.

A steady supply of softened water also prevents you from getting dry and irritated skin. You won’t have difficulty lathering soap, and your kitchen appliances onboard will be functional longer. 

This unit was built to be compatible with both RV and marine. It features an 8,000-grain maximum capacity that quickly solves your hard water problems.

Furthermore, the OTG4-StdSoft water softener unit regenerates in less than 15 minutes with the proper amount of table salt.

One regeneration cycle filters enough soft water for up to 20 days. The OTG4-StdSoft water softener unit is also very portable; it can even fit in the narrowest space. A low-pressure drop complements the high flow rate.

I assure you that even you can easily and quickly hook this unit up. The only drawback is its plastic fittings. Plastic isn’t very durable, so you must take better care of this unit.

Pros:

• Designed to be rust-proof and scale-proof
• Specially designed for recreational vehicles and marine
• Features maximum capacity of 8,000
• Small footprint and lightweight design for more mobility
• Features low-pressure drop and high water flow rate

Cons:

• Some components are made with flimsy plastic

Everything You Need To Know About RV Water Softeners

Getting the ideal water softener unit to suit your needs is essential, as you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a unit that must be replaced too soon. You must consider many things if you are out there to find the best unit worth its price.

This buyer’s guide might be short, but we have made it as informative as possible. We have listed the factors and features that will make a difference.

We hope that this helps you find the best water softener based on your own considerations.

Types of RV Water Softeners

Deciding what softener system you need will help you narrow your choices. You might consider getting a salt-free water softener system that significantly helps if you don’t want to deal with salt problems.

Of course, this choice also has a downside. Unlike the other hard water softeners, this type is only suitable for descaling and conditioning the water. 

An electronic water softener system is also worth looking into. This type has and uses electrical wirings to change the charge of the ions on hard minerals.

It does share similarities with a salt-free system; it cannot wholly and efficiently remove calcium and magnesium carbonates and produce soft water.

But, of course, this type is still valuable for preventing minerals from attaching themselves to the hollows of your plumbing system’s pipes and other plumbing fixtures. You still get to save some money from dodging maintenance work. 

Magnetic water softener systems, or magnetic softeners, feature strong magnets connected to the unit’s pipes.

These magnets are non-chemical alternatives to soften hard water. This method can prevent clogs in your plumbing system’s pipes and accessories.

RV Water Softener Sizes

You’ve got to choose a unit that is compatible with your recreational vehicle’s space. A portable hard water softener unit might be a good solution, as you can move it in and out without trouble. 

Getting a portable one will upgrade the comfort of your RV life and camping. Most of the time, portable hard water softeners have tank designs and only use table salt that can easily be bought from shops.

Indeed, portable models are inefficient for household use due to their compact size, but this size is perfect for meeting the demands of motor homes and recreational vehicles.

A small-sized water softener unit supplies soft water sufficient for up to 5 users.

Level of Water Hardness

One more thing to consider is the hardness of the water. Commercial kits allow you to test and measure the degree of hardness in the water. In the United States, the acceptable hardness level of water is between 20 and 30 GPM.

Some water softener models are only effective for moderate hardness. If the test result shows anything higher than a slight hardness, I recommend a hard water softener with higher efficiency.

Capacity

The rugged water softener unit’s capacity is calculated based on how many hard water grains it can remove. So, you’ll have to think about how many grains you want to remove weekly. This lets you know which water softener capacity is perfect for your needs.

To calculate your water softener’s capacity, multiply the grains per gallon value by your entire water consumption in gallons.

Doing so will make it easier for you to estimate reasonably how much capacity you should settle on. The grain capacity of commercial models starts at 15,000 grains and reaches a maximum of 100,000. 

Getting a hard water softener unit with insufficient capacity would prove your investment useless because it wouldn’t be up for the job. Be sure to get something that fits the capacity you need while still being small enough. Buying a bigger one might unnecessarily cost you more money.

However, if you have decided to get a system that needs salt to function, getting a bigger unit is practical because it wouldn’t need to regenerate too often and would last a long time with you. You might not have to look for a replacement too soon.

Built-in Features

Do your homework and find out whether the water-softer system you’re interested in has the necessary accessories.

You should know that some models are manually operated, so regeneration is needed whenever you need softened water. And some models already feature cutting-edge innovations. 

You may encounter some models that were programmed to restart by themselves. These models offer more convenience since you don’t need to initiate regeneration and renewal constantly.

I highly recommend getting one of this type if you can afford it. The best water softeners are typically meter-based, so water regeneration is automated. That does save you from exerting effort and allocating time for it.

Flow Rate

Flow rate is how fast or slow a system softens water. The speed is measured by the number of grains per gallon. Different models have different flow rates, of course. 

As a rule of thumb, a larger capacity yields more soft water. It’ll be pretty helpful if you get information about its flow rate.

Then, compare the flow rate with how much you use in your recreational vehicle or motor home. That should make choosing which unit can deliver what you need easier.

Maintenance

You want to choose a complex water softener system that isn’t a hassle to maintain. Some systems require more frequent maintenance; you must put it on your calendar to refill salt or clean the water tank.  

Some models can be left alone as no maintenance or tune-ups are required. But of course, this feature is bound to cost you more. You need to consider whether it’s worth spending more on the benefits that may save you time and effort. 

What are recreational vehicle water softener systems?

A water softener kit can be installed in your motor home, recreational vehicle, and boat. It is a system that removes the calcium, magnesium carbonate, and other minerals that contribute to the hardness of the water.

Hard water refers to water that contains traces and high levels of minerals compared to the typical water.

So, if your water contains elevated magnesium or calcium levels, it is now called hard water. Magnesium and calcium are examples of minerals with positively charged ions.

Their presence makes it difficult for other positively charged ions to dissolve in water as they should in water without magnesium or calcium.

This effect is perfectly illustrated by soap failing to dissolve when used with hard water. You might wonder why your soap suddenly doesn’t lather as it should. The problem lies in the water.

Hard water creates problems by carrying mineral deposits that leave the pipes and accessories clogged. It’s also troublesome when soap doesn’t make enough bubbles because it’s left undissolved.

These problems can be solved by significantly reducing the elements that make water hard. Water softening techniques are utilized to bring down the levels of minerals.

Ions that are responsible for making water hard are removed through these techniques. And it’s not just those ions; iron ions are also removed from the water.

When you live the RV life, getting a machine that softens the water and connects the unit to the water source is the most promising way to access softened water.

When you access soft water, you will spend less time and effort cleaning because the soap behaves as it should. You don’t have to exhaust your water supply, clearing the calcium ions.

It also means fewer limescale deposits inside your pipes, leading to better performance and higher functionality. Furthermore, you might not have to deal with repairs, so expect your pipes to last longer.

Softening water is aided by ion exchange or the exchange of resins that soften lime.

How does a water-softening system work?

Water softener systems have features similar to magnet systems. It works with the fundamental law where positive and negative charges attract each other.

As mentioned previously, minerals like calcium and magnesium make up challenging water as they both have positively charged molecules.

Hard water processed in water softener units passes through filtration. The filter is made with resin beads, which are charged negatively.

When water passes through these filters, positive and negative attraction occurs, prompting the transfer of minerals to the resin beads.

The regeneration process or cycle is another possible way to access soft water continuously. It involves cleaning and recharging the hard water softener system so you can always expect soft water from your faucets.

Furthermore, you should know that almost all recreational vehicle water softeners have a second tank. This tank stores salt, which is added to soften the water. It’s also called the brine tank because it stores the brine solution.

The system introduces the salt and water solution into the first tank during regeneration. The ions are exchanged again, but this time, they happen in reverse. The medium is bathed with a brine solution.

Hard minerals trapped by the resin are expelled while sodium ions replenish the medium. The regeneration process also cleans and disinfects the hard water softener system.

The final step in the process is expelling unwanted elements like wastes and hard minerals.

RV Water Softener Types

Everyone wants to make a healthy investment. When you’re a recreational vehicle owner, you only want the best accessories to be a part of your RV life.

The best water softener is crucial for accessing safe and clean water. To make it easier for you to choose, we have listed significant information about the common water softener types. 

Salt-free Type of Water Softener System

These systems do not use chemicals to remove magnesium and calcium to soften hard water. Instead, they employ nanotechnology to change the water’s molecule structures.

The structure of the molecules has changed from a scale building to a non-scale building. It has a filtering medium where molecular structures are altered as water flows through.

The altered molecules also positively impact the existing limescale buildup in your water system’s pipes and fittings. They can also describe the plumbing system.

One notable benefit of using a hard water softener system that doesn’t use salt is the absence of chemical usage. You don’t have to compromise and introduce some chemicals to your water system; you will not release harmful chemicals to the environment.

Another benefit of using a salt-free water softener system is that you will not be required to do maintenance checkups too often since you don’t have to buy and add salt to the system regularly.

Water wastage is also significantly decreased because it doesn’t involve the regeneration cycle. This makes it a smart choice, especially if you want the best for the environment.

Ion-exchange Hard Water Softener System Type

This hard water softener system works on the principle of ion exchange. It’s the oldest and most popular filtration system. Water is softened by substituting sodium or salt for magnesium, iron, calcium, and other hard minerals. 

The presence of magnesium and calcium in the water is replaced with salt, potassium, and hydrogen. Most people choose salt, making it the most well-known substance to soften hard water when using this kind of hard water softener system.

An ion-exchange hard water softener has two tanks, one for brine solution and the other for resin.

First, water is directed to pass through a bed of resin. Through this step, sodium ions successfully replace mineral ions present in the water. After the hardness of minerals is reduced, the second phase can proceed.

The regeneration process flushes the brine into the bed of resin. 

After successful regeneration, you will observe some water being flushed out of the drain. The expelled water carries hard minerals. Then, with this process, resin beads are also left prepared to repeat the process.

After the water filtration, softened water is pumped to your RV plumbing system.

The filtered water most likely contains sodium or potassium. Well, it depends on which mineral you have used and introduced to the system for the softening process.

Salt or sodium are practical choices because they are cheaper and more accessible, unlike potassium. Of course, people who are conscious about their sodium intake prefer potassium.

Using salt may negatively impact the environment. In contrast, potassium is environmentally friendly, making it a better choice. 

One more thing to consider if you plan on buying an ion-exchange hard water softener system is the number of tanks. You might have to go for a two-tank system instead of just the one-tank system.

Single-tank units are known to be prone to downtime while the regeneration process is taking place. Most of the models under this type set the regeneration cycle overnight because it’s during that time when there’s less or no demand for soft water.

The problem is that when you use water during regeneration, you might have to use water that hasn’t been thoroughly filtered. If your party and you almost always need access to soft water, you might want to consider a two-tank kit.

A two-tank system type can exchange between the two tanks when needed. This feature is handy when regenerating an emptied tank while utilizing the other.

Magnetic Water Softener System

Magnetic systems are equipped with magnets inside and around the pipes. The magnetic field created is supposed to affect the water condition. This type is commonly clipped on a pipe and plugged in.

Carbon dioxide’s electromagnetic properties are altered when the magnetic field is activated. They are repelled both by the pipes and by each other.

This hard water softener system is considered favorable and convenient but has one drawback. Softened water will retain its electromagnetic properties after 48 hours from leaving the magnetic field.

The Advantages of Installing Water Softeners in

Recreational Vehicles

Installing a softener system in your motor home or recreational vehicle will improve your RV lifestyle. With one around, you can be qualified to enjoy the following benefits and perks:

Lower Energy Consumption

Soft water is better for appliances that use water, like your dishwasher and coffee maker. Less lime scale deposits prevent the proper temperature elevation, which improves their function and effectiveness.

Take, for example, a pot that has a thick layer of limescale at the bottom. It will not quickly heat water for your coffee. Your pot will take longer to boil water because of the cemented deposits at its bottom.

Hard water deposits are one of the main culprits for clogged pipes. Soft water doesn’t cause the same problem, so you can expect continuous water flow from your faucets while traveling.

Softer Skin and Hair

Limescale build-up in the plumbing system results in slower water flow. But that’s not just it. Aside from the low water pressure, the high levels of calcium and magnesium affect your skin and hair if you use hard water to shower or wash the dishes. 

If you bathe with hard water, your shiny hair might soon become dull, dry, and prone to breakage. You might have to use a better and more intensive lotion because your skin would lose moisture, leaving you dry.

You don’t want itchy and irritated skin. Hard water strips your body of its natural oils.

Getting a water softener system can solve all of these problems. Filtered water doesn’t harm your hair and skin’s natural oils, even when you take a long bath.

Being away from home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bath or shower. You don’t have to compromise your body’s natural oils to feel clean while on the road. Natural oils are essential for retaining soft and smooth skin and hair.

Shortened Cleaning Time

If you use hard water, I’m pretty sure there’s a limescale deposit in your water supply’s pipes and faucets. It might seem unnoticeable initially, but it will appear as a thin white layer over time.

I’m sure this kind of buildup can be a challenge to remove. You might have to allocate regular cleaning time to scrub it away. 

If your plumbing system has a hard water softener unit, you don’t have to brush and spend much time doing so. You don’t have to search for scale removers online or buy commercial removers.

And take it from me: removing severe lime scale buildup is so challenging that you might as well replace your entire plumbing system and appliances. That’s why I highly recommend investing in a superb water softener unit.

Equipping your plumbing system with a hard water softener ensures your pipes are limescale-free. You will be dodging a lot of troubles caused by using hard water.

Lesser Damage to the Environment

Water softener systems are environmentally friendly. It lessens the need for cleaning chemicals known to threaten our environment.

If you don’t use cleaning products with chemical ingredients, you will not be contaminating the streams and rivers or causing further degradation. Knowing you’re not messing up the environment does feel good.

Not to mention that getting a suitable model of hard water softener will also help prevent rust, extend the lifespan of your appliances onboard, reduce the number of water spots, and eliminate the weird taste and odor of water.

FAQs

You might still have questions about water softeners: 

How do I regenerate a hard water softener system

Different models of hard water softener units have different manual regeneration steps. But from what I know, I can tell you that some of them are equipped with integrated knobs that, when turned, initiate the water regeneration process.

When the water regeneration cycle is initiated, water is pumped in from the water source and passed through some tanks. While the regeneration process continues, water flows back and forth between the tanks through a loop.

This water loop was designed to extend the water flow and to filter the hard water thoroughly. The regeneration cycle also filters out the impurities mixed in with the water. Plus, it prevents rust from building up and other problems with the pipe from occurring.

What does regeneration time mean?

Regeneration time usually takes about an hour and a half to complete. Most ion-exchange water softener systems need at least this amount of time to finish an automated regeneration cycle. Regeneration is the cleansing of the filter medium by the hard water softener.

When the chemical process is reversed, it cleanses unwanted minerals dissolved in the water. Remember that a valve in the system handles the regeneration cycle’s schedule.

The valve is an integral part of the system that gives commands to initiate the regeneration cycle at the ideal time.

Do water softener units require lots of salt?

Of course, the answer to that is yes. Water softener units need help from salt to function successfully. Hard water needs to pass through plenty of salt, so you need to have enough salt added to the tank.

If you don’t add enough salt, the process is pretty useless, and the result would still be hard water instead of softened water. You must always be sure to add a sufficient amount if you want it to work.

Proper salt level in the salt tank is essential always. I can’t give you an exact number because each model has different requirements.

Please consult the product’s manual for a specific answer on this. However, I can tell you there’s a halfway mark where salt should never go under.

When you find the proper salt level for your hard water softener model, you’d better keep it consistent.

You might have to check on it every month to ensure it has enough salt to function correctly. This guarantees you to have continuous access to soft water. 

If you don’t want to use salt to soften your water, you can look into magnetic water systems. These models don’t require salt and still supply you with soft water.

Can potassium be a salt substitute?

Well, yes. You can opt for potassium as a perfect substitute for table salt. Both of these minerals will work. Potassium chloride is a good alternative, although this choice wouldn’t be economical, considering it is more expensive than salt.

Still, it works pretty well for people who prefer or need to stick with a no-salt diet. But you should also know that potassium easily melts when wet.

When substituting, a potassium bridge might develop inside the saline solution tank. For this reason, it is recommended that the tank be filled halfway only when using potassium chloride.

This will make it easier to notice if it sinks to the tank’s bottom after the regeneration cycle is completed.

How often should you regenerate your RV water softener?

The frequency of regenerating your RV water softener largely depends on the model and usage. However, a typical recommendation is to regenerate it every 4-6 weeks or at least once a month.

Remember, frequent and proper regeneration will improve the quality of your water and prolong the lifespan of your RV water softener.

Final Words

RV Water Softeners protect plumbing and appliances while enhancing water quality within your recreational vehicle. They come in various types, including salt-based, salt-free, magnetic, and portable softeners.

The installation process is typically straightforward, with guidance provided through instruction manuals. Maintenance primarily involves periodic recharging with salt, the frequency of which varies.

The cost of RV Water Softeners can vary widely depending on the type, size, and brand chosen. These systems have numerous benefits, including preventing mineral buildup and significantly improving water quality.

When selecting an RV Water Softener, consider budget, size, water hardness, and lifespan.

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