If you are trying to find the best compact water softener, you have come to the right place! I invite you to check out the list of top 8 products that will not only save space but also combat hard water with ease. So without wasting any time, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
Hard water contains high levels of minerals which are havoc to your plumbing, appliances, and even skin! A portable water softener will help you by removing these hard water-causing minerals. Before putting your money into such a product, here’s a quick overview of what to look for:
- Know your water usage to select the appropriate water softener capacity.
- The type of water softener you want, it may be salt-based and salt-free.
- Available space to ensure the unit fits comfortably.
By considering the factors above, I have shortlisted the list of the best picks. These include Go OTG3NTP3M, DuraWater 48,000-grain, and Pro Aqua 16,000-grain. But that’s just a sneak peek only. Continue reading to learn about the 8 best compact RV softeners, what features and specs to look for, and how to choose the one that suits you best. Without further ado, let’s dive deeper into the details!
Best Compact Water Softener: Comparison Table
Listed below is the comparison chart of the 8 best products:
Product | Flow Rate | Grain Capacity | Details | |
 | 3 GPM | 16,000 grains | $273.00 | |
 | 5 GPM | 16,000 grains | $279.95 | |
 | 12 GPM | 48,000 grains | $775.00 | |
 | 5 GPM | 8,000 grains | $220.00 | |
 | 9 GPM | 32,000 grains | $489.99 | |
 | 7.6 GPM | 30,000 grains | $663.08 | |
 | 8.5 GPM | 40,000 grains | $739.00 | |
 | 7 GPM | Salt-free | $399.00 |
Now that we have gone through a quick overview of the products, let’s explore them thoroughly.
1. Best Overall: On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable
Let’s check out the positives and negatives of this water softener:
Pros
- It can make 40% more soft water than other units in the market.
- Provides 1600 gallons of soft water that can last over a month.
- It has a back-flush adapter for quick reverse connection when required.
- No tools or electricity is required to operate it.
Cons
- Lack of a digital or analog display to indicate the regeneration process.
The OTG4-DBLSOFT water softener features 16,000 grains per unit of softening. Its unique swivel inlet valve ensures easy connection. While it utilizes ordinary table salt for regeneration through a large, hassle-free opening.
You can use the resin for a complete 20 days before needing to recharge the system again. A 1-year warranty is also offered by the manufacturer so you can be at ease when buying.
Features
Explore its exceptional features to grasp why it’s truly outstanding:
- Patent-pending design includes hardness test strips.
- A full cradle base to keep the water softener stable and secure.
- Inlet and outlet hose adapters are included for secure connection of pipes so you can use them without needing anything else.
Specs
The following are the specs of the DBLSOFT:
Specification | On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable |
Flow Rate: | 3 GPM |
Grain Capacity: | 16,000 grains |
Capacity: | 640-1600 gallons |
Dimensions: | 23.4 x 11 x 10.8 inches |
Weight: | 32 pounds |
2. Best Value for Money: Pro Aqua Water Softener
Let’s dive into this softener’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- It has a robust NSF Polyethylene tank, supported with resilient fiberglass.
- It can decrease the quantity of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Lead, Radium, and other Heavy Metals.
- This unit does not require electricity so you do not have to worry about powering it on the go.
- For regeneration use, you can opt for a female-to-female connection.
Cons
- The build of the main opening could be improved.
Pro WS-P-16 has a space-saving design, perfect for RVs and Campers. The garden hose is ¾-inches which can be fitted easily. This tiny titan has a 16,000-grain capacity which will provide up to 2,000 gallons (at 8 GPG hardness). This means you get 40 days’ worth of soft water. It also has an option for a WS-P Regen Kit. You also get 2 years of warranty which ensures your investment is safe.
Features
Let’s examine its exceptional features:
- It comes with a Y splitter to direct the flow.
- Shut off valve is included in it as well.
- You will also get a double and a quick connector.
Specs
See the product details below:
Specification | Pro Aqua Water Softener |
Flow Rate: | 5 GPM |
Grain Capacity: | 16,000 grains |
Capacity: | 2,000 gallons |
Dimensions: | 10 x 10 x 20 inches |
Weight: | 35 pounds |
3. Best for Personalization Features: DuraWater 48,000-grain Water Softener
Let’s explore its pros and cons:
Pros
- It has an Upgraded 10% chlorine-resistant resin bed that protects against wear and tear.
- Mineral tank comes fully loaded so you don’t have to worry much about installation.
- The advanced paddle wheel meter can be fully programmed for various water treatment applications.
- The brine tank consists of standard with a safety float and quick connect fitting.
Cons
- Some users reported that it can be noisy.
DuraWater is a salt-based water softener. It is designed to remove magnesium, calcium, and traces of iron from the water. It features a digital LCD screen with touchpad controls. You can personalize the metered regeneration system of the unit. This way it will fit into your schedule. What’s great is you do not need to worry about its installation as a guide is provided within the package.
Features
Let’s take a closer look at its amazing features:
- It comes with a Fleck 5600 SXT Metered Valve so you monitor it.
- You will also get one 1-inch Noryl Plastic Bypass.
- The package also includes 1 Inch Male Threaded Yoke.
Specs
Let’s talk about the specs of the unit :
Specification | DuraWater 48,000-grain Water Softener |
Grain Capacity: | 48,000 grains |
Capacity: | 3428 gallons |
Dimensions: | 10 x 10 x 54 inches |
Weight: | 53 pounds |
4. Best for User-Friendly Design: On The Go OTG3NTP3M Water Softener
Let’s check out the positives and negatives of the water softener:
Pros
- You can use ordinary table salt for the regeneration.
- It uses Ion Exchange resin beads to soften water.
- You can enjoy a continuous 20-day usage of the resin before having to recharge the system again.
- It is a compact water softener so RV and Marine users can use it well.
Cons
- Maintenance is needed. Make sure to check refillings every week and fill up if needed.
OTG3NTP3M is a portable water softener that comes with hardness test strips and storage inlet/outlet caps. You will also receive a back-flush adapter. It has a carry handle and a wide opening for making the refilling an easy task.
It does not require electricity to soften the water and one regeneration cycle lasts only 15 minutes. You will notice fewer stains, more soap lather, and 0 foul smell when you use this.
Features
Explore its exceptional features to grasp why it’s truly outstanding.
- It only weighs 18 pounds making it a great choice for people looking for a portable water softener.
- A 360-degree swivel inlet valve is included to make the fitting easy for customers.
- Pouring a box of ordinary table salt has been made effortless with the wide-mouth opening.
Specs
The following are the specs of the device:
Specification | On The Go OTG3NTP3M Water Softener |
Grain Capacity: | 8,000 grains |
Capacity: | 800 gallons |
Dimensions: | 7″L x 19.5″W x 7.3″H |
Weight: | 17 pounds |
5. Best Sturdiest Space Saving Design: Aquasure Harmony Series 32,000
Let’s explore this softener’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- The by-pass valve is made with fiber-reinforced polymer to ensure it is robust and sturdy.
- The resin will last 10 to 15 years with proper regeneration.
- The auto-flush intervals are easily customizable with the fully programmable backlit digital display.
- Thin Profile Hydraulic Meter and Digital Control Valve come preassembled for easy installation.
Cons
- A few customers have complained that the brine hose leaks a bit.
Aquasure Harmony water softener can remove hardness minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It comes with a digital control head that allows you to customize and monitor the water-softening process. One of the best things about Aquasure water softener is that it has many preassembled parts for easy installation.
Features
Let’s take a closer look at its amazing features:
- High-Grade Tank is made up of fiberglass-lined polyethylene to make it corrosion-resistant.
- The salt storage tank has a wide opening to make refilling easy.
- Digital control calculates and measures water usage to ensure maximum capacity.
Specs
See the product details below :
Specification | Aquasure Harmony Series 32,000 |
Grain Capacity: | 32,000 grains per gallon |
Capacity: | 800 gallons |
Dimensions: | 9 x 9 x 1 inches |
Weight: | 67 pounds |
6. Best For Grains Per Minute: Whirlpool WHES30E
Let’s explore the pros and cons of Whirlpool:
Pros
- The flow rate is 7.6 GPM which is more than enough for a mid-sized house.
- It has a memory feature that preserves the settings even when the power is off.
- It is able to detect when there is a need for a regeneration cycle and only initiates it then. Meaning no wastage reduces water and salt.
- The control panel is touch-based and can display how much salt is present.
Cons
- You will need to refill the salt a bit frequently for it to work.
The WHES30E water softener is designed for 4 people households. What’s great is that it can calculate the regeneration requirements automatically and you won’t have to keep tabs manually. It will detect salt levels itself and start the system. Moreover, you get reduced limescale formation due to this water softener.
Features
Let’s examine its exceptional features:
- It is certified by NSF to reduce hard water symptoms.
- 8 ppm of iron is removed by it due to advanced design.
- The shape of the water softener is slim and thin so it can fit in tight spaces.
Specs
Let’s take a closer look at the product specifications:
Specification | Whirlpool WHES30E |
Grain Capacity: | 30,000 grains |
Capacity: | 1060-gallon |
Dimensions: | 20.5″L x 15″W x 48″H |
Weight: | 86.8 pounds |
7. Best for Low Maintenance: Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener
Let’s check out the positives and negatives of the water softener:
Pros
- This water softener system can remove 10ppm of clear water ferrous (iron).
- The 125 grains per gallon is quite impressive considering its competitor’s flow rates.
- This is sufficient for 6 people households needing soft water.
- Has a salt tank light so you can see the levels easily.
Cons
- The installation process requires an extra hand.
Whirlpool’s 40,000-grain salt-based water softeners can remove Calcium, Magnesium, and clear Water Iron. It has a 3-year warranty on electronics while 10 years on parts and labor so purchasing it is a worthy investment. Moreover, it will keep your skin feeling healthy and soft as it has a 125 GPG flow rate.
Features
Explore its exceptional features to grasp why it’s truly outstanding.
- The water softener comes with a bypass valve.
- An installation kit is provided for the customer to help set it up.
- 1-inch male pipe thread comes with the package.
Specs
Let’s take a closer look at the product specifications:
Specification | Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener |
Grain Capacity: | 40,000 grains |
Capacity: | 37.1 gallons |
Dimensions: | 20.5″L x 15″W x 48″H |
Weight: | 86.8 pounds |
8. Best Warranty Option: AO Smith Whole House Water Softener Alternative
Let’s explore its pros and cons:
Pros
- It will last you a whooping 6-year period, in other words, 600,000 gallons of soft water.
- This is a chemical-free and salt-free water softener.
- It has a DIY and a compact water softener installation system.
- This works with the city and well-water as well.
Cons
- It is recommended to tie a ribbon around the fittings. Otherwise leaking might occur.
This is one of the salt-free water softeners that uses a descaling process to prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Resulting in extending their lifespan and improving water quality. You get a 6-year warranty on it so don’t worry.
You do not need to refill salt or waste water on backwashing. Neither do you need a drain line. One can install it on their own and it is a compact product so not much space is occupied either.
Features
Listed below are the features of AO Smith:
- The components include the whole House Descaler.
- In the package, you will also receive a shut-off valve.
- The hose adapter and nipple are provided to the customer as well.
Specs
The following are the specs of the softener :
Specification | AO Smith Whole House Water Softener Alternative |
Capacity: | 600,000 gallons in 6 years |
Dimensions: | 30″L x 9.25″W x 9.25″H |
Weight: | 12 pounds |
5 Considerations Before Buying a Compact Water Softener System
When you are in the market for compact water softeners, there are a few things you need to think about. This is important, the unit might be a great one but it should fulfill your specific needs. Let’s learn the factors that contribute to this below.
1. Size of the Water Softener Systems
You need a compact water softener hence make sure to measure the space you will be keeping this in. Then read the dimensions of each component in the system. It is always better to have a space still a few inches bigger than the machine so in case you need more of it while setting up.
2. Grain Capacity
You will need to check the grain capacity of the water softener. The amount of grain capacity depends on the hardness of your water and amount of housemates. An ideal compact water softener will have at least a 16,000-grain capacity.
3. Upkeep
The maintenance can be a hectic task especially if your schedules are packed. Hence choose from water softeners that do not require much of it. My tip is to:
- Use resin beads as they will have less wear and tear.
- Invest in water softener systems that have automatic regeneration cycles.
- Go for systems that need refilling after at least 3 to 4 weeks.
4. Type
You will have to choose between salt-free water softeners and dual-tank water softener which is salt-based. The latter ones are more efficient and cost-effective. However, the former ones are more affordable.
5. Other Qualities
There are other things that can help the usage experience better. Such as:
- The ability to detect hard minerals and automatically start the regeneration cycle.
- Preassembled parts for easy installation.
- Digital display so you can be updated on the gallons of water supply.
For better understanding, check out this helpful video.
4 Things To Maximize The Water Softener’s Efficiency
In order to use the water softener to the best of its abilities you must do the following:
- Scan the Water Softener for Salt Levels: Low salt levels can lead to the return of hard water in the home. Have a good look at them every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Examine the Brine Tank: Be aware of the formation of salt bridges, which can hinder water softener performance.
- Use the Recommended Salt: The user manual would state the type of salt that needs to be used. Only go for that one otherwise you will risk reducing the system’s life.
- Wash the Resin Bed: This will get the beads of iron and other metals off the resins resulting in better regeneration.
FAQs
Is it safe to drink water from a water softener?
It is safe to drink water from a water softener. Just remember that if the water hardness before it was treated was less than 400 ppm then drinking that water is okay.
How long do water softeners last?
Water softeners last 10 to 15 years if you are doing proper maintenance. You can prolong its life by using an additional pre-filter.
What are the disadvantages of soft water?
The disadvantage of soft water is that if you drink it regularly, you will intake excessive sodium. This could lead to issues of blood pressure.
How do you clean a water softener?
To clean a water softener you will shut it off. Then drain and wash the brine tank with fresh water. Inspect and clean the resin bed if necessary, and then restart the system.
Conclusion
Summing it up, before making the purchase of the compact water softener look at the space you have, the system’s dimensions, determine the water usage of your house, and the hardness of the water. Then, according to that look for the appropriate grain capacity.
I found my perfect match in On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable. It has 16,000 water capacity which is great for my 4-person family. The 16,000-grain capacity treats the water hardness of my RV very well. There is a year of warranty so I am at ease.