Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Softener regeneration question

I'm shopping for a good softener and had a question about the regeneration cycles. All of the "cheap" ones at the big box stores say they have salt-saving technology that regenerate only when needed (Whirlpool, Waterboss). However, the higher quality softeners with Fleck control valves, etc. do not have this feature--they just have the metered/on demand functions (at least that I have found).

Is this 'salt-saving' feature just a gimmick? Why is this feature not found on the better quality units?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Different words, SIMULAR meanings. Simular to "water conditioner" vs. "water softener" All lingo indicates that they regenerate based on water usage. ( on-demand,metered, only when needed, etc..) Not on a time clock schedule of every so many days. Although not all "on demand" units work the same. Some measure water and regenerate when a certain amount is reached. Some you have to compensate for a reserve by setting the meter short of the actual capacity so it stays in soft water until 2 AM when it regenerates.(mechanical meters) Some measure a 7-14 day running average and base it's own reserve based on that.( most electronic based ones) Some computer boards even average usage by the day of the week, in case certain days are higher usage! (best). And there are other variations. All generally better than a time clock base model if sized correctly.

Good Luck
TJ :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thanks for the reply. I started looking at the Fleck 7000 softener. Does this one have similar 'salt-saving' regeneration programming?

Is this 'salt-saving' feature just a gimmick? Why is this feature not found on the better quality units?

The efficiency of the current design industry standard softeners is well known and gets rare mention because they all share the same efficiency.

"Salt saving" makes the advertising blurbs of the box store softeners to divert attention away from the compromises and limitations of those non industry standard softeners.

Thanks for the reply. I started looking at the Fleck 7000 softener. Does this one have similar 'salt-saving' regeneration programming?

As TJ Hornet said... pretty much all the current generation of "demand initiated" regeneration softeners are more efficient than the old style "timer" based softeners.

In terms of absolute salt and water efficiency a twin resin tank softener (such as a Kinetico or a Fleck 9xxx) will be the most salt and water efficient with a single resin tank softener such as a Fleck 5600SE, 2510SE, and 7000 based unit being second in salt and water efficiency, but not by a lot.

The main difference between a twin resin tank softener and a single resin tank softener is that the twin resin tank units provide soft water 24/7. Twin resin tank units regenerate exactly when the maximum softening capacity of the resin is depleted giving the most efficient use of the resin while a single tank softener has a reserve calculated in that is often wasted and the resin's maximum softening capacity is rarely ever totally used so there is some waste.

Pretty much any "demand initiated" industry standard softener you buy will be pretty salt and water efficient. After you have determined the correct size of the softener you require based on the water condition, # of people in the house, SFR of the plumbing, and other variables the next considerations should be history of reliability in the field and availability of parts, service, and technical information.

Thanks for the information guys. I kind of thought that might be the case but wanted to hear from the pros.