Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Which softener for me?

I know there are plenty of other posts like this one and having read a few hopefully I can get right to the point.

I need a water softener and I want one that will last. I have a wife and 4 daughters, who right now are 6,6,4 and 2, so there will be a lot of water usage in my house.

We get our water from the city. I have had a selection of local companies round and they all agree that we need to deal with the hardness which is about 16, but everything else is OK.

From the posts I have read, the Kinetico system and the Fleck equipment seem to rise to the top (although I am open to be told differently). Right now here are my options, both from reputable companies with a good history etc.

Kinetico. 2040s. $2495+tax fully installed. I forget the exact warranties but it was something like 2 yrs labour, 10 years on everything (maybe more). I was told that I didn't need a pre filter but could be set up for one if I ever wanted to put it in. I also have the option of a 1 year old system with the same warranties for $2195+tax.

Fleck. (am I correct that this just refers to the valve?).
5600. w/ a 3 year warranty $1745 (inc tax)
2510. w/ a 5 year warranty $2045 (inc tax) +$100 for carbon
Both on a system w/ a 40,000 grain capacity, lifetime warranty on tanks and 1 year labour.

My gut says Kinetico but I'm not sure why (maybe b/c I knew the brand growing up in England). I do think I could get an equivalent Fleck system for less.

I guess I am looking for comments, questions and advice?

Thanks, Steve..

Both systems will provide good water. I prefer the Kinetico for a number of reasons. The 2040 will handle up to 40 grains so it will very effective. It is also extremely efficient on salt and water. It has a salt efficiency of 5222 grain per pound of salt.

Was a Kinetico 4040 option given to you?

The sales rep probably gave you some features of the Kinetico; do you recall what they said?

The warranty is ten years on all parts including resin (with a dechlorinator). I would prefer a carbon prefilter to remove chlorine. A mix of KDF and GAC carbon would be an even better option.

biermech will be able to give you the highlights of the Fleck options. These are reliable valves and easy to operate.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II

Thanks for the response.

We were not told about the 4040. I did ask the Kinetico guy about other options and he said that the 2040 was the best fit for us. As far as features went, he explained the way the system worked, the low salt and water usage, mechanical system etc. He said that it could comfortably handle 2 showers and the washing machine without a drop in pressure. He talked a little about carbon removing chlorine and explained that basically that was what the filter in the fridge did. I didn't press him on it, our concern was the hardness, I don't mind drinking the water from the faucet or the fridge, the taste is fine by me.

What are the advantages of the 4040 over the 2040?

What do the different types of filter achieve?

Steve..

P.S. I should add that I was very pleased with the Kinetico dealers professionalism, no hard sell, didn't trash the competition, etc.

I like both systems as well but prefer the 5600. Most people don't need soft water 24/7. The chlorine in the water will take it's toll on any water softener. I reccomend a carbon filter before the softener. It will extend the life of the softener. As far as price, you may be able to do better. Check with some other local dealers if available. Buying on line will be cheaper, but who repairs it?

And yes, Fleck is only the valve.

The 4040 has the same softener tanks as the 2040 but has two additional tanks (tandem) that contain carbon for dechlorination.

<a href="http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u44/nalampng/?action=view&current=Kinetico_4040s.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u44/nalampng/Kinetico_4040s.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Well, it's good that you had a decent experience so far. I am sure you will make a good decision. PM me if you want to know more details on either of those units.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II