What makes a water softener "the best"
Capacity (in grains) should match your measured hardness and how much water your household uses. Too small and it regenerates constantly; too big and the resin sits idle.
A metered (demand) control valve regenerates based on water actually used, not a timer. That saves salt and water. The Clack WS1 is a common, proven example.
GTA and Durham city water is hard and chlorinated. A softener with a carbon stage removes chlorine taste and smell and protects the resin.
A softener needs setup to your hardness and the occasional check. A local installer who comes back matters as much as the brand.
Look for a long warranty on the tank and valve. Ours is 10 years on softeners and filters.
Systems built and tested for Ontario conditions, with parts you can get here. Ours are made in Canada.
Salt-based vs salt-free: which is better?
| Salt-based softener (ion exchange) | Salt-free conditioner (TAC / MAC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes hardness | Yes: takes calcium and magnesium out | No: changes minerals so they don't stick as scale |
| Soft-feeling water, richer lather | Yes | No |
| Stops scale in heaters and fixtures | Yes | Reduces it |
| Uses salt | Yes (top up every month or two) | No |
| Drain / backwash | Yes, during regeneration | No |
| Best for | Most Ontario homes with hard water | Homes that can't add a drain or salt, or want scale control only |
For truly soft water, a salt-based softener is still the standard. Salt-free conditioners are useful where salt or a drain isn't an option. We'll tell you which fits after testing your water.
How big a softener do you need?
Softener capacity is measured in grains. As a rule of thumb, multiply your hardness (grains per gallon) by about 75 gallons per person per day, then by the number of days between regenerations.
| Household | Hardness around 7 gpg (typical Lake Ontario water) | Hardness 15+ gpg (many wells) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 24,000–30,000 grain | 30,000–40,000 grain |
| 3–4 people | 30,000–40,000 grain | 40,000–48,000 grain |
| 5+ people | 40,000–48,000 grain | 48,000–64,000 grain |
These are starting points only. Iron in well water, a large tub or a home business changes the size. Your free water test gives the exact numbers.
Our picks for Ontario homes
Enhanced Water Softener
Softens hard water and removes chlorine and chloramine in one system.
See Enhanced Water Softener
SoftBlu Water Softener
High-capacity softener that stops scale on fixtures, kettles and appliances.
See SoftBlu Water Softener- City water (most of the GTA and Durham): the Enhanced Water Softener softens and removes chlorine and chloramine in one system.
- Hard water only, or well water: SoftBlu is a straight, high-capacity softener.
- Well water with iron or smell: pair a softener with an iron and manganese filter. See well water solutions.
Questions to ask any softener company
- Will you test my water at home first, and show me the numbers?
- What capacity are you recommending, and how did you size it?
- Is the control valve metered (on-demand)?
- Does it remove chlorine, or will I need a separate filter?
- What's the warranty on the tank, resin and valve, and who services it?
- What does it cost to rent, finance or buy, all in?
Compare all our systems side by side on the comparison page, or check your city's hardness.
Questions
What is the best water softener for city water in Ontario?
For most GTA and Durham homes, a softener with a built-in carbon stage. City water here is both hard (around 7 grains per gallon from Lake Ontario) and chlorinated, so one system handles both.
Is a salt-free water softener as good as a salt softener?
Not for soft water. Salt-free conditioners reduce scale but don't remove hardness, so you won't get the soft feel or richer lather. They suit homes that can't use salt or a drain.
How much does a water softener cost?
It depends on size and features. EHS offers rental with maintenance included, financing with 0% down, or buying outright, with free installation. See payment options.
How long does a water softener last?
A well-sized, well-maintained softener typically lasts 10 to 15 years or more. Ours carry a 10-year warranty.
Free in-home water test
Find out what's in your water
We test your water at your home, show you what's in it, and recommend the system that fits.
- Free
- About 30 minutes
- No obligation