Answering your search for a combined water softener and filtration solution, this guide covers top all-in-one systems. These models reduce hardness minerals while filtering contaminants, making them ideal for families and homes with varied water quality. The top picks blend mineral removal with carbon, sediment, or multi-stage filters. Best for: households needing softened water across the whole home, with added filtration for taste and odor. A quick summary table below helps compare core capabilities at a glance.
| Product | Grain Capacity | Filtration Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFWFilters 5600sxt Whole House System | 32,000 | Upflow carbon filtration; 1 cu ft carbon | Homes needing carbon filtration alongside softening |
| Aquasure Harmony 48,000 | 48,000 | Pre-filter: sediment/ carbon/ zinc | Medium to large homes with chlorine and odor concerns |
| Kenmore 350 | 32,000 | Softening only (no separate filtration) | Small households seeking compact, reliable softening |
| Aquasure Harmony 32,000 | 32,000 | Pre-filter: sediment/ zinc | Smaller homes needing efficient softening with filtration |
| GE Smart Water Softener GXMD30W | 30,000 | Integrated filtration (chlorine taste/odor, sediment) | Homes wanting Wi‑Fi control plus built-in filtration |
AFWFilters 5600sxt Whole House System
The AFWFilters 5600sxt combines a 32,000-grain water softener with an upflow carbon filtration stage. It uses a Fleck 5600sxt metered on-demand control head and 1″ bypass fittings. This setup is best for households seeking softened water with added carbon filtration to reduce chlorine taste and odor and remove certain contaminants. Suitable for medium households that want one installation to address both hardness and taste/odor concerns. Caution: installation requires space for two tanks and proper plumbing connections.
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains
This model provides a high-capacity 48,000-grain softener paired with a triple-purpose pre-filter (Sediment/Carbon/Zinc) to reduce chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, odors, and sediment. Best for larger households or homes with higher water usage and stronger tastes/odors. It helps protect appliances and plumbing while delivering softer water across all fixtures. Limitation: a separate carbon post-filter may be beneficial if you have very high contaminant levels beyond the pre-filter’s capability.
Kenmore 350 Water Softener System
Designed for households of 1–4 people, the Kenmore 350 provides dependable whole-home softening with 32,000-grain capacity and a compact footprint. It’s best for smaller homes seeking a straightforward, efficient softening solution without integrated filtration. Consider another system if you need built-in filtration, as this model focuses on hardness reduction. Caution: filtration needs would require a separate unit for full water filtration capabilities.
Aquasure Harmony 32,000 Grains
Best for smaller homes or apartments, this 32,000-grain Harmony softener delivers reliable softening with a pre-filter option to reduce common contaminants. It’s a balanced choice for those who want decent capacity without taking on a larger system. Limitation: lower grain capacity means more frequent regeneration for households with heavy water usage or higher hardness levels.
Aquasure Harmony 50,000 Grains With Pre-Filter
This system combines a 50,000-grain softener with a triple-purpose pre-filter (Sediment/Carbon/Zinc) to reduce chlorine and other contaminants. It’s well-suited for mid-to-large homes with elevated water usage and odor/taste concerns. Choose this if you need robust filtration alongside strong softening. Limitation: taller installation profile may require more space and vertical clearance.
Aquasure Harmony 64,000 Grains
Best for larger households or homes with very high hardness, this system offers 64,000 grains of capacity. It provides strong softening across the entire home and helps prevent scale buildup in plumbing and appliances. Consider this if you consistently contend with hard water and want fewer regenerations. Limitation: higher capacity systems may be more expensive and require more space.
Aquasure 64,000 Grains With RO Bundle
This bundle pairs a 64,000-grain softener with a 75 GPD RO drinking water system. It’s best for households that want both softened water and purified drinking water. Useful for families seeking comprehensive water treatment. Limitation: the RO system adds complexity and maintenance for under-sink or countertop filtering spaces.
GE Smart Water Softener With Filtration
GE’s GXMD30W combines 30,000 grains of softening capacity with built-in filtration to reduce chlorine taste and odor, sand, and sediment. It includes built-in WiFi with water flow alerts and a SmartHQ app. Best for tech-friendly homes seeking integrated filtration and remote monitoring. Caution: built-in filtration may require periodic filter maintenance, even with self-cleaning media.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
What size system do I need?
Choose a grain capacity based on your household size, water usage, and hardness level. Larger families or homes with high water consumption benefit from higher grain systems to minimize regenerations. For combined filtration, ensure the unit can accommodate both softening and filtration needs without overwhelming your space.
What filtration level do I require?
Consider contaminant concerns such as chlorine, taste, odor, VOCs, and sediment. If you notice taste or odor issues, a system with a carbon pre-filter or integrated filtration is advantageous. For taste and odor improvement, prioritize media designed to remove chlorine and other contaminants.
How important is smart control or monitoring?
WiFi-enabled systems with alerts can help you monitor flow, salt use, and regeneration cycles. This is useful for households that want remote visibility and reminders to maintain the system or replace filters.
Are there space and installation considerations?
Some multi-tank systems require more space and specific plumbing. Consider your basement, garage, or utility room layout. Compact units suit smaller homes but may offer lower capacity or filtration options.
What about maintenance and replacement parts?
Look for systems with readily available parts, including replacement media and filters. Systems with clear installation instructions and video resources reduce long-term maintenance hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do these systems remove hard minerals and filter contaminants at the same time?
Yes, selected models combine a water softening function with filtration stages, providing softened water and reduced tastes, odors, and contaminants. - Which system is best for a 3-4 person home?
Systems with 32,000 to 48,000 grains capacity are commonly suitable for 3-4 person homes, depending on water hardness and usage. - Is a separate pre-filter required?
Some models include a triple-pre-filter (sediment, carbon, zinc) to remove multiple contaminants before softening. Others provide integrated filtration within the same unit. - Will these systems save water or salt?
Smart regenerations and metered controls help optimize salt and water use, reducing waste in many scenarios. - Do units with built-in WiFi require internet access?
Yes, features like remote monitoring rely on WiFi and a companion app for alerts and settings. - Can I install these myself?
Some systems include detailed installation instructions and videos; however, professional installation is recommended for multi-tank or upflow filtration configurations.