Understanding Rayne Water Systems

Mark Alpers
September 1, 2023

Rayne Water has been a staple in the water treatment landscape of southern California since 1928, but why has it stood the test of time? And more importantly, why might you need one of their systems?

The Hard Water Dilemma:

Water is a constant in our lives. It’s in our morning routines, our cleaning habits, and our relaxation moments. But if you’re noticing pesky white stains on your sinks or are plagued by dry, itchy skin, hard water could be the uninvited guest in your home. Hard water’s rap sheet includes ruining your appliances, wearing down your clothing, and costing you extra money in repairs and replacements. That’s where water softeners, like those from Rayne Water, step in.

Hard Water’s Wrath:

Hard water isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a silent assailant to your household items and your well-being. The culprit? Elevated levels of calcium and magnesium ions that leave limescale stains, cause mineral deposits on your skin, hair, and clothing, and even block pipes increasing your energy costs.

Enter Rayne Water Systems:

Rayne’s water softeners are designed to mitigate the impacts of hard water by eliminating excessive calcium and magnesium. With the use of salt, these systems prevent the onset of unsightly spots and the buildup of limescale. Suitable for a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial, Rayne offers automated control through a meter, albeit at a premium price.

Models to Consider:

Rayne’s lineup isn’t short on options. Rayne Water Systems come in different models that include:

Fleck SXT Rayne Space Saver
RF 1000/1500 by Rayne.
XTR2 1000 / 1500 by Rayne.
High Flow 2000 SXT by Rayne.

Rayne Water Conditioning:

If salt isn’t your thing, the Rayne Executive 10 system offers a salt-free alternative for whole-home multimedia filtration. It promises not just cleaner, but tastier and odorless water from every tap, all while staving off incrustation and corrosion.

Key Advantages:

- High flow rate.
- Treats the water for your whole house.
- Cleaner water for your entire house.
- Reduces chlorine, chloramines, bad taste and smell.
- Protection against encrustation and corrosion of appliances.

Characteristics

- NSF approved.
- Salt-free system.
- Teflon-coated inner valve parts.
- One-piece, seamlessly molded fiberglass container.

GUARANTEE

- 1 year: Complete water purifier.
- Durability: valve body and media tank.
- 5 YEARS: internal valve, timer or electronic set.

Rayne Water Pricing:

For a basic Rayne water softener, anticipate an investment between $600 and $900.

If you’re eyeing something more sophisticated, like a softener and filter combo, prices hover around $2500.

Keep in mind, these estimates don’t factor in installation or maintenance expenses.

Getting Your Hands on Rayne:

While some water softener brands populate the virtual shelves of online retailers like Amazon, Rayne prefers the direct approach. Your best bet to snag one of their systems or secure service is to reach out to them directly or keep an eye out on platforms like eBay for potential listings.

Navigating the Waters: Choosing the Best Water Softener

In the world of water softeners, Rayne has made its mark, but there’s a whole sea of options out there, and some might argue there are fish that are easier to catch and even tastier. Let’s dive into one popular alternative – the Fleck 5600SXT.

The Fleck 5600SXT Lowdown:

Pricing and ease of access have catapulted the Fleck 5600SXT to the pinnacle of popularity. With prices starting at a modest $650, it promises an effective remedy to hard water woes without drilling a hole in your wallet. Comparatively, brands with similar offerings are priced anywhere between $1000 and $2000.

Ease of installation and minimal maintenance are other strings to its bow. The Fleck 5600SXT caters comfortably to an average home of 1-3 occupants and stands out for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Why Fleck Stood Out:

Automated operation means it’s a set-and-forget solution.
Effective hard water treatment.
Plenty of online resources and familiar to most plumbers.
Cost-effective in both purchase and operation.

UPDATE: WHY I DON'T RECOMMEND FLECK ANYMORE

Once a staunch advocate for Fleck, my tide of opinions has changed for several reasons:

❌ 1. Lack of Filtration:

Fleck softeners are adept at softening but fall short in filtration. Soft water is great, but if it’s riddled with contaminants, the victory is only half won. For comprehensive water treatment, softener-filter combos, like those offered by Aquasana, are emerging as the preferred choice.

❌ 2. Not All Soft Water is Drinkable:

With a standalone softener like Fleck, an additional filter is often needed to make the water potable. Integrated softener and filter systems offer a more holistic approach, ensuring every drop from the tap is both soft and safe.

❌ 3. Hidden Costs:

The initial price tag of Fleck is enticing, but it doesn’t account for installation and auxiliary filter costs.

❌ 4. Salt Dependency:

Fleck’s reliance on salt means unavoidable ongoing maintenance and the recurrent cost of salt purchase. In contrast, modern systems like Aquasana’s combo offer salt-free solutions.

❌ 5. Subpar Filters:

On the off chance you snag a Fleck with an integrated filter, brace for disappointment. Their filtration efficacy is limited. For instance, Iron Pro 2, a Fleck derivative, only filters iron. In the race for comprehensive water treatment, it trails behind the likes of Aquasana.

❌ 6. Warranty Woes:

DIY installation of some Fleck models can nullify the warranty. In a world where DIY is celebrated, brands that support self-installation, like Aquasana, are gaining ground. Aquasana provides a FREE professional installation kit. Helping to install the filter yourself the stress and money of hiring a plumber – all while you can rest assured that your Warranty will not be compromised.

The Verdict:

Every water softener has its day, and while Fleck has enjoyed the sunshine for a while, the winds of preference are shifting.

Comprehensive, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions that address both hardness and contamination are steering the ship of consumer choice.

As you navigate these waters, weighing the full spectrum of your water needs against the offerings on deck is key to anchoring down the right choice.


Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Does NOT require electricity.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
- Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.	- Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty.

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