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Reasons to Reconsider Fleck Water Softeners in 2023

I’m taking a different path than before; I’m advising against investing in Fleck water softeners. Here’s a refreshed outlook, balancing the pros and cons while shining a light on potential pitfalls.

The Downside

1. Lack of Integrated Filtration

Fleck softeners typically don’t include a comprehensive water filtration system. You might be saving a buck at the initial purchase, priced around $1100, but an additional filter to make your water drinkable is a necessity. After factoring in plumbing costs, your total expenditure could skyrocket to anywhere between $1600 and $2000.
Brands like Aquasana, on the other hand, offer holistic solutions combining both softening and filtration processes, ensuring not just soft but clean, safe water.

2. Basic Filtering in Select Models

Though a select few Fleck models feature built-in filters, these are often basic, primarily targeting sediments and common contaminants. Contrast this with comprehensive systems like SpringWell’s, which are equipped to tackle a range of impurities including chlorine, bacteria, and even pharmaceuticals.

3. Installation Challenges

DIY enthusiasts beware – attempting to install a Fleck system on your own could void the warranty. Compare this to the user-friendly approach of brands like Aquasana, which supplies a professional grade installation kit, allowing for a hassle-free setup without compromising warranty conditions.

The Upsides of Fleck

Let’s not toss Fleck entirely to the wind; there were reasons I held them in high regard.

1. Accessibility of Parts and Service

Fleck parts are readily available online and their customer service has a solid reputation.

2. Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly

Fleck models are crafted for low power consumption and minimal salt use, plus they’re generally more affordable.

Fleck9100 SXT TwinTank

3. Certifications and Ease of Use

With WQA certification and user-friendly electronic panels, Fleck did tick some significant boxes.

The Top Models Under the Microscope

But how do the top models stack up?

1. Fleck 5600SXT

Ideal for a small family (1-4 persons) dealing with medium hard water. It was known for its simplicity and efficiency.

2. Fleck 7000SXT

This model catered to medium-sized households (4-6 persons) and was engineered to tackle medium to very hard water, a versatile choice indeed.

Iron Pro 48K

3. Fleck 9100SXT

A powerhouse for larger families (5+ persons), especially those battling very hard water, promising efficiency and reliability.

FLECK 5600SXT FLECK 7000SXT FLECK 9100SXT
Iron Pro 48KFleck 7000SXT 166x300 1Fleck9100 SXT TwinTank
Capacity: 48,000Capacity: 64,000Capacity: 96,000
Regeneration: meter basedRegeneration: meter basedRegeneration: meter based
Size: 10" x 54" tank, 14" x 17" x 33" brine tankSize: 18" x 33" brine tank, 12" x 55" resin tankSize: 10"x54" resin tank, 18" x 35" brine tank
Resin: 1.5 ft3Resin: 2 ft3Resin: 1.5 ft3 + 1.5 ft3
Water hardness treatment level: High Water hardness treatment level: HighWater hardness treatment level: High
Why get it? It is the cheapest model.Why get it? Larger capacity than the 5600SXTWhy get it? It has the LARGEST capacity with twin tank processing technology.
See Best OfferSee Best OfferSee Best Offer

A Closer Look at Fleck’s Top Models in 2023

As we dive deeper into the realm of water softeners, three models from Fleck demand attention. Let’s peel back the layers and scrutinize their features, strengths, and potential drawbacks.

1. Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener: A Household Name

Suitable for:

Medium to high water hardness and homes with 3-6 residents.
The 5600SXT remains one of Fleck's crown jewels. Armed with a 48,000-grain capacity and a flow rate of up to 12 gpm, it's engineered for efficiency and performance.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Ease of Control: The backlit LCD display and touchpad controls simplify programming and operation.
  • Ion Exchange Technology: It adeptly removes hard ions like calcium and magnesium, ensuring softer water.
  • Smart Regeneration: With metered regeneration, it only produces soft water as needed, enhancing efficiency.
  • Brine Tank Capacity: Capable of holding up to 250 pounds of pelleted salt, offering an economical or eco-friendly choice with potassium chloride pellets.
  • Safety Mechanisms: Features like the safety float and overflow drain add a layer of security against overfilling.

Warranties:

A 5-year warranty on the control head and a 10-year warranty on the tank underscore its durability.

User Feedback:

The model continues to garner positive reviews for its reliability and performance.

2. Fleck 7000SXT Water Softener: A Step Up

Ideal for:

Those requiring a larger capacity water softening solution.

 

The 7000SXT, equipped to handle a colossal 64,000 grains, is a titan in water treatment.

Distinguished Features:

  • High-Flow Valve: The inclusion of Fleck’s 7000 valve ensures a high-pressure flow, handling up to 35 gpm.
  • Microprocessor Control: Integral microprocessor optimizes efficiency while minimizing salt consumption.

Customization and Efficiency:

Users have the flexibility to program the unit for optimal soft water production without excess salt usage.

3. Fleck 9100SXT Dual Tank Water Softener: The Powerhouse

Best for:

Large family households or commercial settings with high water hardness levels.

 

The 9100SXT, a twin tank system, guarantees a constant supply of soft water.

Key Features:

  • On-Demand Flow Meter: Monitors water usage, initiating soft water production only when necessary.
  • High Efficiency: With a maximum flow rate of 12 gpm and each tank boasting a 1.5 cubic feet resin capacity, it’s built for performance.

A Constant Supply:

Thanks to the alternating tanks, running out of soft water isn’t a concern.

Installation Made Easy

Fleck distinguishes itself with the ease of installation. The need for a professional plumber is eliminated, thanks to comprehensive step-by-step online video guides, making the installation process a breeze even for novices.

Pricing Realities

Fleck’s whole-house water softening systems hover around the $1100 mark and ascend in price for higher capacity units. On the surface, this might appear a fair asking price given the brand’s reputation. But does the cost justify the service rendered?

The Verdict: Is Fleck Worth the Investment?

If succinctness is virtue, the answer is a definitive “no.”
Delving into a plethora of online customer reviews, a narrative of ease and efficiency in usage emerges. Affordability is a noted perk for those with budgetary constraints. Fleck’s machinery has garnered commendation for effectively softening water.
Yet, my endorsement of Fleck has taken a decisive turn. The pivotal deterrent is the brand’s singular focus on treating hard water, an attribute that underscores a glaring omission – the lack of integrated water filtration. Recommending Fleck often culminates in an ensuing quest for supplemental water filtration solutions.

Aquasana: A Comprehensive Alternative

In the comparative landscape, brands like Aquasana stand tall, embodying a holistic approach to water treatment.
Aquasana Whole House UV Filter

Here’s why Aquasana makes a compelling case:

  • It’s a comprehensive solution, tackling not just hard water but also sediments and contaminants.
  • Engineered for optimal capacity, it’s adept at serving an average household of 1-4 members.
  • With a lifespan of treating up to 1 million gallons, a decade could pass before there’s a need for filter replacement.
  • It eradicates an array of impurities, including VOC’s, chlorine, and heavy metals, accredited to IAPMO and NSF standards.
  • The inclusion of a professional installation kit and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee accentuates its appeal.

SpringWell: The Best of Both Worlds

SpringWell emerges as another worthy contender, especially for households grappling with very hard water.
SpringWell Whole House Softener Filter Combo

Notable attributes include:

  • A seamless integration of salt-based softener and whole house filter.
  • Automated self-maintenance, epitomizing convenience.
  • Multi-stage filtration, bolstered by a potent carbon medium filter.
  • A control valve inclusion post-installation, enhancing usability and monitoring.
  • Backed by a 6-month guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty.

In Conclusion

As we transverse into 2023, the bar for water treatment solutions is unmistakably higher. While Fleck’s affordability and efficiency are noteworthy, the absence of integrated filtration is a significant shortcoming. The quest for pristine, soft water is inherently tied to comprehensive solutions that not only address hardness but also ensure the water flowing through your taps is of impeccable purity. Brands like Aquasana and SpringWell, with their multifaceted approach to water treatment, are well-positioned to fill the void left by Fleck’s limitations. The ultimate choice should hinge on a holistic evaluation, ensuring every drop of water in your household is not just soft, but pure, safe, and health-enhancing.
Aquasana SimplySoft Water Conditioner and 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House FilterAquasana SimplySoft Conditioner and OptimH20 Whole House Filter
Rhino ® with Salt-Free Water Conditioner, UV Filter and Pro-Grade Bypass KitScreenshot 2023 11 24 at 11.58.10 AM
Softens and filtersSimplySoft is a salt free"softener" only.
But you can choose OptimH2O + Salt Free Softener
- 97% chlorine.
- Cysts.
- UV upgrade removes 99% bacteria, e.coli, giardia and cryptosporidium		- Over 90% chlorine and chloramines.
- 99% of lead and cysts.
- 99% of lead.
- 98% of PFOA/PFOS
- 10 year warranty.
- 90 day guarantee.		- 6 year warranty.
- 90 day guarantee.
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