Hi, I’m John L.. I live in Oklahoma. Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips asked me to share my homeowner experience with local tap water from the city and the SoftPro® Elite HE Water Softener for City Water (Industry’s Best Softener & Filter Combo) I purchased. This is how my adventures played out. I hope this helps you in your decision.

Did you know that living with extremely hard water can cost you thousands of dollars in appliance damage, wasted soap, and plumbing repairs?
I learned this the hard way after years of dealing with crusty white buildup on everything, dry itchy skin, and constantly replacing water heater elements.

My Texas well water was so hard it registered 18 grains per gallon on my test kit—that’s considered “very hard” by any standard. The calcium and magnesium minerals were wreaking havoc on my home.

After months of research and several phone calls with Jeremy at Quality Water Treatment, I finally pulled the trigger on a SoftPro Elite water softener system. Six months later, I can honestly say it’s transformed our daily life in ways I never expected.
The Hard Water Problem That Nearly Broke My Budget
Living in rural Texas, I always knew our well water was “hard,” but I underestimated just how destructive it was becoming. The mineral content was slowly destroying everything it touched.

My wife first noticed the soap scum that wouldn’t come off our shower doors no matter what cleaning products we used. Then our coffee maker started taking twice as long to brew, and the dishwasher left spots on every glass and plate.

But the real wake-up call came when our water heater failed after only four years.
The repair technician showed me the heating elements—they were completely encased in thick, chalky mineral buildup. He explained that hard water reduces appliance efficiency by up to 30% and can cut their lifespan in half.

I started calculating the hidden costs: replacing the water heater ($1,200), using three times as much laundry detergent, buying bottled water for drinking, and constantly replacing faucet aerators and showerheads. The annual expense was easily over $800, not counting the time spent on extra cleaning.

The health impacts were becoming obvious too. My skin felt tight and itchy after every shower, and my wife’s hair had lost its natural softness despite using expensive conditioners. Our dermatologist mentioned that hard water can strip natural oils and worsen skin conditions.

I knew I needed a permanent solution, but with so many water treatment options available, where do you even start?
Research Phase: Navigating the Water Treatment Maze [

](https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/softpro-elite-basic-high-flow-high-efficiency-water-softener)

I spent three months researching water softening systems, and honestly, the information overload was overwhelming. Every manufacturer claimed their technology was superior, and the price range varied from $400 to $4,000.

My first step was getting a comprehensive water test. I sent samples to two different labs and also used home test kits to verify results. The data confirmed my suspicions: 18 grains per gallon hardness, elevated iron levels at 2.3 PPM, and a total dissolved solids (TDS) reading of 420 PPM.

I initially considered salt-free water conditioners because they seemed maintenance-free. However, after digging into the science, I learned these systems only change the structure of minerals—they don’t actually remove them. For water as hard as mine, traditional ion exchange softening was really the only effective solution.

The capacity calculations were crucial. With four family members and our usage patterns, I needed a system that could handle about 320 gallons per day during peak periods. Most residential systems range from 24,000 to 64,000 grain capacity, and I was leaning toward the higher end to minimize regeneration frequency.

Then I discovered Quality Water Treatment during a late-night research session.
Their website had detailed technical information without the typical sales fluff, and they were a family-owned business—something that resonated with me.

My phone call with Jeremy was refreshingly different. Instead of pushing the most expensive system, he actually downsized my initial requirements. He explained that oversizing a water softener can actually reduce efficiency and waste salt during regeneration cycles.

After reviewing my water test results and household usage, Jeremy recommended the SoftPro Elite system. What sold me was his technical explanation of the high-efficiency SoftPro Valve and the quality of the resin used in their tanks.
First Impressions: Unboxing and Initial Inspection
The system arrived in two heavy cartons about a week after ordering. I was immediately impressed by the packaging quality—everything was secured with custom foam inserts and protective wrapping.

One carton had some shipping damage (the resin tank box was roughed up), but the actual tank inside was perfectly protected. This gave me confidence in their packaging engineering.

The SoftPro Elite consists of two main components: the mineral tank containing the ion exchange resin and the brine tank for salt storage. The build quality was immediately apparent—heavy-duty fiberglass construction with a professional-grade SoftPro Valve on top.

The mineral tank measures 10 inches in diameter and 54 inches tall, while the brine tank is a compact oval design that fits nicely in tight spaces. The overall footprint was smaller than I expected, which was great for my utility room.

All the fittings appeared to be high-quality brass and stainless steel—no cheap plastic components in sight.
The control valve had a clear digital display and intuitive button layout. Even before installation, I could tell this was engineered equipment, not a consumer appliance.

The installation manual was thorough and well-illustrated. As someone with moderate DIY skills, I felt confident I could handle the installation myself, though the manual clearly outlined when professional help might be needed.
Installation Experience: Easier Than Expected
I set aside an entire Saturday for installation, expecting complications. In reality, the process took about four hours from start to finish, and most of that was double-checking my work.

The most important pre-installation step was installing a bypass valve system. This allows you to isolate the softener for maintenance while maintaining water flow to the house. I used 1-inch copper pipe and SharkBite fittings for the connections.

Positioning the tanks was straightforward. The SoftPro Elite needs to be near the main water line, a drain for the backwash cycle, and a standard electrical outlet. I placed it in my utility room about 8 feet from where the main line enters the house.

The SoftPro Valve came pre-programmed with default settings, but I customized it based on my water test results. The programming interface was intuitive—much easier than setting up a new router or cable box.

I set the hardness level to 18 grains, programmed it to regenerate based on water usage rather than a timer, and adjusted the regeneration time to 2 AM when no one uses water. The system calculates remaining capacity and only regenerates when needed.

The most satisfying moment was turning on the water and watching the system spring to life.
The SoftPro Valve cycled through its startup sequence, and within minutes, we had soft water flowing throughout the house.

Initial water pressure was excellent—no noticeable reduction even with our 1-inch main line. The system operates quietly; you can barely hear the SoftPro Valve during normal operation.
Performance Analysis: Six Months of Real-World Testing
The transformation was noticeable within 24 hours. The first shower felt completely different—soap actually lathered properly, and my skin didn’t feel tight and dry afterward.

I tested the water quality weekly for the first month using TDS and hardness test strips. Pre-softener readings consistently showed 18 grains hardness, while post-softener water measured less than 1 grain. The TDS reduction was equally impressive, dropping from 420 PPM to approximately 180 PPM.

Our soap consumption decreased dramatically. A bottle of dish soap that previously lasted two weeks now lasts over a month. Laundry detergent usage dropped by about 60%, and clothes feel noticeably softer and brighter.

The most dramatic change was in our bathroom cleaning routine.
Those impossible-to-remove water spots on shower doors and faucets simply stopped forming. What used to be a weekly battle with CLR and scrub brushes became a quick wipe-down with regular cleaner.

I’ve been monitoring the regeneration cycles closely. The system uses about 6 pounds of salt per regeneration and cycles approximately every 8-10 days with our usage patterns. This matches Jeremy’s predictions almost exactly.

The efficiency really shows in our utility bills. Our water heater is working less hard—I measured a 15% reduction in our electric bill just from improved water heater efficiency. Over time, this alone will offset the system cost.

Coffee tastes better, ice cubes are crystal clear, and my wife’s hair stylist commented on how much healthier her hair looks. These might seem like small things, but they add up to a significantly improved quality of life.
Operating Costs and Long-Term Value
One concern I had was the ongoing cost of salt and maintenance. After six months, https://www.trustpilot.com/review/softprowatersystems.com I can provide realistic numbers based on actual usage.

I use Morton System Saver salt, which costs about $5 per 40-pound bag at my local hardware store. With regeneration every 8-10 days using 6 pounds per cycle, a bag lasts approximately two months. Annual salt cost: around $30.

Water usage during regeneration is approximately 25 gallons per cycle. At my local water rates, this adds about $1.50 per month to my utility bill. The electrical consumption is minimal—the SoftPro Valve uses about the same power as a digital clock.

The resin bed should last 10-15 years with proper maintenance, and the SoftPro Valve has a 7-year warranty. I haven’t needed any service calls or repairs, and the system requires virtually no hands-on maintenance beyond adding salt monthly.

When I calculate the savings from reduced soap usage, appliance protection, and energy efficiency, the system pays for itself in under three years.
Considering that our previous water heater failed prematurely due to hard water, the appliance protection alone justifies the investment.

The biggest surprise has been the reduction in bottled water purchases. We used to buy several cases monthly for drinking, but the soft water tastes so much better that we’ve switched back to tap water for most uses.
Daily Life Improvements and Unexpected Benefits
Beyond the technical performance, the SoftPro Elite has improved our daily life in ways I never anticipated. My morning shower routine is completely different—soap actually lathers properly, and I don’t need to use body lotion every day.

My wife noticed that her clothes feel softer and colors stay brighter. Whites actually look white instead of that dingy gray they developed with hard water. Our towels feel fluffy again instead of scratchy and rough.

Housekeeping has become significantly easier. The kitchen sink and bathroom faucets stay clean with basic wiping. Our dishwasher produces spotless glasses and dishes without rinse aid additives.

Even our houseplants seem healthier since I started watering them with the softened water.
The reduced mineral content appears to help with nutrient absorption, and I’m not seeing the white crusty buildup on the soil surface.

Guests have commented on the water quality. My brother-in-law, who works in commercial water treatment, immediately noticed the difference and asked about our system. Having soft water has become a point of pride rather than embarrassment about our “hard” well water.

The peace of mind factor is huge. I no longer worry about mineral buildup damaging our appliances or plumbing fixtures. The water heater is protected, our washing machine runs more efficiently, and I expect everything to last significantly longer.

Our dermatologist confirmed that the soft water has improved both my and my wife’s skin conditions. The reduced mineral content means less irritation and better retention of natural skin oils.
Final Verdict: Worth Every Penny
After six months with the SoftPro Elite water softener, I can confidently say it’s one of the best home improvements we’ve made. The transformation from extremely hard Texas well water to consistently soft, pleasant water has improved every aspect of our daily routine.

The system performs exactly as promised. Water hardness consistently tests at less than 1 grain per gallon, the regeneration cycles are efficient and predictable, and the build quality suggests this will be a 15-20 year investment.

What impressed me most was the customer service experience with Quality Water Treatment.
Jeremy’s technical expertise and honest recommendations gave me confidence that I was buying the right system for our specific situation, not just the most expensive one available.

The installation was straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic plumbing, and the ongoing maintenance is virtually hands-off. Adding salt once a month is the only regular task required.

From a financial standpoint, the system is already paying for itself through reduced soap usage, improved appliance efficiency, and eliminated bottled water purchases. The protection it provides for our water heater, dishwasher, and plumbing will save thousands over time.

If you’re dealing with hard water issues and researching solutions, I’d strongly recommend getting a comprehensive water test first, then talking to Jeremy at QWT. The SoftPro Elite handles extreme hardness levels efficiently and reliably.

Would I make the same purchase decision again?
Absolutely, without hesitation. The only regret I have is waiting so long to address our hard water problems. The improvement in quality of life and long-term cost savings make this an easy recommendation for anyone dealing with similar water quality challenges.