Hi, I’m Samuel B. I live in Phoenix.
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 adventure unfolded. I hope this helps you in your decision.
The Hard Water Problem That Started It All
Living in Phoenix for the past three years, I thought the crusty white buildup on everything was just part of desert life. My wife constantly complained about her hair feeling like straw after showers, and I was getting tired of replacing our coffee maker every eighteen months due to mineral buildup.

But did you know that Phoenix water averages 12-15 grains per gallon of hardness?
That’s considered “very hard” by water treatment standards. The calcium and magnesium minerals were literally coating everything in our home—from the inside of our water heater to our drinking glasses.

The breaking point came last February when our dishwasher repair technician told us the heating element was completely encased in lime scale. A $300 repair bill for a three-year-old appliance made me realize I needed to address the root cause, not just keep fixing symptoms.

After researching water hardness levels and TDS (total dissolved solids) in our area, I discovered our municipal water consistently tested at 280-320 TDS with significant calcium carbonate content. This explained why our soap never seemed to lather properly and why every faucet had that telltale white crusty buildup.
Why I Chose the SoftPro Elite HE Over Other Options [

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

My research phase lasted about six weeks. I compared salt-based ion exchange systems, salt-free water conditioners, and reverse osmosis solutions. The key factors that mattered most were capacity, efficiency, space requirements, and long-term operational costs.

What made the SoftPro Elite HE stand out was its dual-purpose design—combining water softening with sediment and chlorine filtration.
Most competitors required separate units for filtration, which meant more plumbing, more space, and higher complexity.

The high-efficiency aspect caught my attention because Phoenix has water restriction policies during summer months. The Elite HE uses approximately 40% less salt and 30% less water during regeneration compared to standard softeners I researched.

I also appreciated the SoftPro Valve technology, which allows for customizable regeneration schedules based on actual usage rather than just time intervals. This seemed much smarter than the basic timer-based systems I found elsewhere.

The NSF certification for both the softening media and carbon filtration components gave me confidence in the health and safety aspects. Many cheaper units I considered lacked proper third-party testing verification.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The unit arrived in excellent condition via freight delivery. At 180 pounds, this isn’t something you casually carry into your garage—I recruited my neighbor to help move it.

Opening the packaging revealed solid construction throughout. The mineral tank has a thick fiberglass-wrapped exterior that feels substantial, not like the thin plastic tanks I’d seen on some competitors. The brine tank is made from heavy-duty polyethylene with a salt grid that keeps the salt bed properly structured.

All components were individually wrapped and protected. The installation manual was comprehensive—24 pages with clear diagrams and step-by-step photos. I particularly appreciated that they included specific plumbing code requirements for different regions.

The SoftPro Valve head looked more sophisticated than I expected, with a digital display and multiple programming buttons. The bypass valve was included and appeared to be high-quality brass construction.
Installation Experience and Setup Process
I chose professional installation through SoftPro’s dealer network, which cost $350 in my area. While I’m moderately handy, the plumbing modifications required cutting into my main water line, and I wanted warranty protection.

The installer arrived promptly and completed the job in about 2.5 hours. The process involved:

Installing a bypass loop near my water heater
Mounting the control head and connecting electrical (standard 110V outlet)
Running the drain line to my utility sink
Programming the system based on our household size and local water conditions

The installer tested incoming water hardness at 13.2 grains per gallon and set the system to regenerate every 4 days based on our family of four’s typical usage. He programmed regeneration for 2 AM to avoid disrupting daily routines.

Initial startup was straightforward. The SoftPro Valve automatically initiated its first regeneration cycle, which took about 90 minutes. We could use water normally during this process thanks to the bypass feature.

The system started producing soft water immediately after the first cycle. I tested with TDS and hardness strips—incoming water measured 13.2 gpg, outgoing measured 0.5 gpg hardness.
Performance Testing and Real-World Results
I’ve been tracking performance data for eight months now, and the results have been consistently impressive. Using a digital TDS meter and hardness test strips, I check water quality monthly.

Before installation: 13.2 grains per gallon hardness, 295 TDS
After installation: 0.2-0.5 grains per gallon hardness, 180 TDS

The carbon filtration component effectively removes chlorine—the metallic taste we used to notice is completely gone. Our coffee and tea taste noticeably better, and ice cubes are crystal clear instead of cloudy.

Soap performance improved dramatically. We use about half as much laundry detergent and dish soap now. My wife’s shampoo creates actual lather instead of that flat, lifeless foam we used to get.

The most dramatic change was with our appliances.
Our dishwasher no longer leaves water spots on glassware. The coffee maker that used to require monthly descaling now shows no mineral buildup after six months. Even our showerheads stay clear—no more soaking them in vinegar every few weeks.

I measured water pressure before and after installation. The system maintains excellent flow rates—I get 15 GPM at my kitchen sink compared to 16 GPM before installation. The 1 GPM difference is barely noticeable during normal use.
Daily Living Impact and Family Benefits
The transformation in our daily routine has been remarkable. My wife immediately noticed her hair felt softer and more manageable. She’s actually using less conditioner now because her hair doesn’t feel stripped and dry after washing.

Our skin feels different too—less tight and itchy after showers. I didn’t realize how much the hard water was affecting us until we experienced the contrast. Even our teenage daughter commented that her face feels less irritated after washing.

Cleaning became noticeably easier.
Bathroom fixtures that used to require weekly scrubbing with lime scale remover now just need a quick wipe down. The shower glass stays clearer longer, and soap scum formation has slowed dramatically.

Laundry results improved significantly. Clothes feel softer without fabric softener, https://www.trustpilot.com/review/softprowatersystems.com and whites stay brighter longer. Towels that used to feel stiff and scratchy are now fluffy and absorbent again.

Our guests have commented on the water quality. My brother-in-law, who’s very particular about his coffee, asked what we changed because our coffee tastes so much better. Even our dog seems to drink more water—though that might be coincidental.

The most surprising benefit was energy efficiency. Our water heater seems to heat water faster now, which makes sense since there’s no mineral buildup insulating the heating elements.
Operational Costs and Maintenance Reality
I track all operational costs in a spreadsheet because I wanted to understand the true cost of ownership. Here’s what eight months of operation has cost:

Salt consumption: 2 bags of high-purity salt per month at $6.50 per bag = $13/month
Increased water usage: Approximately 45 gallons per regeneration cycle, 7-8 cycles per month = $3.50/month
Electricity: Minimal increase, estimated under $2/month

Total monthly operational cost: approximately $18.50

Compare this to what we’re saving:
Reduced soap and detergent usage: $15-20/month
No more bottled water purchases: $25/month
Reduced appliance repairs and replacements: Estimated $30/month long-term

The system essentially pays for its operational costs through reduced household expenses. Plus, we’re protecting a $1,200 water heater and other expensive appliances from premature failure.

Salt refilling is required every 6-8 weeks. The 18-inch brine tank opening makes this straightforward—I just pour in two 40-pound bags of high-purity salt crystals. The system monitors salt levels and displays warnings when refills are needed.
Honest Limitations and Minor Drawbacks
No system is perfect, and I want to share some limitations I’ve discovered through daily use.

Space requirements are significant.
The complete system occupies about 6 square feet of floor space in our utility room. If you have limited space, this could be challenging. The mineral tank is 54 inches tall, so ceiling height matters too.

The regeneration cycle does produce some noise—mainly water rushing through pipes and the valve cycling. It’s not loud enough to wake us up, but it’s noticeable if you’re nearby. Programming it for early morning hours solves this issue.

Initial water after regeneration has a slightly elevated sodium taste for the first few gallons. This fades quickly, but I’ve learned to run water for 30 seconds before drinking first thing in the morning.

Salt storage and handling is an ongoing responsibility.
High-purity salt costs more than regular salt, and you need to maintain consistent inventory. I’ve learned to buy salt in advance because running out means temporary return to hard water.

The system requires annual professional service to maintain warranty coverage. This costs about $120 in my area but includes inspection, cleaning, and any necessary adjustments.
Final Verdict After 8 Months of Real Usesoftprowatersystems.com
After eight months of daily use, I’m genuinely impressed with the SoftPro Elite HE’s performance and reliability. The combination of effective water softening and quality filtration in one unit solved multiple problems we didn’t even realize we had.

The value proposition is clear:
Better quality of life through improved water quality
Protection of expensive appliances and plumbing
Reduced household expenses that offset operational costs
Professional-grade performance with user-friendly operation

If I were to purchase again, I’d choose the same system without hesitation. The peace of mind knowing our water heater, dishwasher, and plumbing are protected from mineral damage is worth the investment alone.

Would I recommend this to other Phoenix homeowners dealing with hard water?
Absolutely. The Elite HE addresses the specific challenges of high-mineral desert water while providing additional filtration benefits that improve taste and reduce chlorine.

This isn’t just about fixing a problem—it’s about upgrading your entire household water experience. The difference in daily comfort, appliance longevity, and overall water quality has exceeded my expectations in every measurable way.