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Water Softener Advice Needed

BobdaBuilda
10 years ago

Hello,

I am in need of water softener for a new house and I need some help from the learned members of this forum.

Here are my specifics:
Hardness: 21 gpg
Cl: Fe: 0ppm (~2.26 ppB)
Manganese: 0ppm
pH: ~7.02
3/4" copper main water line
4.5 bathrooms
daily water use~375 gallons/day

I have had two different independent water specialists come look and give me quotes. Both are pretty close in terms of price (the first is a few bucks cheaper), but they have specified different options, resins, and control valves. I am looking for some guidance as to which of these options I should choose and which I should not.

The first quote was:
80,000 grain capacity
Clack WS-1 valve
2.5 cu ft. of Nelson brand 10% crosslink resin
13x54" tank with gravel underbedding
18"x33" salt tank with safety float
Options:
Res-up Feeder = $30

The second quote was:
80,000 grain capacity
Fleck 7000sxt control valve
2.5 cu ft. Imported (China) 8% crosslink resin
13"x54" tank with gravel underbedding
18'x40" salt tank with safety float
Options:
8% Purolite C100E resin= $100
Purolite SST160 (don't know % crosslink) = $225
Vortech tank (gravel underbed deleted) = $110
Res-Up feeder = $45

Do either of these seem like a better deal than the other?
Are any of the options worthwhile?
Should I be using a resin cleaner on a regular basis (ie do I need a res-up cleaner)?
What are the pros/cons of each?
Are there other options I should be considering?

Many thanks,
Michael