If you are researching big water softener brands, you have probably been reading Ecowater softener reviews. Ecowater has been supplying water treatments since 1925. It has now partnered with major retailer Costco, so it is no surprise that you may have heard of them. In this guide, we will go over the pros and cons of Ecowater softeners.
The goal is to help you choose the best water softener for your home’s needs and to get you the most bang for your buck. So what are the positives and negatives of Ecowater treatment systems?
- 99.6% scale prevention without use of chemicals
- No drop in water pressure
- Gets rid of hard water quickly
- No water waste
About Ecowater Systems
Ecowater Systems had a grand start in 1925 with one of the earliest patents for home water softening systems. In the 95 years since then, the company has expanded its product line with the help of new technology. Now a global brand, it claims to provide one out of four home water softening systems in the world.
Ecowater Systems strives to remain at the forefront of water filtration technology. In recent years, the company has implemented smart technology into its products. It also prides itself on manufacturing its own products rather than outsourcing them.
Customers in the United States are probably most familiar with Ecowater Systems as a Costco brand. As part of a large mainstream retailer, Ecowater has become a recognized and trusted name.
In addition to home and commercial water softeners, Ecowater Systems provides the following products:
- Home filtration systems
- Water purifiers
- Water refiners
- Anti-scale solutions for hard water
- Specialized filter systems
- Monitoring systems for home water usage with smart technology
The company says that its goals are to provide fresh, safe water to homes while reducing energy costs and consumption and improving the lifespan of home plumbing systems.
Ecowater Water Treatment Systems: Pros & Cons
Water softeners are used to treat hard water, which earns its name from the high levels of mineral content it contains. These minerals — mostly calcium and magnesium — leave buildup on pipes and fixtures in homes. They can also be rough on skin and hair, making it unpleasant to bathe.
If you notice water spots or streaks on your dishes and clothes, you may have hard water. The most serious concern, however, is the effect on pipes. These minerals can cause clogs or even permanent damage in plumbing.
So how do Ecowater water softeners address these problems?
- Lower-cost models available
- A variety of available models for every size home
- 1-year full warranty and 10-year limited warranty
- Smart technology monitoring system allows customers to track their salt and water usage. It also alerts them to potential problems or malfunctions.
- A lack of transparency about pricing
- Salt-based systems result in water that is high in sodium. This water may be unsafe to drink. Sodium-heavy wastewater is also bad for the environment. It may, with time, have a damaging effect on pipes and plumbing systems.
- Ecowater models need regular cleaning to remove dirty salt from the tank.
Ecowater Water Softener Costs
It can be difficult to assess Ecowater softener costs. The company does not list unit or installation costs on its website. Some claim that there are hidden costs for whole-house Ecowater softeners. Many say that they did not end up paying the price they expected.
Instead of listing prices, the company asks potential customers to contact an agent. This agent will provide an estimate for their home. On the plus side, customized pricing could mean lower costs for smaller homes, for example. But it also means unpredictable expenses to get started softening your water, even if you try to buy directly from Costco.
Depending on the brand, home water softeners can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 or more. That does not include installation fees. That is obviously a big range. So where do Ecowater softeners fall in that range?
Ecowater systems costs can reach $5,000 for a whole-home setup. This is on the higher end for home water softeners. In general, you can expect to pay about $1200 for a high-end home water softening system. Commercial water softeners are commonly in the thousands of dollars. However, that is unusually high for a single-family home.
While Ecowater does offer cheaper systems, it is extremely difficult to find price ranges without speaking directly to a representative during a home consultation.
Ecowater Water Softener Reviews By Customers
Ecowater softener reviews don’t generally focus on quality alone. Reports indicate that most water softeners work well and are of good quality. In fact, Ecowater softeners are overkill for a single-family home. That, of course, is reflected in the price of the units.
Most negative reviews focus on customer service and the high price of Ecowater products. Ecowater recommends that potential customers book an in-home consultation with an Ecowater agent. This gives the agent a chance to assess their home and recommend a water softener model. Agents usually recommend a higher-end, more expensive water softener.
Dealing with pushy sales reps is frustrating for anyone. Many feel like they lack the freedom and space to make the right choice for their home. This seems to generally be the case with Ecowater treatment systems. Many customers who purchased with Ecowater through Costco feel that they did not get the deal they expected
Who Should Buy Ecowater Water Softeners?
Ecowater water softeners offer a range of models. What does that mean for a potential customer? Essentially, it means that there is no shortage of options for the type or size of home suited to the products. Ecowater’s water softener models are equipped to handle any size home, even ones with large plumbing systems.
In general, if you have hard water, an Ecowater softener might be a great choice. Those who want to reduce water or energy usage can buy higher-end models that monitor consumption.
However, Ecowater softeners are better for customers with a big budget. If you do not want an expensive system, you may need to push back against an aggressive sales rep. Ecowater does have lower-cost models that are equally well-suited to home water consumption.
Costco offers a modest deal when clients buy an Ecowater softener. If you have a Costco membership, you may want to take advantage of the savings. These usually amount to a $500 Costco cash card. However, if you plan to spend a few thousand dollars on a higher-end water softener, these savings are modest at best.
Related: Water Softener Benefits & Why You Need One
Alternatives to Ecowater Water Softeners
- 99.6% scale prevention without use of chemicals
- No drop in water pressure
- Gets rid of hard water quickly
- No water waste
Some people decide that an Ecowater softening system is just not the right choice for their home. If you are looking for an alternative, Springwell Water Filtration offers high-quality home water softeners. These models are affordable and suited to almost any home.
In addition to a traditional salt-based water softener, Springwell offers a salt-free system. This produces water that is safe to drink and easier on the environment.
Both the traditional and salt-free systems use a unique method. They do not filter minerals out. Instead, they condition water to neutralize the minerals that give hard water its name. That means that your pipes and appliances are kept clear and clean with damaging salt buildup. And because there is no salt in the water, it is safe to drink, even for those with sodium sensitivities.
Both types of Springwell water softeners are made to last. They do not cause buildup, and you will not need to plan for regular maintenance or repairs. Instead, the gentle conditioning process neutralizes 99.6 percent of the damaging minerals found in hard water. That means that you will enjoy all the benefits while keeping your home clean and safe.
Related: The Best Alternatives To Water Softener
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a high-quality water softening system, Ecowater softeners might be a good choice. The company is an old, established brand at the forefront of new technology in water filtration systems. Ecowater is also a highly accessible brand for most people living in the United States. They offer a wide range of models, suiting most anyone’s needs.
Ecowater softener reviews are mixed. Customers are sure of the quality. However, the lack of transparent pricing and above-average costs make Ecowater softeners a mixed bag. If you do not have the budget for a high-quality system or want a simpler model, it may not be a good fit.
Springwell water softeners are a great alternative to Ecowater. Lower costs and high quality make these water softeners a trustworthy replacement for any home. Unlike other brands, you know exactly what you will pay upfront. If your home has hard water, Springwell offers safe, eco-friendly options to protect your plumbing.
Related Article: WaterBoss Water Softener Reviews
Beware of Cost-co and Eco Soft water treatment systems. The Eco-soft warranty fails to live up to the sales claims. Further, their warranty for repairs is practically non-existent. Our system failed after 20 months. In each case, cost-co and the Eco Soft provider would not stand behind the sale. We are out $3600.00 with no re-course. Don’t do it! You will not be happy.
My ecowater system had a weather failure, a hard freeze destroyed the back flow valve. Now my $8000 dollar system has been out since Dec 2022 and cant get anybody with the company to give me a name of a system repair person. Right now I regret buying this system.
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