What are some good water softeners according to Consumer Reports?

The Pelican PSE1800 Whole House Water Filter and Softener and the Kinetico 2020 are both good water softeners, according to Consumer Reports. These systems treat hard water by removing calcium, magnesium and other minerals.

Hard water contains minerals that can build up over time, and water softeners prevent buildups inside pipes, fixtures and home appliances. Water-softening systems operate through either filtration or a process known as ion replacement. The Kinetico 2020 is an ion exchange water softener, while the Pelican PSE1800 uses a combination of ion replacement and reverse osmosis filtration. Consumer Reports praised both systems for their performance and ease of maintenance.