Water softeners are a valuable investment for homes with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause a variety of issues. Here’s a breakdown of how water softeners work and their benefits:

How Water Softeners Work

Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove these minerals. The system contains resin beads that attract and hold onto the calcium and magnesium ions. As hard water flows through the resin, these minerals are exchanged for sodium ions, which are less likely to cause problems. Over time, the resin becomes saturated with minerals and needs to be regenerated with a salt solution to restore its softening capacity.

Water Softener Frequently Asked Questions

Based on our experience, the following guidelines can help you choose the appropriate size:

  • 0835 – 0.8 m3/hr: Household of 2 to 3 people
  • 1035 – 1.2 m3/hr: Household of 3 to 4 people
  • 1044 – 1.6 m3/hr: Household of 5 people
  • 1054 – 2.0 m3/hr: Household of 6 to 7 people
  • 1252 – 2.4 m3/hr: Household of 6 to 7 people
  • 1354 – 3.0 m3/hr: Household of 7+ people

If your budget allows, a CI metered valve is always recommended. This type only regenerates when a predetermined amount of water has been used, preventing unnecessary salt waste and reducing mechanical wear.

The ideal location for installation is within an external pumphouse.

All softeners utilize tablet salt, readily available at retail outlets, builders’ merchants, or garden centers. It comes in 10kg or 25kg bags, with recommended brands including Ecosil, Broxo, or Axal Pro.

Besides a minimal electricity usage, water softeners require salt and water for their regeneration process. An average family typically uses 8-10 bags of 25kg salt per year, costing around €80-100 annually.

As a long-term investment, water softeners can last 15 years or more. Annual servicing is essential for longevity. Homeowners can easily perform this maintenance, and we provide comprehensive guidance on the process.

Benefits of Water Softeners

Improved Skin and Hair

Hard water can leave skin feeling dry and itchy, and hair can become dull and brittle. Soft water helps to restore the natural moisture balance of your skin and hair, leaving them feeling softer and more manageable.

Cleaner Appliances

Limescale buildup caused by hard water can damage and reduce the efficiency of your appliances. Water softeners can help to prevent this buildup, extending the life of your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater.

Plumber-Friendly Pipes

Limescale can also clog pipes and reduce water flow. Soft water helps to prevent these clogs, making your plumbing system more efficient and less prone to leaks.

Softer Laundry

Hard water can make it difficult for detergents to lather properly, leaving your clothes feeling stiff and dull. Soft water allows detergents to work more effectively, resulting in softer, brighter laundry.

Tastes Better

Hard water can affect the taste of food and beverages. Soft water can improve the flavour of your coffee, tea, and other drinks.

Available Water Softeners

We feature the EcoSoft water softener, complete with softening resin and a salt bin/reservoir—everything you need to address your water hardness issues. Built by Ecosoft, these units are equipped with industry-leading Clack metered control valves.

For a more budget-friendly option, we can supply units with a timed valve instead of a metered valve, offering a savings of €169 across all sizes. However, this option is not typically recommended for most applications.

Ecosoft Pink Water Softener

Ecosoft Pink Water Softener

This range of softeners would be budget friendly, can fit in tight spaces, require less maintenance and reduce the salt usage per regeneration also.

They would be for a smaller family that doesn’t have much room, and that doesn’t use a large volume of water over a 7 day period as the capacity before regeneration is shorter compared to other models.

These ultra-compact water softeners, equipped with Clack® DV valves, offer both reliability and space-saving convenience. The smallest model, with its unique 10×13 mineral tank, delivers high flow and softening capacity, making it an ideal fit for installation under your kitchen sink.

  • Pre-adjusted US-made Clack® DV with mixing valve
  • Cabinet enclosure
  • Pressure tank
  • Brine well with safety float valve
  • Ion-exchange resin DOWEX™ HCR-S/S
  • Available in 10L, 15L and 20L

10L Unit

€670

15L Unit

€695

20L Unit

€750

Anthracite Azure Softener

Ecosoft Anthracite Azure Softener

This range of softeners are a mid-range budget softener, they also have less salt usage per regeneration compared to standard softeners and also output more l/hr than the compact range.

They would be more suited to mid/large size houses that require a moderate level of water usage and would need a slightly higher capacity per regeneration.

With up-flow proportional brining, these softeners deliver high flow rates of up to 3 m³/hour and a large salt capacity. This technology ensures low salt consumption, easy maintenance, and efficient operation. A single tank of salt can power the softener for up to 15 months between refills.

  • Pre-adjusted Clack® DV
  • Cabinet enclosure
  • Pressure tank
  • Brine well with safety float valve
  • Available in 25L & 37L

25L Unit

€860

37L Unit

€940

Arctic Blue Water Softener

Ecosoft Arctic Blue Water Softener

These Clack made cabinet softeners are on the higher end of the budget for cabinet softeners, they come with the Clack WS1 control valve which is easily serviced and can output a higher flow rate than the previous models.

These models of cabinet softeners cater for small families with low water usage right up to large houses with bigger families who need that extra bit of water usage. With larger capacity per regeneration also these would suit someone looking for a softener that needs that extra little bit than the norm.

These softeners deliver industry-leading flow rates of up to 3 m³/hour in a compact design. The Clack® CE valve provides intuitive programming and advanced customization options, making them suitable for both residential and commercial settings.

  • DOWEX® HCR-S/S — provides softened water. Arctic Blue series filters remove hardness.
  • Ecosoft Clack WS1 CE (time and volume regenerated).
  • Pre-adjusted Ecosoft-Clack CE
  • Cabinet enclosure
  • Pressure tank
  • Brine well with safety float valve
  • Available in 12L, 18L, 25L & 37L

12L Unit

€900

18L Unit

€960

25L Unit

€1010

37L Unit

€1150

Delivery Information

All Prices are supply only.

Delivery is €50 to anywhere in Ireland.

Installation is available for an additional €200.

Customisation

If you provide your water analysis, we can pre-program the control valve to match your specific water composition. It’s advisable to send us your water sample to explore potential savings.