Aquasure vs Fleck Water Softener [Which Is Better?]

For homeowners wanting to reap the many benefits of soft water, installing a water softener is a smart investment that can improve your water quality, protect plumbing and appliances, and leave skin and hair feeling better after bathing and washing. But with so many water softener brands and models on the market, it can be tricky to decide which system best fits your household needs and budget.

Two well-known and highly rated water softener brands are Aquasure and Fleck. Both companies offer a range of systems and technologies to effectively eliminate hard water minerals and dissolve scale buildup. But there are some key differences between Aquasure and Fleck water softeners that are worth considering when making your purchase.

In this guide, we’ll breakdown how water softeners work, explore the top features and differences between Aquasure and Fleck systems, and provide tips to help you determine which brand is the right choice for your home.

Here is an in-depth comparison table for Aquasure vs Fleck water softeners:

How Water Softeners Work

To understand the pros and cons of different water softener systems, it helps to first learn how water softening works. The process relies on a method called ion exchange to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water.

Inside a water softener is a resin bed made up of small plastic beads or zeolite crystals. These beads carry a sodium ion charge. As hard water passes through the resin bed, the calcium and magnesium ions swap places with the sodium ions. This effectively softens the water by replacing the hard water mineral ions with sodium.

After this ion exchange process takes place for a while, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium, diminishing their ability to soften water. At this point, the softener system goes through a regeneration cycle.

Regeneration washes the resin bed with a salt brine solution, which resets the ion exchange capacity. The brine forces out the built-up hard water minerals which are flushed away down the drain. Once regeneration is complete, the resin beads contain sodium ions again and can continue softening your household water.

It’s important to note the difference between water softening and water conditioning. Conditioning doesn’t remove hard water minerals but instead uses chemicals like polyphosphates to alter how the minerals behave. Softening with ion exchange is more effective and provides all the benefits of soft water.

Some key reasons to soften your water include:

• Improved lathering of soaps and detergents
• Minimized mineral scale buildup on plumbing and fixtures
• Reduced spotting on dishes, glassware, and utensils
• Better protection for water-using appliances
• Softer feeling hair and skin after bathing and showering

Now that we’ve reviewed the ion exchange process that allows water softeners to work their magic, let’s look at how Aquasure and Fleck systems compare.

Aquasure Water Softeners

Founded in 2007, Aquasure is a water treatment company that offers both water softeners and water filters. Their systems are designed and assembled in the USA.

Aquasure provides a range of water softener models for households with different water usage needs. Their salt-based softeners rely on the ion exchange process to remove calcium and magnesium ions.

Some popular Aquasure softener models include:

• Harmony Series – entry-level, manual valve softeners
• PRO Series – medium-range models with electronic controls
• Elevate Series – high capacity softeners for larger homes
• City Series – compact softeners for limited space

Key features of Aquasure systems include:

• Flow rates up to 20 GPM for whole house softening
• Corrosion-resistant tanks made from polyethylene resin
• Proprietary Calcite Plus resin for water softening
• User-friendly electronic heads like the Aqua-Sensor®
• Salt efficiencies up to 5000 grains per pound
• Made in the USA from domestic and imported parts

Benefits provided by Aquasure water softeners include:

• Softer skin and hair
• Brighter laundry and dishes
• Cleaner bathrooms and kitchens
• Scale prevention on fixtures and appliances
• Advanced water softening technology
• Easy programming and maintenance
• Excellent warranties and customer service

Potential downsides to consider include:

• Higher prices than basic manual models
• Some complexity programming electronic heads
• May need professional installation

Overall, Aquasure offers high performing softeners loaded with features that can handle the demands of most households.

Fleck Water Softeners

Founded in 1959, Fleck Systems is now owned by Pentair and is the world’s leading manufacturer of water softener control valves. Their valves are paired with mineral tanks to create complete water softening systems.

Some popular Fleck softener models include:

• Fleck 2510 and 9100 valve models – manual, time clock softeners
• Fleck 5600 and 2750 valve models – metered, electronic softeners
• Fleck 9000 digital valve – top-line electronic model

Key features of Fleck systems include:

• Durable, high quality brass valve construction
• Multiple control configurations from analog to digital
• Super capacitor backup for electronic models
• Warrantied for 7-10 years for valves
• Made in the USA

Benefits provided by Fleck water softeners include:

• Reliable softening from a proven brand
• Flexible programming options
• Extremely durable valves
• Simple repairs if needed
• Full parts and service availability
• Excellent warranties on valves

Potential downsides to consider include:

• Less “smart” features than other brands
• Basic models lack user-friendly electronics
• No safety certifications on some models
• Requires expert installation and programming

With their rock-solid valves and longevity, Fleck systems are a safe bet though lack some of the sophisticated electronics of other brands.

Aquasure vs Fleck: Key Differences

Now that we’ve dove into the details on both Aquasure and Fleck, let’s directly compare the two brands across several categories:

Size and Capacity

• Aquasure offers a wider range of sizes from compact 25k units to high capacity 200k units for large households.
• Fleck has more limited sizing, usually in the 25k to 64k grain range.

Ease of Use and Programming

• Aquasure softeners usually have user-friendly electronic heads and easy programming.
• Fleck valves require experience to set up and program correctly. Better for a pro.

Maintenance

• Aquasure systems have convenient self-cleaning features.
• Fleck valves are easily serviced but require manual maintenance.

Warranties and Customer Service

• Aquasure provides exceptional warranties on parts, tanks, and valves.
• Fleck warranties cover valves only for 7-10 years.

Reputation and Reliability

• Aquasure makes advanced, specialized water softeners.
• Fleck is known for durable, no-frills valve technology.

Cost Comparison

• Aquasure prices range from $600 up to $2,500.
• Fleck systems cost $550 to $1,200.

As you can see, Aquasure softeners emphasize premium features and innovations while Fleck focuses more on simplified softening solutions. The right choice comes down to your home and budget.

Which Is Better for Your Home?

When deciding between Aquasure and Fleck for your water softening needs, start by assessing:

• Your household size and water usage level
• Desired features like advanced electronics
• Installation requirements and complexity
• Your budget for the softener system

Aquasure systems are typically better for homeowners who want the highest quality soft water, convenience features like self-cleaning, and don’t mind a more complex installation. Their softeners come loaded with the latest tech innovations.

For households that just need simple, reliable soft water without advanced electronics and extras, Fleck is an affordable and durable choice. Just be prepared to hire a knowledgeable plumber for installation and programming.

Carefully weighing your unique needs and home setup will help determine if spending more for Aquasure or going simple with Fleck makes better sense. Taking stock of your long-term objectives for soft water can also guide your decision when choosing a brand.

With some thoughtful consideration of both the similarities and differences between Aquasure and Fleck softeners, you’ll be equipped to select the right system that takes the hassle out of hard water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Aquasure and Fleck water softeners?

The main differences are that Aquasure softeners offer more high-end features, electronic controls, larger capacities and sizing options compared to Fleck’s focus on durable valve technology in more basic softener systems.

Which brand has the best warranties?

Aquasure provides exceptional warranties covering parts, tanks, valves and electronics for 5-10 years. Fleck warranties are primarily limited to 7-10 years on valve bodies only.

Is one brand easier to maintain than the other?

Aquasure softeners have convenient self-cleaning capabilities while Fleck valves require more hands-on maintenance cleanings.

Which softeners cost more?

Aquasure systems range from $600 up to $2,500. Fleck softeners cost between $550 to $1,200, making them the more budget-friendly option.

Can either brand’s softeners be self-installed?

Basic Aquasure and Fleck models can potentially be self-installed. However, both brands highly recommend professional installation to ensure proper setup and programming.

Conclusion

When it comes to softening hard water in your home, both Aquasure and Fleck offer effective solutions using proven ion exchange technology. Aquasure provides more high-end models with advanced electronics, flexbile programming and self-cleaning capabilities. Fleck systems focus more on durable, straightforward softening using their long-lasting valve designs.

For larger homes with more water usage, Aquasure’s wider range of capacities plus automation features make it the preferable choice. Households on a budget who just need basic softening with minimal fuss will appreciate Fleck’s affordable and no-frills approach.

Carefully weigh whether the convenience and premium performance of Aquasure warrant the higher costs compared to the simplistic reliability of Fleck units. Factor in any installation or maintenance limitations as well. With some informed comparisons between these two reputable brands, you can better decide which whole home water softener provides the right blend of quality, capabilities and value for your needs.

In most cases, both Aquasure and Fleck offer commendable products that outperform many competitors. Focus first on choosing the correctly sized system for your household’s water usage level. From there, you can fine-tune your selection based on which features and technologies will provide the ideal user experience.

Installing a properly matched water softener provides benefits throughout your home for years to come. Take the time to research and understand the differences between trusted brands like Aquasure and Fleck. This helps ensure the system you choose delivers the soft water your household expects while fitting your budget.