Despite treatment by your local government, anything might be lurking in your municipal tap water. Silent troublemakers can leave your skin feeling dry, your appliances caked in limescale, and your clothes far from their brightest. And that’s not even the most harmful stuff.
In many cases, homeowners need multiple systems to address multiple issues, but not with the SpringWell MMV-1, a two-in-one filter and salt-based water softener. But is that too good to be true?
I’ve teamed up with our on-call water specialist, James Layton, to assess the MMV-1. Together we’ve scrutinized product manuals and user reviews, consulted both customers and industry experts, and even put the system through its paces personally.
In this review, I’ll tell you about the strengths of the system as well as its weaknesses, explaining what sets it apart from other systems on the market. If you’re looking for a solution to your hard water and contaminant problems, keep reading to find out if the SpringWell MMV-1 is the right choice for you.
Quick Verdict
The SpringWell MMV-1 2 in 1 Filter + Salt Softener Combo System is a great investment for those who are looking for a space-saving solution that combines all the benefits of a whole-house water filter system and a salt-based water softener in one tank.
This system is designed for a city water supply and ensures cleaner, healthier water for you and your appliances, bidding farewell to limescale buildup, dry skin, and lackluster clothes.
However, there are many combinations of water quality issues, and not every system is perfect for every circumstance. Below I’ll tell you more about who exactly the MMV-1 is for, as well as who should keep looking for the best system for them.
Who Is the SpringWell MMV-1 For?
According to a United Nations report, toxic water kills more people every year than any form of violence. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a water treatment solution — to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangerous effects of untreated water. But trying to find the right system in a saturated market can be challenging.
The SpringWell MMV-1 is for you if…
- You’ve tested your water and found you need multiple types of water treatment.
- You have hard water and a house with four or fewer bathrooms.
- You have limited space and want a space-saving filtration solution that serves all faucets in your home.
- You’re on city water, and chlorine taste and smell frequently make their way to your home.
- You prefer modern devices that connect to your Wi-Fi for you to control digitally.
- You want a system that is easy to install and covered by a robust warranty.
The MMV-1 is not for you if…
- You have extremely very hard water and a big house with more than four bathrooms. You’ll need a bigger salt-based water softener to manage your flow rate.
- You don’t have hard water at all; this combo system isn’t necessary.
- You’re looking for a quick, low-cost fix and not concerned about long-term benefits. A point-of-use system might be worth looking into.
- You’re looking for a more eco-friendly approach to combination filtration and water softening. Consider these alternatives.
- You’re on a sodium-free diet and would prefer a salt-free system instead.
SpringWell MMV-1 Features Breakdown
The SpringWell MMV-1 water filter and softener is not your run-of-the-mill water treatment system. It’s a two-in-one powerhouse designed to tackle common tap water issues. Here’s a closer look at the key features that make the SpringWell MMV-1 a standout solution for improving your water quality:
Multistage water filtration
The SpringWell MMV-1 filtration process combines various filtration media to achieve clean, soft water.
First, water flows through a 5-micron sediment pre-filter designed to block larger contaminants. Removing these particles not only improves the taste and clarity of the water but extends the lifespan of the entire system.
After passing through the sediment pre-filter, the water flows through a KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filter. KDF media consists of copper-zinc and mineral granules designed to remove or reduce chlorine, and soluble heavy metals. Some experts claim KDF is effective against bacteria, others say it’s only able to prevent the buildup of bacteria in the system.
The next stage features a catalytic carbon media filter, which removes harmful chemicals like chlorine, chloramine, herbicides, pesticides, and other organic contaminants.
Water softening
The final stage of the filtration process is the salt-based water softener. A process called ion exchange removes hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, spots on fixtures and dishes, low-sudsing soaps and detergents, and dry, itchy skin.
The salt-based water softener replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, resulting in softer water. How exactly? Resin beads attract the calcium and magnesium, and when the beads are full, a regeneration of sodium solution (brine) washes away the minerals down the drain.
Traditional ion exchange water softeners would regenerate on a set schedule, regardless of water usage. This resulted in quite a lot of wasted water. But modern water softeners, like the one in the MMV-1, employ an electronic metered valve mounted atop the resin tank to measure water by the gallon before initiating a cleaning cycle.
This demand-based regeneration ensures efficient operation and minimizes salt and water waste, so you can enjoy your softened water with a clear conscience.
Furthermore, all SpringWell softener systems come equipped with 10% crosslink resin, the superior alternative to the standard 8%. It’s superior because it actually lasts 50% longer and works better.
Upflow technology
The upflow filtration used in this system improves the contaminant removal process by allowing water to flow upwards through the filters, which helps to prevent clogging and ensures the filter functions effectively.
This upward flow results in superior filtration in several other ways:
- Prolonged contact between the water and filter media allows for more effective filtration of contaminants.
- It prevents channeling, which occurs when water follows the same path through the filter media and results in uneven use of the filter.
- Upflow filtration enhances the lifespan of the filter since the filtration media is used more evenly and efficiently.
- Water pressure remains consistent, even during high use.
Bluetooth control head
The SpringWell MMV-1 2-in-1 Water Filter and Softener System comes equipped with an innovative Bluetooth control head that allows users to easily program and control their salt-based system’s settings using their mobile phones.
The Bluetooth control head can be easily set up through a Bluetooth app. With this app, you can adjust settings, initiate regeneration cycles, and monitor system performance in real-time.
The intuitive interface enables you to customize the system to meet your specific water needs. You can effortlessly set regeneration schedules to ensure that the system operates efficiently based on your household’s water usage patterns. You can even analyze historical data about your water usage.
Additionally, the real-time monitoring feature ensures you’re always aware of your system’s status so you can address any issues promptly and maximize its efficiency. This level of control and transparency ultimately results in improved water quality, reduced maintenance, and greater peace of mind.
Space-saving design
Unlike traditional systems that may require multiple tanks and a larger footprint, the SpringWell MMV-1 saves precious real estate, leaving you with more room for other essential household equipment.
This space-saving design is particularly advantageous for homes with limited installation space, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both water filtration and softening without the logistical challenges of accommodating two separate tanks and a brine tank.
Ease of installation and maintenance
This water system comes with a range of accessories to simplify the installation process, including a pre-filter housing, brine tank, 5-micron sediment filter, O-ring for the pre-filter housing, mounting bracket, spanner wrench, red bypass valve, MNPT fittings, electronic head, 50′ drain line, blue bypass valves, hose clamps, and brine tank.
These components are carefully selected to ensure users have everything they need to set up the system with minimal hassle. SpringWell also includes a detailed installation guide and encourages users to contact their customer support team in case any issues arise during the installation process.
The SpringWell MMV-1 2-in-1 system is also designed for easy maintenance.
For example, you’ll only need to replace the sediment filter every six to nine months, depending on your water usage. The system’s electronic control head will tell you when it’s time to change it, too, probably on your phone! Each sediment filter costs only about $20, so the annual replacement cost is minimal.
The salt-based water softener also requires minimal maintenance. Yes, you’ll need to add salt every month or so, but it’s not that bad. You can even have it delivered right to your home on a schedule.
Warranty
The SpringWell MMV-1 2-in-1 water filter and softener system comes with a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves. With that you get enduring protection against manufacturing defects or issues related to the core elements of the filtration system.
The warranty also covers fittings, filtration media, tanks, housings, bypasses, valves, and in/out heads, and it’s valid for the lifespan of the system under normal application, service, and use.
The warranty does not cover defects or damage arising from improper handling, physical damage, modifications, misapplication, negligence, or abuse. Therefore, users should still take care to ensure proper installation and usage to maximize the benefits of this coverage.
Additionally, the system comes with a six-month money-back guarantee. During this initial period, users can test the system and return it for a full refund if they’re not satisfied with its performance. However, it’s crucial to note that the cost of both for initial and return shipping is solely covered by the user.
What I Like About the SpringWell MMV-1
After months of extensive use and evaluation, I must say that the SpringWell MMV-1 has truly transformed my household’s water quality, and it’s a product I can confidently recommend to others seeking a broad and convenient water treatment solution.
The two-in-one design, combining a whole-house water filter with a salt-based water softener, is an ingenious space saver. No longer do I need to wrestle with two separate tanks, and the streamlined look in my laundry room is a bonus.
I also can’t say enough about the filtration quality. Some people deal with whatever water they get, but you don’t have to. Chlorine in your water can irritate kids’ delicate skin, but that’s not all this filtration system will remove. Here’s a list of contaminants the SpringWell MMV-1 can eliminate from your city water supply:
- Chlorine
- Chloramine
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury)
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Trihalomethanes (THMs)
- Haloacetic acids (HAAs)
- Sand, silt, clay, dirt, debris, and rust
- Arsenic
- Calcium
- Iron
- Sulfur
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Fluoride
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Ammonia
- Nitrate
- Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
You also won’t have to worry about mineral buildup around your faucets, dishwasher, and hot water heater, since the built-in salt-based water softener takes care of that. No more washing dishes twice to remove spots or adding a rinse booster to your daily load. After installing a water softener, you won’t believe you tolerated hard water as long as you did.
When I tested this system in my own home, the Bluetooth control head was definitely the highlight. This technology doesn’t just offer convenience; it provides real-time insights into the system’s performance. The intuitive mobile app allows users to tailor settings and monitor regeneration cycles effortlessly from anywhere — even vacation.
Because the control head monitors water usage, it can help you identify a leak, either in the system itself or anywhere in your home. Sure, it probably can’t tell you where the leak is, but if you notice a wide disparity in the water moving through your water softener, you can tackle it before it becomes an issue on your monthly water bill. I just love it.
And let’s not forget the lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee, which are testaments to the product’s durability and reliability.
What You Might Not Like About the SpringWell MMV-1
In the spirit of providing a balanced review, I’ll explain some of the MMV-1’s weaknesses.
To say this system has only one tank is misleading. True, it has one filtration tank, where most combo systems have two — the filter tank and the softener tank…and the brine tank, the silent third. The MMV-1 has a brine tank as well.
So, really, where most combo systems have three tanks, this one has only two. It’s still fewer tanks, but don’t be surprised when you open the package and there’s a tall tank and a smaller brine tank, which contains the brine solution responsible for the ion exchange.
Another downside is that there are no overflow protection features. Various malfunctions can lead to overflow of the tank, and many systems come with a safety float that turns off the water supply when the water level reaches a certain point, but this one doesn’t have that.
When it comes to filtration, this system is top of the line. However, it won’t sort out pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Of course, since this is a water treatment system for municipal water, and your water has already been treated with chlorine before making its way to your house, this is unlikely to be an issue.
But if you’re the paranoid type and you want inarguable assurance that your water holds no pathogens, you’ll have to invest in a UV purification system. You really should test your water first, though, before overloading your home with unnecessary treatment.
Another thing you should keep in mind is the water usage required for a salt-based system. Yes, modern systems have water-saving features, so it’s not as bad as it could be, but unused water does go down the drain, and it’s laden with salt, which can threaten local ecosystems and agriculture.
If this bothers you, consider a salt-free system, like SpringWell’s Futuresoft Salt-Free Softener Alternative.
While the space-saving design is a plus, it does mean the water softening is capped at 48,000 grains. If you have very high levels of water hardness and a big family, it might not be enough. But honestly, you’d have to be using a great deal of water for that to be the case.
The system’s space-saving design, efficient filtration process, intuitive control head, and robust warranty package all contribute to an unparalleled water treatment experience.
Methodology
This section outlines the steps I took to review the SpringWell 2 in 1 Filter + Salt Softener Combo System.
Step 1: A list of all SpringWell water softeners and filters
To kick off my research, I investigated SpringWell’s whole line of products. What’s it got going on that sets the MMV-1 apart? Currently, the manufacturer offers five systems dedicated to this specific task:
- Water Filter and Salt-Free Water Softener
- Water Filter and Salt Based Water Softener System
- 2 in 1 Filter + Salt Softener Combo System
- Whole House Lead & Cyst Removal System with Salt-Free Softener
- Whole House Lead & Cyst Removal System with Salt Based Softener
Comparing the MMV-1 to these other systems, as well as competing systems, helped me direct the rest of my research appropriately.
Step 2: Product analysis
To accurately review this water treatment system, I needed answers to a series of questions about the MMV-1 (and water treatment solutions in general):
- Is 2-in-1 just a gimmick or is this a good idea?
- What is the difference between salt-free water softeners and salt-based water softeners? This answer was so interesting I wrote an article all about it.
- How does the MMV-1 fare in areas with very hard water?
- How often does this SpringWell system run backwash cycles?
- How much salt can the SpringWell MMV-1 hold in its brine tank?
- How does a SpringWell whole-house filter remove harmful chemicals from city water supplies? and what can’t it remove?
- How do SpringWell water softeners compare to other brands on the market?
- What is the difference between a whole-house water filter and a point-of-use water filtration system?
- Can users ultimately trust the quality of the filtered water?
- Does the use of this 2-in-1 filter and salt-based softener affect water pressure during peak usage?
Step 3: Online reviews
Now that I knew what to look out for, I needed to find out what users thought about this system. This involved perusing comments on sites such as Consumer Affairs, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau. I took note of every user sentiment, whether good or bad, and paid close attention to what users said about the system’s performance and reliability.
I was particularly interested in comments and complaints from multiple users across more than one platform. These are the issues that will ultimately affect more people, and they begged to be investigated.
Step 4: Interviews with real customers
Reading user reviews is important, but if you want to get real user sentiment about a product, you need to talk to actual users. Therefore, I posted a survey to a few social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter), asking people to share their experiences with this specific system.
I even used my local NextDoor group to find local people who were customers of SpringWell.
I used these opportunities to talk to SpringWell customers about the water systems they’d purchased and how they liked them so far. A few had to deal with warranty issues, which is never fun no matter how inclusive the terms are.
Lastly, I contacted local water equipment dealers and plumbers and asked them their opinions about SpringWell systems. It’s a good idea to ask customers how they like something, but it’s the experts who can tell you what’s worth it or not.
Step 5: Interview with SpringWell
After that, I got in touch with a customer executive from SpringWell via Zoom, and I pressed him for answers on some of the negative reviews and repeated complaints, few though there were.
The aim here was to see how SpringWell’s customer service reps are trained to deal with disgruntled clients. The representative listened carefully to my concerns and took the time to clarify SpringWell’s return and reimbursement policy, as well as how the warranty works.
Step 6: Test drives
Speaking with users and reading online reviews is not enough. I had to test this water filtration system in order to be fully objective in my review. As a result, I contacted one of the water treatment shops I’d previously spoken with and asked if I could rent the system for two months.
We reached an agreement (after some bargaining), and I drove back home with the system, installed it, and began a two-month testing period. Throughout, I made sure to keep an eye on the water quality and the system’s performance. To get reliable results, I tested my water both before and after installing the MMV-1.
Step 7: Rankings
I had everything I needed after two months of testing and data collection to write an accurate evaluation. But first, I needed to organize this information in a spreadsheet using the following criteria:
- Warranty coverage
- Affordability
- Contaminant removal
- Filtration capacity
- Filter lifespan
- Ease of installation and maintenance
- User-friendliness
- Modern features
- Eco-friendliness
- Performance and efficiency
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SpringWell MMV-1 is a fantastic solution for users who want to cut down on all the components around their water intake but not compromise on results. The two-in-one design saves space and simplifies installation, while the four-stage filtration ensures your water is cleaner, safer, and softer.
The Bluetooth control head will dazzle you with all you can do from your phone. Plus, the lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee provide peace of mind that your investment is well-protected.
While some consumers may be deterred by the initial investment or environmental implications, the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance, great customer service, extended appliance life, and, most importantly, the joy of healthier water far outweigh these minor issues.
If you’re ready to embark on your journey to cleaner, healthier water, don’t hesitate — make the SpringWell MMV-1 your household’s latest life-changing gadget today.
Alternatives
SpringWell offers additional upgrades that address specific water quality concerns. These include a UV water purifier and a reverse osmosis system. But if you want to check out other products, here are three alternative two-in-one filter and softener systems from competing brands:
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series uses a different filtration approach. While the SpringWell MMV-1 features a four-stage filtration process with KDF and catalytic carbon media, the Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series utilizes a sediment filter followed by a carbon filter.
The filtration process in the Whirlpool system is effective at removing sediment, chlorine taste, and odor, but it may not address the same range of contaminants and provide the same level of comprehensive filtration as the SpringWell MMV-1. That’s probably why it comes in at more than half the price of the MMV-1.
Kind Water Systems
Kind Water Systems offers a salt-free softener, a noteworthy choice for users who prefer not to use salt. Instead, this system uses template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to prevent scale buildup. It’s an eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t require salt regeneration, but it will not provide the complete hard mineral removal of a traditional salt-based softener.
The filtration capabilities are more on par with the SpringWell MMV-1, offering a good balance between softening and filtration. The system also uses a catalytic carbon filter to remove chlorine, sediment, and other impurities.
Crystal Quest
Crystal Quest’s system combines a water softener with pre- and post-filtration stages comprising a sediment pre-filter and a post-filter following the water softening that consists of catalytic carbon.
This more affordable option is a good idea if you don’t require removal of the impurities SpringWell’s KDF filter will remove, including chlorine, iron, sulfur, heavy metals, chromium, algae, and fungi.
If you’re in search of evaluations for water filtration systems other than SpringWell MMV-1, you’ve arrived at the perfect destination! Our broad compilation of water filter reviews covers a variety of brands and models currently available in the market.
Here’s a preview of some of the water filter brands and models we’ve extensively examined:
