When it comes to residential well systems, hard water and contaminants go hand in hand, so your water treatment should as well. Thankfully, SpringWell has a combination that will soften your water and remove common contaminants like iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide.
As an industry expert with years of experience, I’ve meticulously researched and tested this all-inclusive filtration system, also consulting with users and experts, all to bring you an in-depth review you can trust.
This comprehensive analysis goes beyond the basics, dissecting the innovative benefits that make this system stand out. After you’ve read this review, you’ll know whether this is the system for you.
Quick Verdict
The SpringWell MWS1 Combo system is designed for households and properties with up to four bathrooms. It combines SpringWell’s WS1 whole-house well system, CF1 whole-house water filter, and SS1 salt-based water softener to remove a host of contaminants and hard water minerals.
If you’re on well water and dealing with questionable water quality from several directions, you’ll want this powerhouse of a filtration system on your side.
The SpringWell MWS1 is a worthwhile investment for those seeking comprehensive well water treatment. Premium features come with a price, though, so this system might be a tough choice for those with a strict budget.
Before deciding on a filtration system for your home, you should have your well water tested. This may help rule out the need for a comprehensive system like the MWS1, instead directing you toward one of SpringWell’s singular filtration systems.
But if you do need a system that tackles nearly every contaminant you can think of, this one is an excellent choice. The system’s stellar performance and industry-leading lifetime warranty make it a compelling choice for those dealing with multiple issues in their well water supply.
Who Is the SpringWell MWS1 For?
Well water is at greater risk of contamination than city water, particularly for people near industrial sites or farms. Fertilizers, chemicals, waste materials from animals, bacteria, pesticides, radiation, and heavy metals can contaminate groundwater, and, by extension, well water.
You need a comprehensive water filtration system customized to address your specific situation.
The SpringWell MWS1 is for you if…
- You own a private well and you’re looking for water filtration and softening together.
- You’re dealing with hard water issues, such as limescale buildup on fixtures and appliances
- You have a rotten egg smell in your water from hydrogen sulfide, and stains on your fixtures from iron.
- You’re seeking a long-term, low-maintenance solution for clean and soft water throughout your entire home
- Your home or property has 1–4 bathrooms, and you want to maintain water quality across all faucets and appliances.
- You want a system that is backed by a lifetime warranty and a six-month money-back guarantee.
The MWS1 is not the system for you if…
- You prefer traditional appliances and are not interested in controlling your filter through an app.
- You don’t want the hassle of adding salt every two months or you’re in an area that doesn’t allow salt-based water softeners. In that case, look into SpringWell’s Futuresoft salt-free water conditioner.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option and need a less comprehensive solution to your water woes.
- Your well is aging or has structural issues, which no amount of filtration can solve. It’s essential that you have your water tested and your well assessed.
- Your property is very large and you need filtration and softening for the equivalent of more than four bathrooms.
- You only need filtered water from the point of use. In that case, you may just need a water softener and an under-sink reverse osmosis filter.
SpringWell MWS1 Features Breakdown
The MWS1 ULTRA system is SpringWell’s ultimate solution for combating well water contaminants. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key features:
SpringWell Air Injection Oxidizing Filter System
The Air Injection Oxidizing Filter System (another name for the WS1 whole-house well water filter) in the SpringWell MWS1 Combo is designed to tackle common well water challenges, specifically addressing issues with iron, sulfur, and manganese.
The system employs a sophisticated process that maintains an “air pocket” in the top of the tank during service. As water passes through this air pocket, iron, sulfur, and manganese are oxidized.
Simultaneously, dissolved oxygen is introduced to the water. After this, the system filters out the oxidized iron, sulfur, and, if present, manganese. This innovative approach ensures harmful contaminants are effectively removed, preventing issues like metallic taste, foul odors, and staining of fixtures and laundry.
This whole-house well water filter system excels at removing up to 7 PPM of iron, up to 8 PPM of hydrogen sulfide, and up to 1 PPM of manganese.
The system’s daily backwash functionality contributes to its efficiency by reversing the flow of water through the filter media to remove accumulated dirt and debris, ensuring that users experience not only cleaner, clearer water but also an extended lifespan for their plumbing fixtures and appliances.
If you’d like more information, you can check out my full review of the SpringWell WS1 here.
SpringWell CF1 Whole House Water Filter
The CF1 Whole House Water Filter, a key component of the SpringWell MWS1 Combo system, employs a sophisticated four-stage filtration process to ensure the highest quality of water for households relying on well water.
In the first stage, a 5-micron sediment pre-filter effectively blocks larger contaminants like sand, silt, and clay, extending the lifespan of subsequent filters and preserving the plumbing infrastructure.
The second stage introduces KDF filter media, targeting heavy metals such as lead and mercury, while also inhibiting the growth of bacteria and algae. This added layer of protection enhances water quality, addressing both aesthetic and health-related concerns.
In the third stage, catalytic carbon removes a wide range of organic contaminants. This includes chlorine, chloramine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and herbicides.
In the final stage, a high-capacity carbon filtration system further polishes the water, ensuring that any remaining impurities are effectively removed. Another key feature of the CF1 is its innovative upflow filtration design, known as ActivFlo, which minimizes channeling, maximizes contact time, and optimizes the overall efficiency of the filtration process.
For an even more detailed analysis, check out my complete review of the SpringWell CF1.
SpringWell SS1 Salt Based Water Softener
The SpringWell SS1 Whole House Water Softener uses ion exchange technology to transform hard water into softened water, effectively mitigating the adverse effects of mineral buildup on plumbing fixtures and appliances.
This system features an electronic metered valve mounted atop the resin tank, allowing precise measurement of water usage. When the resin bed within the tank reaches its saturation point, the system initiates a cleaning cycle. This cycle involves a series of backflushes that purge the trapped minerals, flushing them out of the system.
As the water flows through the resin bed, hardness-causing minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, are exchanged with salts like sodium and potassium chloride, resulting in softened water.
For more specific information about this product, we recommend referring to our review of the SpringWell SS1.
Bluetooth electronic control valve head
The SpringWell Ultra MWS1 Combo introduces a modern touch with its dual Bluetooth control heads, one dedicated to the WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter and the other to the SS1 Salt-Based Water Softener.
These control heads connect with a user’s mobile device through a mobile app, offering a convenient and intuitive way to monitor and control the system, as well as viewing valve settings and statuses. This feature enhances user control by allowing adjustments to valve settings, viewing current water usage information, and accessing historical data.
Moreover, the Bluetooth control heads facilitate remote control, allowing users to start regeneration or backwash cycles directly from their phone or tablet. This level of convenience is particularly beneficial for users with dynamic water usage patterns or those seeking to optimize the system’s efficiency.
Ease of installation and maintenance
The SpringWell MWS1 filtration system is designed with user-friendly installation in mind, providing a comprehensive package of accessories for a hassle-free setup. However, if you’re not confident in your DIY abilities, SpringWell recommends hiring a professional plumber or handyman to ensure proper installation.
Once installed, the maintenance of the SpringWell MWS1 is straightforward. The system’s long filter lifespan is a significant benefit, as it reduces the frequency of filter replacements. The CF1 Whole House Water Filter, for example, can provide up to 10 years of safe drinking water without impacting flow rate or water pressure.
This means less time and effort spent on filter changes, resulting in a more convenient and hassle-free experience for the user. Overall, the SpringWell MWS1 filtration system offers a balance of easy installation and low maintenance
Warranty
The warranty coverage for the SpringWell MWS1 water filtration system is as robust as they come. The system comes with a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves, ensuring that users have enduring protection against manufacturing defects or issues related to the core elements of the filtration system.
Additionally, the system is backed by a six-month money-back guarantee, providing users with an extra layer of assurance. During this initial period, users have the opportunity to evaluate the system’s performance, and if dissatisfied for any reason, they can return the product for a full refund.
However, if you choose to return this water filter system, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for shipping on both the initial order and the return.
Available upgrades
If you need a much higher level of protection against well water contaminants, the SpringWell MWS1 water filtration system offers users the flexibility to enhance their water treatment capabilities with additional upgrades, including a UV purifier and a reverse osmosis system.
The UV filter is a powerful addition that employs ultraviolet light to disinfect and deactivate harmful microorganisms present in the water, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, while the reverse osmosis system removes a wide range of impurities, including dissolved salts, minerals, and contaminants, producing exceptionally pure water.
By offering these additional upgrades, the Springwell MWS1 Combo system can be customized to meet the specific needs of your home and provide even better water quality.
What I Like About the SpringWell MWS1
What I admire most about this system is its multifaceted approach to well water treatment. The integration of the Air Injection Oxidizing Filter System, CF1 Whole House Water Filter, and Salt Based Water Softener creates a holistic solution for households dependent on well water.
By combining three different filtration methods, the MWS1 removes more contaminants than most systems I’ve come across:
- Iron
- Manganese
- Hydrogen sulfide and sulfur
- Calcium and magnesium
- Chlorine and chloramine
- Lead
- Mercury
- Haloacetic acids
- Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)
- Trihalomethanes
- PFOA, PFAS, and PFOS
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Odors and tastes
- Sand, silt, clay, and other sediment
I also love controlling appliances from my phone. Monitoring and controlling the system through a mobile app is awesome. Users get real-time insights into valve settings and water usage, and the ability to initiate regeneration or backwash cycles remotely. It’s a feature I find invaluable for fine-tuning system performance and ensuring optimal water quality.
Lastly, the lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee are the best in the business.
What You Might Not Like About the SpringWell MWS1
While the SpringWell MWS1 whole-house water filter system is undoubtedly an outstanding solution for well water treatment, there are a few considerations you shouldn’t overlook.
First and foremost, we simply can’t ignore that this system comes at a premium price point. That’s no surprise, since it’s three systems in one, and the inclusion of high-quality components and advanced features justifies this cost, but it may not align with more budget-limited buyers.
That said, the long-term benefits of protecting appliances and enjoying consistently clean, softened water make it a worthwhile investment.
Honestly, though, the cost is really the only drawback, and those dealing with multiple well water issues will need to sort them out somehow — it might as well be the best whole-house water filter you can get. You certainly won’t save money buying filtered water or using more detergent and other cleansers than you should need to because of hard water.
Methodology
Before I began working on this review, I came up with the following seven-step plan to guide me through the process. Here’s how it went:
Step 1: A list of all SpringWell water filtration systems
To get started, I listed and compared all the whole-house well water filters in the company’s inventory. SpringWell’s well water filters include the following eight systems:
- Well Water Filter System
- Well Water Filter and Salt-Free Water Softener
- Well Water Filter and Salt Based Water Softener
- ULTRA Whole House Well Water Filter Salt-Free System Combo
- ULTRA Whole House Well Water Filter Salt Based System Combo
- Chemical Injection System
- Calcite pH Neutralizer
- Tannin Removal System
To truly understand what the MWS1 whole-house well water filter has to offer, I needed to analyze and compare every product in SpringWell’s lineup.
Step 2: Product analysis
Next, I needed to learn everything there is to know about well water filtration. To be objective in my research I needed answers to certain questions about the product:
- How does the SpringWell CF1 Whole House Filter compare with other chlorine filters on the market?
- What is the difference between a salt-free water softener and a salt-based water softener?
- How do water softeners reduce calcium buildup in household plumbing lines?
- What is the lifespan of the filter media in the SpringWell WS1?
- Is there a specialized iron filter for well water?
- What is the difference between a whole-house water filter and a point-of-use water filtration system?
- Are there any discounts available for the MWS1 whole-house filter system?
- What is the quality of the filtered water?
- What is the warranty coverage for an average whole-house filtration system?
- Does the use of this whole-house system affect water pressure?
Step 3: Online reviews
Now that I understood what to look out for, it was time to sort through user reviews to find out what users were saying about this whole-house water filtration system. This meant going through comments on sites like Consumer Affairs, Angi, the Better Business Bureau. After taking note of both negative and positive user reviews, I was ready for the next step.
Step 4: Interviews with real customers
It’s a known fact that some manufacturers and retailers have a habit of altering their product review sections to appear more favorable to users. Due to this, I needed to find actual users who had firsthand experience with the SpringWell MWS1.
The only sure way was to come up with a survey. So, through social media sites like Reddit, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), I reached out to consumers directly. After two days of data collection, I had everything I needed for my review.
To widen the scope of the research, I also went to water equipment retailers and asked for their opinions on the subject. I also contacted a few licensed plumbers to find out what they and their customers felt about the MWS1 well water filter system.
Step 5: Interview with SpringWell
After that, I contacted SpringWell’s customer service team and asked one of its representatives for clarification on some of the negative reviews they received from unsatisfied customers. The representative carefully addressed my concerns and took the time to explain in detail SpringWell’s return and reimbursement process, as well as how its warranty works.
Step 6: Test drives
Reading online reviews and talking to customers is crucial in the review process. However, if I was going to be authoritative on this subject, I needed to have firsthand experience with the SpringWell MWS1.
I contacted one of the water equipment suppliers I had previously spoken to and asked if I could hire this system for a few weeks.
After we agreed on a price, I brought the system home, set it up in my garage, and began the month-long testing process. I examined the water pressure and the quality of the filtered water. I also tested the water before and after treatment to ensure that this system worked as advertised.
You should always test your well water before and after installing a water filtration system, check out the seven best water testing kits for more information on how to do so at home.
Step 7: Ranking
After the long and arduous research and testing processing, I finally had all I needed to sit down and write this review. But first, I needed to collate all this data on a spreadsheet based on the following factors:
- Filtration capacity
- Water flow and pressure
- Contaminant removal
- Ease of installation and maintenance
- Warranty and return policy
- Filter lifespan
- Warranty and cost
Conclusion
The SpringWell MWS1 well water system is an exceptional solution for households reliant on well water. This comprehensive filtration and softening system, bolstered by a lifetime warranty, offers unparalleled benefits.
During my extensive testing, I witnessed the transformative power of this system, producing crystal-clear, contaminant-free water while safeguarding appliances from the corrosive impact of hard water.
The integration of the Air Injection Oxidizing Filter System, CF1 Whole House Water Filter, and SS1 Water Softener ensures a holistic approach to well water treatment, addressing common challenges with remarkable efficiency.
While it’s true that the system may not be the most budget-friendly option, that’s really the only downside, which is far outweighed by the long-term benefits it delivers.
If you want to elevate your well water quality, protect your investments, and enjoy the convenience of modern water treatment, check out the SpringWell MWS1 Combo System today.
Alternatives
While it’s true that I do recommend the MSW1 for most well water users, that’s no guarantee it’s the best for you. Check out my review of the best filter and water softener combos for more information. And below, explore three alternative water softener + filter combo systems that offer distinct value propositions in comparison to the SpringWell MWS1 Combo system.
RKIN Salt Based Water Softener and Well Water Filter Combo
The RKIN system is an excellent choice for larger households with high water demand. It boasts an impressive high flow rate and capacity, making it suitable for homes with more than four bathrooms.
This system excels at removing sediment, iron, and other impurities from well water. It’s particularly beneficial for users dealing with excessive iron content, delivering water that’s clear and iron-free.
Crystal Quest SMART Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo
The major feature that distinguishes this Crystal Quest system is its SMART multimedia filter. This is not just any ordinary water filter. It is a four-part system that includes a granulated activated carbon (GAC) filter, a catalytic GAC filter, Eagle Redox Alloy, and ion exchange resin.
This combination of media effectively removes a wide range of pollutants, including chlorine and chloramine, as well as heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
US Water Systems Matrixx Whole House Iron and Sulfur Eradication And Softening Combo For Well Water
The US Water Systems Matrixx system is designed with a specific focus on eradicating iron and sulfur, making it an excellent choice for well water with pronounced issues in these areas. It offers robust and specialized solutions for these contaminants.
It combines aeration, filtration, and salt-based water softening to effectively remove iron, sulfur, and hard water minerals, ensuring high-quality water for the entire household.
If you’re looking for reviews on water filters beyond the SpringWell MWS1, you’ve landed in the right spot. Our broad range of water filter reviews covers numerous brands and models presently accessible in the market. Rest assured that our in-depth reviews offer valuable insights.
Here are some water filter brands and models we have rigorously examined.
