After spending so much time reviewing and testing water filter and softener combos, I have a lot of knowledge to share about the individal products I encounter. The SpringWell UWS1 has popped up in many of my reviews and is an interesting one to explore in further detail.
As a water treatment expert with over 20 years in the business, I have a keen eye for quality and and can also spot gimmicks right away. After consulting with our in-house water filtration expert, James Layton, and also running through our rigorous product testing and review process, I am thrilled to present to you my findings on the SpringWell UWS1.
This is a popular product from a well-known brand, but here’s what I found out about it:
Quick Verdict
The SpringWell UWS1, which combines the SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System, the CF1 Whole House Water Filter, and the FutureSoft Salt Free Water Softener Alternative, is a logical solution for private well owners who either can’t or won’t use a salt-based water softener.
The SpringWell UWS1 water system offers an impressive array of benefits for well water owners. If you seek a reliable salt-free system that combats various contaminants and promises durability, this could be the answer to your water quality concerns.
Who Is the SpringWell UWS1 For?
The SpringWell UWS1 combination filtration system is adequate for most residential well systems, but that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect solution for every home.
The UWS1 Ultra Combo is for you if…
- You have a private well and are dealing with problems like iron, manganese, sulfur, and hard water.
- You’re looking for a water softening solution that’s gentle on the environment.
- You appreciate the convenience of controlling your water system with a smartphone app.
- You’re looking for a comprehensive whole-house filter system that serves all faucets and water-using appliances rather than a point-of-use system.
- You’re tired of refilling your water softener with salt or you need a salt-free water softener alternative for other reasons.
- You appreciate a robust warranty.
- You’re ready to invest in a reliable filtration system that will last as long as your home.
The UWS1 may not be your cup of tea if…
- You’re looking for a low-budget water filtration solution; there may be cheaper options that don’t apply the UWS1’s broad filtration approach.
- Your well is aging or cracked and is letting in bacteria. For that you need to have your well repaired and add UV filtration or reverse osmosis.
- You’re renting or your living situation is temporary.
- You prefer a solution that entirely removes hard water minerals in your well water and you’re not limited by government rules about salt-based water softeners.
SpringWell UWS1 Features Breakdown
If you’re a well water owner tired of battling heavy metals, sulfur, sediment, and scale, the SpringWell UWS1 offers a unique solution. This system is designed to address myriad water quality issues, from the pungent odor of sulfur to stubborn iron staining, all while limiting water waste.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features that make this system stand out:
SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter
The SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System uses air injection oxidizing to play a crucial role in the SpringWell UWS1.
This system tackles three common culprits of well water woes: iron, sulfur, and manganese. For people on municipal water supply, these contaminants are typically addressed at water treatment facilities before water reaches homes. However, for private well owners, they can persist.
Here’s how this water filtration process works: Water enters the tank’s air pocket, which oxidizes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. Next, the Greensand filter media targets and removes contaminants from the water. The system backwashes to remove accumulated contaminants, replenish the filter media bed, and eliminate any sulfur smell that may be present in the water.
The system can remove up to 8 parts per million (PPM) of hydrogen sulfide, up to 7 PPM of ferric and ferrous iron, and 1 PPM of manganese, ensuring clean and odor-free well water.
This process not only improves the aesthetic quality of the water but also prevents the accumulation of these substances in your plumbing and appliances, which can lead to costly repairs and maintenance.
For additional information about this product, please refer to our review of the SpringWell WS1.
SpringWell CF1 Whole House Well Water Filter
The SpringWell CF1 Whole House Water Filter System uses a multistage filtration process that thoroughly removes impurities and contaminants from your water.
The filter uses a combination of KDF media made of copper and zinc, catalytic carbon, and a 5-micron sediment filter to remove sediment, chlorine, pesticides, sulfur, heavy metals, and dangerous forever chemicals like haloacetic acids and PFOAs.
Additionally, the CF1 includes SpringWell’s innovative upflow filtration technology, which optimizes the efficiency and performance of the filtration system. In upflow filtration, water flows upwards through the filter media, in contrast to traditional downflow filtration, where water flows downward through the filter media. This upward flow serves several purposes:
- It promotes better contact between water and other filter media, allowing for more effective removal of impurities, particles, and contaminants.
- It reduces channeling, a phenomenon where water tends to follow the same path through the filter media, leaving some areas underutilized.
- Since the filtration media is used more evenly and efficiently in upflow systems, it tends to have a longer lifespan.
- Upflow filtration helps maintain consistent water pressure throughout the filtration process, even during high-demand periods.
If you’re seeking more information, I’ve conducted an in-depth review of the SpringWell CF1. Alternatively, if you’re eager to enjoy clean water, you can acquire the SpringWell CF1 here.
SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener Alternative
This salt-free water softener system, essentially a water conditioner, employs a process known as template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to tackle hard water minerals without the use of traditional salt-based ion exchange.
Through this process, the media bed in the system is fluidized, which means the water is forced through the media bed at a high velocity, creating a turbulent flow that ensures maximum contact between the water and the media.
The FutureSoft media (surface-treated resin beads) is designed to convert the hardness in the water into calcium crystals that will not stick to anything, even under extreme temperatures.
Salt-free conditioning is more environmentally friendly than ion exchange because it doesn’t waste water during the backwash process like a traditional salt-based water softener does. It also doesn’t contribute to salt buildup in aquatic environments and other parts of the ecosystem.
The system also does not require electricity to operate, making it energy-efficient and cost-effective.
For additional information about this product, please refer to our review of the SpringWell FS1.
Bluetooth control head
The SpringWell WS1 whole-house well water filter includes a Bluetooth control head with a user-friendly digital interface that allows for remote control of the system through a mobile device.
This modern feature enables you to easily view and change valve settings, view water usage information (including historical data), start a regeneration or backwash cycle from your phone or tablet, connect to other valves on the system, and better understand how the system works.
Overall, the Bluetooth control head in the SpringWell WS1 whole-house well water filter system provides a convenient and efficient way to manage and monitor your water filtration process.
Additional upgrades
SpringWell makes sure it’s a one-stop shop for water treatment needs. If you need to, you can add additional elements to the MWS1, such as a UV water purifier or reverse osmosis system.
The UV purifier is designed to kill harmful pathogens, viruses, and bacteria, ensuring your home is protected against waterborne diseases. The system is highly effective in removing contaminants such as giardia, E. coli, salmonella, cryptosporidium, and other viruses from well water.
It’s essential that you have your water tested so you know if you are at risk for any of these contaminants. To test your water yourself from home, read my list of the best at-home water testing kits.
It may turn out that you need the SpringWell reverse osmosis system for under your kitchen sink. This system designed for drinking water removes any leftover contaminants, including lead, chlorine, arsenic, fluoride, and other harmful chemicals. It’s easy to install and comes with a permeate pump that helps reduce water waste — a frequent criticism of reverse osmosis.
Ease of installation and maintenance
The UWS1 has an efficient and user-friendly installation. SpringWell provides everything you need, including detailed installation instructions and a video that walks you through each step. That’s not to say you can’t have it professionally installed if you want. It may even be a good idea if you’re not too handy.
Plus, it’ll last for years. The CF1 whole-house water filter and the WS1 whole-house well water filter both have a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons, approximately 10 years.
The FutureSoft FS1 salt-free water softener will also last for years before needing replacement. This is because the system uses the TAC process to convert water hardness into calcite crystals, which do not need to be replaced.
However, the 5-micron sediment filter needs replacing every 6–12 months.
Warranty
The SpringWell UWS1 water filtration system comes with a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves and a six-month money-back guarantee, providing users with peace of mind that the system won’t break after a few months with no recourse for consumers.
The lifetime warranty covers items including fittings, FutureSoft media, tanks, housings, bypasses, valves, and in/out heads against defects in material and workmanship under normal application, service, and use. However, the warranty does not cover defects or damage arising from improper handling, physical damage, modifications, misapplication, negligence, or abuse.
The six-month money-back guarantee allows users to return the system within six months of purchase if they are not satisfied with its performance, with no questions asked. But be advised: you’ll need to pay for the initial and return shipping, as well as a potential restocking fee.
What I Like About the UWS1 Combo Water Filter System
As an expert reviewer, I find the SpringWell UWS1 well water filter system to be an exceptionally comprehensive and efficient water treatment solution. What truly sets this system apart is its ability to address a wide range of water quality issues that are often encountered in well water supplies.
Look, filtration technologies are pretty standard across the board; you’ve only got a few to choose from. The alternative to air injection is chemical injection, either with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, both of which can be expensive and produce unpleasant tastes and odors. Air injection removes contaminants without all of that.
And while salt-free conditioning is not water softening and will never be as effective as a salt-based water softener, not everyone has the choice and water conditioners are better for the environment, even if ion exchange technology has improved to be more energy efficient. I’m a big fan of eco-friendly appliances. We’ve been living on borrowed time long enough.
These days, I don’t want anything I can’t control from my phone, from my coffee pot to my water filter. So obviously, I like this system’s Bluetooth control head. If I’m going to invest this much in water treatment, I want an app that tells me what it’s doing when and how it’s performing. SpringWell gives you that and more.
And of course, SpringWell’s warranty is incomparable.
But at the end of the day, what I like best about the UWS1 for well water is that it filters water efficiently and thoroughly. Yes, you can get filtration from many brands and products, but not combined with the above perks. Here’s a list of contaminants the SpringWell UWS1 removes, neutralizes, or prevents:
- Chlorine
- Lead
- Iron (up to 7 PPM)
- Hydrogen sulfide (up to 8 PPM)
- Manganese (up to 1 PPM)
- Radium
- Arsenic
- Bacteria
- Chemicals
- Pesticides
- Sulfur
- Bromodichloromethane
- Trihalomethanes
- Chloroform
- Nickel
- Calcium (neutralized)
- Magnesium (neutralized)
- Limescale
What You Might Not Like About the UWS1
While the SpringWell UWS1 ULTRA whole-house filter combo offers a wealth of benefits, it’s by no means a panacea.
It’s important to note that the SpringWell UWS1 Combo System focuses primarily on well water treatment and may not be the most cost-effective or necessary solution for those with access to treated city water. It may be that you need the SpringWell city water treatment combo.
And we can’t ignore that the FutureSoft is not a water softener. If you have very hard water, salt-free may not be enough for you. You may prefer a solution that completely removes calcium and magnesium ions from hard water. If that’s the case, the SpringWell MWS1 ULTRA Whole House Well Water Filter and Salt Based System Combo is a better option. Should you seek additional information, you can access my comprehensive review of the Springwell MWS1 here.
You also need to keep in mind that no filtration system can serve as a replacement for a properly functioning well. If you have water quality issues because of a failing or broken well, you need to have that sorted before you settle on a water treatment system.
Methodology
This section outlines the steps I went through while researching and testing this SpringWell system.
Step 1: A list of all SpringWell well water filtration systems
To begin, I listed and compared every whole-house well water filter available from SpringWell. The following eight systems are included in the company’s well water filter inventory:
- 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
Salt-free softeners are growing in popularity, and it was time for me to review a combo filtration system that incorporated SpringWell’s FutureSoft water conditioner, but to understand and review it faithfully, I needed to compare it to SpringWell’s salt-based system.
Step 2: Product analysis
I had to ask myself crucial questions about the UWS1 combo filtration system and about well water filtration in general so I could be objective and authoritative in my research:
- What is the difference between salt-free water softeners and salt-based softeners?
- What is the lifespan of an iron filter in well water applications?
- How do salt-free systems even work?
- How often do salt-free water softeners initiate a cleaning cycle?
- What is the difference between municipal water filters and well water filters?
- Does the use of this SpringWell system affect a home’s water pressure?
- What is the quality of the filtered water?
- How does this SpringWell whole-house water filter system compare with other systems on the market?
- Is flow rate as much of a concern as brands make it out to be?
- How often should I run the regeneration process in the WS1 water filtration system?
Step 3: Online reviews
Now that I knew what to look for, it was time to sort through SpringWell whole-house water filter reviews to see what users had to say about this filtration system. This involved perusing comments on websites such as Consumer Affairs, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau.
After hours of browsing these sites and taking note of repeated complaints or praise, I had an idea of how I should focus the rest of my research.
Step 4: Interviews with real customers
I’m sure you know that retailers and manufacturers often tweak their product review sections to appear more appealing. As a result, I tried to find genuine users who had personal experience with the SpringWell UWS1.
The only sure way out was to conduct a survey. As a result, I decided to reach out to customers directly using social media platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, and X (previously Twitter). I also contacted a couple experts in the water treatment industry, including certified plumbers and water equipment retailers, to broaden the scope of my research.
Step 5: Interview with SpringWell
Next, I needed to know how the SpringWell customer service team interacted with their customers. I went on a Zoom call with one of their customer representatives and bombarded him with questions about the negative reviews they received from users. The rep was very calm and answered all my questions without hesitation.
Step 6: Test drives
Analyzing online feedback and speaking with customers are critical steps in the review process. However, to be an authority on this issue, I needed to test the SpringWell MWS1.
I reached out to one of the water equipment sellers I had spoken with earlier and asked if I could rent this system for a few weeks.
After sealing the deal, I drove back home with it, set it up in my garage, and began the testing process. I observed the water pressure and the filtration quality. I checked the system for leaks, and I played with all the Bluetooth settings—that was my favorite part. I also tested the water before and after treatment to check that the system functioned properly.
Step 7: Ranking
After a lengthy and laborious research and testing process, I had everything I needed to sit down and write this review. But first, I needed to compile all this information into a spreadsheet based on the following criteria:
- Filtration capacity
- Smart features
- Warranty coverage
- Ease of installation and maintenance
- Performance and efficiency
- Affordability
- Contaminant removal
- Available upgrades
Conclusion
In conclusion, after extensive use and analysis of the SpringWell Ultra Whole House Well Water Filter Salt-Free System Combo, I can wholeheartedly recommend it as a reliable and efficient well water filtration solution for those who want water softening without salt.
The system’s WS1 air injection oxidizing (AIO) filter, CF1 Whole House Water Filter, and FutureSoft FS1 Salt-Free Water Softener work together to provide users with clean and fresh water that won’t leave scale deposits on fixtures.
The user-friendly design, lifetime warranty on tanks and valves, and six-month money-back guarantee further solidify the system’s value and quality.
The added convenience of the Bluetooth control head seals the deal. While no filtration system is perfect, the SpringWell UWS1 Combo System offers an impressive range of benefits that far outweigh its drawbacks.
If you need well water filtration and hard mineral neutralization, take the next step by investing in the SpringWell UWS1 Combo System today.
Alternatives
There’s no guarantee the UWS1 fits all your needs. If you’re not certain this filtration system is the best one for your home, read my list of the best water filtration and softening combo systems. Here are three alternative whole-house water filter and salt-free softener combo systems that may suit you better than the UWS1:
RKIN Salt-Free Water Softener and Well Water Filter Combo
The RKIN Salt-Free Water Softener and Well Water Filter Combo offers a more affordable approach to water treatment compared to the SpringWell UWS1.
While both systems address common well water contaminants and use salt-free water conditioning technology to prevent limescale buildup, the RKIN doesn’t have the extensive four-stage filtration offered by the SpringWell CF1 filter.
If you want a cheaper, simpler filtration approach, the RKIN system is a suitable alternative.
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System and Softener Alternative with UV Purifier
Aquasana’s Whole House Well Water Filter System with Softener Alternative and UV Purifier combines multiple water treatment technologies in one package. In addition to a salt-free softener alternative, this system features UV purification, KDF media filters, and carbon filtration.
The UV purifier effectively disinfects water, eliminating harmful microorganisms, making it a robust solution for well water users concerned about microbial contamination. While it provides comprehensive filtration and UV treatment, it does not include SpringWell’s air injection oxidizing filter system for iron, sulfur, and manganese removal.
If you prioritize microbiological safety and desire extensive filtration, the Aquasana system is a viable alternative.
Kind Water Systems Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softener Combo
The Kind Water Systems Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softener Combo is another budget-friendly alternative worth considering. This system shares the core principle of salt-free softening with the SpringWell UWS1, but it doesn’t address iron, manganese, and sulfur removal, so it’s best suited for municipal water supplies.
If you’re on the lookout for reviews about water filtration systems apart from SpringWell UWS1, you’ve come to the right place! Our extensive array of water filter reviews encompasses a diverse selection of brands and models currently accessible in the market.
Take a look at some of the water filter brands and models we’ve thoroughly examined:
