NuvoH2O offers salt-free water softeners that help homeowners treat hard water problems caused by calcium and magnesium. Their innovative chelation technology prevents these minerals from causing scale buildup and corrosion, resulting in cleaner pipes and longer-lasting appliances.
I’ve spent weeks testing and reviewing all of NuvoH2O’s water softeners to help you find out which model is best for your home.
Here’s what I found.
What Is NuvoH2O?
NuvoH2O is a water treatment company based in Murray, Utah, that offers innovative water treatment solutions to homeowners. The company was founded in 2006 by engineers who set out to develop a better water softening system that was more effective and environmentally friendly than traditional salt-based systems.
After several years of research and development, the engineers created a proprietary technology based on chelation, which became the foundation of NuvoH2O’s line of salt-free water softeners.
Since then, the company has grown significantly, expanding its product offerings to include not just water softeners, but also filtration systems and other water treatment solutions.
NuvoH2O Chelation Technology
NuvoH2O water softeners use a proprietary chelation technology to soften water. The process works by introducing a food-grade citric acid agent into the water as it enters the system. This agent, called CitraCharge, binds to the calcium and magnesium minerals that cause hard water.
Once the CitraCharge has bound to the minerals, it creates a stable, water-soluble compound that remains suspended in the water, preventing the minerals from forming scale buildup. The water is then passed through a filter that captures the CitraCharge-mineral compound, removing it from the water.
I did more research into the chelation process and discovered that while it can effectively neutralize heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic from water, I’ve not seen evidence that it can address other hard water issues that might lead to dry skin and hair or poor detergent performance.
While chelation may have some potential benefits for reducing mineral buildup in plumbing and appliances, and for treating heavy metal poisoning under medical supervision, it’s important to seek guidance from a water treatment professional before using chelation for water treatment if you suspect other hard water problems.
Overall, though, NuvoH2O’s chelation technology is environmentally friendly and does not require the use of salt or chemicals, which makes it a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a more sustainable water treatment solution.
You can read this article to find out the differences between a water softener and a water conditioner.
NuvoH2O Water Softener Reviews
NuvoH2O offers several water softener models to suit different household needs. Here is a list of its current water softener models:
- Home Water Softener System
- Home Duo Water Softener + Taste Filter System
- Manor Water Softener System
- Manor Duo Water Softener + Filtration System
- Manor Trio Water Softener + Multi Filtration System
All these models use NuvoH2O’s proprietary CitraCharge cell technology to condition water. The “+” models include an additional filtration stage that removes unwanted tastes and odors from hard water.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these models.
1. Home Water Softener System: $779.99
The NuvoH2O Home System is a water softener that is designed for small homes with a square footage of less than 1500 sq. ft. (up to four residents) and has a capacity of 20,000 gallons.
Pros
- Very compact design
- Easy to install
- Prevents scale buildup
- Eco-friendly
- Compliant with NSF/ANSI 42 standards
- Retains healthy minerals in water
- Best suited for people with low-sodium diets
- Doesn’t need electricity
- Cartridge lasts for six months
- Reduces the pH level in your home’s water
- 90-day money-back guarantee and five-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t remove chlorine and sediment
- Not suitable for extremely hard water
- Replacement cartridges are expensive
- Problems with blue water after installation
- Not suitable for larger households
Overall
The Home System is compact and easy to install, with no electricity or salt required. It features a compact design that allows it to fit in tight spaces, making it an ideal choice for smaller homes or apartments. The system is also eco-friendly, since it doesn’t produce wastewater and requires minimal maintenance.
The Home System effectively prevents scale buildup, which can lead to reduced water flow and efficiency in appliances. It is also designed to extend the life of plumbing and water-based appliances by reducing the damaging effects of hard water.
NuvoH2O provides a wide array of accessories in the package, which makes DIY installations rather easy. Just follow the manual, and all will be well. Also, make sure to change the cartridge every six months as recommended by the manufacturer.
However, the fact that this system is marketed as a “salt-free water softener” is a major flaw. Despite their environmental impact, salt-based systems are highly effective at extracting calcium and magnesium from hard water. This Nuvo water system merely “conditions” the water by neutralizing and rendering these hard minerals ineffective.
Therefore, it’s more accurate to refer to the NuvoH2O Home System as a citric-acid water conditioner. This system may not be as effective as traditional salt-based water softening systems for extremely hard water.
There are other issues to keep in mind, such as a few users claiming that their water turned vivid blue after installation, and the initial cost of the system and replacement filters may be higher than other water treatment options.
Overall, the NuvoH2O Home System is an effective and eco-friendly water treatment solution that can provide a range of benefits to homeowners with mild hard water issues.
To learn more about this salt-free system, check it out here.
2. Home Duo Water Softener + Taste Filter System: $1,099.99
For an extra $320, NuvoH2O will sell you an upgraded version of the NuvoH2O Home System that includes an additional filtration stage to remove unwanted tastes and odors from the water.
Pros
- Removes unwanted tastes and odors
- Complies with NSF/ANSI Standard 42
- Reduces exposure to chemicals like chlorine and chloramines
- Increases the life-span of your water heater, plumbing fixtures, and appliances
- 90-day money-back guarantee and five-year warranty
Cons
- Increased maintenance costs
- Filter may require frequent replacement
- High cost
- Conditions water but doesn’t technically soften it
Overall
The taste-filter system in the NuvoH2O Home Duo Water Softener + Taste Filter System is designed to remove unwanted tastes and odors from your water, providing a more pleasant drinking and cooking experience.
The filter cartridge is made with a combination of activated carbon and other filtration media that work together to effectively reduce chlorine, chloramines, and other impurities from the water.
The taste filter is installed after the citric-acid cartridge, so it is the final stage of treatment before the water enters the home. This ensures that the water is both conditioned and filtered before it is used for drinking, cooking, and other household purposes.
The taste-filter cartridge has a capacity of 20,000 gallons or six months, whichever comes first. After this point, the filter cartridge should be replaced to ensure continued filtration effectiveness. The replacement process is simple and can be done by the homeowner, and replacement cartridges are readily available for purchase.
However, being a dual system, you will have to endure higher maintenance costs. Also, keep in mind that the taste filter may not remove all contaminants from your water, and may need to be replaced more frequently if the water has high levels of chlorine or other impurities.
Overall, the taste-filter system in the NuvoH2O Home Duo Water Softener + Taste Filter System provides an additional level of filtration that can improve the taste and quality of the water.
If your water tastes funky and you have scale buildup from hard water minerals, check out the NuvoH2O Home Duo Water Softener + Taste Filter System today.
3. Manor Water Softening System: $1,139.99
The NuvoH2O Manor System is a high-capacity water softening system designed for homes larger than 1,500 sq. ft. with four or more people.
Pros
- High-capacity 100,000 gallons
- Salt-free and eco-friendly solution
- Doesn’t require electricity
- Improves the life-span of appliances and plumbing systems
- Compact and easy to install
- Low maintenance
- Can improve the taste and quality of drinking water
- Complies with NSF/ANSI Standard 42
- Cartridge lasts for six months
- 90-day money-back guarantee and five-year warranty
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Not as effective as salt-based systems in areas with very hard water
- May not remove all contaminants
- May not work as well for homes with extremely high water usage
- Requires periodic monitoring of cartridge life
Overall
The Manor System is compact and easy to install in a variety of locations, and requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional salt-based systems.
The NuvoH2O Manor System has several advantages over the Home System.
First, the Manor System has a much higher capacity for treating hard water, making it suitable for larger households or commercial settings. It can treat up to 100,000 gallons of water before needing a cartridge replacement, compared to the Home System, which can treat up to 20,000 gallons.
Second, the Manor System is designed to be more efficient and cost-effective at treating hard water. It uses the same CitraCharge technology as the Home System, but with a larger and more robust system that can handle higher volumes of water. This makes it a better choice for those who have very hard water or who use more water on a daily basis.
However, the Manor System may not be as effective as salt-based systems in extremely hard water areas, and it may not remove all contaminants from the water (additional filtration may be needed).
The citric-acid solution in this system does not actually soften water. Instead of removing calcium and magnesium minerals, it only bonds to these minerals, making them incapable of sticking to pipes and surfaces. This system is really more of a water conditioner than a water softener.
Additionally, this citric-acid-based system requires periodic monitoring of cartridge life and replacement, which can be a disadvantage for some homeowners. Finally, the upfront cost of the Manor System is higher than that of traditional salt-based systems, which may be a consideration for some buyers.
Overall, the NuvoH2O Manor System is a more powerful and efficient solution for those who need a high-capacity system that can handle large volumes of water and more extreme hard water conditions.
4. Manor Duo Water Softener + Filtration System: $1,649.99–$1,999.99
In addition to the Manor Duo Water Softener, NuvoH2O allows you to choose one of four filtration systems that you can combine with the softening system. These include a taste filter, sediment filter, iron filter, and a chloramine system.
Pros
- Improved water quality
- Customizable treatment solution
- Enhanced protection for plumbing and appliances
- Compact design
- Complies with NSF/ANSI Standard 42
- Simple cartridge replacement
- 90-day money-back guarantee and five-year limited warranty
- Option to autoship replacement cartridges every six months is available at purchase
Cons
- Increased cost
- More maintenance
- Reduced water pressure
- Conditions water but doesn’t completely soften
Overall
The NuvoH2O Manor Duo Water Softener with Filtration System is a comprehensive water treatment solution that combines the benefits of a salt-free water softener with additional filtration capabilities.
It includes the Manor Softener, which utilizes the revolutionary citric-acid chelation process to prevent the formation of scale and reduce existing scale buildup, as well as a choice of four different filtration systems.
The additional filtration systems are designed to remove a range of contaminants from the water, including sediment, chlorine, chloramine, iron, and other impurities.
The taste filter is specifically designed to improve the taste and odor of water, while the sediment filter removes larger particles like sand and sediment. The iron filter is ideal for homes with high iron content, while the chloramine system is useful for removing chloramine, a disinfectant commonly used in municipal water supplies.
Despite the advantages of an extra filtration system, you should bear in mind that each system will require its own maintenance and replacement schedule, which can be time consuming and costly. Also, some filtration systems, such as the sediment filter, can reduce water pressure, which may be an issue in homes with low water pressure to begin with.
While adding additional filtration systems to the Manor Duo Water Softener can increase the cost and maintenance requirements, it also provides a customizable solution that can help improve overall water quality and protect plumbing and appliances.
It’s important to choose the right combination of filtration systems based on your specific water quality concerns and household needs. If you need a customizable water treatment solution for your home, check out the Manor Duo Water Softener + Filtration System today.
5. Manor Trio Water Softener + Multi Filtration System: $2,259.99–$2,499.99
This is the most comprehensive water treatment solution that NuvoH2O offers today. In addition to the Manor Water Softener, you can choose two filtration systems to combine with your water softener. It is ideal for households that are affected by very hard water on their surfaces, in their water-based appliances, or in their pipes and need additional filtering options.
Pros
- Provides comprehensive water treatment
- Perfect for areas with very hard water
- Customizable to fit your specific household needs
- 90-day money back guarantee and five-year limited warranty
- Option to autoship replacement cartridges every six months is available at purchase
- Complies with NSF/ANSI Standard 42
Cons
- Multistage filtration system requires more maintenance
- Very expensive
- Requires more space for installation
- Iron filter may not be effective for removing high levels of manganese or sulfur
Overall
The Manor Trio system offers the same advantages as the Manor Duo system with the added benefit of having an extra layer of protection compared to the previous system.
The following is a list of combination options that are available at purchase:
- Carbon Filter + Iron Filter + Softener Cartridge
- Chloramine Filter + Iron Filter + Softener Cartridge
- Sediment Filter + Chloramine Filter + Softener Cartridge
- Sediment Filter + Carbon Filter + Softener Cartridge
- Sediment Filter + Iron Filter + Softener Cartridge
With this multi-filtration system, the water is not only softened but also filtered, ensuring that it is free from impurities that can affect its taste, odor, and appearance. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who want to improve the quality of their water without the use of harsh chemicals or salt.
However, it is important to note that this system does require periodic monitoring of cartridge life and replacement, which may add to the overall cost of the system over time. The system also has a higher upfront cost compared to other water softening systems on the market.
Some users have also claimed that the iron filter may not be effective for removing high levels of manganese or sulfur, which can also cause discoloration and staining.
Despite a few flaws, the Manor Trio Water Softener offers outstanding protection against most types of water contaminants and is an excellent choice for people with severe water hardness issues or those who do not want to take any risks with the quality of their water at home.
If you need the best protection NuvoH2O can offer against harmful water contaminants, the Manor Trio Water Softener + Multi Filtration System provides a strong defense.
The Bottom Line
NuvoH2O offers a range of salt-free water softeners that utilize the chelation process to neutralize such as calcium and magnesium ions.
One of its popular products is the NuvoH2O Home System, which is compact and easy to install. It is ideal for small- to medium-sized households and provides an eco-friendly solution to hard water problems. The Home System is maintenance free and does not require electricity, making it cost effective in the long run.
However, it may not be suitable for households with extremely hard water or high water usage.
For larger households or commercial properties, NuvoH2O offers the Manor System and the Manor Duo/Trio Systems. These systems can handle a larger water flow and come with additional filtration options. However, these systems are more expensive and require periodic cartridge replacement, which can add to the overall cost.
All NuvoH2O water softeners have been third-party tested and certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, which means they meet the requirements needed to provide clean and safe drinking water.
However, despite the stated benefits of using citric-acid water softeners, the only way to effectively get rid of hard minerals from your water supply is by using a salt-based water softener.
To learn more about this company and its range of water treatment solutions, visit the website today.
Nuvo Water Softener Reviews: Methodology
In this section, I explain the process I went through to review each NuvoH2O water softener on this list.
Step 1: A list of all NuvoH2O water softeners
I started my research by compiling a list of all NuvoH2O water softeners. It took hours of searching Amazon, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Lowe’s to determine which systems were top sellers in their respective categories.
I chose five models that seemed popular among customers. I skipped over other models, such as the Studio system, which has been discontinued.
Step 2: Online reviews
In this step, I examined user feedback and comments on popular shopping websites. I wanted to learn how these softeners were received by customers in order to establish whether the manufacturer’s promised benefits were accurate.
Step 3: Interviews with real customers
Since online reviews can be biased or fake, I had to find out how to get in touch with genuine NuvoH2O water softener owners. The only reasonable option was to conduct personal interviews.
I sought the assistance of a few friends and scheduled trips to all major home-improvement stores and water-treatment dealerships to see what customers and water-treatment specialists thought about NuvoH2O water softeners. To broaden the scope of my research, I also carried out surveys on social media.
Step 4: Getting in touch with NuvoH2O
For this phase, I had to contact NuvoH2O and push its customer care staff for answers to some of the unfavorable customer reviews I came across while researching. This enabled me to see how the customer-service representatives interacted with clients and conducted themselves under pressure.
Step 5: Test drives
I called numerous NuvoH2O water softener dealers and requested test units for this final step. I wasn’t sure how my request would be welcomed, but after hours of prolonged phone calls, one dealership ultimately agreed, on the condition that the tests be performed in the presence of its in-house technicians.
So I borrowed a friend’s warehouse, hired two water bowsers, and tested all models, including the additional filtering systems. After a week of intense testing, I had everything I needed to write this review.
Final Thoughts
NuvoH2O offers a range of water softeners designed to address different water hardness levels and household sizes.
The Home System is suitable for small households, while the Manor System and Manor Duo are better suited for larger homes with higher water consumption. The Home Duo and Manor Trio systems combine water softening and filtration for more comprehensive water treatment.
The advantage of NuvoH2O systems is that they use a unique chelation process to soften water without the use of salt, which can be more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long term. However, the chelation process may not be as effective in extremely hard water, and the systems may require periodic monitoring and cartridge replacement.
If you need a water softener that removes all hard minerals from your water supply, you should consider investing in a salt-based water softener. Of course, a salt-free option may be more important to you than the benefits a salt-based system offers. If that’s the case, NuvoH2O is a trusted brand with quality products and innovative technology.
NuvoH2O water softeners offer an effective salt-free alternative to traditional water softening systems, with the added benefit of filtration options for more comprehensive water treatment.
Visit the website today to find out more.
And if you want to know other water softener reviews than NuvoH20, you’ve come to the right place! Embrace the opportunity to explore alternative water softener brands that may surprise you with their performance and value.
Let our unbiased reviews guide you on your path to finding the perfect water softener solution for your home or business, elevating your water quality, and enhancing your daily life. Here are some of our reviews:
