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It was an immediate and noticeable difference in how much easier suds formed from soap and shampoo.

The GE Smart Water Softener System in a basement setting

The Spruce

We also received a unit with existing damage, either from shipping or a previous return.

Trace is unnoticeable amounts of salt in your treated water.

After recharging, the brine and hard minerals are drained away.

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener after installation

PHOTO: The Spruce

The peace of mind and value of these extra benefits felt like they were worth the cost.

Even without fully draining the water heater, hot water tested at a much improved 1.5 GPG.

Soap and shampoo produced more lather and left us with hair feeling softer and skin feeling less dry.

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener with the top open

PHOTO: The Spruce

A built-in sediment filter also helps protect from larger particles that could cloud up water and appliances.

It’s simple to operate and reasonable in its initial cost as well as ongoing salt refills.

Installation: Should You DIY?

The inside of the Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener

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Our Experts:

Michelle Lau, editor at The Spruce

The hose attachments for the Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener after installation

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener test kit color chart

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener powered on

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener with the top open

The inside of the Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener

The hose attachments for the Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener after installation

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener test kit color chart

The Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener powered on

An open GE Smart Water Softener System in a basement setting

PHOTO: The Spruce / Cathie France

A person adding items to the GE Smart Water Softener System

PHOTO: The Spruce

A finger pressing a button on the GE Smart Water Softener System

The back of an installed GE Smart Water Softener System

A water test strip reading 0 after use in water treated with the GE Smart Water Softener System

A screen shot of the GE Smart Water Softener System app

The GE Smart Water Softener System in a basement setting

A person adding items to the GE Smart Water Softener System

A finger pressing a button on the GE Smart Water Softener System

The back of an installed GE Smart Water Softener System

A water test strip reading 0 after use in water treated with the GE Smart Water Softener System

A screen shot of the GE Smart Water Softener System app

The GE Smart Water Softener System in a basement setting

Aquasure Serene Whole House Salt Free Water Softening System

The Spruce

Pro+Aqua Portable Water Softener

A hand holding a hard water test strip showing hard water before GE Smart Water Softener System treatment

The Spruce

A person pours water softening crystals into the Rheem RHS32 Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener

The Spruce

A finger pressing a button on the GE Smart Water Softener System

The Spruce