New softener purchase advice

[DRB]

Good day to all. I have spent a significant amount of time researching various systems and am quite confused. At first, I was debating a softener vs. descaler, only to find that the descaler would not soften my water and that is my intention. I believe my water is a 10 - 11 hardness in a new three bath home with just my wife and I.

With that said, I got estimates from Kinetico, which in my opinion was too pushy and overpriced, as well as a local plumbing contractor who sells Intermountain products. I felt very comfortable with the representative (certified) however; I felt the product was overpriced. I say that because I have researched several companies and their products on-line and have found what I think is a comparable product that can be purchased for significantly less money. I would then have a local contractor install what I had purchased. When I confronted the representative selling Intermountain about pricing, he suddenly lowered his price by $200. I began to feel as though I was negotiating the purchase of a car....something I dread.

I have researched primarily Intermountain and the online companies that sell GE, Fleck and Autotrol valves. I guess by purchasing online, I'm cutting out the middleman and therefore; the savings. Although, by doing this, I may jeopardize service.

Does anyone have some sound advice for me? And yes, I do realize Greg is affiliated with Intermountain but I would welcome feedback from him as well. I have read a few of his responses and he seems to be a straight shooter.

[ion_avenger]

Good questions. There are lotsa choices when deciding to get a water softener,conditioner,or filter.......Sounds like you've had your water tested and so I suggest you look at what you want in a system:

Consider these questions
1. Am I comfortable installing it myself, or do I want a contractor to do it for me?
2. How often do I drink bottled water, is it for taste, health or other concerns?
3. What do I hate the most about my current water quality?

Think about those and let us know we'll give you some pointers on how to choose a great system!

I think Gregs on vacation but I'm sure he'll weigh in when he gets back,

[greg-cws]

Hi DRB, thanks for the compliment, and welcome to the site ! - Yes, I am an employee of Intermountain, so I am naturally biased towards our products, but I promise to to give you open and objective advice.

Congratulations on taking the first step in improving your water. Ion's got you on the right track...let's make sure we understand what you really want to improve so that we can give you the best advice.


I also get a little nervous when dealers/distributors start ****ering on prices, but I'd probably attribute that to a plumber wanting to give you the "best price" to make sure he gets the sale. If you PM me with the plumbing company's name, I'll tell you what I know about their business ethics - good or bad.

Which Intermountain model do you like the best so far ?
Have you considered installing a hybrid of softening & salt-free technologies ?

PS - What state do you live in ?

[DRB]

Thanks Ion Avenger and Greg!


Ion Avenger,
I'll try to answer some of your questions. I wouldn't mind trying to do the install myself however; the house is not plumbed for a softener and would probably involve more than I should take on. My main objective is to soften the water. Having come to this home from another with a softener, we have realized the necessity. My wife currently drinks filtered water from the door of the refrigerator. I'll drink it from there or the faucet. Our main issue is the hardness when it comes to bathing, clothes washing, spotting, etc..... We have entertained a R.O. after we have crossed the softening hurdle. That, I would install myself.
Greg,
We live in Washington state. I have been considering your XR2 model. It seems to be a terrific mid-range model. You have sparked my interest when you mentioned a hybrid?
Thanks to you both,
DRB

[greg-cws]

DRB,

We have a number of great dealers in Washington state, I love spending time up there when I do my annual training excursions !

The XR2 is indeed a great model. be sure to get the 2009 universal software update, it includes some great features like:-
-fractional brining enhancements
-Dual-mode disinfection process
-Pulsed backwash
-extended power-failure handling

The hybrid installation is something that I'm really excited about; we're installing any Intermountain softener model that includes fractional brining software in tandem with a salt-free scale prevention system. This enables you to use a bare minimum of salt (often saving 70% of the salt compared tof a regular system configuration), but still have fantastic water that doesn't feel slimy or losing the benefits of true salt-based softening (www.notasoftener.com). I was one of the first beta testiers and I've had this configuration in my own home for over a year now - I love it !

[ion_avenger]

So what system did you buy ?