Best Water Softener Resin – {Top 12} In 2023

Best Water Softener Resin

When water moves about soil and rocks, it absorbs some minerals especially calcium and magnesium along the way. As a result, the water becomes hard by dissolving these minerals. Hard water might not affect our health, but it may create problems for our day to day chores like dish washing and other things that involve soap usage. To deal with this problem, people usually use a water softener, which replaces magnesium and calcium with sodium and salt with the help of ion exchange. Water Softener Resin do not work after a certain time, and you need to replace the quality resin from time to time to get the soft water continuously. 

It is quite tricky to decide which resin is best for your water softener. To help you decide, we have made a list of best water softener resins on the market. This article will review the best water softener and help you decide which water softener possess the most efficient and unique qualities. 

Things To Know Before Buying Water Softener Resin

Before making a decision about the water softener resin, you need to have the knowledge about what is a water softener resin and how does it work.

Water Softener Resin 

Resin beads are used to convert hard water into soft water. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are converted to salt and sodium when pass through resin beads. Resin beads extract the hardness of water and alter it into other minerals by ion exchange method. But, resin beads become full with time by constant absorption of magnesium and calcium. Water softeners then clean the resin beads with the regeneration process.

Types Of Resin 

There are two types of water softener resin; fine mesh resin and ion exchange resin. Mostly ion exchange type is used in water softeners. Let’s see the difference between these two;

 

  • Fine Mesh Resin

 

This type of resin is used to remove iron from water if there is no iron filter attached separately. Because of its tight and small structure, fine mesh resin efficiently removes iron from water by attaching it on a big surface. Fine mesh resin has the ability to remove 10 p.p.m but mostly it removes about 5 p.p.m. The water cleaning process is slower in the fine mesh resins as compared to ion exchange resins, because of its tight packaging. Following are some tips to make fine mesh resin more beneficial;

  • Attach activated carbon with the fine mesh resin, as its improves the taste, feel and smell of your water, by reducing the level of hydrogen sulfide present in it. 
  • Add upper flow basket to your water softener; so when the regeneration period starts, the upper flow basket will stop the resin beads to discharge from water softener. 

 

  • Ion Exchange Resin 

 

It is the standard water softener resin also known as cation resin, as it exchanges positive ions with the minerals present in hard water. Positive charge minerals include magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium and manganese. Accumulation of these minerals can lead to clogged pipes and drains in your house. A standard ion exchange resin removes from 4 to 5 p.p.m of these minerals especially iron. The iron removal process becomes easier when it is in the form of ferrous.

  • The Resin Cross Link 

Resin beads are made in the shape of spheres which comprise of polystyrene strands wrapped in a crisscross fashion. The intersection of polystyrene strands is called crosslink which is glued together by Divinylbenzene. These crosslink intersections are displayed in percentage form, and show the strength and longevity of a resin.

There are two types of crosslink resins; 8 percent crosslink resin and 10 percent crosslink resin. Usually 8% crosslink resin is used in water softener resins, as 10% crosslink resin is best suitable for water which contains chlorine. 10% crosslink resins work more efficiently and for longer time than the 8% crosslink resin.

Regardless of type of crosslink, the resin beads start to impair with time, and the only way to have continuous supply of soft water is to change the old resin with the right type of new resin. Getting a good quality resin can not only provide you with efficient water softening but can also increase the life of your water softener

 

12 Best Water Softener Resins

ImageNameCheck Price
Aquatrol Water Softener Resin
Check Price
IFilter Water Softener Resin
Check Price
AFWFilters Water Resin
Check Price
1.5 Cubic Feet Water Softener Resin
Check Price
Oceanic Water System Water Softener Resin
Check Price
High Capacity Water Softener Resin
Check Price
Purolite Water Softener Resin
Check Price
HydroTec Systems Water Softener Resin
Check Price
Tier1 Water Softener Resin
Check Price
LiquaGel Water Softener Resin
Check Price
Resintech Water Softener Resin
Check Price
Amanzi Water Softener Resin
Check Price

 

1. Aquatrol Water Softener Resin

 

Aquatrol Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Dimension 18 x 14 x 7.5 inches
  • Weight 54 pounds
  • Suitable for 9″ x 48″ sized tanks
  • High quality resin 
  • Fine mesh resin
  • 8% crosslink
  • Chemical and physical stability
  • Perfect for residential use 
  • Compatible with most water softener 

Aquatrol water softener resin is the best water softener resin just like other products made by this company. These water softener resin beads are compatible with almost all kinds of water softeners. It is most suitable for a water softener resin tank of about 9″ x 48″ size. You can use this resin for water softener with 32,000 grain residential water softener to enhance its performance. Although, it is not suitable for industrial water treatment, but it is perfect for houses, apartments and offices. 

The water softner resin beads with 8% crosslink and polystyrene come together to shape a remarkable fine mesh. This water softner replacement is not easy to install, but once it is installed then you will not be worrying about replacing it for at least 15 to 20 years. Because of its durability and performance, it is called as the water softener resin by the customers. So, if you want a resin for water softener, that gives efficient performance and also worth your money, then go for this one. 

 

2. IFilter Water Softener Resin

 

IFilter Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Dimensions 12 x12 x 6 inches
  • Weight 12.25 pounds
  • Suitable for portable water softener 
  • Grain capacity 8,000
  • Ion exchange resin
  • High quality resin 
  • Good hydraulics 
  • 100% ion exchange 

iFilter water softener resin is one of the most liked resins because of this water softener resin price. It is a 100% ion exchange resin water filter, which not only efficiently softens the hard water, but also increases the life of the water softener. This hydro rinse water conditioner resin cleaner has a grain capacity of 8,000, which makes it ideal for household usage.

The water softener resin life span for this one is at least 10 years, but if you well maintain it then the water softener resin life can reach up to 15 years. This is the best water softener resin because of its matchless performance. So, if you want to buy resin for your water softener, then select this one without any doubt, as this water softener resin has also received NFC certification for household and human use.

 

3. AFWFilters Water Resin

 

Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Model number SOFRES1
  • Dimensions 16 x 8 x 12 inches
  • Weight 44.6 pounds
  • Size 1 cubic foot
  • High capacity 
  • Ion exchange standard resin
  • 8 percent crosslink
  • Life expectancy 12 to 15 years 
  • Easy replacement
  • Suitable for household use

AFWFilters water softener resin is the best resin for water softener, because of its ability to remove manganese by 6 p.p.m and iron by 8 p.p.m. This water softener resin bed cleaner also removes rust, dirt and other residues to provide you with pure water for drinking and cooking.

These high capacity resin beads for water softener come with a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years. This water softener replacement resin is not suitable commercial use, but it is an excellent choice for domestic usage. If you are looking for different water softener resin types, then this one is hands down the best water softener resin. It is pretty inexpensive, so the affordability will not be an issue for you. Plus, if you install it then you will be able to enjoy water free from impurities for many years to come.

 

4. 1.5 Cubic Feet Water Softener Resin

 

1.5 Cubic Feet Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Model number 0672713465447
  • Dimensions 8 x 18 x 10 inches
  • Weight 75 pounds
  • Size 1.5 cubic feet
  • Ion exchange resin
  • Premium quality
  • Thermal tolerance
  • Physical and chemical stability 
  • Includes resin loading funnel

1.5 cubic feet water softener resin by LiquaGel is the best resin for water softeners, because of its 10% crosslink and fine beads. LiquaGel is a trusted brand, known for its high end products in affordable prices. Like other products from this brand, this 1.5 cubic feet water softener resin tank replacement comes with smaller beads integrated in fine manner. The small size of the beads makes this resin cleaner for water softener more effective because of two reasons;

  • Small size of resin beads makes it durable and increase the longevity of the resin. Also, when the regeneration starts; you can easily clean the beads simply by adding salt.
  • Iron molecules are bigger than magnesium and calcium, so they tend to stick to the beads more than other minerals. Eventually iron rich water damages the resin beads and shortens its life. But, due to the small size and 10% crosslink; beads do not get effected much by the iron. So, they are perfect to handle an iron rich water unlike 8% crosslink water softener resin bed.

So, if you want the best water softener resin cleaner, then choose this one with confidence. Because, it is affordable and lasts for more than 15 years, and you will also get a resin loading funnel along with the package. 

 

5. Oceanic Water System Water Softener Resin

 

 Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Weight 25 pounds
  • Size 1 cubic ft.
  • Ion exchange resin
  • 10% crosslink
  • Highest quality resin
  • Chemical and physical stability 
  • Includes resin loading funnel

Oceanic water system water softener resin is another best water softener resin with its ion exchange and 10% crosslink. These resin beads water softener are a lot like those in LiquaGel, with the similar 10% crosslink. You should use this resin in water softener, if your water contains large amount of iron. This resin bed water softener is also designed to provide pure water for 15 to 20 years. 

The cleaning water softener resin tank is suitable for both commercial and domestic use. When you are changing resin in water softener, then observe the observe the quality of the bead, which are just a little bigger than sand particles (0.5mm to 1mm in diameter). This resin tank water softener is best for you if you are on budget and want a quality product in affordable price. 

 

6. High Capacity Water Softener Resin

 

Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Dimensions 8 x 12 x 10 inches
  • Weight 25.6 pounds
  • Size 0.5 cubic feet
  • High capacity resin 
  • 8% crosslink
  • Grain capacity 16,000
  • Compatible with most water softeners 
  • Efficient regeneration 
  • Suitable for household usage

High capacity water softener resin is a resin bed cleaner used for water softeners. It contains 8% crosslink, which makes it ideal for the removal of magnesium and calcium. These soft water resin beads are not suitable for you if your water contains large amount of iron. It comes in 0.5 cubic ft. package, and is recommended for the use in small houses, apartments and office. 

Among many other resin cleaners for water softeners, this one has received very satisfactory water softener resin cleaner reviews from the customers. If you have a large water softener tank, then you should consider buying two packs of this water softener resin. If you are looking for water softener resin beads for sale, then this should be your choice without any doubt.

 

7. Purolite Water Softener Resin

 

Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Model number C100E
  • Dimensions 18 x 14 x 8 inches
  • Weight 49.9 pounds
  • Ion exchange resin
  • Suitable for commercial and domestic use
  • Compatible with most water softeners 
  • Efficient regeneration

Purolite produce the best water softener resin beads to be used both on domestic and industrial levels. It contains the amount of beads that are water softener resin tank size, so you will not be worrying about left out beads or buying another pack of resin. This resin for water softener is an 8% crosslink resin, but still considered as the best water softener resin for commercial use, because of its sodium salt.

This water softner resin replacement has the ability to handle large portions of calcium, iron and magnesium in water. Although, if your water contains more iron then calcium and magnesium, then it may shorten the life span of water softener resin beads. This water softener resin tank is best rated for treating the water that comes from wells.

Another feature which makes this resin the best water softener resin is its compatibility with all types of water softeners. It also executes efficient regeneration process for your water softner resin. So, choose this efficient and powerful water softener resin for your household or commercial use. 

 

8. HydroTec Systems Water Softener Resin

 

Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Dimensions 22 x 14 x 6 inches
  • Weight 50 pounds
  • Size 1 cubic foot
  • 8% crosslink
  • Suitable for iron rich water
  • Easy installation

HydroTec Systems water softener resin is a DIY replacement for your water softener resin. It is a hydro rinse water conditioner resin cleaner, which you can install by yourself without any help. When you compare fine mesh resin vs regular resin, then fine mesh with 10% crosslink is considered to be the best choice if you have iron rich water. But this 8% crosslink ion exchange resin water filter is even good for the removal of iron molecules from your water.

You can get this 50 pounds, ready to use and ion exchange resin with water softener resin life span of more than 15 years. Water softener resin life shortens with iron accumulation in the resin beads, but this resin is able to handle iron rich water without damaging the beads. So, if you are looking for low water softener resin price with high quality performance, then this should be your choice.

 

9. Tier1 Water Softener Resin

Best Water Softener Resin

 

 

Key Features 

  • Dimensions 24 x 14 x 8 inches
  • Weight 42 pounds
  • High quality resin 
  • Suitable for domestic and commercial use
  • Quick cleaning 
  • 10% crosslink 
  • Premium quality resin
  • Easy to install 

Tier1 water softener resin is another high quality resin with 10% crosslink, which means it is the best resin for water softener to remove iron molecules from the water. The water softener resin types which are especially designed to remove iron, usually contain smaller resin beads. It is perfectly suitable for domestic as well commercial use. The water softener resin bed cleaner is capable of removing all kinds of minerals, dirt, rust and other impurities from your water, to provide you with cleanest water to drink and cook.

 This easy to use water softener replacement resin is compatible with most water softeners. It comes in a pack of 25-liter bag, which is enough to occupy 0.88 cubic ft. of your water softener resin tank. So, if you want an inexpensive yet premium quality water softener resin, then select this with confidence. 

 

10. LiquaGel Water Softener Resin

 

Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Model number 781307538280
  • Dimensions 14 x 12 x 8 inches
  • Weight 26 pounds
  • Size 0.5 cubic feet
  • Thermal tolerance 
  • Physical and chemical stability 
  • Fine mesh resin
  • 10% crosslink
  • Suitable for iron rich water
  • High quality resin

LiquaGel water softener resin is an ion exchange resin water softener with 10% crosslink, which makes it perfect for the removal of iron rich impurities from your water. This fine mesh resin cleaner for water softener is designed to provide you with purest water for more than 15 years without damaging the resin beads. It is one of the softener resin due to its ability to remove all kinds of impurities, while keeping physical and chemical stability.

Although, this water softener resin tank replacement is a little expensive for 0.5 cubic ft. of resin bed, but if you want a premium quality water softener resin then it is worth your money. The softener resin cleaner also includes a resin loading funnel in the package, to make it easy for you to install replace the resin bed from water softener tank.

 

11. Resintech Water Softener Resin

 

Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Model number DI-NGRSN-5
  • Dimensions 15.2 x 9.9 x 1.4 inches
  • Weight 5.2 pounds
  • Ion exchange resin
  • 8% crosslink
  • Suitable for residential use 
  • Easy to install
  • Optimized performance
  • High capacity resin

Resintech water softener resin contains water softener resin beads with 8% crosslink and ion exchange resin type. The water softener resin beads are high in capacity, which means one pack of this water resin replacement should be enough for you water softener resin tank. This resin for water softener suitable for domestic use only. It is highly capable of removing impurities, dirt, rust and minerals from your water.

It comes with a life expectancy of more than 10 years and even longer if you well maintain the water softener. So if you are looking for a reliable, affordable and efficient water softener resin, then you should definitely pick this one.

 

12. Amanzi Water Softener Resin

 

Best Water Softener Resin

 

Key Features 

  • Dimensions 8 x 16 x 14 inches
  • Weight 23 pounds
  • Size 0.5 cubic ft.
  • Ion exchange resin 
  • 8% crosslink
  • Thermal tolerance 
  • Physical and chemical stability 
  • Suitable for domestic use 
  • Compatible with most water softeners 

Amanzi softener resin is an ion exchange water filter with 8% crosslink and hydro rinse conditioner cleaner. It comes in a leakage proof packaging, and it is compatible with most water softener tanks. It has temperature tolerant beads to provide physical and chemical stability to the resin bed. It has 100% ion exchange ability to remove impurities and minerals from your water.

 Although, it is little expensive for ½ cubic ft. but the effectiveness of its resin beads is worth the money. It is compatible with most water softener tanks, and has a life span of more than 15 years. It is best suitable for domestic or small industrial use. So, if you want a premium quality and reliable softener resin, then purchase this to see its features for yourself.  

Conclusion 

Selection of a good quality resin heavily depends on the water sources impurities. There are different water mineral and impurities for each area. So, first you need to know what impurities your area water has, and what is the amount of chlorine and iron in your water. If you have the knowledge, you can easily decide between fine mesh and ion exchange, 8% and 10% crosslink resins. If you fall in majority of people, then you should look for ion exchange resin with 8% crosslink value. Along with the kind of the resin, you should also get a quality resin, that is economical and affordable.