Water softener vs water filter: do you need both?
A softener fixes hardness. A filter fixes taste and chemicals.
A softener removes hardness minerals. A filter removes things like chlorine, sediment and chemicals. Many homes need both.
- Plain English
- From installers
- Free water report
Want the answer for your home?
Tell us your ZIP code and a rep calls you within 5 minutes to answer every question. No pressure, no sales visit.
You're probably on this page because:
- You have a softener, but the water still tastes like chlorine
- You bought a filter, but the spots are still there
They're different tools. Here's what each one does.
What each one removes
| Problem | Softener | Carbon filter | RO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale and spots | ✓ | ||
| Chlorine and chloramine | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sediment | Some | ✓ | |
| Lead, fluoride, PFAS | Some, if certified | ✓ if certified |
Our take
Most city water needs both
We've answered this question thousands of times, on calls, on installs and for the water companies we supply.
Most Florida and Texas city water is hard and disinfected with chlorine or chloramine. A softener alone leaves the pool taste. A filter alone leaves the spots.
That's why our City Water System is all three: carbon to filter, a softener to soften, and RO for drinking water. Carbon goes first so the softener lasts longer.
Written by people who install these every day
20+ years in water. No fluff, just how it really works.
- 20+ years in water
- Our own patents
- We supply other water companies
- [Thousands] of systems sold
- Licensed installers
Written by [Name], [title], [20+] years in water treatment. Reviewed by [Licensed plumber name], license # [#]. Last updated [date]. Sources: listed under each "By the numbers" block and linked in the copy
Learn
Best shower filter for hard waterWhat a shower filter can and can't do for hard water, and how to pick one.Learn more
Best Water Softener SystemThe best water softener system for most homes is a whole-house system sized to your water: a softener for hardness, carbon for chlorine or chloramine, and reverse osmosis for drinking water. Ours, the City Water System, is $2,950 installed. Not sure it fits your home? A rep will call you and answer every question.Learn more
How does a water softener workA water softener removes the calcium and magnesium that make water hard by trading them for sodium or potassium. This is called ion exchange.Learn more
How hard is your waterHard water is common across most of the US. See how hard the water is in your state and city.Learn more
Salt vs salt-free water softenerSalt-based softeners remove hardness minerals. Salt-free conditioners change them so they don't stick as scale. Here's which fits your home.Learn moreWater softener brands comparedHow the major softener brands compare on price, installation and service, so you know what you're paying for.Learn moreRelated Pages
Questions people ask
Does a water softener filter water?
No. It removes hardness only.
Do I need a softener and a filter?
On most city water, yes.
Can one system do both?
Yes, a combo or our City Water System.
Which goes first?
Carbon filter, then softener.
Does a softener remove chlorine?
No.
Does a filter soften water?
No.