Very hard (10.5+ gpg) — modeled totals
12‑month and 5‑year totals for common system types at this hardness band. Totals include equipment + typical install + ongoing costs (salt, electricity, and any dealer service plans).
| System type | Upfront (equip + install) | 12‑mo total | 5‑yr total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry ion‑exchange (retail 40k) | $1,197 | $1,377 | $2,098 |
| Mid‑tier ion‑exchange (online 32–48k) | $2,249 | $2,412 | $3,065 |
| Premium dealer (HE single/dual) | $3,500 | $3,830 | $5,151 |
| Salt‑free conditioner (scale control) | $1,579 | $1,579 | $1,579 |
By household size
A typical 4-person home at 14 gpg removes about 2,156 grains a day and fits a 24k-grain softener. See sizing and totals for your household:
2-person home, very hard water · 3-person home, very hard water · 4-person home, very hard water · 5-person home, very hard water
Other hardness bands: Soft (0–3.5 gpg) · Moderately hard (3.5–7 gpg) · Hard (7–10.5 gpg)
Last verified: 2026-09-08
See also: flagship comparison · by system type