Whole House Water Softener + RO System: The Ultimate South Florida Setup
After installing hundreds of water treatment systems throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, I can tell you this with absolute certainty: the combination of a whole-house water softener plus a reverse osmosis system at your kitchen sink is the best water filtration setup for South Florida homes.
Not the cheapest. Not the simplest. But unquestionably the most effective solution for the unique water challenges we face in this region.
Let me explain why this combination works so well, what it actually costs, and whether it makes sense for your specific situation.
Why South Florida Needs Both Systems
Here's the fundamental problem: South Florida water has multiple issues that no single system can address effectively.
We have hard water (120-300+ ppm depending on location) that damages appliances, leaves spots on dishes, makes soap less effective, and creates scale buildup in pipes.
We have heavy chlorination (and chloramines) because our warm climate requires aggressive disinfection to prevent bacterial growth.
We have specific contaminants like PFAS near airports, lead in older homes, nitrates in western agricultural areas, and disinfection byproducts throughout the region.
We have aesthetic issues like taste, odor, and cloudiness that make tap water unpleasant to drink.
A water softener addresses hardness but doesn't remove chlorine, PFAS, or lead.
An RO system provides ultra-pure drinking water but doesn't protect your whole house from hard water damage.
You need both. Here's why the combination is so powerful.
What Each System Does (And Doesn't Do)
Whole-House Water Softener:
A water softener treats all the water entering your home through ion exchange—swapping calcium and magnesium ions (which cause hardness) for sodium ions.
What it removes:
Calcium
Magnesium
Iron (small amounts)
Manganese (small amounts)
What it does for your home:
Eliminates scale buildup in pipes, water heater, and appliances
Prevents white crusty deposits on faucets and fixtures
Makes soap and detergent work better (you'll use 50-75% less)
Eliminates spots on dishes and glassware
Makes skin and hair feel softer
Extends appliance lifespan by years
Improves water pressure (no scale clogging pipes)
What it doesn't do:
Remove chlorine or chloramines
Remove PFAS, lead, or other chemical contaminants
Remove bacteria or viruses
Improve drinking water taste (beyond removing hardness)
Remove dissolved solids other than hardness minerals
Reverse Osmosis System (Under-Sink):
An RO system forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes virtually everything except water molecules.
What it removes:
95-99% of PFAS
95-99% of lead and heavy metals
95-99% of nitrates
98%+ chlorine and chloramines
95-99% of fluoride
Bacteria and viruses
Pesticides and herbicides
Pharmaceuticals
Microplastics
Virtually all dissolved solids
What it does for you:
Provides ultra-pure drinking and cooking water
Eliminates chemical taste and odor
Protects against lead exposure (critical for children)
Removes PFAS contamination
Better than bottled water quality
What it doesn't do:
Treat water throughout your whole house
Protect your appliances from hard water
Prevent scale buildup in your plumbing
Filter shower or bath water
Why the Combination is Perfect for South Florida
When you install both systems together, you get comprehensive water treatment that addresses every major issue South Florida homeowners face.
System Flow:
Hard water enters your home from the municipal line or well
First stop: Whole-house water softener removes calcium and magnesium from all water
Softened water flows throughout your house to every tap, shower, and appliance
Second stop: Under-sink RO system takes already-softened water from your cold water line and removes everything else for drinking/cooking water
Why This Sequence Matters:
Installing the softener first actually makes your RO system work better and last longer. Here's why:
RO membranes are sensitive to hard water. Calcium and magnesium can foul the membrane, reducing its effectiveness and shortening its lifespan from 3 years down to 1-2 years.
Pre-softened water protects your RO investment. When RO systems receive already-softened water, the membranes last their full 3-4 year lifespan, and you replace pre-filters less frequently.
You avoid dual problems. Without a softener, you'd have spotty dishes and scale buildup throughout your house even with perfect RO drinking water. With both systems, everything is addressed.
Real Results: What Actually Changes
Let me walk you through the specific improvements you'll notice after installing this combination.
In Your Kitchen:
Before:
Tap water tastes like chemicals (chlorine)
Drinking water from fridge or buying bottles
Spotty dishes and cloudy glassware from dishwasher
White buildup around faucet
Coffee tastes off
After:
Crystal-clear, great-tasting water from RO tap
No more bottled water purchases
Spotless dishes and sparkling glassware (from softened water)
No mineral deposits on fixtures
Coffee and tea taste dramatically better
In Your Bathrooms:
Before:
Dry skin and hair after showers
Showerheads clog with mineral deposits
White crusty buildup on faucets
Reduced water pressure over time
Cleaning products don't lather well
After:
Noticeably softer skin and shinier hair
Showerheads stay clear
Fixtures stay cleaner longer
Consistent water pressure
Soap lathers easily with less product
In Your Laundry Room:
Before:
Clothes feel stiff and look dingy
Whites turn grayish
Need lots of detergent
Towels feel scratchy
Colors fade faster
After:
Clothes feel soft without fabric softener
Whites stay white
Use 50-75% less detergent
Towels stay fluffy
Colors stay vibrant longer
For Your Appliances:
Before:
Water heater lasts 6-8 years (South Florida average with hard water)
Dishwasher develops scale buildup requiring repairs
Washing machine fails prematurely
Ice maker clogs
Coffee maker needs frequent descaling
After:
Water heater lasts 10-12+ years
Dishwasher runs efficiently for full lifespan
Washing machine operates trouble-free
Ice maker produces clear, great-tasting ice
Coffee maker stays clean
For Your Health:
Before:
Drinking chlorinated water with disinfection byproducts
Potential lead exposure (in older homes)
PFAS exposure (near airports/industrial areas)
Children drinking unfiltered tap water
After:
Pure, contaminant-free drinking water
Lead removed to non-detectable levels
PFAS reduced by 95-99%
Peace of mind for your family's health
Cost Breakdown: Investment and ROI
Let's talk real numbers for South Florida installations.
Whole-House Water Softener:
Equipment: $1,000-1,800 (depending on capacity and features)
Professional installation: $400-700
Total installed: $1,400-2,500
Annual operating costs:
Salt: $240-360 (40-pound bags at $8-10 each, 2-3 per month)
Electricity: $20-30 (minimal power consumption)
Maintenance: $100-150 (annual service check)
Total annual: $360-540
Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System:
Equipment: $400-900 (quality systems with multiple stages)
Professional installation: $300-500
Total installed: $700-1,400
Annual operating costs:
Sediment filters (every 6 months): $30-50
Carbon pre-filters (every 6 months): $40-70
RO membrane (every 2-3 years, prorated): $40-60
Post-carbon filter (annually): $30-50
Total annual: $140-230
Combined System Total:
Upfront investment: $2,100-3,900
Annual operating costs: $500-770
Return on Investment:
Now let's look at what you save:
Bottled Water:
Typical family spending: $1,500-2,500/year
Savings: $1,500-2,500/year
Appliance Lifespan:
Water heater replacement avoided every 6-8 years: $150-200/year value
Other appliance repairs avoided: $100-200/year
Savings: $250-400/year
Cleaning Products:
Reduced soap, detergent, shampoo usage: $300-400/year
Savings: $300-400/year
Energy Bills:
Efficient water heater without scale: $120-180/year
Savings: $120-180/year
Professional Cleaning:
Less need for hard water stain removal, tile cleaning: $200-300/year
Savings: $200-300/year
Total Annual Savings: $2,370-3,780
Payback Period: 7-16 months
After the first year, you're saving $1,600-3,000+ annually while enjoying dramatically better water quality throughout your home.
System Sizing for South Florida Homes
Proper sizing is critical—undersized systems won't solve your problems, and oversized systems waste money.
Water Softener Sizing:
Capacity needed depends on:
Water hardness level (grains per gallon)
Number of people in household
Daily water usage
For South Florida's typical 150-250 ppm hardness (9-15 grains per gallon):
1-2 people: 32,000 grain capacity
3-4 people: 48,000 grain capacity
5+ people: 64,000 grain capacity
Large families or high usage: Dual-tank system
RO System Sizing:
Production rate (gallons per day):
Small households (1-2 people): 50 GPD sufficient
Average households (3-4 people): 75 GPD recommended
Large households (5+ people): 100+ GPD ideal
Storage tank size:
Standard: 3-4 gallon tank (adequate for most homes)
Large families: 6-10 gallon tank
Flow Rate Requirements:
Your whole-house system must handle peak demand:
Small home (1-2 bathrooms): 8-10 GPM
Medium home (2-3 bathrooms): 10-12 GPM
Large home (3+ bathrooms): 12-15+ GPM
Undersized softeners create pressure drops when multiple fixtures run simultaneously.
Installation Process and Timeline
Pre-Installation (1-2 weeks):
Water testing to confirm hardness levels and identify other contaminants
Site evaluation to determine best location for equipment
System selection based on test results and household needs
Permit acquisition (if required by your municipality)
Equipment ordering (1-2 week delivery for quality systems)
Installation Day (4-8 hours):
Whole-House Softener Installation:
Shut off main water supply
Cut into main water line (usually in garage or utility area)
Install bypass valves for maintenance access
Mount softener system on level pad or platform
Connect inlet and outlet plumbing
Install drain line for backwash discharge
Connect electrical (if electronic control head)
Fill brine tank with salt
Program controller for your water hardness
Test for leaks and proper operation
RO System Installation:
Shut off cold water under kitchen sink
Install feed water connection to cold water line
Drill hole in sink or countertop for RO faucet (if needed)
Mount RO unit and storage tank under sink
Connect drain saddle to sink drain for waste water
Install all tubing connections (color-coded)
Open water supply and check for leaks
Fill and drain storage tank 2-3 times to flush system
Test final water quality
Post-Installation (Week 1):
Monitor for any leaks or issues
Adjust softener settings if needed
Test RO water quality
Ensure proper water pressure throughout house
Answer any homeowner questions
Total Timeline: 2-3 weeks from decision to operational system
South Florida Installation Considerations
Our climate and geography create specific installation requirements:
Humidity and Corrosion:
Use corrosion-resistant materials throughout. Standard steel fittings rust quickly in South Florida's humid, salt-air environment. Specify:
Stainless steel or brass fittings
Corrosion-resistant tanks
Weather-resistant control heads
Elevation for Flood Protection:
In flood-prone areas (most coastal South Florida):
Mount systems at least 18-24 inches off ground
Install accessible shutoff valves
Consider hurricane-proof enclosures for outdoor installations
Drainage Requirements:
Softeners produce backwash water during regeneration (40-80 gallons per cycle). Ensure proper drainage:
Direct connection to home drain line (preferred)
Approved air gap if draining to floor drain
Never drain to septic systems (salt harms bacterial action)
RO systems produce waste water (1-3 gallons waste per gallon produced). Verify:
Proper drain connection with no backflow risk
Adequate drain capacity
Code-compliant installation
Electrical Requirements:
Most modern softeners need standard 110V outlet. Ensure:
GFCI protection (required in wet locations)
Proper wire gauge for distance from panel
Surge protection (Florida's lightning capital!)
Space Requirements:
Typical space needed:
Softener: 2' wide x 3' deep x 5' tall (including clearance)
RO system: 1.5' wide x 1' deep x 1.5' tall under sink
Salt storage: 2' x 2' area near softener
Maintenance Requirements and Schedule
Both systems require regular maintenance to perform optimally.
Monthly Tasks:
Water Softener:
Check salt level in brine tank
Add salt when level drops below half-full (40-pound bags)
Check for salt bridging (hard crust on top of salt)
Inspect for leaks around connections
Verify regeneration is occurring on schedule
RO System:
Check storage tank pressure (should feel firm)
Inspect for leaks under sink
Verify faucet flow rate hasn't decreased significantly
Time required: 10 minutes Cost: $20-30 for salt
Every 6 Months:
RO System:
Replace sediment pre-filter
Replace carbon pre-filter
Clean faucet aerator
Sanitize storage tank if water sits unused
Time required: 20 minutes Cost: $50-80 for filters
Annually:
Water Softener:
Clean brine tank (remove salt, clean buildup)
Inspect and clean resin tank if needed
Check drain line for blockages
Test water hardness to verify proper operation
Professional system check and cleaning (optional but recommended)
RO System:
Replace post-carbon filter
Replace additional specialty filters (if present)
Test final water quality
Check all tubing and connections
Time required: 1-2 hours Cost: $100-150 for softener maintenance + $80-120 for RO filters
Every 2-3 Years:
RO System:
Replace RO membrane (the expensive component)
Cost: $80-150
Every 5-10 Years:
Water Softener:
Replace control valve (if electronic head fails)
Replace resin (if fouled or exhausted)
Cost: $300-600 depending on component
Total Maintenance Costs:
Year 1: $500-770
Average annual ongoing: $500-770
Factor this into your budget—unmaintained systems don't protect you and can actually make water quality worse.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even properly installed systems can develop issues. Here's what to watch for:
Problem: Soft water isn't soft anymore
Causes:
Salt level too low
Salt bridging preventing proper regeneration
Resin fouled by iron or manganese
Control valve malfunction
Solutions:
Break up salt bridge with broom handle
Add salt
Clean resin with iron-out product
Test water and adjust regeneration frequency
Call service technician for valve issues
Problem: RO water flow is slow
Causes:
Clogged pre-filters
Low storage tank pressure
Failing RO membrane
Kinked tubing
Solutions:
Replace pre-filters on schedule
Check tank pressure (should be 7-8 psi when empty)
Replace membrane if over 3 years old
Inspect tubing for kinks or blockages
Problem: Water tastes bad even with RO
Causes:
Exhausted carbon filters
Old RO membrane
Bacteria growth in storage tank
Contaminated feed water
Solutions:
Replace all filters including post-carbon
Sanitize entire RO system and storage tank
Replace membrane if very old
Test feed water quality
Problem: Salt mushing (sludge in brine tank)
Causes:
Wrong type of salt (avoid rock salt)
Humidity causing salt to dissolve incompletely
Poor quality salt
Solutions:
Clean out brine tank completely
Switch to high-purity salt pellets or solar salt
Keep brine tank lid sealed
Problem: Water pressure drop after softener installation
Causes:
Undersized softener for home's flow rate
Control valve restriction
Partially closed bypass valve
Solutions:
Verify bypass valve is fully open
Check if softener is properly sized for your home
May need to upsize to larger capacity unit
Alternative Configurations
While whole-house softener + under-sink RO is ideal, variations exist:
Budget Option:
Under-sink RO only ($700-1,400 installed)
Addresses drinking water but not whole-house hard water issues
Good starter system with option to add softener later
Premium Option:
Whole-house softener + catalytic carbon filter ($2,500-3,500)
Multiple-point RO systems (kitchen + bathrooms) ($2,000-3,500)
UV purification (if on well water) ($600-1,200)
Total: $5,100-8,200
Well Water Option:
Sediment filter + iron/sulfur removal ($1,500-3,000)
Water softener ($1,400-2,500)
UV purification ($600-1,200)
Under-sink RO ($700-1,400)
Total: $4,200-8,100
Condo/Apartment Option:
Under-sink RO for drinking water ($700-1,400)
Shower filter for chlorine removal ($50-150)
Portable softener (limited effectiveness) ($400-800)
Total: $1,150-2,350
Water Wizards: Your South Florida Water Treatment Experts
We've installed hundreds of combination softener + RO systems throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. We understand South Florida's unique water challenges and design systems specifically for this region.
Why Choose Water Wizards:
Free Comprehensive Testing: We test your water for hardness, chlorine, TDS, pH, and other contaminants before recommending any system. You need to know what you're dealing with.
Custom System Design: We size systems based on your actual water chemistry, household size, and usage patterns—not generic recommendations.
Professional Installation: Our certified technicians handle everything including permits, ensuring code-compliant installations that perform perfectly.
Quality Equipment: We use NSF-certified components from reputable manufacturers—systems that last 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
Transparent Pricing: Written quotes with no hidden fees. You know exactly what you're paying before we start work.
Ongoing Support: We provide maintenance reminders, troubleshooting help, and service for the life of your system. We're here when you need us.
Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not satisfied with your water quality after installation, we make it right.
Special Services:
Condo and high-rise installations
Historic home specialists (dealing with old plumbing)
Well water treatment expertise
Same-week installation in most cases
Emergency service available
Flexible financing options
Recent South Florida Installations:
West Boca Raton Family Home:
Water hardness: 220 ppm
Chlorine taste complaints
System: 48,000 grain softener + 75 GPD RO
Cost: $3,200 installed
Result: Family eliminated $150/month bottled water habit, water heater still running strong after 10 years (vs. 6 years previously)
Coral Gables Historic Home:
Built 1952, lead concerns with young children
Hard water: 180 ppm
System: 40,000 grain softener + 100 GPD RO with remineralization
Cost: $3,600 installed
Result: Lead reduced from 14 ppb to non-detect, family drinks tap water exclusively now
Fort Lauderdale Condo (20th Floor):
High-rise installation challenges
Very hard water: 190 ppm
Limited under-sink space
System: Compact 50 GPD RO only (no softener option in condo)
Cost: $1,100 installed
Result: Resident says it's "like having Fiji water on tap"
Jupiter Farms (Well Water):
Hardness: 240 ppm
Iron: 1.8 ppm
Sulfur smell
System: Iron/sulfur removal + 64,000 grain softener + 75 GPD RO + UV
Cost: $6,400 installed
Result: Comprehensive solution addressing all well water issues, family no longer embarrassed to have guests use their water
Get Started Today
Every day without proper water treatment is another day of:
Hard water damaging your appliances (shortening their lifespan by years)
Spending money on bottled water
Showering in chlorinated water that dries out your skin and hair
Potential exposure to contaminants in drinking water
Spotty dishes and dingy laundry
The solution exists. The technology works. The investment pays for itself.
Schedule your free water quality assessment with Water Wizards:
Visit waterwizards.ai to schedule online or call us directly.
We'll test your water, explain exactly what's in it, and show you how a whole-house softener + RO system will transform your water quality and save you money.
No high-pressure sales. No misleading claims. Just honest answers and effective solutions for South Florida water.
Most homeowners are surprised by:
How bad their water actually is (testing reveals issues you can't taste or see)
How much better life is with properly treated water
How quickly the system pays for itself in savings
Find out what you're really drinking and showering in. Then fix it.
Clean, soft, pure water throughout your South Florida home starts with one free water test.
Frequently Asked Questions: Whole House Softener + RO Systems in South Florida
1. Do I really need both a water softener and an RO system in South Florida?
For most South Florida homes, yes. Our water has multiple issues: hardness (120-300+ ppm) that damages appliances, chlorine that affects taste and dries skin, and contaminants like PFAS and lead. A softener addresses hardness throughout your home, while RO provides ultra-pure drinking water. Neither system alone solves all problems. The combination gives you comprehensive protection at every tap.
2. How much does it cost to install a whole house water softener and RO system in South Florida?
Total installed cost typically ranges from $2,100-3,900 depending on system capacity and features. Expect $1,400-2,500 for a quality whole-house softener and $700-1,400 for an under-sink RO system. Annual operating costs run $500-770 for salt, filters, and maintenance. While this seems expensive, most families recoup the investment in 12-18 months through eliminated bottled water costs and reduced appliance repairs.
3. Will a water softener remove chlorine taste from my South Florida water?
No, water softeners don't remove chlorine or chloramines. Softeners only remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium). For chlorine removal throughout your home, you need a whole-house carbon filter. However, the RO system at your kitchen sink will remove 98%+ of chlorine from drinking and cooking water. Many South Florida residents add a whole-house carbon filter to their setup for comprehensive chlorine removal.
4. How often do I need to add salt to my water softener?
In South Florida's hard water conditions, most households need to add 40-pound salt bags every 2-4 weeks depending on water hardness, household size, and water usage. Check salt level monthly—when it drops below half-full in the brine tank, add more. Use high-purity salt pellets or solar salt (not rock salt) to prevent mushing and maintain system efficiency.
5. How long do RO filters and membranes last in South Florida?
With softened water feeding your RO system, expect: sediment and carbon pre-filters to last 6 months, post-carbon filters to last 12 months, and the RO membrane to last 2-3 years. South Florida's high contaminant levels may require more frequent filter changes than manufacturer recommendations. Always replace filters on schedule—old filters don't protect you and can release accumulated contaminants back into your water.
6. Can I install a whole house water softener and RO system myself?
RO systems are DIY-friendly for people with basic plumbing skills—expect 1-2 hours installation time. Whole-house softeners require cutting into your main water line and installing bypass valves, making professional installation strongly recommended unless you have plumbing experience. Mistakes can flood your home or result in low water pressure throughout. Professional installation costs $400-700 for softeners but includes permits and ensures proper operation.
7. Will softened water feel slimy or slippery?
Yes, softened water feels slightly slippery or "silky" compared to hard water—this is normal and actually indicates the softener is working properly. The slippery feeling is your skin's natural oils without hard water minerals interfering. Most people adjust within a week and prefer the softer feel. Your skin and hair will be noticeably softer, and you'll use much less soap since it lathers more easily.
8. Does reverse osmosis remove healthy minerals from drinking water?
Yes, RO removes virtually all dissolved minerals including beneficial calcium and magnesium. However, you get plenty of minerals from food—water contributes less than 10% of daily mineral intake. If you prefer mineralized water, choose an RO system with a remineralization stage that adds healthy minerals back after filtration. Many people appreciate RO water's pure, clean taste without mineral content.
9. How much water does an RO system waste in South Florida?
Standard RO systems waste 3-4 gallons for every gallon of purified water produced. Modern high-efficiency systems reduce waste to 1:1 ratio. For a family using 3 gallons of RO water daily, expect 3-12 gallons of wastewater depending on system efficiency. While this concerns conservation-minded South Florida residents, remember that household RO waste is tiny compared to landscape irrigation—and you'll eliminate bottled water waste completely.
10. Will a water softener work with my septic system in South Florida?
Modern efficient softeners can work with septic systems, but discharge from softener regeneration adds sodium and water to your septic tank. For South Florida homes with septic systems, size the softener properly and ensure it regenerates during low-usage periods (typically 2-3 AM). Alternatively, consider routing softener discharge to a separate drainfield, or use a salt-free conditioner (though these don't truly soften water).
11. Can I use softened water for my garden and plants in South Florida?
Softened water contains elevated sodium from the ion exchange process, which can harm salt-sensitive plants over time. For landscape irrigation, install the softener after the outdoor hose bib connection point, or use a bypass valve to provide unsoftened water outdoors. Most South Florida homes use separate irrigation systems that don't run through the softener anyway.
12. How does hard water affect my water heater lifespan in South Florida?
Hard water dramatically shortens water heater life in South Florida. Without a softener, expect water heaters to last only 6-8 years due to scale buildup on heating elements and inside the tank. Scale reduces efficiency by 20-30%, increasing energy bills by $120-180 annually. With softened water, water heaters regularly last 10-12+ years and operate more efficiently throughout their lifespan. The extended appliance life alone justifies softener cost.
13. What's better for South Florida: salt-based softeners or salt-free water conditioners?
For South Florida's typically hard water (150-250+ ppm), traditional salt-based softeners are more effective. They actually remove hardness minerals through ion exchange. Salt-free conditioners (technically not softeners) alter mineral structure to reduce scaling but don't remove minerals—they're less effective for our very hard water. However, salt-free systems work for people on sodium-restricted diets or with environmental concerns about salt discharge.
14. Will installing water treatment systems lower my home's water pressure?
Properly sized systems maintain water pressure throughout your home. Softeners should match your home's flow requirements (10-15 GPM for most South Florida homes). Undersized systems create pressure drops when multiple fixtures run simultaneously. RO systems only affect pressure at one tap (the RO faucet) and include a storage tank so you don't notice production speed. Professional installers size systems correctly to avoid pressure issues.
15. How do I maintain my water softener and RO system in South Florida's climate?
South Florida's humidity and heat require extra attention: Check softener salt monthly and add when below half-full. Clean brine tank annually to prevent bacteria growth. Replace RO filters every 6 months (more frequently than manufacturer recommendations due to our high contaminant levels). Inspect all connections quarterly for corrosion or leaks. Schedule annual professional maintenance ($150-250) to catch issues early. Use corrosion-resistant materials throughout—standard steel components rust quickly in our salt-air environment.
