Sterling has been a renowned name in the water treatment industry for decades, earning a reputation for excellence and durability. Their softeners are known to stand the test of time, providing long-lasting performance that homeowners can rely on.
In this updated guide, we’ll dive into the 5 best Sterling water softener reviews based on softening efficiency, flow rate, and ease of maintenance for the best value for your money.
🤚5 Best Sterling Water Softeners: A Smart Preview!
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Sterling CITY-1-S |
| Check Product |
 | 2. Sterling SWS1C-30-HE |
| Check Product |
 | 3. Sterling PTS1 |
| Check Product |
 | 4. Sterling IMX 24-1 |
| Check Product |
 | 5. Sterling NES-1-S |
| Check Product |
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🤔Sterling Water Softeners Comparison Chart-Detailed Reviews
| Sterling softener | Ease Of Installation | Flow Rate (in GPM) | REGEN Method | Ease Of Maintenance | Warranty |
| Sterling CITY-1-S | Easy | 10 | Time clock regeneration | Very easy | 5 years- control valve, 10 years- mineral tank |
| Sterling SWS1C-30-HE | Very easy | 18 | Meter regeneration | Easy | 5 years- control valve, 10 years- mineral tank |
| Sterling PTS1 | Easy | 18 | Metered demand regeneration | Very easy | 5 years- control valve, 10 years- mineral tank |
| Sterling IMX 24-1 | Easy | 17 | Measurement regeneration system | Easy | 5 years- control valve, 10 years- mineral tank |
| Sterling NES-1-S | Very easy | 13 | Time clock regeneration | Easy | 5 years- control valve, 10 years- mineral tank |
Also Read: Water Softener Salt vs Rock Salt: Which Is Better To Melt Ice?
1️⃣Sterling CITY-1-S Water Softener Review
Pros
- User-friendly operation and programming
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- High chlorine levels in water damage the water-softening resin bed over time.
The system utilizes a Time clock regeneration method, ensuring efficient water softening by regenerating only when necessary.
Ease of Installation And Use
The Sterling CITY-1-S water softener is known for its straightforward installation, making it convenient for homeowners.
The accompanying manual provides clear instructions for setup and programming.
Users have reported that the system is user-friendly, allowing easy settings adjustment for hardness and REGEN.
Hard Water Treatment
The CITY-1-S is designed to treat hard water issues through ion exchange effectively. With a grain capacity of up to 30,000, CITY-1-S whole-house systems can handle the demands of moderate to large households.
The system utilizes a Time clock regeneration method, ensuring efficient water softening by regenerating only when necessary.
Ease Of Maintenance
Maintaining the CITY-1-S is relatively simple. Regular maintenance includes refilling the salt tank and monitoring the system’s performance.
Users have mentioned that the control valve is easy to access and service.
Warranty And Customer Support
Sterling offers 5 years of warranty for the control valve and 10 years for the mineral tank. The company is responsive and helpful, promptly addressing any queries or concerns.
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2️⃣Sterling SWS1C-30-HE Water Softener Review
Pros
- Effective hard water treatment with time clock regeneration.
- User-friendly interface for programming.
- Effective hard water treatment, particularly resistant to chlorine.
- Enhanced iron removal capabilities
- Requires approximately 33% less salt for regeneration.
- 8-hour power backup for uninterrupted operation
Cons
- Limited customer reviews for this specific model
- Manual regeneration may be necessary for heavy water usage
With a grain capacity of up to 31,000, the PTS1 suits households with moderate to high hard water levels. The SWS1C-30-HE excels in treating hard water, offering improved resistance to chlorine compared to the CITY-1-S model.
Ease of Installation And Use
The Sterling SWS1C-30-HE is designed for user convenience, with an intuitive interface for programming and adjusting settings.
Hard Water Treatment
With a grain capacity of up to 31,000, the PTS1 suits households with moderate to high hard water levels. The SWS1C-30-HE excels in treating hard water, offering improved resistance to chlorine compared to the CITY-1-S model.
Additionally, it provides enhanced iron removal capabilities, making it an excellent choice for households dealing with up to 1 ppm iron levels.
Ease Of Maintenance
Maintaining the SWS1C-30-HE is convenient as it requires approximately 33% less salt than other models.
It reduces the frequency of salt refills and ensures a more efficient operation. Users have reported that the system is generally low-maintenance and operates efficiently over time.
Warranty And Customer Support
Sterling offers a warranty for the SWS1C-30-HE, providing 5 years of coverage for the control valve and 10 years for the mineral tank.
While customer reviews specific to this model are limited, the company has a reputation for responsive customer support.
3️⃣Sterling PTS1 Water Softener Review
Pros
- Straightforward installation process
- User-friendly programming interface
- Low-maintenance system
- Innovative dual-tank system for continuous soft water
- Backup tank for high water usage or spikes in demand
Cons
- Limited availability for purchase
- It may require professional installation
A PTS1 house water softener is particularly beneficial for households with high water usage or sudden spikes in demand. The system utilizes metered demand regeneration, ensuring efficient water softening based on actual water usage.
Ease of Installation And Use
The system’s programming is user-friendly, allowing for easy adjustment of settings.
Hard Water Treatment
The PTS1 offers a unique feature for hard water treatment. It incorporates two tanks with a 30,000-grain capacity, providing continuous access to soft water.
A PTS1 house water softener is particularly beneficial for households with high water usage or sudden spikes in demand.
The system utilizes metered demand regeneration, ensuring efficient water softening based on actual water usage.
Ease Of Maintenance
Maintaining the PTS1 is generally hassle-free. The control valve is accessible and easy to service when needed.
Warranty And Customer Support
Sterling provides warranty coverage for the PTS1, offering 5 years of protection for the control valve and 10 years for the mineral tank. Sterling provides reliable customer support and addresses any inquiries or concerns promptly.
Also Read: How To Remove Rust From Well Water
4️⃣Sterling IMX 24-1 Water Softener Review
Pros
- Straightforward installation process
- Efficient metered demand regeneration for water softening
- A large quantity of salt storage tanks minimizes the frequency of replacement
- Corrosion-proof construction ensures durability
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Limited grain capacity for large households
- Some competing brands offer longer warranty periods
The system utilizes a measurement regeneration system, ensuring efficient water softening based on actual water usage. The electronic meter accurately measures water usage, allowing the system to initiate automatic regeneration precisely when needed.
Ease of Installation And Use
The Sterling IMX 24-1 water softener offers a relatively straightforward installation process with a custom user manual.
Hard Water Treatment
With a grain capacity of up to 22500, the IMX 24-1 is suitable for smaller to medium-sized households dealing with hard water issues.
The system utilizes a measurement regeneration system, ensuring efficient water softening based on actual water usage. The electronic meter accurately measures water usage, allowing the system to initiate automatic regeneration precisely when needed.
Ease Of Maintenance
Regular maintenance involves:
The system features an inbuilt battery that maintains the softener for at least 48 hours during power outages.
Users have mentioned that routine maintenance tasks are easy to carry out.
Warranty And Customer Support
Sterling provides a warranty for the IMX 24-1, offering 5 years of coverage for the control valve and 10 years for the mineral tank. The customer support system is reliable and active.
5️⃣Sterling NES-1-S Water Softener Review
Pros
- Effective hard water treatment with time clock regeneration
- Customizable electronic regeneration settings
- Low-maintenance system
- You can use any softener salt as the stepped salt platform isolates dirt and debris from the brine tank’s safety valve.
- Uninterrupted display functionality
Cons
- Limited customer reviews for this specific model
There aren’t many complaints about this product’s effectiveness as it can filter the impurities of the water and give out soft water efficiently. It also acts as an Iron filter as it removes eight parts per million ferrous iron!
Ease of Installation And Use
The Sterling NES-1-S water softener is designed for ease of installation. The programming and operation of the NES-1-S are straightforward.
The system features a rugged valve and push-in brine line fitting, making setup easier. Additionally, the stainless steel bypass enhances durability and ease of use.
Hard Water Treatment
With a grain capacity of up to 30,000, the NES-1-S suits smaller households experiencing hard water issues.
Ease Of Maintenance
Maintaining the NES-1-S is relatively simple. It features a backlit display that shows the time of day and the gallons remaining before regeneration.
It helps users monitor the system’s performance and plan maintenance activities. The NES-1-S has a constant recharging battery, ensuring the display remains functional even during power outages.
Warranty And Customer Support
Sterling offers warranty coverage for the NES-1-S, providing 5 years of protection for the control valve and 10 years for the mineral tank. Sterling is renowned for its attentive customer service.
👉Top 3 Sterling Water Softener Alternatives To Consider
1️⃣SpringWell SS1
Pros
- Efficient salt-based water softener system.
- High grain capacity for larger households.
- User-friendly digital control valve.
- Effective at removing hard water minerals.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty on the tank and control valve
Cons
- It may require professional installation.
- Higher initial cost compared to some alternatives.
Key Takeaway: The SpringWell SS1 is a reliable salt-based water softener with a high grain capacity and user-friendly features, backed by a lifetime warranty.
2️⃣Aquasana SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Conditioner
Pros
- A salt-free system that prevents scale buildup without the need for sodium ions.
- Low maintenance and no salt refilling required.
- Preserves beneficial minerals in the water.
- Easy installation and compact design.
- Suitable for those looking for an alternative to traditional salt-based softeners.
Cons
- It may not provide the same level of water softening as salt-based systems.
- Higher initial cost compared to traditional salt-based softeners.
Key Takeaway: The Aquasana SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Conditioner offers a salt-free alternative for preventing scale buildup while preserving minerals, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an alternative to salt-based systems.
3️⃣Culligan Salt-Based Water Softener
Pros
- Established brand with a wide range of models available
- Reliable water-softening performance
- Efficient regeneration process for consistent soft water supply
- Professional installation and maintenance services offered
- Different sizes and capacities to suit various household needs
Cons
- Higher initial and ongoing costs for salt and regeneration
- Limited control over the regeneration process
Key Takeaway: Culligan Salt-Based Water Softeners are known for their reliable performance and various models, making them a popular choice for households looking for a trusted water softening brand.
🎯How Do I Know Which Water Softener to Buy?
👉Additional Considerations
💡Sterling Water Softener Reviews FAQs
Where are sterling water softeners manufactured?
Sterling water softeners are manufactured in Indiana, United States.
What time is regeneration on sterling water softener?
The regeneration time on a Sterling water softener can vary depending on the model and settings. The regeneration cycle typically occurs when water usage is low, such as at 2 PM. Refer to the specific product’s manual or contact the manufacturer for the recommended regeneration schedule.
What is the warranty on sterling water softeners?
In most sterling water softeners, the warranty offered is 5 years of protection for the control valve and 10 years for the mineral tank. The warranty terms may include coverage for the tank, control valve, and other components, with different durations and conditions depending on the model.
Which is the best salt to use in a sterling water softener?
The best salt to use in a Sterling water softener is typically high-quality, clean, evaporated salt. It is recommended to avoid rock salt or salt pellets as they have high impurities and can cause salt mushing.
What is Sterling Water Softener Cost?
The approximate cost of Sterling water softeners can range from a very reasonable price of around $500 to $2,500, depending on the model, capacity, and key features.
Adarsh is a Health & Nutrition Sciences graduate with expertise in environmental health. He is associated with ventures like Glacier Fresh Filter and Simpure Filter Systems. Through Aqua Professor, he intends to provide helpful information to every home to help them make smarter decisions.
