Water Softeners

The Pentair Water Softener is our premium, whole-house, on-demand salt-based water softening system.

  • Effectively prevents hard water scale buildup in plumbing and appliances, helping to increase their efficiency and lifespan
  • Enjoy softer skin, shini

    hair, and softer, right-out-of-the-dryer laundry

  • 3 unique models to choose from to meet the demands of your home based on your home size (or number of bathrooms)

OVERVIEW

BENEFITS OF A WATER SOFTENER

Hard water levels can range from low to very high hard water. Homeowners with any level of hard water can face issues like prematurely broken water heaters and persistent scaling, spotty dishes and glassware, dingy and stiff laundry, itchy skin, and dull hair. With a Pentair Water Softener, you can reduce the havoc hard water can cause to your home and can save salt and water with our on-demand regeneration feature. When you insist on Pentair, you can expect better quality water from every tap in your home. Pentair recommends that you test your water hardness levels using our 16-Point Rapid Water Test to ensure the water softener is right for your home water. Additional features include:

1. Simple, electronic system for easier programming
2. Self-cleaning brine injector reduces maintenance
3. Only regenerates when needed, saving salt and water
4. Singular rotary disc seal means longer product life and less maintenance Remote monitoring and low-salt level alert when paired with the Connected Salt Level Sensor and the Pentair Home App

Improve Appliance Efficiency

Improve Appliance Efficiency

Reduce Scale Buildup

Limit Water Spots on Glassware

How it works  Resources  Specification  Education  Support  Reviews

1. Softening

Occurs when water passes through the mineral tank where positively-charged calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged with sodium onto the negatively-charged resin beads. The calcium and magnesium are retained on the media within the resin tank while the remainder of the water with sodium ions flows into the home, resulting in softened water. Eventually, all sodium ions are exchanged with the magnesium and calcium on the resin beads fill with calcium and magnesium and need to be regenerated.

2. Regeneration

The mineral tank is recharged with sodium from the brine tank solution and displaces calcium and magnesium, which is flushed down the drain during the backwashing phase.

3. Backwashing

At the end of the regeneration process, this stage is a final removal of the hardness ions and dirt that has accumulated in the mineral tank and flushes to the drain.

4. Rinse

The mineral tank is rinsed with fresh water and loads the brine tank so that it is ready for the next softening cycle.

5. Controller

Recharging cycles are controlled by the electronic meter on the top of the tank. This can be set to recharge every specified number of days or as the electronic head recognizes that a certain amount of water has been used.

Water Softeners Comparison

\
CARBON WATER FILTER & WATER SOFTENER COMBO SYSTEM WATER SOFTENER
Whole home solution X X
Electronically programmable X
Neutralizes ions, leaving in beneficial minerals X
On-demand water regeneration reduces waste water X
No electricity required to operate X
Multiple sizes available for any size home X X
No salt refills necessary X
Indoor/Outdoor Installation X X
Material Stainless Steel Fiberglass
Reduces foul taste and odor associated with chlorine X
Optional Connectivity to Pentair Home App when paired with the Connected Salt Level Sensor X
Effective on Hard to Moderately Hard Water X
Removes mineral ions, like calcium and magnesium, from water X
Explore Products Carbon Water Filter & Water Softener Combo System This Product
  • pws pac 4-7 whole house pac series
  • Pentair Whole House Water Softening System Manual
  • Pentair Whole House Carbon Filtration System Manual
  • NSF/ANSI 44 for specific performance claims as verified and substantiated by test data.

    Components tested and certified by IAPMO under NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61 for material safety and NSF/ANSI 372 for lead free compliance only.

    View the comprehensive systems warranty policy here.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    01. Can I install the PAC Series outside?

    We recommend this system not be exposed to outdoor elements like direct sunlight or atmospheric precipitation. But if you do install outdoors, we offer an outdoor weather cover accessory that will help protect the valve head from elements. This system can also be installed in a covered, open-air structure like a carport or basement.

    02. Which model is right for me?

    The PAC4 is ideal for homes that have 1 to 3 bathrooms and standard daily water usage. The PAC7 is the right choice for homes with 4 to 6 bathrooms and standard daily water usage.

    03. How much maintenance is required?

    Little maintenance is needed to keep your water softeners functioning smoothly. Salt does need to be refilled as it is depleted and filters and media should be replaced as indicated in your owner’s manual.

    04. Does this system reduce microorganisms?

    No. If you are concerned about microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria, we recommend installing a Pentair UV Disinfection System.

    SPECIFICATION

    Item #Home Size (number of Bathrooms)Softening TechnologyTreatment TechnologyInlet Connection TypeMaximum Capacity (grains)Media Volume (cubic feet)Diameter {in}Flow Rate (gpm)Est. Filter LifeWater ProblemConforms To Spec.
    Item #
    Home Size (number of Bathrooms)
    1 to 3
    Softening Technology
    Salt-Based Softening & Filtration
    Treatment Technology
    Salt-Based, Carbon
    Inlet Connection Type
    NPT, Male
    Maximum Capacity (grains)
    48600
    Media Volume (cubic feet)
    1.5
    Diameter {in}
    10.25
    Flow Rate (gpm)
    11.9
    Est. Filter Life
    Municipal Water - 60 months, Well Water - 12 months
    Water Problem
    Chlorine Taste & Smell, Hard Water
    Conforms To Spec.
    NSF/ANSI 44, 372 & CSA B483.1
    Item #
    Home Size (number of Bathrooms)
    4 to 6
    Softening Technology
    Salt-Based Softening & Filtration
    Treatment Technology
    Salt-Based, Carbon
    Inlet Connection Type
    NPT, Male
    Maximum Capacity (grains)
    64000
    Media Volume (cubic feet)
    2.0
    Diameter {in}
    12
    Flow Rate (gpm)
    13.2
    Est. Filter Life
    Municipal Water - 60 months, Well Water - 12 months
    Water Problem
    Chlorine Taste & Smell, Hard Water
    Conforms To Spec.
    NSF/ANSI 44, 372 & CSA B483.1

    What’s Included

    • 5 Micron Prefilter & Mounting Bracket
    • Water Softener System
    • Brine Tank
    • Filtration Tank with Carbon Media System
    • Electronic Valve Controls
    • Fittings
    • Owner’s Manual / Installation Guide  

    Installation Information

    Installation Recommendation: Professional Installation

    Location: Indoor/Outdoor. If installing outdoors, this system should not be installed in direct sunlight without the presence of a weather cover accessory (sold separately). System should not be installed in an area that is exposed to freezing temperatures. See Owner’s Manual for details.

    Additional Needs: Block Salt or Solar Salt

    Connected Salt Level Sensor

    The Simple Don’t-Forget-the-Salt Solution

    Man installing pentair connected salt sensor

    Ready to make last-minute salt runs a thing of the past. Check salt levels anytime, anywhere by adding a Connected Salt Level Sensor and the Pentair Home app to your setup. Only for salt-based water softener systems.

    • Simple in-app instructions get you activated right away
    • Universal brine tank clip fits most side-by-side and softener models
    • Provides intuitive alerts to your phone when your salt level is running low
    • WiFi & Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled*
       

    WATER EDUCATION CENTER

    Soft water doesn’t have to be hard. Learn about what causes hard water and identify solutions to help reduce the related water woes.

    Learn About Hard Water

    We’re shining a spotlight on hard water’s relationship with laundry and how you can achieve fresher, fluffier, right-out-of-the-dryer clothes with softer water.

    Learn More

    Beyond taste and odor, the volatile chemical nature of chlorine means it can react and form potentially harmful byproducts. But, how much chlorine is ‘safe’?

    Learn About Chlorine

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    Learn more about common water problems and how to tackle them in our Water Education Center.