Hi, I'm Kyle H.. I live in Los Angeles. Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips asked me to share my homeowner experience with the local tap water from the city and the SoftPro® Elite HE Water Softener for City Water (Industry's Best Softener & Filter Combo) I purchased. This is how my adventures played out. I hope this helps you in your decision.
The Hard Water Nightmare That Started It All
Did you know that Los Angeles has some of the hardest water in the country?
Well, I certainly learned that the hard way. Living in my two-story home for the past three years, I'd been battling what I thought were just "normal" household annoyances.

Every morning, I'd wake up to crusty white buildup on my coffee maker's heating element. My glassware looked perpetually cloudy no matter how thoroughly I scrubbed. The worst part? My skin felt tight and itchy after every shower, and my wife constantly complained about her hair feeling like straw.

Our dishwasher started making strange noises around month eighteen, and I noticed our water heater's efficiency seemed to be declining. The repair technician who came out to service our appliances mentioned that our 18 grains per gallon hardness level was "pretty brutal" and suggested we consider water treatment.

That's when I realized these weren't just minor inconveniences—they were symptoms of a larger problem that was literally costing us money every month.
My Research Journey Into Water Softening Solutions [

](https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/softpro-elite-basic-high-flow-high-efficiency-water-softener)

I'll be honest, I knew virtually nothing about water treatment before this journey began. My research started with understanding what hard water actually does to a household.

Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals that create scale buildup in pipes and appliances. These mineral deposits reduce efficiency, shorten appliance lifespan, and create those stubborn spots on dishes and fixtures. In Los Angeles, our municipal water typically ranges from 12-20 grains per gallon—well into the "very hard" category.

I spent weeks comparing different technologies: salt-based ion exchange systems, salt-free water conditioners, reverse osmosis units, and combination systems. The salt-free options seemed appealing initially, but deeper research revealed they don't actually remove hardness minerals—they just change their structure temporarily.

For our level of hardness, every credible source pointed toward ion exchange as the proven solution. The SoftPro Elite HE caught my attention because it combines high-efficiency softening with additional filtration for chlorine, chloramines, and other city water contaminants.

What ultimately sold me was the high-flow design rated for 12 GPM and the advanced SoftPro Water Systems Valve technology that promised more efficient regeneration cycles.
Unboxing and First Impressions of Build Quality
The system arrived in two separate shipments—the main tank and the brine tank. I was immediately impressed by the packaging quality; everything was secured with custom foam inserts and protective wrapping.

The main softener tank has a substantial feel to it, weighing approximately 85 pounds when empty. The fiberglass construction looks professional-grade, not like some of the plastic alternatives I'd seen. The SoftPro Valve head is clearly the heart of the system—it's more sophisticated than I expected, with a digital display and multiple connection points.

Opening the installation kit revealed quality brass fittings, flexible bypass assemblies, and detailed documentation. The installation DVD that came with my unit was particularly helpful for visualizing the process before I started.

One pleasant surprise was the brine tank design. Unlike some competitors that use basic plastic tanks, this one has a sturdy construction with a tight-fitting lid and quality salt grid system inside.
Installation Experience: Easier Than Expected
I decided to tackle the installation myself, having moderate DIY skills and basic plumbing experience. The pre-installation planning took more time than the actual work—figuring out the best location, ensuring proper drainage, and running the electrical connection.

My installation location was in the garage, about 15 feet from where the main water line enters the house. This required cutting into the existing copper line and installing the bypass valve assembly. The most challenging aspect was ensuring proper pipe alignment, but the flexible bypass connectors provided some forgiveness.

The SoftPro Valve comes pre-programmed, but I needed to input our specific water hardness level (18 grains per gallon based on my test kit results) and household size. The programming interface is intuitive—much easier than programming a DVR or smart thermostat.

Total installation time was about four hours, including cleanup. The system requires a drain connection within 20 feet, which was perfect since my utility sink was nearby. The electrical connection is straightforward—just plugging into a standard outlet.

The instructional video Craig sent was invaluable during the startup process. It walked through the initial rinse cycles and how to verify proper operation.
Real-World Performance Testing and Results
I tested our water before and after installation using both test strips and a digital TDS meter. Pre-installation readings showed 18 grains per gallon hardness and 380 ppm total dissolved solids. Post-installation results were impressive: hardness dropped to less than 1 grain per gallon, and TDS reduced to 220 ppm.

The real test came during daily use. Within 48 hours, I noticed the difference in shower water. My skin didn't feel tight afterward, and my wife commented that her hair felt softer without changing any products.

Coffee taste improved noticeably—less mineral aftertaste and no more white buildup on the heating element. Our dishwasher started leaving glassware actually spotless, something I hadn't seen in years.

The high-efficiency design really shines during peak usage periods. Even with simultaneous showers and laundry running, I measured consistent water pressure throughout the house. The 12 GPM flow rate specification proves accurate in real-world conditions.

Regeneration cycles occur approximately every 4-5 days with our family of four. The process happens automatically around 2 AM and completes within 90 minutes, using about 35 gallons of water per cycle.
Daily Living Improvements After Two Months
The transformation in our household routine has been remarkable. Cleaning time has significantly decreased—no more scrubbing mineral deposits from faucets and showerheads. Our glassware stays clear after dishwashing, eliminating the need for hand-drying and polishing.

Soap and detergent usage has dropped noticeably. We're using about 40% less laundry detergent and half the amount of dish soap. Clothes feel softer coming out of the wash, and colors appear more vibrant without mineral film dulling the fabric.

Our morning coffee routine improved dramatically. No more descaling the coffee maker monthly, and the taste difference is night and day. Even our houseguests have commented on the water quality improvement.

Unexpected benefits include longer-lasting bar soap (it doesn't turn mushy from mineral interaction) and easier bathroom cleaning. The shower doors stay cleaner longer, and toilet bowl rings are virtually eliminated.

My wife's biggest victory is hair care. She's been able to reduce conditioner use while achieving better results. Her color-treated hair looks healthier and feels more manageable.
Operating Costs and Efficiency Analysis
Salt consumption runs about 40 pounds monthly for our household, costing approximately $8-10 depending on where I purchase. I buy solar salt crystals in 50-pound bags from the local hardware store, finding them more economical than buying smaller quantities.

The high-efficiency regeneration uses less salt per cycle compared to older technology systems I researched. The SoftPro Valve calculates regeneration based on actual water usage rather than a fixed timer, which optimizes both salt and water consumption.

Electricity usage is minimal—the system draws power only during regeneration cycles and for the valve controls. I estimate less than $3 monthly in additional electric costs.

Water usage for regeneration averages 140 gallons monthly (35 gallons per cycle × 4 cycles), which costs about $4 on our utility bill. Total monthly operating costs run approximately $15-17.

The savings offset these costs significantly. Reduced soap and detergent purchases save roughly $20 monthly. Our water heater operates more efficiently without scale buildup, and appliance longevity should improve substantially.
Honest Assessment: What Could Be Better
While I'm genuinely satisfied with the performance, a few minor aspects could be improved. The brine tank could use a low-salt indicator light—I've had to manually check salt levels to avoid running empty.

The regeneration process, while quiet compared to older systems, still produces some noise during the backwash cycle. It's not loud enough to wake us, but it's audible if you're in the garage during regeneration.

Installation space requirements are substantial. The system needs about 4 square feet of floor space plus clearance for salt loading. Homeowners with limited utility room space might find placement challenging.

The initial investment is significant compared to basic softener models. However, the combination of softening and additional filtration justifies the premium in my opinion.

Documentation could be more comprehensive regarding troubleshooting. While the system has operated flawlessly, I'd appreciate more detailed maintenance guidance for long-term ownership.