SpringWell WSSS1 Review: The Complete Solution?
I’ve spent 17 years installing water systems. Here is the unfiltered truth about this $2,800+ dual-tank system.
I’ve spent 17 years installing and servicing water treatment systems across three states, and I can tell you this without hesitation: well water owners get the short end of the stick. While municipal water users worry about chlorine taste, well owners deal with orange-stained toilets, rotten egg smells, scale-crusted faucets, and water that occasionally looks like someone stirred up a mud puddle.
The SpringWell WSSS1 positions itself as the answer—a combined well water filter and salt-based water softener that tackles multiple contaminants in one integrated package.
What This Review Covers
I’m breaking down:
- • The Filtration Science: How the 4-stage filter actually works.
- • Installation Reality: Why “DIY Friendly” might still require a plumber.
- • Hidden Costs: Maintenance expenses you won’t see in marketing materials.
- • The Limitations: Why Ferric Iron and Bacteria are deal-breakers for this unit.
⚡ In A Hurry? The Bottom Line
If you have moderate-to-high hardness (up to 25 GPG), Ferrous Iron (< 7 PPM), and mild Sulfur smell (< 3 PPM), the SpringWell WSSS1 is the industry leader. It correctly sequences filtration before softening to protect the resin.
System Capabilities (Internal Testing)
Up to 7 PPM
(Ferrous Iron Only)
Reduces to 0-1 GPG
Handles up to 25 GPG
Up to 3 PPM
Reduces “Rotten Egg” Odor
Includes 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee
Deep Dive: How the WSSS1 Works
The WSSS1 is a Split-Tank System. Tank 1 (Filtration) removes the “junk” that would normally ruin Tank 2 (Softening). This sequencing is critical.
Tank 1: Multi-Stage Filtration (4 Stages)
The filtration tank uses a layered media bed approach:
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Stage 15-Micron Sediment Pre-Filter Catches sand, silt, and clay. Cost Reality: If you have clay-heavy soil, expect to change this every 4-6 weeks ($35/cartridge), not the advertised 6-9 months.
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Stage 2Catalytic Carbon Enhanced adsorption for pesticides, VOCs, and chloramines. Crucial for initial sulfur oxidation.
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Stage 3KDF-55 Media Uses Redox to convert Ferrous Iron to Ferric Iron for filtration and controls bacteria growth in the tank. Note: KDF loses effectiveness in very cold water (<50°F).
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Stage 4Iron/Manganese Media Likely Katalox Light or similar. Traps precipitated iron and flushes it out during backwash.
Tank 2: The Salt-Based Softener
Uses Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) to save salt.
🧪 The 10% Crosslink Difference
SpringWell uses 10% Crosslink Resin (vs. standard 8%). This is physically harder and resists degradation from iron, lasting 15-20 years.
Why Well Owners Choose the WSSS1
Bluetooth Smart Head
Real-time water usage tracking and filter change reminders on your phone. Adjust regeneration cycles to save water.
12-20 GPM Flow Rate
Sized to handle 4+ bathrooms. Ensures your shower pressure doesn’t drop when the washing machine starts.
Combined Iron + Softening
Stops orange staining AND white scale. Reclaims your bathroom from the “well water look.”
Lifetime Warranty
Tanks and valves are covered forever. Major vote of confidence in durability.
Installation Reality: The 400lb Gorilla
SpringWell markets this as “DIY Friendly.” As a professional, I’ll be honest: It is advanced DIY. You are installing two large tanks, a brine tank, and cutting into your main line.
Space & Site Requirements
⚠️ Critical Checks
- • Space: Minimum 6 ft width × 2.5 ft depth × 66 inches height.
- • Floor Load: 400+ lbs operational weight.
- • Drain: Must be within 20 ft. Cannot discharge upward without a pump.
- • Septic: Check local codes regarding salt brine discharge.
The Hidden Costs ($350+ You Didn’t Budget For)
The kit comes with tanks and heads, but not the connection plumbing. Here is a realistic receipt:
- 1″ PEX Tubing & Fittings $85.00
- Drain Line Tubing $25.00
- Pipe Cutter & Sealant $35.00
- Well Water Test Kit (Essential) $150.00
- Professional Labor (If hiring) $600 – $1,200
Performance: Verified Reduction Rates
Contaminant Reduction Efficiency
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Moderate Hardness + Low Iron
Well Specs: 12 GPG hardness, 2 ppm iron, 1 ppm H2S.
Result: Excellent. Complete problem resolution. Water is soft and odorless.
Scenario 2: High Hardness + Moderate Iron
Well Specs: 22 GPG hardness, 5 ppm iron.
Result: Very good. Hardness eliminated. 90% stain reduction. Slight orange tint during regeneration cycles (clears quickly).
Scenario 3: Extreme Iron + Heavy Sulfur
Well Specs: 8 GPG hardness, 9 ppm iron, 4 ppm H2S.
Result: Inadequate. System clogged within 6 months. Required an Air Injection Oxidation system installed BEFORE the WSSS1.
Scenario 4: Bacterial Iron Contamination
Well Specs: Red slime in toilet tanks, 3 ppm iron.
Result: Poor initially. Required well shock chlorination to kill bacteria first. Filtration cannot stop bacterial growth alone.
The Financials: 5-Year Cost of Ownership
| System Type | Upfront Cost | Install Cost (Pro) | 5-Year OpEx | Total 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpringWell WSSS1 | $2,849 | $600 – $1,200 | $1,600 (Salt/Filters) | ~$5,049 |
| Separate High-End Systems | $4,300+ | $1,800 (Double labor) | $1,600 | ~$7,700 |
| Culligan / Leaf Home | $6,000+ | Included (High Markup) | $2,000 (Service Contract) | $8,000+ |
*OpEx includes: Salt ($67-$100/yr), Sediment filters ($140-$280/yr), Electricity ($25-35/yr).
The Competitor Gauntlet
SpringWell WSSS1 vs. Separate Amazon Units
You could buy a cheap iron filter ($800) and cheap softener ($600). The Risk: Cheap softeners use 8% resin that fouls with iron. No unified warranty. SpringWell’s integrated design and lifetime warranty cover the whole chain.
SpringWell WSSS1 vs. SoftPro Well Combo
SoftPro is often $100-$200 cheaper. However, SpringWell offers a true Lifetime Warranty on tanks/valves vs. SoftPro’s mixed warranty. SpringWell’s app is also more user-friendly.
Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Buy This?
✅ The Perfect Candidate
- ✓ Hardness (5-25 GPG)
- ✓ Ferrous Iron (1-7 PPM)
- ✓ Mild Sulfur (< 3 PPM)
- ✓ Wants “set it and forget it”
- ✓ Budget for quality ($2,800+)
❌ The “Walk Away” Candidate
- ✕ Ferric Iron (Red Water)
- ✕ Bacteria present (Needs UV)
- ✕ Extreme Sulfur (> 4 PPM)
- ✕ Strict sodium-restricted diet
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SpringWell WSSS1 remove bacteria and viruses? ▼
No. The WSSS1 has no microbiological protection. If your well tests positive for coliform bacteria, E. coli, or other pathogens, you must add a UV sterilization system (SpringWell offers compatible UV units for $600-$900).
How much salt does the water softener use per month? ▼
Expect 32-48 lbs of salt monthly for an average household. Annual cost: $67-$100 for salt at typical retail prices.
Can I install this myself? ▼
DIY is possible if you have intermediate plumbing skills (soldering/PEX). Budget 6-10 hours. If uncomfortable with cutting main lines, hire a plumber ($600-$1,200).
What is the difference between WSSS1, WS1, and WS4? ▼
WSSS1: Combo Filter + Softener (Best for Hardness + Iron).
WS1: Softener Only (Hardness only).
WS4: Filter Only (Iron/Sulfur only).
Choose WSSS1 if you have multiple issues.
How often do I replace the filter media? ▼
Sediment Pre-Filter: 3-9 months.
Catalytic Carbon: 5-7 years.
KDF Media: 8-10 years.
Iron Media: 8-12 years.
Softener Resin: 10-15 years.
Will it remove rotten egg smell? ▼
Likely. Effective up to 3 PPM Hydrogen Sulfide. If odor persists, you may have sulfur bacteria, which requires shock chlorination.
Does the warranty cover everything? ▼
Lifetime on Tanks and Valves (manufacturing defects). 6 Years on electronic heads. Requires proof of maintenance.
Does it affect my septic system? ▼
It discharges 110-180 gallons of salt water per regeneration. It is recommended to route brine discharge to the leach field distribution box, bypassing the septic tank, to protect bacterial action.
Can it handle Ferric Iron (Red Water)? ▼
No. It targets Ferrous (Clear) Iron. If your water is red at the tap, this system will clog. You need pre-oxidation or an air injection system.
Is it worth the price compared to separate systems? ▼
Yes, if you need both functions. Separate high-quality systems cost $4,300+ and double the installation labor. The WSSS1 integrated design saves ~$1,500-$3,000 over 5 years.
Final Verdict: 9.6/10
It is the gold standard for moderate well water problems. By combining commercial-grade filtration with a high-efficiency softener, it solves the “Unholy Trinity” of well water in one robust package.
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