
DuraWater Fleck 5600SXT
Score: 88/100
Aquasana SimplySoft
Score: 88/100Rankings

The DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT is a whole-house water softener featuring a 48,000-grain capacity resin tank and the industry-standard Fleck 5600 control valve. It utilizes meter-based regeneration to adjust cleaning cycles based on actual water usage, offering improved efficiency over traditional time-based systems. It is best suited for whole-house applications requiring comprehensive hard water treatment with a focus on reliability and efficiency.

The Aquasana SimplySoft® 40,000 Grain Water Softener is a highly efficient, certified whole-house system designed for households up to five people, featuring metered regeneration to save salt and water. Its main limitation is a low iron reduction capacity (1 ppm) and lack of power backup. It is best suited for users with city or well water who prioritize efficiency and certified performance over high iron removal.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
48,000 grainsbest | 40,000 grains | |
13 GPMbest | 11.02 GPM | |
1.5 gallonsbest | — | |
4 persons | 5 personsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 62 inches | 43 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 28 inches | 16 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15 inchesbest | 30 inches |
10 yearsbest | 5 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Tank Material | Fiberglass | N/A |
Warranty Length (years) | 10 years | 5 years |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | Electric | Corded Electric |
Certifications | None Listed | NSF/ANSI 44, CSA B483.1 |
Performance & Capacity(5) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 48000 grains | 40000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 13 GPM | 11.02 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | 1.5 gallons | N/A gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | 4 persons | 5 persons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | Unknown PSI | 20-125 PSI |
System & Control(4) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Digital Metered | Metered |
System Type | Single-Tank | Single Tank |
Salt Requirement | Standard Salt | High Efficiency |
Display Type | Digital | LCD |
Physical & Installation(5) | ||
Height (inches) | 62 inches | 43 inches |
Width (inches) | 28 inches | 16 inches |
Depth (inches) | 15 inches | 30 inches |
Installation Type | DIY | Professional Recommended |
Weight (lbs) | 53 lbs | 230 lbs |

Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers and industry guides widely recognize the Fleck 5600 SXT as a standard in the water softener industry. Experts highlight the valve's market dominance, attributed to its rigid Noryl construction, low power consumption, and efficient meter-based regeneration. The system's engineering simplicity, featuring only one internal moving part in the water stream, is cited as a key advantage for reliability. Documentation and service manuals are noted as comprehensive, supporting straightforward installation and maintenance.
Consumer feedback indicates strong satisfaction with the Fleck 5600 platform, driven by its reputation as the most popular control valve globally. Users commonly praise the system's ability to protect plumbing and appliances from hard water scale. The meter-based regeneration feature is frequently appreciated by cost-conscious consumers for its efficiency in reducing salt and water consumption compared to older time-clock systems.




The product is positioned by Aquasana as an efficiency-focused solution, highlighted alongside the 60,000 Grain model as an option for different household sizes.
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