Pentair Fleck 5600SXT
Score: 88/100
SoftPro Elite HE
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Pentair 64k Fleck 5600SXT is a robust whole-home water softener designed for larger households with high water consumption. It features a high-capacity resin tank and a reliable digital metered valve that optimizes regeneration based on actual usage. While it requires significant space and a 24V power source, its durability and efficiency make it a top choice for demanding applications.
The SoftPro Elite HE is a high-efficiency whole-house water softener engineered specifically for private well water applications, featuring a 64,000 grain capacity and on-demand regeneration technology. It utilizes ion exchange to remove hardness minerals while maintaining full water pressure through large 1-inch internal plumbing and a high-efficiency upflow design. Best suited for larger households with well water dealing with extreme hardness levels.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
64,000 grainsbest | 64,000 grainsbest | |
10 GPM | 15 GPMbest | |
2 gallonsbest | — | |
6 personsbest | 5 persons | |
| ↓ lower better | 48 inchesbest | 62 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 12 inchesbest | 15 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 48 inches | 27 inchesbest |
10 yearsbest | 10 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Tank Material | Fiberglass | N/A |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | 24V Transformer | Electricity |
Certifications | None Listed | N/A |
Performance & Capacity(4) | ||
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 10 GPM | 15 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | 2 gallons | N/A gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | 6+ persons | 5 persons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | PSI | 30-125 PSI |
System & Control(3) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Digital Metered | On-Demand |
System Type | Whole-Home | Ion Exchange |
Salt Requirement | Standard Salt | Salt Required |
Physical & Installation(5) | ||
Height (inches) | 48 inches | 62.0 inches |
Width (inches) | 12 inches | 15.0 inches |
Depth (inches) | 48 inches | 27.0 inches |
Installation Type | Whole-Home DIY | Whole House |
Weight (lbs) | 200 lbs | N/A lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional assessments highlight the Fleck 5600SXT valve as the most popular water softener control valve on the planet, noting its reliability due to having only one internal moving part in the water stream and its double backwash engineering.
User feedback emphasizes the ease of DIY installation, supported by detailed instructions and video access, as well as the convenience of pre-programming options that simplify setup. Consumers value the reliability and durability of the proven 5600 valve design.
Professional reviewers and editors describe the SoftPro Elite as an industry top-of-the-line product with unprecedented high-efficiency performance. Lab testing on well water sources demonstrated exceptional calcium and magnesium removal without any noticeable decrease in water pressure or flow rate. Reviewers highlighted the demand-initiated regeneration as the most efficient process, noting it regenerates based on actual water hardness and usage rather than a timer. The system is assessed as providing good value for money and is noted for being easy to install with official performance certifications.
Everyday users consistently praise the system for maintaining full water pressure, a significant advantage over traditional softeners. There is strong appreciation for the salt efficiency, with users noting up to 30% savings through on-demand regeneration. Users also value the reduced maintenance requirements due to automatic refresh cycles and smart technology. The system is highly regarded for its ability to handle difficult well water conditions, including extreme hardness and iron content, when paired with appropriate filtration.
