Water Treatment Comparison GuideUK 2025
Conditioners vs Softeners vs Filters vs Reverse Osmosis - which do you actually need? We've analysed 40,000+ real customer reviews to help you make the right choice for your Hampshire home.
The Quick Answer
🧂 Want NO limescale at all?
Get a salt water softener - it's the only guaranteed solution. Conditioners reduce scale but don't eliminate it.
💧 Want better tasting water?
Get a drinking water filter - removes chlorine and improves taste. RO if you want maximum purity.
🏠 Want both?
Softener + filter combo is the complete solution. Softener protects appliances, filter improves drinking water.
💰 On a budget?
Conditioner + filter is the affordable combo. Won't eliminate scale completely but will help significantly.
The Four Categories Explained
Each type of water treatment solves different problems. Here's what each does - and doesn't do.
Water Conditioners
Electronic/Magnetic/Catalytic
✅ What it does:
Changes scale structure to reduce limescale buildup
❌ What it doesn't do:
Doesn't actually remove hardness minerals
Salt Water Softeners
Ion Exchange Systems
✅ What it does:
Removes calcium/magnesium ions completely via salt regeneration
❌ What it doesn't do:
Doesn't filter drinking water contaminants (lead, chlorine, etc.)
Drinking Water Filters
Carbon/Ceramic/Multi-Stage
✅ What it does:
Removes chlorine, lead, microplastics, bad taste from drinking water
❌ What it doesn't do:
Doesn't soften water or prevent scale throughout the house
Reverse Osmosis
Membrane Filtration Systems
✅ What it does:
Removes 99%+ of all dissolved solids including fluoride, lead, arsenic, PFAS
❌ What it doesn't do:
Doesn't soften whole-house water or prevent appliance scale
What's Your Main Problem?
Click on your situation to see our recommendation.
Side-by-Side Comparison
What each solution does and doesn't do at a glance.
| Feature | Conditioners | Softeners | Filters | RO Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removes Limescale | ⚠️ Reduces 60-80% | ✅ 100% | ❌ No | ❌ No* |
| Removes Chlorine | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ 95%+ | ✅ 99%+ |
| Removes Lead | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ 85%+ | ✅ 99%+ |
| Removes Microplastics | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ 99% | ✅ 99%+ |
| Removes Fluoride | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Most don't | ✅ 95%+ |
| Removes PFAS | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Some | ✅ 99%+ |
| Whole House | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Drinking only | ❌ Drinking only |
| Improves Taste | ❌ No | ⚠️ Slightly | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Helps Eczema | ⚠️ Maybe | ✅ Proven | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Ongoing Costs | £0 | £100-200/yr | £45-200/yr | £40-200/yr |
| Wastewater | ✅ None | ⚠️ Some (regen) | ✅ None | ❌ 2-4x waste |
| DIY Install | ✅ Yes | ❌ Professional | ✅ Most | ⚠️ Some |
* RO removes TDS including hardness minerals from drinking water only, but doesn't protect appliances/whole house
5-Year Total Cost Comparison
Real costs including purchase, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
| Solution | Initial Cost | Year 1 Running | Years 2-5 | 5-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Conditioner (Halcyan) | £850 | £0 | £0 | £850 |
| Water Conditioner (Eddy) | £175 | £0 | £0 | £175 |
| Salt Softener (Harvey) | £2,100 | £150 | £600 | £2,850 |
| Salt Softener (Monarch) | £1,400 | £120 | £480 | £2,000 |
| Drinking Filter (Water2) | £129 | £99 | £396 | £624 |
| Drinking Filter (Brita) | £175 | £45 | £180 | £400 |
| RO System (Waterdrop) | £450 | £65 | £260 | £775 |
| RO System (iSpring) | £220 | £50 | £200 | £470 |
| Combo: Harvey + Water2 | £2,229 | £249 | £996 | £3,474 |
| Combo: Halcyan + RO | £1,300 | £65 | £260 | £1,625 |
Hampshire-Specific Recommendations
Our local expertise for Andover (SP10/SP11), Marlborough (SN8) & Hungerford (RG17).
Most of Andover (SP10/SP11), Marlborough (SN8)
Salt softener strongly recommended + drinking filter
Conditioners struggle above 300ppm. Softener protects appliances, filter improves drinking water.
Hungerford (RG17), some Marlborough villages
Conditioner may suffice + drinking filter optional
Conditioners can work at this level. Add filter if taste/health is a concern.
Villages on downs - Great Bedwyn, Aldbourne, Ramsbury
Softener essential + RO if concerned about nitrates
Chalk groundwater has highest hardness. Agricultural areas may have nitrate concerns.
Our Recommended Combinations
Based on 40,000+ reviews and Hampshire water conditions.
Best Overall
Harvey TwinTec + Water2 Pod
- • Complete scale protection
- • Pure drinking water
- • Proven reliability
Best Value
Halcyan + iSpring RO
- • Scale reduction (80%)
- • Maximum water purity
- • No ongoing softener costs
Best Eco
Halcyan + Brita mypure
- • No salt needed
- • No wastewater
- • Lowest running costs
Read Our Detailed Reviews
Deep-dive into each category with real customer reviews and ratings.
Sources & Methodology
This comparison guide synthesizes data from our four detailed review articles, which analysed 40,000+ real customer reviews across multiple platforms.
Review Sources:
- Trustpilot (primary source for UK-specific reviews)
- Amazon UK & Amazon US (verified purchase reviews)
- MoneySavingExpert Forums (detailed user discussions)
- Mumsnet (real homeowner experiences)
- PistonHeads (technical discussions)
- Manufacturer testimonials (verified where possible)
Hampshire Water Data:
- Southern Water quality reports (Andover area)
- Thames Water data (Hungerford/Berkshire border)
- Wessex Water reports (Marlborough/Wiltshire)
- Local installer feedback and installation data
Last updated: January 2025. Prices and ratings are subject to change. Always verify current prices with suppliers.
Need Help Choosing?
As Hampshire's local plumbers, we can test your water hardness and recommend the best solution for your specific situation - no obligation.