Best Twin Tank Water Softeners: Choose the Right One
By G. Simms, Plumber, Contractor

By G. Simms
Plumber, Contractor
Time: 3-minute read

Twin tank water softeners have double the capacity with fewer regeneration cycles. Look at our list and find out which is the right dual softener for you.
A review of the best twin tank water softeners on the market today. The dual tanks today are really great in terms of their features, price, required maintenance, terms of the warranty, efficiency, and installation. Check out the Fleck and Pentair 9100 SXT products that are on our list.
We’ve reviewed numerous companies that make water softeners, and Fleck is the company that has some of the best twin tank water softeners on the market. We searched for the best ones and every one of the top 7 came up as a Fleck model.
But don’t just read our recommendations and decide which product to buy without knowing what you’re buying.
The buying guide section below is going to explain everything you need to know about Fleck water softeners and how they work. You will find out what grains area and what it does with them. You’ll also find out how the products can lower the water pressure in your house.
Once you read our individual reviews and buying guide, you will hopefully know what the best twin tank water softener for your home is.
HOW WE DID OUR TEST:

8 TESTERS

28 PRODUCTS

269 HOURS
Top Choices on the Market
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![]() TOP OVERALL CHOICE Fleck 9100 SXT ![]() |
Fleck 9100 SXT TOP OVERALL CHOICE Benefits
Specs
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![]() TOP WHOLE HOUSE AFWFilters Fleck 9100 SXT ![]() |
AFWFilters Fleck 9100 SXT TOP WHOLE HOUSE Benefits
Specs
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IRON REMOVAL Fleck 9100 SXT ![]() |
Fleck 9100 SXT IRON REMOVAL Benefits
Specs
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IRON REMOVAL Fleck 9100 Dual Tank 96,000 Grain ![]() |
Fleck 9100 Dual Tank 96,000 Grain IRON REMOVAL Benefits
Specs
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How to Pick the Right One for Your Needs?
When you’re looking for a water softener, you always need to check how hard your water is. By doing so, you’ll be able to get a better idea of which model and technology will fit your needs.
1. Use a Water Kit

To check how many grains of minerals each gallon of your water has, use a water test kit. These minerals grains are what make your water hard.
2. Know the grain count

As far softeners themselves, the most important rating is the grain count. Traditional products are rated by the number of grains they are able to remove before the filtering resin material needs to be flushed.
All of the models in this article are conventional softeners and they all filter out the minerals that make your water hard by using resin. They also all use salt to rinse the resin.
3. Check the Flow Rate

Another thing that you will have to check is the flow rate. You are going to experience low water pressure if you buy a water softener that is not able to supply enough water for your home.
The general rule of thumb is to make sure that your water softener’s flow rate is at least 2 gallons per minute for every member of your family.
If you’re using well water and you have sulfur or iron in it, you’ll want to buy a product that has a special filter able to remove those chemicals as most won’t remove anything more than calcium and magnesium.
Best Twin Tank Water Softener Reviews 2021 (Updated List)
A twin tank water softener has the advantage over single tank units of being able to continue to supply soft water via one tank while the other tank regenerates.
We’ve arranged the list in order of our recommendations with the exception of the last two. The final two are specially designed for specific purposes. One filters iron as well as softening water, and the other is a compact unit for low or infrequent use, such as in a vacation home or guest house.
As you read these reviews, keep in mind that the grain rating on a twin tank system applies to one tank only.
It actually filters double the amount of grains because it has two tanks.

1. Fleck 9100 SXT
Twin Tank Water Softener
GRAIN SIZE:
64000
NOTABLES:
Great for stores and large homes;
This Fleck 9100 SXT 64,000 Grain Softener will make sure that small shops or large homes never have problems with hard water again.
The electronic meter keeps track of the water you use on your property and will regenerate it when needed, cycling through the tanks one by one.
Rotating tanks will make sure that the water softener is able to process your hard water at any time of the day. In contrast to this, products with only one tank enter a bypass mode when water is not being used, and the regeneration process is performed then.
The hard water will fill the tank when it’s in service and will pass through the resin, where ions from the hard water attract to it. The water becomes soft by the time it hits the bottom of the tank. The tank will go into a regeneration process when the resin is soaked with ions from the hard water. Salt water will be injected into the tank and will clear the ions from the hard water off the resin.
This model’s valve is tested and is able to withstand 27 years of daily, constant use. It has a very decent flow rate of 18 gallons per minute and backup memory in case of an emergency. With 64,000 grains and an economical price, this is the best choice for large homes and small shops.
It’s a very reliable model that you’ll find works perfectly for treating any level of hard water. The installation process is also fairly easy and something that anyone can do with the right tools.
You can buy the Fleck 9100 SXT 64,000 Grain and with very little maintenance expect it to last for at least 20 years.

2. AFWFilters Fleck 9100 SXT
Twin Tank Water Softener
GRAIN SIZE:
80000
NOTABLES:
Great for stores and large homes
If you’re looking for something larger, you can try the Fleck 9100 SXT 80,000 Grain. It has an 80,000 grain capacity per tank and a flow rate of 22 gallons per minute. That makes it a great choice for small to medium-sized shops or large retail stores and restaurants.
You’ll never run out of soft water because the model has two tanks. It performs the regeneration process in one tank and then the other. The water supply will stay as soft as possible without service interruption because the model has alternating tanks with immediate regeneration.
The large 80,000 grain capacity ensures that you will save on water and salt consumption as the system is going to need a lot fewer regeneration cycles in total.
As it is the case with all SXT models, this one has an anti-memory loss backup capacitor. This feature is going to keep the meter on for up to 48 hours if the electricity goes out, ensuring you that you’re not going to miss a regeneration cycle or lose your settings.
This model does have twin tanks, but the installation process is not any more difficult than a single-tank system, and performing maintenance is something you won’t need to worry about. All you have to do is to install it, check for your hardness level, and program it.
When you buy the Fleck 9100 SXT 80,000 Grain, you will also get a 10-year warranty on both of the tanks and a 5-year warranty on the head. If you want to have immediate regeneration and a constantly high water flow rate, this model is for you.
This has twin tanks that can provide soft water constantly. This system features the Fleck 9100 SXT valve that will measure your water usage and initiate regeneration automatically, switching between the two tanks as it does so.
The reason for this is the second tank acts as a backup, providing soft water immediately after the first tank is 100% used. When the first tank reaches its filtering capacity, it will start the regenerating process, and this is when the second tank kicks in and provides you with constant soft water.
The Fleck 9100 SXT valve has been designed and tested to withstand the 27 years of daily and constant use.
If you choose to go with this product, you will end up saving 15% in both salt and water over Fleck 5600 systems. Unlike most models, the dual tank system will regenerate the resin tanks only when necessary. Plus, the system will use 100% of the tank, resulting in a total of 15% savings in salt and water. Spread over the life of the system, this unit is going to cost you only pennies per day to work properly.
Once the hard water enters the system and fills it, it will pass through the resin, where the minerals from hard water will be collected. The water is going to be soft by the time it gets to the bottom of the tank. Once the resin is soaked with ions from the hard water, the regeneration process starts and the salt water will be injected into the tank and will clean the resin and flush the minerals down the drain.
You can expect to pay a bit if you choose to go with the Fleck 9100 SXT Metered On-Demand 48,000 Grains Per Tank.
This is going to save you up to 25% in water and salt every time when the system needs to cycle compared to conventional units that have a single tank. This model will use the full capacity of each tank before it has to turn on the standby tank, unlike the conventional, single tank units. This results in high savings in both salt and water. As it has two tanks, the system will never go offline when the regeneration process is on, which means that you will have soft water every second of the year.
When it comes to efficiency, this model is somewhat of a modern day marvel. Compared to a timer type, it will save up to 40% more on water and salt usage. The system features updated electronics which are very simple to program and very user-friendly.
It has a built-in memory that will save all your settings, so reprograming the unit is something that you won’t have to worry about. The water system is also going to save your time for up to 2 days in a case of an emergency or power shortage. This system is also one of the most efficient you can get.
Most people are going to be able to install this water system themselves, as all you have to do is follow the instructions from the user manual. However, if you don’t want to do it, you can hire a professional, who should be able to do the job for you in 1-2 hours.
Besides being the highest grain system you can buy, it also a very high flow rate of 20 gallons per minute. That makes it ideal for use in businesses with medium water needs.
By purchasing the Fleck 9100 Dual Tank, 96,000 Grain, you will also get a 10 year warranty for both tanks and a satisfaction guarantee that lasts 30 days.

5. Fleck 9100 EC 64,000 Grain
Twin Tank Water Softener
GRAIN SIZE:
64000
NOTABLES:
For Residential and Light Commercial use
The Fleck 9100 EC 64,000 Grain is ideal for residential use.
It has the same main advantages as all of the twin tanks on this list. First, the regeneration process is something that is done when needed, not when it is timed. Second, the regeneration process alternates between tanks. This means that you will have soft water even when one of the tanks is going through a regeneration cycle.
The unique benefit of this system is that it features upflow regeneration. It takes longer than the more common downflow regeneration method, but it rinses the resin beads more thoroughly.
The large grain capacity of the resin tanks ensures that you will save on salt and water consumption as the system will need fewer regeneration processes than smaller models.
The installation process is not difficult at all even though there are two tanks featured in this model. Also, you will need to perform very little to no maintenance as this is a very reliable and durable unit. All you have to do is to check the water hardness in your home, install the watering softening system, and you’ll be able to enjoy soft water for at least two decades.
You can get the Fleck 9100 EC 64,000 Grain which is a good deal considering all the benefits this product has to offer.
This model has an LCD display with touchpad controls that will make sure that controlling the whole system is easy. The added filter and twin tank system will ensure that you are getting iron-free and soft water at any time of a day or a night. The model also has a flow meter that will measure the water and will regenerate the tanks when it is needed, not when it is timed.
Each tank has 2 cubic feet of resin that will successfully remove up to 64,000 mineral grains, including iron. Between the regeneration processes, the flow service will make sure that you are getting 16 gallons per minute of water flow, which is enough for big families and small offices.
It will successfully remove iron and water hardness, providing you soft water and eliminating rust stains. The water that’s been softened won’t form scale buildup on fixtures, inside pipes, or faucets. The ferric and ferrous iron in your water will be eliminated, which will prevent rust stains on clothing, appliances, and fixtures. Another great thing about it is that it will reduce the amount of soap you have to use for laundry, bathing, and dishes.
With the Fleck 9100 SXT 64,000 Grain Iron Pro, you will get a 10-year warranty on both tanks and a 5-year warranty on the SXT head.

7. Fleck 9100 SXT Complete
Mini Compact Twin Tank Water Softener
GRAIN SIZE:
16000
NOTABLES:
Great for stores and large homes
The Fleck 9100 SXT Complete Mini Compact Water Softener System is just as reliable as the other dual tank water softeners, but with a lower grain capacity and smaller tanks to help you save on space.
This model is actually a whole water softening system that will provide you with two tanks. Two tanks will provide your home and your family soft water no matter what time of the day it is. The second tank will act as a backup if the first tank is in the process of regeneration.
Each tank filters 8,000 grains, making this a 16,000 grain water softener.
Like the other models, the system will track your water flow and trigger regeneration in each tank as it is needed.
It is very compact and can be installed anywhere. Many people use this unit in vacation homes, where they won’t need to use much water on an ongoing basis. With dimensions of 10 x 26 x 30 inches, this twin tank model is a compact system that will fit almost anywhere.
If you choose to buy the Fleck 9100 SXT Complete Twin Tank Mini Compact System, you will get a compact water softening system with the same 10-year and 5-year warranty terms.
Final Verdict
Fleck 91000 SXT 64,000 Grain Dual Water Softener

All of these twin tank water softeners have their place, but our overall recommendation is the Fleck 91000 SXT 64,000 Grain Softener. This twin tank will make sure that small shops, business, and large homes have soft water around the clock.
The SXT electronic meter will keep track of the water usage on your property and will regenerate the resin each tank when it is necessary. Rotating system tanks ensure that the water softener is able to process the hard water at any time of the day.
Considering it a very high flow rate of 18 gallons per minute, monitored water usage, a backup memory in case of emergency and alternating tank regeneration, this water softener is a convenient, smart choice for large families or small businesses.
You can get the Fleck 91000 SXT 64,000 Grain Softener with very little to no maintenance, expect that it will last for at least 20 years.
For other smart choices of water softener products and brands, you can click on the link.

About the Author
George Simms is a Salt Lake City based plumber and contractor, with a focus on aiding homes and businesses (particularly farm) solve problems with hard and contaminated water. Walter is here to share his wealth of job experience and a knowledge of both modern and antique plumbing.
Last Updated on December 9, 2021