Rheem Preferred RHS32
A certified demand softener for one to four people that also reduces barium and radium, a plus on some well water.
Home Depot $489$489
The Rheem Preferred RHS32 is the better water softener overall, rated 3.7 to 2.7. The Rheem Preferred RHS32 leads on value and certification. The SpringWell SS1 wins on flow and warranty. The Rheem Preferred RHS32 costs $1,023 less ($489 vs $1,512).
SpringWell SS1
A small softener for one to three bathrooms, for buyers who value a long warranty and direct support over price.
SpringWell $1,512$1,512
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Rheem Preferred RHS32 for value ($15.28 per 1,000 grains ($489, 32,000 grains) vs $47.25 per 1,000 grains ($1,512, 32,000 grains)) and certification (certified to NSF/ANSI 44 vs not certified to NSF/ANSI 44).
- Choose the SpringWell SS1 for flow (11 gpm service flow vs 7.9 gpm service flow) and warranty (5 years on the valve, 99 years on the tanks vs 3 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 32,000 grains water softener; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Rheem Preferred RHS32 | SpringWell SS1 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 77 $15.28 per 1,000 grains ($489, 32,000 grains) | 0 $47.25 per 1,000 grains ($1,512, 32,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 97 4,940 grains per lb of salt | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Flow 15% | 32 7.9 gpm service flow | 83 11 gpm service flow |
| Warranty 25% | 22 3 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks | 44 5 years on the valve, 99 years on the tanks |
| Certification 10% | 100 certified to NSF/ANSI 44 | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 |
Specifications
| Rheem Preferred RHS32 | SpringWell SS1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 32,000 grains | 32,000 grains |
| Resin | 0.9 cu ft | - |
| Service flow | 7.9 gpm | 11 gpm |
| Salt efficiency | 4,940 grains per lb | - |
| Highest hardness | 105 gpg | - |
| Highest iron | 8 ppm | - |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Rheem demand valve | - |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | - |
| App or remote monitoring | No | - |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | No |
| Resin tank | - | 9 x 48 in |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes | No |
| Valve warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | Lifetime |