Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain
A cheap large capacity softener for big households on city water, for buyers who want capacity on a budget and accept a short valve warranty.
Amazon $749$749
The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain and the SpringWell SS+ are evenly matched, rated 2.8 and 2.8. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain leads on value. The SpringWell SS+ wins on warranty. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain costs $1,771 less ($749 vs $2,520).
SpringWell SS+
A high flow, high capacity softener for very large homes, for buyers who want direct support and a long warranty more than the lowest price.
SpringWell $2,520$2,520
Prices were last checked November 2, 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 Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain for value ($11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) vs $31.50 per 1,000 grains ($2,520, 80,000 grains)).
- Choose the SpringWell SS+ for warranty (5 years on the valve, 99 years on the tanks vs 1 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 over 48,000 grains water softener; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain | SpringWell SS+ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.8/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 67 $11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) | 0 $31.50 per 1,000 grains ($2,520, 80,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Flow 15% | 50 service flow not published (neutral score used) | 100 20 gpm service flow |
| Warranty 25% | 0 1 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks | 44 5 years on the valve, 99 years on the tanks |
| Certification 10% | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 |
Specifications
| Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain | SpringWell SS+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 64,000 grains | 80,000 grains |
| Resin | 2 cu ft | - |
| Service flow | - | 20 gpm |
| Highest iron | 0.3 ppm | - |
| Control | ||
| Valve | Tier1 ceramic disc metered valve | - |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | - |
| App or remote monitoring | No | - |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | No |
| Resin tank | 12 x 57 in | 13 x 54 in |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | No | No |
| Valve warranty | 1 year | 5 years |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | Lifetime |