Whirlpool WHES33 33,000 Grain Water Softener review
Salt-based water softener. DIY if you are comfortable with this install. Listed to NSF/ANSI 44.
What it removes
| Contaminant | Evidence | Stated reduction | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO3) | Certified | not stated | |
| Iron | Manufacturer-reported | not stated | clear water ferrous up to 9 ppm |
Certified is an NSF, WQA, or IAPMO listing for that claim. Manufacturer-reported reduction for iron. Not NSF-certified for iron.
Whole-house hardness at 7 gpg or more. Does not remove arsenic, nitrate, or fluoride.
Certifications
- NSF/ANSI 44: Hardness Reduction (listing checked 2026-09-14)
- NSF/ANSI 44: Efficiency Rated (listing checked 2026-09-14)
Good match for a 2-4 person household on Boise/Meridian city water (~10-12 gpg). On 15-20 gpg well water it still works (rated to 105 gpg, 9 ppm clear-water iron) but will regenerate frequently; consider 40k+ for larger families.
Manufacturer spec: max grain capacity 33,000 @ 14.1 lb salt, rated service flow 8.0 gpm, max hardness 105 gpg, clear-water iron 9 ppm, 0.88 cu ft resin, 200 lb salt storage, 33.3 gal water per regeneration at max dose. Manual lists rated softening capacity 27,600 @ 8.3 lb and 4,950 grains/lb @ 2.6 lb minimum dose; efficiency rated. Fits up to 1 in. plumbing. DIY installation kit included; warranty 1 yr parts/labor, 3 yr electronics, 10 yr tank. Manufacturer states: These systems conform to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific performance claims as verified and substantiated by test data. annual_replacement_cost is est. salt only. Amazon price $583.99 seen 2026-09-14.