This guide focuses on installing Aquaphor S800 and S1000 whole-house water softeners, ideal for homeowners looking to improve water quality. The products listed provide a comprehensive solution for DIY installation, from the softener units themselves to essential pre-filters, plumbing connectors, and maintenance supplies. They collectively enable a complete water softening system setup in a home.
Curated by The Shelf Curator · Updated June 2026
Built for homeowners with hard municipal water who need a high-capacity softening system that fits into tight footprints. Not for those on low-yield wells — this shop focuses on high-flow ion exchange units.
Curator's pick: Aquaphor S1000 Water Softener System
The S1000 is the clear choice over the S800 because the extra resin capacity handles iron spikes much better without a significant increase in footprint. It uses the same salt volume but cycles less frequently, which saves the valve head from premature wear.
⚠ Worth knowing: These systems utilize fine-mesh resin which is prone to fouling if you have high sediment loads; you must install the 10-inch pre-filter included in this list or the internal distributor will clog within six months.
Testing Main Line Water Pressure RegulatorsUndersink Reverse Osmosis Systems for Drinking WaterSeptic-Safe Household Cleaners and Drain Maintenance
The Aquaphor S800 is a whole-house water softener system designed for smaller to medium-sized households. It reduces hard water minerals, preventing scale buildup and improving appliance longevity and water quality.
800 grains capacity
Compact design
Salt-based regeneration
Suitable for smaller homes
Reduces mineral buildup
In this shop: The Aquaphor S800 system is a core component, aligning with the Aquaphor S800 S1000 Whole House Water Softener vibe by providing a foundational product for the installation guide.
The Aquaphor S1000 is a high-capacity whole-house water softener system built for larger homes or households with very hard water. It effectively removes hardness minerals to protect plumbing and appliances, and enhance bathing and cleaning.
1000 grains capacity
Electronic control valve
Efficient salt usage
Ideal for large homes
Prevents severe scale
In this shop: The Aquaphor S1000 system serves as a hero product in the Aquaphor S800 S1000 Whole House Water Softener lineup, representing a robust option for more demanding water softening needs.
This Waterdrop 10-inch whole-house sediment filter is an essential pre-filtration stage for any water softener system. It removes sand, silt, rust, and other large particles from the incoming water, protecting the softener from damage and improving its efficiency.
10-inch standard size
Filters sediment and rust
Extends softener lifespan
Polypropylene construction
Pre-softener protection
In this shop: The Waterdrop sediment filter is a practical addition, fitting the Aquaphor S800 S1000 Whole House Water Softener theme by ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the primary softeners.
The SharkBite Push-to-Connect Braided Steel Installation Kit provides flexible and easy-to-install connections for water softener setups. These connectors simplify the plumbing process, making DIY installations more accessible.
Push-to-connect fittings
Braided steel construction
Flexible connection lines
Tool-free installation
Reduces plumbing time
In this shop: This SharkBite installation kit supports the Aquaphor S800 S1000 Whole House Water Softener vibe by offering a practical, user-friendly solution for the plumbing aspect of setup.
Morton Pure and Natural Water Softening Salt Crystals are specifically designed for use in water softener brine tanks. This salt is crucial for the regeneration cycle, which flushes out hardness minerals from the softener resin.
High-purity salt
Crystal form
For softener regeneration
Prevents bridging
Enhances softener performance
In this shop: Morton water softening salt is an indispensable consumable, fitting the Aquaphor S800 S1000 Whole House Water Softener theme by enabling the core function of the water softening units.
Oatey Great White Pipe Joint Compound is a sealant used for threaded plumbing connections to prevent leaks. It ensures a tight, secure, and water-safe seal in your water softener installation.
Non-toxic formula
Seals threaded pipes
Prevents leaks
Temp range: -50°F to 500°F
White, non-hardening paste
In this shop: The Oatey pipe joint compound is a detail-oriented product that aligns with the Aquaphor S800 S1000 Whole House Water Softener vibe by ensuring a professional and leak-free installation.
