This guide details the installation process for the US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo, a comprehensive solution for whole home water treatment. It is intended for homeowners and plumbers looking to install a robust system that addresses both chemical filtration and water hardness. The bundle provides all key components needed for a full setup, ensuring purified and softened water throughout your home.
Curated by The Shelf Curator · Updated June 2026
Built for homeowners on municipal water who need to kill chlorine taste while simultaneously stopping scale buildup in high-end appliances. Not for those on untreated well water with high sulfur or manganese — this shop focuses on standard city-water chemical and hardness profiles.
Curator's pick: BodyGuard Whole House Water Filter
This is the workhorse of the set because it uses high-grade catalytic carbon that actually pulls out chloramines, which standard cheap carbon filters miss. If you don't strip the chemicals first, they will degrade the resin in your water softener, causing it to fail years earlier than it should.
⚠ Worth knowing: The Matrixx softener requires a dedicated drain line for the regeneration cycle and a nearby power outlet; if your utility room lacks a floor drain or a 110v plug within six feet, your installation costs will double due to electrical and plumbing retrofits.
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This shop is built around the US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo, a comprehensive solution designed to provide whole-home water treatment. It combines chemical filtration with water softening to address common water quality issues found in many households.
This system is ideal for homeowners and plumbers who are looking for a robust and complete water treatment solution. It's particularly useful for those in areas with hard water and chemical contaminants, seeking to protect appliances and improve water quality for daily use.
To get started, focus on the core filter and softener units, plus the essential bypass valve. A full build, including all recommended accessories, can range from $226 to $1660, ensuring purified and softened water throughout your home.
Full build
$226–$1660
Starter
$550–$1400
Filter, Softener, and Bypass Kit
Best forWhole Home Water TreatmentHard Water IssuesChemical ContaminantsAppliance ProtectionImproved Water Quality
The BodyGuard Whole House Water Filter is designed to remove chlorine, chloramines, and other chemical contaminants from your home's water supply. It is suitable for households seeking cleaner, safer water for drinking, bathing, and general use. This system helps protect plumbing and appliances from chemical damage.
Large capacity chemical filtration
Removes chlorine and chloramines
Protects entire home water supply
Suitable for various water sources
In this shop: This BodyGuard Whole House Water Filter is central to the 'US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo' vibe, providing the essential chemical and contaminant removal.
The Matrixx Smart Water Softener effectively removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, preventing scale buildup in pipes and appliances. It is ideal for homes in hard water areas, extending the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines while improving soap lathering. This system uses smart technology for efficient regeneration.
Removes hard water minerals
Prevents scale buildup
Extends appliance lifespan
Smart regeneration technology
In this shop: The Matrixx Smart Water Softener aligns with the 'US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo' theme by providing the critical mineral removal aspect of water treatment.
The Interconnect Bypass Valve Kit provides the necessary connections to link the primary filter and softener units and allows for system isolation. It is crucial for homeowners requiring a simple way to perform maintenance or bypass the system without interrupting the home's water supply. This kit ensures flexible control over the water treatment setup.
Connects filter and softener units
Enables system bypass
Facilitates maintenance access
Durable brass construction
In this shop: This Interconnect Bypass Valve Kit is included to support the seamless integration and future servicing of the 'US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo'.
The PEX Tubing and Installation Kit includes flexible PEX pipes and various fittings for routing water lines during a whole-house system setup. It is designed for DIY enthusiasts or professional plumbers needing reliable and adaptable plumbing materials for connecting water treatment components. This kit supports a leak-proof and efficient plumbing installation.
Flexible PEX tubing
Assorted fittings included
Suitable for water line routing
Supports whole-house installation
In this shop: The PEX Tubing and Installation Kit is a practical addition that ensures all necessary plumbing is available for the 'US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo' setup.
A Water Test Kit allows for the accurate measurement of water hardness and other parameters before and after the installation of a water treatment system. It is useful for verifying the effectiveness of the Matrixx Smart Water Softener and ensuring desired water quality. This kit provides clear, quantifiable results for water characteristics.
Measures water hardness (GH)
Tests for other contaminants
Verifies system effectiveness
Simple, color-coded results
In this shop: The Water Test Kit is included to empower users to confirm the performance of their 'US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo' after installation.
The Sediment Pre-Filter Housing protects the main water treatment components by removing larger particulate matter from the incoming water supply. It is recommended for homes with well water or high sediment levels, acting as a first line of defense to prolong the life of the BodyGuard filter and Matrixx softener. This unit prevents sediment buildup in sensitive valves.
Removes large sediment particles
Protects main filter and softener
Extends system lifespan
Clear housing for easy inspection
In this shop: This Sediment Pre-Filter Housing enhances the 'US Water Systems BodyGuard and Matrixx Combo' by providing an essential primary defense against physical impurities.
The combined filtration and softening system drastically improves overall water quality for drinking, bathing, and appliance longevity.
The bypass valve kit offers essential flexibility, allowing for easy maintenance or system isolation without disrupting your home's water supply.
Including a sediment pre-filter protects the main units, extending their lifespan and ensuring consistent performance over time.
What to know
The initial installation might require basic plumbing knowledge or professional assistance, which could add to the overall cost and complexity.
Periodic maintenance, such as replacing the pre-filter and ensuring softener regeneration, is necessary to maintain optimal system performance.
How to use this together
1
Perform Initial Water Testing
Before any installation, use the Water Test Kit to assess your home's water hardness and other parameters. This step is crucial for verifying the need for a softener and later for confirming the system's effectiveness. Knowing your baseline helps in tuning the Matrixx Smart Water Softener for optimal performance.
2
Install Sediment Pre-Filter
Begin by installing the Sediment Pre-Filter Housing as the first component in your main water line. This unit acts as a crucial barrier, protecting the `BodyGuard Whole House Water Filter` and the `Matrixx Smart Water Softener` from larger particulate matter and sediment, which can extend the life and efficiency of both primary systems. Place it upstream from all other treatment components.
3
Connect BodyGuard Filter and Matrixx Softener
Using the PEX Tubing and Installation Kit, connect the BodyGuard Whole House Water Filter and the Matrixx Smart Water Softener in series, typically with the filter first, followed by the softener. The Interconnect Bypass Valve Kit should be installed between these two major units and configured to allow for future maintenance without cutting off the home's water supply.
4
Perform System Startup and Final Testing
After all connections are secured and checked for leaks, slowly turn on your main water supply to fill the system. Flush the lines according to the manufacturer's instructions for the BodyGuard filter. Once the system is running, use the Water Test Kit again to confirm the desired reduction in hardness and elimination of contaminants, adjusting settings on the Matrixx Smart Water Softener as needed.
