Review: Fleck 9500 SXT Twin Tank Water Softener
Summary
The Fleck 9500 SXT water softener is a twin tank system ideal for commercial and high capacity residential use. It effectively removes calcium and mineral deposits on a continuous cycle. The digital controller is easy to use and ensures that the system runs efficiently, with regeneration initiated as needed rather than on a timer. Choose from several sizes, between 120,000 and 300,000 grain capacity. The twin tanks can generate up to 40 gallons per minute, depending on the model you use.
EASE OF USE
This is a great water softening system ideal for commercial properties. It regenerates as needed, so you can set it and forget it.
EFFECTIVENESS
This high capacity system is capable of continuous flow and efficient use of salt and water.
VALUE
Competitively priced compared with other systems available. Overall a good value for the investment.
SUPPORT
5-year warranty on valve and tanks. Not bad.
We Like
- You can’t beat the quality of Fleck. It’s a well-respected brand name in the water softener industry
- The twin tank is efficiently run by a single control valve.Continuous flow rates of 20-40 gallons/minute (grain capacity options range from 120,000 to 300,000)
- Varying capacities makes it a great fit for many commercial properties.The level of efficiency is impressive for the sticker price
- The system will use one full tank’s capacity before switching to the other tank.Regeneration of softened water, ensuring system efficiency and cleanliness
What Could Be Better
- While it’s a great value, the system isn’t the most efficient available. If you’re wanting to maximize salt and water savings in the long run, you may prefer an ultra-high-efficiency system instead
- A 5-year warranty is okay. But let’s be honest, it’s not the most competitive option available, and we know from experience that Fleck products historically last much longer anyway
Water Softener Review
Table of Contents
Summary
Product Details
Product Comparison
Review
Author
The Final Word
Does It Work?
Is It Reliable?
Is It Worth The Cost?
Performance
Key Features
Value
Warranty
Hi, I’m Heather!
I’ll help you get set up with the right water softener for your needs in seconds.
Does this water softener meet your needs?
Try The Calculator
Product Comparison
Image
Product Details
SpringWell Salt Based
SpringWell Salt Based
Benefits
Great for Hair, Skin and clothingRemoves low levels of clear water iron stainsNo drop in flow
Specs
13 x 54 inches36-120 F Operating TempFlow Rate: up to 20 GPM
Buy On Amazon
Buy On Amazon
product 2
SpringWell Salt Based
Benefits
Great for Hair, Skin and clothingRemoves low levels of clear water iron stainsNo drop in flow
Specs
13 x 54 inches36-120 F Operating TempFlow Rate: up to 20 GPM
Buy On Amazon
Buy On Amazon
SpringWell Salt Based
SpringWell Salt Based
Benefits
Great for Hair, Skin and clothingRemoves low levels of clear water iron stainsNo drop in flow
Specs
13 x 54 inches36-120 F Operating TempFlow Rate: up to 20 GPM
Buy On Amazon
Buy On Amazon
Here’s how we evaluate commercial water softener systems like this model.
Residential and commercial water softeners are not apples and apples. That’s why we evaluate them differently.
Imagine you run a busy takeout restaurant that has just hit its lunchtime rush. Customers are lined out the door when all of a sudden, the dishwasher has no water pressure. The water softener’s valve is broken, and you have to figure out how to fill orders without enough clean dishes to make them in. Frustrated patrons leave, and your revenue for that day is gone.
If something goes wrong with your commercial water softener, it can get expensive quickly. When evaluating commercial systems, we keep the business owner’s bottom line in mind.
The most important aspects in a commercial water softening system are efficiency, reliability and durability. These are the three things we evaluate in every commercial water softener, including the Fleck 9500 SXT.
Efficiency: How the water softener saves your business money. Not only does it need to have a reasonable purchase price, but it should protect your pipes, fixtures and appliances from hard water damage without wasting water and salt.
Reliability: Obviously, the system should do what it is designed to do. A water softener that frequently needs to be monitored or reset in order to work properly is taking up too much of your valuable attention.
Durability: Is it built to last? A quality commercial water softener should be a long-term investment for your business that you don’t have to worry about once it’s installed.
Let’s move on to help you determine whether the Fleck 9500 SXT is the best fit for your business.
Fleck 9500 SXT REVIEW
1) Who is it for?
The Fleck 9500 SXT is ideal for several types of commercial spaces. These include but are not limited to:
Small cafes and take-out venues
Small to mid-size offices
Retail shops
Small residential buildings with multiple units
Knowing whether this commercial water softener is right for you depends on several factors, including water hardness and your business’ water usage. Use this calculator to figure out what size and type is ideal in your situation.
Looking for specs? The Fleck 9500 SXT dual-tank system is capable of a continuous flow rate of 20-40 gallons per minute. Grain capacity options range from 120,000 to 300,000. This system is ideal for smaller commercial settings that don’t consume a lot of water (like a car wash, laundromat or hotel). If you need a larger capacity system from the same brand, you might be more interested in the Fleck 2900 NXT or 3900.
2) Is it worth it?
Value is important when it comes to a water softener. We think that the Fleck 9500 SXT delivers when it comes to bang for your buck. It’ll help your business without breaking the bank.
The system we tested used high-capacity 8% cross-linked resin (which, in laymen’s terms, is the good stuff). It got the job done and efficiently removed mineral deposits, even when under high demand.
In case you’re not aware of the benefits of a good water softener, here are a few worth noting:
Elimination of staining and corrosion on plumbing, fixtures and appliances
Extending the life of same plumbing, fixtures and appliances
Cutting down on soap and detergent use
Easier cleaning (meaning your staff will be happier)
Elimination of stains on dishes and glasse
So is it worth it? It doesn’t take an MBA to figure out that for many businesses, it certainly is.
More of the details you care about
Since water softeners can vary quite a bit, here are a few more of the stand-out features of the Fleck 9500 SXT:
The meter matters!
What sets Fleck apart is the efficiency of its meters, which make a big difference at the commercial level.
The twin tank system uses and advanced digital control and electronic meter to soften the water as needed, rather than on a timer.
Why does this matter? A conventional timed water softener system typically regenerates once a day. If you use a lot of water on a given day, this might not be enough. On the other hand, it might not be enough on low volume days—which will waste water and salt (and money).
With the Fleck 9500 SXT you reliably and efficiently get treated water 24 hours a day, regardless of you water usage.
Well that’s efficient…
We’ve already discussed how the meter can save you money by running on demand. Another cost benefit of the Fleck 9500 SXT is the twin tank system, which eliminates unnecessary waste.
Two mineral tanks increase the capacity of the system. Fleck does an especially good job of making this system efficient. By using 100% of the capacity of one tank before switching to the second, it significantly reduces water and salt waste.
But (yes there is a but) …we’ve tested enough systems to know that while the Fleck is good when it comes to efficiency, it’s not the crème de la crème. If you’re looking for ultra-high efficiency and minimal waste, you may prefer an option with a higher sticker price like SoftPro. It can cost more upfront but more than pay for the difference in the long run.
That warranty, though
Like many Fleck products, this system is covered by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. This is…not bad, but not making us jump up and down either. The system will probably last longer than that anyway, but we prefer having a little more peace of mind over 10 years or so.
Is the Fleck 9500 SXT the right choice?
If you want to compare this water softener with others that might fit your needs, try this calculator to find your perfect match.
Try The Calculator
About the nerds who wrote this.
Bill Brasky
Editor and Writer
Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs. Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.
Bill Brasky
Editor and Writer
Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs. Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.
Bill Brasky
Editor and Writer
Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs. Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.
About the Author
Bill Brasky
Editor and Writer
Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs. Input your text here! The text element is intended for longform copy that could potentially include multiple paragraphs.
Read More
This is the accordion body content. It is typically best to keep this area short and to the point so it isn’t too overwhelming.