well it sounds like your water must be around 15 grains or less. do get that number, any softener salesman worth a poop will ask the same questions i did. i havent heard of the brand names you mentioned but that doesnt mean they arent good ones. ONLY buy a softener that is automatic demand regeneration, that means that it only regenerates when you have used a certain # of gallons. say your on vacation, it will know that you are not using water and just wait. but… if you get alot of company or your kid comes home from college with all his laundry, the softener will know that your using more water and compensate. the result is a constant supply of soft water with great salt efficiency! buy from a reputable dealer who stocks repair parts. jack