1. Salt-free water "softeners" do not soften water. They are pretty good at separating folks from their money, but that is all.

2. That Clack system is too small. If you were only using the place for a few weeks total it would probably be fine, but since you are there half the year, you want one twice that size - 2 cubic ft or resin.

3. Kinetico is different for a whole bunch of reasons, so the units will be smaller, if space is a premium. For a place that sits idle, they are a nice option. However, they will be way more expensive.

An RO will remove the GenX toxin. Without knowing the specific chemistry of the chemical, it is difficult to say exactly what percentage will be removed. However, given its origin, removal efficiency should be quite high.

There are certain things to look for when purchasing a softener (these don't apply to Kinetico):

1. High quality American or German made resin. This will provide a
   tight size distribution for optimal flow within the resin, longer
   resin life, and more reliable, predicable water softening.

2. If you have WELL WATER: 8% crosslinked resin. If you have CITY WATER: 10% crosslinked resin. The oxidizers
   that city water treatment plants use, such as chlorine or chloramine,
   are harmful to softener resins. Higher crosslinking will resist
   chemical attack longer.

3. Top basket (nice to have for well water, required for city water). This serves two purposes. It sets up a proper water
distribution during normal operation and prevents resin loss during
backwash.

4. Gravel underbed. The gravel underbed is there to set up proper flow
   patterns, improve backwash, keep the bottom basket in place, prevent
   basket failure, and prevent channeling. Many softener sales
   companies like to leave this out or sell softeners with a vortex
   system instead. Vortex systems weigh less than gravel so they cost
   less to ship. In addition, they are a more expensive item that adds
   profit for the softener salesperson, but provides no additional
   benefit to the homeowner . It simply adds another piece of equipment
   that can break.

5. Fleck or Clack valves. These set the industry standard. Be aware
   that you will not be able to purchase Clack valves online. This is
   not a problem if you purchase locally.

6. The valve should regen based on water usage, not time.

Install the softener with a three-valve bypass. This will make it
much easier if you ever need to remove the softener for repairs or
wish to take it with you when you move. Use full-port, quarter-turn
valves.

7. Noryl bypass. Most softeners are available with either Noryl or
   stainless bypass valves. Both are good valves, but the noryl tends
   to be more reliable when not used for long periods of time. This is
   a redundancy if you install with a proper three-valve bypass. I
   prefer a bit of redundancy but it is your call.

8. Brine tank: Although either round or square will work, round brine
   tanks are more structurally sound and will not deform like a square
   tank will. Additionally, if you need a softener 1.5 cuft or larger,
   a square tank will most likely be too small.

9. If you live in a cold climate, ensure equipment is stored in a
   climate-controlled environment. Frozen softener resin is damaged
   softener resin.

Purchase a Hach 5-B test kit. You will want to periodically check
to ensure your softener is working correctly and this kit is your
best option.

Additionally, you should purchase a Hach 5-B test kit. You will want to periodically check to ensure your softener is working correctly and this kit is your best option.