Pick the Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 if your household or hardness needs more capacity and you want a named valve with easy-to-find parts. Pick the iSpring WCS45KG if you prefer iSpring's support and parts and its stated figures suit your water.
The central trade-off
Grain rating. Fleck 5600SXT 48,000: 48,000 grains; iSpring WCS45KG: 45,000 grains.
At an efficient salt setting. About 36,000 grains for the Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 and 33,800 for the iSpring WCS45KG between regenerations (three quarters of each rating). Check both against your water.
Control valve. The Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 names its valve (Fleck 5600SXT), so its parts are easy to match later; the other listing doesn't name one.
Side by side
| Specification | Fleck 5600SXT 48,000-Grain Water Softener | iSpring WCS45KG 45,000-Grain Water Softener |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Not stated by the maker | Not stated by the maker |
| Grain rating | 48,000 grains | 45,000 grains |
| Service flow | Not stated by the maker | Not stated by the maker |
| Control valve | Fleck 5600 SXT | Not stated by the maker |
| Resin | 1.5 cu ft | Not stated by the maker |
| Dimensions | 15"L x 28"W x 62"H | 13"L x 22.5"W x 50.5"H |
| Shipping weight | 53 lb | 115 lb |
| Warranty | Not stated by the maker | Not stated by the maker |
Values are the makers' published specifications. "Not stated" means the maker doesn't publish it.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Fleck 5600SXT 48,000-Grain Water Softener if
- Your household or hardness needs more capacity
- You want a named valve with easy-to-find parts
Choose the iSpring WCS45KG 45,000-Grain Water Softener if
- You prefer iSpring's support and parts
- Its stated figures suit your water