big box stuff is crap, and Kinetico etc. are overpriced fooey.

Look for a system with a Fleck vlave, they are very durable. I installed a replacement in our home myself for about $500. http://www.qualitywaterforless.com/Default.asp

Properly calibrated you won't feel that slimyness some experience, and I go through about 20-30# of salt a month.

You'd better do a water test first to determine what substances should be reduced first in hard water. Hard water containing high iron should use a water softener such as Fleck Iron Pro 2 Combination, and medium hardness water is sufficient to use Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain. The size of the population and the price of the product should all be considered.

That unit will not soften water. It is similar to a Britta or refrigerator filter. It will remove chlorine and organics, but not hardness. And it will grow microorganisms really well to spray all over you and your family.

Just add some anti-freeze to your water heater and that should work