Anyone have water softener know how?

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I was in the business for quite a while, both in service and sales. That being said, it depends on the actual unit as far as longevity and serviceability. We have to install them inside here, due to the lovely habit of running out of digits in the winter months, but I imagine you want to shelter it as best as possible from the elements, particularly if it is an electronic head versus a mechanical or simple electric timer. There are many scam water "treatments" out there, and quite frankly, they simply don't work. Ion exchange is pretty much where it is at now. The big differences in price should be valve components (brass and teflon vs. plastic and rubber seals, for instance, capacity, and a metered system rather than calendar. If you can send me some info on the equipment, I will try to evaluate them for you and help you make a decision as best I am able.