I got a Kinetico water softener from The Tri-Cities Water Store. I was contacted by a representative shortly after moving into my new home. I made an appointment to talk to him at a later time, but meantime did my research. Originally, I wasn't sure I even needed a water softener, but everyone (builder, real estate agent, friends in the area) seemed to think I did. In addition, I was convinced from my online research that the Kinetico system was a good one. So before the rep came, I was pretty sure I was going to buy it. He came. He did all his little experiments with the water. He made his point, but frankly I am not impressed by all that hoopla. Easy to fake and of dubious value, in my opinion. I was even more unimpressed by his ability to answer my questions -- questions that I formulated after reading the flyer that was left on my door knob. A lot of mumbling, but the upshot is that the (writ HUGE) "$9.50 per month" option is EXTREMELY misleading and, basically, a lie. Ditto the "No Salt" claim if you are looking to save yourself from schlepping 40 pound bags of salt. I was starting to think I had gotten involved with shysters ... but, as I said, I had done some research and so I decided to go ahead. But now, here is the point where I almost backed out. I have a policy of backing out at statements like this. He said "If you commit today, I'll throw in free installation!" Pressure like that says "shyster" like nothing else. That is saying "I don't want you to look around and do comparisons!" I was already about to spend over $6000 and he is telling me that doesn't usually include installation, but if I ACT NOW, it will? I don't think he realized how close I was to walking away. I was pushing my chair back. But as I said, I had already decided I was going to get it, and I sure wanted this checked off of my long list of things I had to do in the new house. So, in spite of himself, he made the sale. Everything from there on was great. The installers were professional, competent, and so nice. They answered all my questions, even when I had to ask multiple times. They didn't rush me at all. I hope the home service is as easy as they claim, because I will be calling them again. So I have lots of stars for them in practice, and I have been happy enough with my water quality (not that I am seeing much difference), but stars down for the pressured and misleading sales pitch. read more