Pelican / Pentair
Pelican PSE1800 NaturSoft Review (2026)
City-water homes prioritizing scale control without salt
Whole House Water Treatment is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Not sure which system fits your home?
Six questions, tailored to your city's real water data. No email.
Type
Salt-free conditioner (TAC)
Flow rate
12
Warranty
12 year tank
Maintenance
TAC media replacement every 5-6 years
Price tier
$$$
Best for
City-water homes prioritizing scale control without salt
Key specifications
Salt-free TAC media, no electricity, no backwash
Our take
The Pelican PSE1800 NaturSoft is a strong fit for city-water homes prioritizing scale control without salt. As with any whole-house treatment decision, the right choice depends on your incoming water (hardness, chlorine vs. chloramine, any flagged contaminants) and the size of your home. If you haven't already, check your local water-quality data before committing.
What problem does it solve?
Pentair-built salt-free scale prevention using NaturSoft TAC media certified by DVGW for 99.6% scale reduction. Designed to protect tankless heaters and fixtures without softener slipperiness or salt.
Who is this for?
Homes with 4-6 bathrooms on moderately hard city water that prefer a salt-free approach, especially in regions with salt-discharge bans.
Pros
- WQA-certified salt-free scale control
- No salt, no electricity, no drain water
- Legal in salt-discharge ban areas
- Easy DIY install
- Pentair brand backing
Cons
- Does not technically remove hardness
- Less effective above about 25 gpg
- No softened water feel
- Media replacement every 5 to 6 years
Can I install this myself?
Easy DIY (1-2 hours)
NaturSoft is a single salt-free tank, similar in install to the SpringWell FutureSoft. No drain, no electricity, no brine tank. Cut into the main, install the bypass and unions, and you are done in 1 to 2 hours.
What are the running costs I should foresee?
Essentially nothing year to year. The NaturSoft media is rated for 5 to 6 years before a refresh.
Frequently asked questions
+Who is the Pelican PSE1800 for?
Homeowners on moderately hard city water who want WQA-certified salt-free scale control from a long-established brand. Good fit for California and Texas homes with salt-discharge restrictions.
+How does it differ from the SpringWell FutureSoft?
Both use Template-Assisted Crystallization media and both are easy DIY installs. Pelican (now under Pentair) is the older brand with WQA certification on its media. SpringWell typically prices slightly lower and offers a lifetime warranty on the tank.
+Can I install this myself?
Yes; it is one of the easiest whole-house installs available. No drain, no power, no brine tank. Plan 1 to 2 hours.
+What are the running costs?
Essentially zero. No salt, no electricity, no backwash. Media refresh roughly every 5 to 6 years.
+Will it soften the water?
No; it conditions hardness rather than removing it. Your water will still test hard but scale will not form on fixtures and inside heaters.
Ready to look at current pricing?
We don't display prices on this site because the manufacturer changes them frequently.