Kinetico Signature Series® FAQ

What is a Kinetico Signature Series water softener?

Kinetico Signature Series® is a line of non-electric, twin-tank water softeners that provide an unlimited supply of soft water at an economical price. They're modeled after Kinetico's original twin-tank, non-electric softeners, which have solved water problems for millions of people worldwide for decades.

Signature Series softeners remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium, along with soluble iron, which helps prevent scale and stains on appliances, fixtures, and clothing. They're powered by moving water, regenerate based on actual water use, and clean themselves with soft water. The line includes the Signature Series 735 and 935, and a local Kinetico dealer can test your water and recommend the right model for your home.

How does a Signature Series softener work without electricity?

A Kinetico Signature Series® softener is powered by the energy of moving water, not electricity. As water flows through the system, it drives a built-in water meter and Kinetico's patented non-electric control valve. The meter tracks how much water your household uses.

When one tank's resin needs cleaning, the valve automatically switches service to the other tank and starts regeneration, so a simple flush of the toilet or run of the faucet can trigger it.

There's nothing to plug in, no buttons to push, and no timers to set or reset. The softener regenerates more often when you have a house full of guests and may not regenerate at all while you're on vacation.

What is the difference between the Signature Series 735 and 935?

The main difference between the Kinetico Signature Series® 735 and 935 is tank size, which determines how much hardness each model can handle. The 735 has 7" x 35" tanks with 0.50 cubic feet of softening media per tank and handles up to 40 grains per gallon (gpg) of compensated hardness.

The 935 has larger 9" x 35" tanks with 0.75 cubic feet of media per tank, 50% more, and handles up to 60 gpg. Both models are non-electric, twin-tank, and on-demand, and both operate at 15 to 125 psi and 35 to 120°F. Your Kinetico dealer will recommend a model based on your water hardness, iron, and household water use.

What is compensated hardness, and why does it matter for choosing a model?

Compensated hardness is your water's total hardness, adjusted for other conditions such as iron that affect how hard a softener has to work. It's measured in grains per gallon (gpg). Water with as little as 1 gpg is considered slightly hard, and 10.5 gpg or more is very hard.

The Kinetico Signature Series® 735 is rated for up to 40 gpg of compensated hardness, and the 935 for up to 60 gpg. Because iron and household water use also affect sizing, the best way to choose is a free water test. Your dealer then sets the softener's SmartDisk™ to accommodate your specific water conditions.

Does the Signature Series remove iron?

Yes. Kinetico Signature Series® softeners remove soluble iron, along with hardness, from the water entering your home. Soluble iron is iron that's dissolved in water, often from a private well, and it can leave orange or brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes.

How much iron a Signature Series softener can remove depends on the type and concentration of iron and other water conditions, so a water test is the best way to know. If your water contains iron, Kinetico highly recommends salt with an iron-cleaning additive, or adding an iron-cleaning compound to the brine tank. This keeps iron from fouling the resin and keeps the system in optimal condition.

Is the Kinetico Signature Series certified?

Yes. Kinetico Signature Series® water softeners are tested and certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) against NSF/ANSI 44, NSF/ANSI 372, and CSA Standard B483.1 for specific performance claims, as verified and substantiated by test data. NSF/ANSI 44 is the industry standard for residential water softeners.

NSF/ANSI 372 covers lead content in materials that contact drinking water, and CSA B483.1 is the Canadian standard for drinking water treatment systems. Independent certification means the claims are backed by third-party testing, not just manufacturer data. Signature Series softeners are also made in the USA and backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

What maintenance does a Signature Series softener need?

A Kinetico Signature Series® softener needs very little maintenance: mainly keeping salt in the brine tank. Refill it anytime before water is visible in the brine tank, using a high-quality salt made for water softeners, never rock salt or solar salt. If you'd prefer potassium chloride, contact your local Kinetico dealer about the recommended adjustments.

If your system has an optional in-line filter, replace the cartridge when your water pressure begins to gradually drop. Occasionally check for salt bridging, a hard crust that can form with high humidity, low salt use, or potassium chloride. If your water contains iron, use salt with an iron-cleaning additive. Your Kinetico dealer can also recommend a schedule of periodic maintenance.

What is the difference between Kinetico Signature Series and Premier XP softeners?

Kinetico Signature Series® and Premier XP® are both non-electric, twin-tank Kinetico water softeners that regenerate on demand using soft water. Signature Series softeners are modeled after Kinetico's original twin-tank design and offer reliable, economical soft water, with a SmartDisk™ set to your water conditions. Premier XP is Kinetico's upgraded line.

It adds the patent-pending XP feature for more precise calibration, generous flow rates for larger plumbing and high water use, Overdrive® models rated the world's most efficient by WQA testing, and combination systems that also reduce chlorine or chloramine. A local independent, authorized Kinetico dealer can test your water and help you choose the right line for your home and budget.