Best Water Filter Pitchers For Hard Water [Buyers Guide]


Water filter pitchers are one of the most common filtration devices in homes these days. Their small size and portability make them highly convenient. But can they be used for hard water?

The thing about water filter pitchers is that there’s an immense variety of them in the market, and not many are that good. Things get further complicated if you’re dealing with hard water.

Buying Guide

If you’re looking for a water filter pitcher specifically for hard water, there are a few things to consider.

To soften the water, they must deal with the minerals that cause water hardness – primarily, calcium and magnesium

Filter Type

Not all filters are capable of reducing calcium and magnesium in water. For instance, most water filter pitchers contain carbon filters, which are good for chlorine and other impurities but not all minerals or heavy metals. 

For hard water, your best bet is ion exchange.

Water softener appliances also use ion exchange technology with salt-based resin beads. While ion exchange in water filter pitchers may be small scale in comparison, it can help absorb the excessive minerals causing the hardness problem. 

Many pitchers, like on this list, have multiple filters, which is ultimately what you want when dealing with hard water. This way, you can ensure all contaminants and minerals that are causing water to taste or smell bad are removed in one go. 

Filter Replacement

Pay attention to filter life and replacement as pitchers often require filter replacements more frequently than other filtration devices. Also, ensure that the filters are readily available. Otherwise, purchase filter replacements in bulk in advance. 

Also, factor in filter replacement costs to see how much it will cost you in a month or over a year. To select the right model, add this cost on top of the one-time buying cost. Generally speaking, you can easily find a quality pitcher for under $70. 

8 Best Water Filter Pitchers for Hard Water

As many people use water softeners for hard water in their homes, water filter pitchers are seldom advertised for treating hard water. That can make it difficult to find such pitchers. 

Below, you can find water filter pitchers that can work with hard water and make it soft:

1. Brita Weiß Marella XL Water Filter Jug

The ion exchange filter in the Brita Marella XL works to reduce the concentration of these hardness-causing minerals, making the water soft.

Brita is one of the most well-known brands in the water filter world, especially when it comes to water filter pitchers. This particular model, Marella XL, is a large one and can filter 2.4 liters at a time. However, the total capacity is 3.5 liters.  

This one features a Brita Maxtra+ filter, which is one of their best. This filter is an ion exchange filter filled with micro carbon pearls. This filter doesn’t just remove minerals, but also organic impurities as well as chlorine, thanks to the carbon pearls. 

You will feel a considerable improvement in the taste of water, even if you’re dealing with very hard water with very high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. This can work for both city and well water.

The life of the filter is 100 liters, which for a small family means filter cartridge replacement in four weeks. However, the good thing is that this one has an electronic memo reminder system that tells you just in time that it’s time to replace the cartridge. 

Although large in size, it can fit into a medium or large refrigerator. The flip-top lid makes it easier to fill in the water. Only this lid isn’t dishwasher-safe. The rest of the water filter jug can be washed easily in a dishwasher. 

Pros

Large capacity

Ion-exchange filter with carbon pearls

Filter replacement reminder

Noticeable taste improvement

Dishwasher-safe (except lid)

Cons

The filter can run out quickly if used frequently

Latest deal: Brita weiß Marella XL Water Filter Jug

2. GeekPure 6-Stage Filter Pitcher

The GeekPure 6-Stage Filter Pitcher is an effective way to quickly make hard water more drinkable. With a micron rating of 0.01, it’s capable of removing many contaminants and excess minerals from water. In fact, it claims to reduce water hardness by 99 %

In addition to reducing the hardness of water, it can also remove cadmium, arsenic, mercury, fluoride, and chlorine. 

The six-stage filtration system employs a very thin hollow fiber membrane that removes even the tiniest of particles.

Before that, there’s stainless steel strainer layer, activated carbon layer, calcium sulfite ball, soft resin layer, and sediment filter layer. The soft resin stage is responsible for reducing the hardness through ion exchange. 

Also, it’s an SGS-certified filter, and it doesn’t hurt that the manufacturing brand is a member Water Quality Association (WQA).

The filter has a lifetime of 40 gallons or 60 days, which is comparable with the filter life of more popular water filter pitcher brands like Brita. However, it is substantially less than ClearlyFiltered (~100 gallons), or EpicWater (~150 gallons). 

This purchase of yours will also be protected by a one-year warranty. This warranty covers the pitcher in case it breaks. 

As for the capacity of the pitcher, it’s 2.2 liters, which is good enough for two to three individuals in a home.

The water comes out when you press the lid, which is easy to do. This also means that the water doesn’t spill even when the pitcher drops, as the lid is locked. 

The feed water tank capacity is one liter only, so at a time, you can add no more than a liter. Once that liter has been filtered, you can add more water. 

Pros

BPA-free plastic pitcher

Multi filtration stages along with water softening

Decent filter life with normal use

Very easy to use

One-year warranty

Cons

Takes a few minutes to filter

Latest deal: GeekPure 6-Stage Filter Pitcher

3. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher

If you’re looking for a water filter pitcher that doesn’t completely strip water of all the calcium and magnesium (the hardness-causing minerals), you should go for Aquagear Water Filter.

Its filtration technology maintains an alkaline pH by keeping acceptable amounts of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. 

The company claims that its pitchers can remove more contaminants than their competitors. These contaminants include microplastics, lead, chlorine, PFOA/PFOS, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and herbicides.

So it’s good for both city municipal water and well water, which contain different but many contaminants. 

The fact that this product is made in the US and tested by an ISO-certified third-party lab makes it a trustable purchase.

Its filter can last for a whopping 120 gallons. So you won’t have to replace it anytime soon.

It’s comparatively a little pricier than some of the other pitchers on the list, but the long filter life makes up for it. 

This company also gives a lifetime guarantee for this product (not the filter). Therefore, it’s a safe purchase that will last you a long time. 

Pros

Powerful filtration

BPA-free plastic

Long filter life

Simple design with ergonomic handle

Lifetime guarantee

Cons

Pricey

Latest deal: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher

4. Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher

For slightly hard water, the Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher may just do the job. It features the standard Brita filter, designed for water pitchers exclusively.

This filter, in turn, uses several filtration methods, including ion exchange resin, which can target excess minerals like calcium, magnesium, cadmium, etc. 

It also has activated carbon, which removes chlorine. While you may think hard water tastes bad, wait till you taste chlorinated water.

Not only does it taste bad but it also smells unpleasant. So this pitcher can shoot two birds with one stone. 

As is usual with Brita water filter pitchers, this one is also made of BPA-free plastic. With a 10-cup capacity, the pitcher size is appropriate enough to fit into a refrigerator.

So not only do you get softer, pleasant-tasting water, you can also get it chiller by directly placing the pitcher in the fridge. 

Brita recommends changing filters every two months (40 gallons), but the exact time may vary depending on use. If you fill-up the pitcher multiple times a day, you may have to replace it sooner.

A slight change in the taste of the water will indicate that it’s time to replace the filters. Make sure to discard the first three pitchers when you get the pitcher the first time and after every filter replacement. 

Since it uses a standard Brita filter, you can easily find it online on marketplaces, retailers, and even Brita’s own website. 

Pros

High-quality filtration

Better taste and smell of water

Ion exchange resin help reduce hardness

Easily replaceable filters

BPA-free pitcher

Cons

Not for large families/offices

Requires regular cleaning

Latest deal: Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher

5. Aqualka Alkaline Water Pitcher

If you’re looking for something highly comprehensive for filtration with a pitcher, this Aqualka Alkaline Water Pitcher offers a whopping seven-stage filtration. Its filtration technologies include activated carbon, ion exchange resin, tourmaline, and mineral balls. 

The activated carbon, of course, removes the chlorine. The ion exchange can help remove excess minerals and metals in the water. It also removes zinc, copper, and lead  (up to 90 percent). 

The resultant water has a higher pH, i.e., it’s more alkaline. This means that the water wouldn’t be stripped of all the essential minerals that are actually good for you. Normal water softeners remove them entirely, making the water not so nutrient-rich. 

Another addition to the filtration in this pitcher are ceramic stones that reduce the size of H2O molecules. This is called micro-clustering and what this does is that it increases water’s absorption in your body. Although not necessary, this feature does give it an edge over other pitchers. 

The pitcher is made of BPA-free plastic and has a capacity of 3.5 liters. What’s more impressive is the filter life. This multi-stage filter can last for up to 105 gallons or 400 liters. Depending on your use, this could mean months of use before needing to change the filter. 

Furthermore, it also has an easy-pour ergonomic handle, which adds to the convenience. You can easily pour a glass even when the pitcher is filled to full capacity. 

Pros

Improves water quality significantly

Doesn’t lose alkalinity of water

Long filter life

Food-grade BPA-free plastic jug

Ergonomic handle and design

Cons

The plastic is quite lightweight

Hard to figure out if the filter needs replacement

Latest deal: Aqualka Alkaline Water Pitcher

6. Nakii by Aquaphor Water Filter Pitcher

The Nakii Water Filter Pitcher by Aquaphor is an innovative filter pitcher with a proprietary filter system called the A5 filter. This A5 filter uses Aqualen technology and filters water in eight different stages. 

The Aqualen technology quickly removes heavy metals, while the ion exchange resin in the filter deals with excess minerals. It can also effectively reduce limescale in water, which is often the result of hard water and is a common occurrence in households with hard well water. 

In addition to heavy metals and hardness-causing minerals, the filter is also capable of removing sand, silt, and other sediment particles (undissolved contaminants), which are, again, very common in well water. 

It can also remove colloidal iron from the water, which is yet again, a well water problem. So it’s safe to say that this particular water filter pitcher would be a great choice for those who use well water. 

The capacity of the pitcher is 17 cups, which is pretty good for a small to medium-sized family. The filter life is 1479 cups, but don’t worry, you don’t have to keep a tab on your water drinking.

It does have a built-in indicator that indicates filter replacement, and it doesn’t require batteries either. 

While this has nothing to do with the performance of this pitcher, it must be appreciated for its elegant design.

It looks like a pretty glass jug, even though it’s made from plastic. That plastic is, by the way, BPA-free and safe to use. 

Pros

Reliable multi-stage filtration

Generous capacity

Great for well water

Filter change indicator

Made in EU

Very affordable price

Cons

Filter replacements are hard to find

Latest deal: Nakii by Aquaphor Water Filter Pitcher

7. pH Replenish Glass Water Filter Pitcher

The pH Replenish Glass Water Filter Pitcher by Invigorated Water is a beautiful glass jug pitcher designed to soften water while still maintaining its alkalinity. It comes with an on-the-go pH filter that keeps water pH optimal (pH 10). 

This model uses a unique blend of 10 filter technologies that target many common contaminants.

Plus, its ion exchange resin can reduce the concentration of calcium and magnesium, making the water softer and improving its taste at the same time. 

It can also remove chlorine, chloramines, and free radicals, which are common in city water. As a result, the taste and smell of water improve considerably. 

The filter pouch has a lifetime of 400 liters or 105 gallons, which is more than decent and comparable with several other filter pitchers on this list. As for the capacity, it can easily filter 1.8 liters, which is good for a small family. 

Made of borosilicate glass, the jug is the ultimate highlight of this water filter pitcher. With a curvaceous silhouette, the jug looks aesthetically pleasing. You can place it in the fridge as well to cool, and since it’s glass, it will cool rapidly. 

This brand is also a member of the Water Quality Association (WQA) and as a result, they ensure the materials used in the pitcher are safe for humans. 

All you need to do is place the filter pouch in the filter housing, which is made of metal. Place the housing first, add the bag, fill in water, and close the lid. 

While it softens water, it also remineralizes it, so there is still some calcium, magnesium, and other minerals left that your body needs every day to function healthily. 

You can also use it with boiling hot water, as the glass and other parts of the pitcher have a high-temperature resistance (up to 400 degrees Celsius). 

Pros

Beautiful glass body

Easy to use

Softens water effectively

Can be refrigerated

Long-lasting filter pouch

Cons

Filter replacement is not available everywhere

Latest deal: pH Replenish Glass Water Filter Pitcher

8. ZeroWater 20 Cup Ready Dispenser

Ok, so this is not a pitcher but the ZeroWater 20 Cup Ready Dispenser Filter is another large capacity water filter that essentially removes the need to pick up the pitcher every time you need water. You can simply place it on a countertop or table and fill up your glass when need be. 

The highlight of this dispenser is its filter with a five-stage filtration system. While it doesn’t explicitly state that it can soften the water, the multi-layer filtration system can remove up to 99.6% of dissolved substances.

What this means is that it can also filter out dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause the water to be hard, thanks to its ion exchange filter layer. 

Other than that, it can also remove inorganic compounds and visible particles. It can also remove lead and other heavy metals from water. In fact, it’s NSF-certified for this type of filtration (NSF/ANSI Standard 53). 

What really sets this model apart from the rest is that there’s a TDS meter that measures and indicates the quality of water. This is located right above the spigot, so as you fill up a glass, you can also measure the quality of your water. 

The TDS meter also comes in handy for finding out when it’s time to replace the filter. Generally, this filter can last for up to six months with normal use, which is quite long for any filter.

You can easily find the replacement filter online, and per filter cost is not more than about 15 bucks each

In terms of capacity, it’s pretty generous and suitable for a medium-sized family (four to five people).

The 20-cup capacity is complemented by the ready-pour technology. Unlike other water filter pitchers, it doesn’t take forever to tickle down the water through the filter. 

Pros

Fast filtration

Long-lasting filter

Dispenser-style with spigot

Multi-stage filtration

NSF-certified for lead removal

Water-quality TDS meter also included

Cons

Not very portable

The lid is a little tight

Latest deal: ZeroWater 20 Cup Ready Dispenser

Which Water Filter Pitchers can Remove Calcium?

Water filter pitchers with ion exchange filters or resins are capable of removing calcium from water.

Water Filter Pitcher vs. Water Softener

Hard water can be quite a nuisance because it can cause limescale build-up in plumbing fixtures, appliances and on hard surfaces. Plus, it can make the water taste a little weird and some people prefer not to drink water high in calcium for medical reasons.

Hard water also makes it more difficult to wash clothes and dishes as soap will not lather well.

The latter is not really an issue with drinking water, but a high concentration of certain minerals and subsequent bad taste definitely is a problem when drinking water. 

While some water filter pitchers can soften water, it may not be enough if you have very hard water.

Water softeners are different from filter pitchers or filtration systems, as their job and working are totally different. 

So, for a more permanent solution, you’ll need a dedicated water softener, which can be point-of-use at the drinking water faucet or point-of-entry, essentially softening water for the whole house or building. 

Conclusion

Water filter pitchers for hard water help to reduce the concentration of calcium and magnesium. Hard water is more of a problem with well water than city water. If you’re on well water, such a filter pitcher can make water safer to drink. 

However, keep in mind, if the water is too hard, you’re better off investing in a water softener. You can then pair that with an alkaline water pitcher that adds these essential minerals back into the water. After all, you need healthy water that has all the nutrients in the right capacity. 

Russell Singleton

Russell has a Bachelor of Science (Environmental and Marine Geoscience) with Class I Honors. He is currently completing his doctorate in science and is passionate about all earth processes, especially isotope geochemistry and paleohydrology.

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