Typical water filtration services: Whole-home water softener, Reverse osmosis (RO) system, Well water treatment, +4 more
What to Compare
Culligan is the full-service local-dealer model — they design, install, service, and maintain your system with a local franchise. Aquasana is the DIY/installer-of-your-choice model — you buy direct, hire a plumber to install, and own the system outright.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Culligan
Features and considerations
- Local dealer handles install, service, and salt delivery
- Rent-to-own option available (no upfront cost)
Limits and questions
- Brand-locked replacement parts (proprietary cartridges)
Aquasana
Features and considerations
- No ongoing service contract or salt delivery
Limits and questions
- Replacement filters bought online — no local service relationship
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Culligan | Aquasana | |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Model | Local Culligan franchise dealer | Direct-to-consumer (Amazon, aquasana.com) |
| Typical Florida Cost (whole-house + softener) | Request an itemized quote for Culligan; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for Aquasana; compare the same scope and payment period. |
| Ongoing Cost | Request an itemized quote for Culligan; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for Aquasana; compare the same scope and payment period. |
| Softening Method | Traditional ion-exchange (uses salt) | Ask the Aquasana provider to document softening method for the exact offer. |
| Well Water Handling | Ask the Culligan provider to document well water handling for the exact offer. | Limited — add iron/sulfur pre-filters separately |
| RO Drinking Water Add-On | Ask the Culligan provider to document ro drinking water add-on for the exact offer. | Ask the Aquasana provider to document ro drinking water add-on for the exact offer. |
| Warranty | Ask the Culligan provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Aquasana provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Fit for your project | Ask the Culligan provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Aquasana provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get true softening or salt-free for Florida water?
Compare Culligan and Aquasana on sales model, typical florida cost, ongoing cost, using the actual models or local proposals. Ask for supporting documentation and a written explanation of how the proposed option meets your needs.
Will Aquasana handle Florida well water?
Aquasana’s default Rhino whole-house filter handles chlorine, chloramine, and some VOCs but NOT iron, sulfur (rotten-egg smell), or high TDS.
Is the Culligan rent-to-own contract a good deal?
If you can finance the system directly or pay cash, you’ll save thousands. The rent-to-own works only if you genuinely can’t qualify for any other financing.
Which is more common in Florida?
Culligan has 30+ local franchise locations across Florida and is the dominant brand in well-water-heavy regions (rural Pasco, Polk, Marion counties). Aquasana has no physical Florida presence — you buy direct online — but is widely used by homeowners doing DIY whole-house installs.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.
- EPA: selecting water-treatment systems — Treatment-selection guidance; not current prices, warranties or brand test results.
Browse Florida Water Filtration Listings
These public listings share the broad water filtration category. Inclusion does not confirm that a business supplies the products or specialist services discussed above. Ask about the exact work, credentials and current availability before requesting a quote.
Typical water filtration services: Whole-home water softener, Reverse osmosis (RO) system, Well water treatment, +4 more
Typical water filtration services: Whole-home water softener, Reverse osmosis (RO) system, Well water treatment, +4 more
Simple Water Service
ClaimTypical water filtration services: Whole-home water softener, Reverse osmosis (RO) system, Well water treatment, +4 more
Typical water filtration services: Whole-home water softener, Reverse osmosis (RO) system, Well water treatment, +4 more
Cuttings Water Works
ClaimTypical water filtration services: Whole-home water softener, Reverse osmosis (RO) system, Well water treatment, +4 more