NuvoH2O Reviews
NuvoH2O is an “As Seen on TV” water softening system that uses Citryne to treat hard water and to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits that can cause damage to your plumbing system and appliances.
About NuvoH2O
Based out of Kaysville, UT, the NuvoH2O water softening system claims to “harness the power of citrus” to help prevent the buildup of scale in your plumbing system and water-based appliances. As a result, it claims to “renew the life and performance” of your plumbing system and to help you save thousands of dollars per year.
As a company, NuvoH2O holds an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, and only five closed complaints within the past three years. Regarding the company’s products, online sentiment appears to be mostly positive, though the most common complaints we encountered included that it is not an ideal solution in all areas of the country, high price, and that the system only reduces pH and prevents buildup, but doesn’t actually soften your water.
How NuvoH2O Works
According to the NuvoH2O website, “hard” water, which contains high concentrations of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, can be deposited on any surface they come in contact with. Over time they can slowly build up and form “scales, which are crusty deposits that can wreak all sorts of havoc, including clogging and corroding your plumbing system, as well as your water-based appliances.
To combat this, NuvoH2O systems use an FDA approved, food-based chelant known as Citryne to keep these “hard” minerals soluble, and to prevent them from depositing onto the inside of your plumbing. The company claims that this eco-friendly technology was developed based on more than 30 years of experience within the commercial water treatment industry, and that it can add up to 30% to the life of your water-based appliances.
Unlike many other water softening systems on the market, NuvoH2O claims to not only remove the buildup of scale but to also prevent it from occurring in the future. Its compact (6" x 24") design also uses up to four times less water than comparable systems, requires no electricity to operate, and will not cause the taste of your water to change.
The NuvoH2O system is available in three different models, depending on the size of your home:
- Nuvo Studio System – Ideal for homes under 1,000sqft.
- Nuvo Home System – Ideal for homes between 1,000 and 2,000sqft.
- Nuvo Manor System – Ideal for homes over 2,000sqft.
Based on the information provided on the product’s website, installation may take as little as one hour (depending on the pipe configuration in your home), though professional installation is recommended if pipe rerouting is required. If you need professional assistance, you can also call 877-688-6420 for installer recommendations in your area. For complete installation instructions, please click here.
Since the NuvoH2O system is citrus-based (versus salt-based), you’ll simply need to change your cartridge once every six months for the Home and Manor systems, or every 3 months for the Studio system. The company claims there are several models of cartridges available depending on the hardness level of your water, and should only take you 60 seconds to replace.
NuvoH2O Pricing and Refund Policy
NuvoH2O claims that their systems cost 50–80% less than many of their competitors and that it can help an average family of four to save more than $2,000 per year. With this in mind, pricing directly through the company is as follows, and includes free shipping:
Nuvo Studio System:
- Option 1 – Initial processing fee of $29.95. After 30 days, you’ll be billed three monthly installments of $166.33, totaling $528.94.
- Option 2 – Single payment of $474 (savings of $54.94).
Nuvo Home System:
- Option 1 – Initial non-refundable processing fee of $29.95. After 30 days, you’ll be billed three monthly installments of $233, totaling $728.95.
- Option 2 – Single payment of $649 (savings of $79.95).
Nuvo Manor System:
- Option 1 – Initial non-refundable processing fee of $29.95. After 30 days, you’ll be billed three monthly installments of $333, totaling $1,028.95.
- Option 2 – Single payment of $949 (savings of $79.95).
Replacement cartridges will cost you between $49.95 and $89.95, depending on which system you choose. In addition to the manufacturer, NuvoH2O systems and cartridges are also available through Amazon.com, as well as numerous other online retailers.
All NuvoH2O systems come with a no-questions-asked 90-day money back guarantee, less shipping and handling charges. Systems also come with a fairly comprehensive lifetime warranty, and full details can be found here.
Bottom Line: Is NuvoH2O Worth It?
While the product appears to have a primarily positive online reputation, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind prior to ordering.
First of all, the NuvoH2O softening system is an “As Seen on TV” product, which tend to have lower levels of customer satisfaction that many other types of products, for a wide variety of reasons. Some of the most common complaints we encountered during our research included a high price, that it is not an ideal solution in all areas of the country, and that the system only reduces pH and prevents buildup, but doesn’t actually soften your water (more about this below).
Second, while Citryne—the primary active ingredient in NuvoH2O systems—is claimed to be food-based and FDA-approved, we were unable to find any information about the product through the FDA website, or online. However, this could be due to the fact that Citryne is a patented brand, and the chemicals contained therein are what has been approved by the FDA. It should be noted that, even though the NuvoH2O website claims Citryne doesn’t cause any change in your water’s taste, we encountered numerous customers complaining of a “chemical” taste in their water immediately after installation, and even seeing their water turn blue for the first few days.
Next, calling the NuvoH2O a water softening system isn’t exactly correct. This is because a water softener works by dissolving and removing minerals, while the NuvoH2O simply uses Citryne to bind these minerals together and to prevent them from building up within your plumbing system.
This is important because if you’re expecting to experience truly “soft” water after installing your NuvoH2O, you’re likely to be disappointed. Also, it’s interesting to note that the company uses pH, which is a measure of acidity, to gauge whether or not their systems are performing as intended in your home. This is unusual because the level (parts per million) of mineral content is what determines “hardness” or “softness,” not acidity levels. This has led some to conclude that the system doesn’t actually perform as intended and that the company uses pH as a kind of “smoke and mirrors.”
Finally, as with any water softening or filtration system, there is almost never one solution for all areas of the country. In our opinion, whether you ultimately choose the NuvoH2O or another system, it might be best to check out all your options before purchasing.
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Awful system
I should have read the other negative reviews prior to buying this awful system. Like they say, this does not change the water hardness. In fact, it doesn't do much except cause stinging eyes when you take a shower! What exactly is in the citrine they use as an additive? It certainly stings my eyes like I've never felt before!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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Not impressed
I have had the NuvoH2O system for about 1.5 years, now, and I cannot say I'm very impressed. The only reason I gave it two stars is because we got pretty good treatment from All-Hours Plumbing - the folks that sold it to us. My main problem is that I no longer get clean dishes. I called the NuvoH2O folks and they told me to get Citric Charge, which works alright, but I still need to scrub my silverware at least 2 out of 5 times that I wash it. The rep at NuvoH2O initially told me that he and his wife 'just got used to the spots, and that it didn't bother them." Well, it still bothers me a LOT! I also don't like the fact that I need to drop $10 on 5 packets of citric charge every couple of weeks. Whatever it is that causes the spots on my dishes and silverware also shows up on my shower head, which is a wide one with little holes. I need to replace that now. I feel like we got sold a bill of goods that just didn't deliver. I am now going to see what it will take to get my original water softener put back in.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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It's a scam
Product was installed and used for 2 years and in 2 years every fixture in my house had to be replaced and when I tested water at the local Home Depot found out the system was worse than the salt system I had originally. The people from Home Depot came out and showed me how terrible all levels were. THE PH WAS 7, THE HARDNESS WAS 43, THE CHLORINE WAS 4 (WHICH IS AS MUCH AS MY POOL HAS IN IT), THE TDS WAS 560. The worse part is my grandkids and wife drank that water all the time. Terrible system, please be cautious with this system.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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CitraCharge for our dishwasher
We remodeled our kitchen and bought a new dishwasher. We live in Salt Lake City, Utah and have hard water. After two months of running the dishwasher, we had a white buildup on the inside of our stainless steel dishwasher and our glassware also had some buildup and spotting. After putting in the CitraCharge from Nuvo our situation changed for the better. We used some vinegar to take off the worst residue from the dishwasher when we first installed the CitraCharge. For months now we have enjoyed a sparkling clean dishwasher and glassware. This product worked well for us.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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System does not work
Purchased the NuvoH2O Manor System in late 2010. Only reside in this home 1-2 months per year. Total system cost plus cost installation fee was $1,850. Purchased the Nuvo system only after discussing the water quality specs (12.04 grains/gal) with Nuvo's technical staff. They assured me it would work. Unfortunately, it does not and it was truly a waste of money. Their technical staff was apparently far more interested in a sale than being honest about their product's technical limitations. Will have the system removed and replaced with something that truly controls water hardness.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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New and improved but still blue/green water
I purchased my Home Version system in 11/2014. I have copper pipes so I had a plumber do the install. The total cost was about $3000. The cartridges were rated at 35000 gallons and I've used 12 of them already. I did not have any problems until the last cartridge I purchased. When I installed it my water turned blue/green. When I reported it to Nuvo they replaced it with another cartridge with instructions. To soak it first. It still colored the water but it could be used. When I put the new cartridge in I noticed the rating for the water had gone from 35000 gals to 20000 gals. They claim this new cartridge is new and improved. How is a 40% decrease an improvement? My system is being removed.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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Easy, works great, simple for our RV
We started living and traveling full-time in our RV and realized we really needed a water softener on top of our 3-part filtration unit.
We noticed in winter/spring of 2017-18 we had residue building up in pans and faucets, etc. We got a NuvoH2O and no more build up! Better showers, dishes, cooking water leaves no white residue! I don't know why folks try to discredit this product. The citric acid traps the minerals and allows them to stop harming your home. Also, you can drink the water! Your body still gets the natural minerals as your body breaks down the combination of the Vitamin C and releases the minerals. You can water your plants, yard and wash your vehicles spot-free with this water as opposed to traditional saline systems. It requires no lugging of heavy bags of salt or any of the encumbrances of tradition salt water softening systems. I wouldn't use anything else.
I am in NO way connected to the company, I just really love this simple solution!
Thanks NuvoH2O!
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Not a water softener as advertised.
There should be a class action suit for this product for false advertising. It does not soften your water nor does it keep away the watermarks, buildup, etc. on your plumbing devices such as toilets and water fixtures.
A horrible waste of money!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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Fake
My water taste and color are 10 times worse. What a joke. I can't believe they get away with it. Now they want to sell me an additional filtration system in addition to their products. Thieves!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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Deceptive! Does not soften water!
I am sitting here writing this with extreme disappointment! I am having to replace this system with a new water softener. After only having this system one year we decided to have a plumber do a water test in our system, and our water hardness was a 14! Eleven is a high number, and we exceeded that! I feel like the $1300 that was spent on this system was a giant waste of money and it did not soften our water at all as promised! In fact, our water is harder than ever! I would really like a refund in my system!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
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Experience has been really great for 6 years
This was recommended to me by a plumber (before it became an As Seen On TV thing). We have very hard water in Tampa, and I was inquiring about an on-demand heater for a penthouse condo where a set softener would not be appropriate due to space considerations, brine disposal, and dragging 40 lb bags of salt around. I was told the on-demand water heater would clog and be ruined within six months due to the mineral buildup up.
We installed it in our house (built '67), and lots of mineral build-up broke loose in first few months, but since then, glass tile and frameless glass doors in bathrooms stay MUCH cleaner. Shower heads keep a good flow, flappers in toilets don't get crunchy and stop working, and toilets flush better. Hair and skin feel nice after showering, and dishes come out without soap residue and finally.
I put in identical hot water heaters in side by side houses within a month of each other in '04 and got four more year's use out of the one at the house with the Nuvo. Cost of a cartridge for nine months is the same as the salt would be without hauling it. I buy my cartridges at Furguson. Also, no swollen ankles from high sodium in drinking water or ice.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend