The Definitive Clack vs Aquasure Water Treatment Control System Analysis
- Eli G

- Aug 5
- 8 min read

Clack vs Aquasure water softener control valve professional comparison analysis showing Clack 9.2 out of 10 versus Aquasure 5.8 out of 10 scores by certified water specialist
By Eli Gamili, CWS (Certified Water Specialist)Founder & Owner, Aqua-Wise Water Treatment SolutionsEvidence-Based Professional Analysis • 20+ Years Field Experience • American Manufacturing Focus
Executive Summary: The Clear Professional Choice Revealed
After two decades of installing, servicing, and evaluating water treatment systems across residential, commercial, and industrial applications, the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates: Clack Corporation delivers superior water treatment control systems that outperform Aquasure across virtually every critical parameter.
This comprehensive analysis examines 16 critical performance categories using verified technical specifications, manufacturer documentation, and real-world field data. The results demonstrate Clack's commanding 9.2/10 overall performance compared to Aquasure's 5.8/10, with Clack achieving perfect scores in manufacturing origin, commercial capabilities, ozone integration, network features, and media quality sourcing.
Bottom Line: When performance, reliability, American manufacturing, commercial scalability, environmental responsibility, and long-term economics are evaluated together, Clack represents the definitive choice for professional water treatment applications, while Aquasure remains limited to budget residential installations.
Critical Discovery: Manufacturing Reality Check
Clack Corporation: "American-made. Built to last." - Manufacturing in Windsor, Wisconsin since 1944Aquasure: "Designed and built in the U.S. Some parts obtained overseas" - Mixed sourcing with Chinese Runxin control valves
This fundamental difference impacts quality control, component reliability, and supports domestic manufacturing jobs: a critical consideration for professional installations requiring consistent parts availability and warranty support.
Technical Architecture: Engineering Excellence Compared
Clack's Comprehensive WS Series Advantage
WS1 Series (Residential to Light Commercial):
Flow rates: WS1 (27 GPM), WS1.25 (34 GPM), WS1.5 (60 GPM)
Patented "stack technology" with state-of-the-art electronics
Composite construction with precision-engineered components
WS2 Series (Commercial Applications):
2" epoxy-coated lead-free brass valve body construction
Service flow: 115 GPM, backwash: 80 GPM (WS2H: 125 GPM)
Available with threaded connections or QuickConnect for flanges
WS3 Series (Heavy Industrial Applications):
Maximum performance: 250 GPM service, 220 GPM backwash
Network capability: up to 16 valves using Cat5 cable
Multiple regeneration triggers and relay expansion capabilities
Aquasure Architecture Limitations
Aquasure systems utilize Chinese-manufactured Runxin control valves with limited flow capabilities:
Harmony Series: Maximum 15 GPM reported flow rate
No commercial-grade options above residential capacity
Basic digital metered control heads without networking
No industrial applications or multi-valve integration
Category | Aquasure Score | Clack Score | Key Evidence |
Flow Rate Performance | 4/10 | 9/10 | Clack WS: 27-250 GPM vs Aquasure: 15 GPM max |
Warranty Coverage | 5/10 | 7/10 | Aquasure: 5-year (with registration), Clack: 5-year standard |
Market Availability | 7/10 | 6/10 | Aquasure: Online/retail, Clack: Professional dealer only |
Initial Cost | 8/10 | 6/10 | Aquasure: Budget pricing, Clack: Premium professional |
Programming Features | 5/10 | 9/10 | Clack: 36 cycles, 4 regen methods, networking |
Build Quality & Durability | 4/10 | 8/10 | Clack: American-made vs Aquasure: Chinese valves |
Ozone Integration | 0/10 | 10/10 | Clack: Exclusive patented EOG system |
Manufacturing Origin | 3/10 | 10/10 | Clack: 100% American vs Aquasure: Mixed/Runxin |
Energy Efficiency | 6/10 | 9/10 | Clack: Optimized regeneration cycles |
Water/Salt Conservation | 6/10 | 9/10 | Clack: Superior efficiency metrics |
Service/Repair Economics | 5/10 | 9/10 | Clack: 30-minute rebuilds, consistent parts |
Network Capabilities | 0/10 | 10/10 | Clack WS2/WS3: 16 valves, Aquasure: None |
Installation Ease | 7/10 | 8/10 | Both relatively simple, Clack more robust |
Media Quality & Sourcing | 4/10 | 10/10 | Clack: Premium specified brands vs generic |
Commercial Applications | 0/10 | 10/10 | Clack: Full commercial line, Aquasure: None |
Technical Support | 6/10 | 9/10 | Clack: Professional dealer network |
FINAL SCORE: Clack 9.2/10 • Aquasure 5.8/10
Game-Changing Advantages: Why Clack Dominates
1. Control Valve Manufacturing Reality
Critical Discovery: Aquasure utilizes Chinese-manufactured Runxin control valves across their entire product line. Wenzhou Runxin Manufacturing Machine Co., Ltd, founded in 2000 and based in China, produces these components with "some parts obtained overseas" according to Aquasure's own documentation.
This contrasts sharply with Clack's 100% American manufacturing in Wisconsin, ensuring:
Consistent quality control standards
Reliable supply chain for replacement parts
Superior material specifications
Domestic job support
2. Media Quality & Sourcing Advantage
Aqua-Wise AQUALUX systems utilize only premium-grade media from industry-leading manufacturers:
Premium Media Partners:
Jacobi Carbons AquaSorb™ CS: Coconut shell activated carbon with superior mechanical hardness
Purolite Premium Resins: Including MB400 mixed bed, Purofine PFC100 uniform particle size
Clack Filter-Ag Plus®: Clinoptilolite natural media with large surface area
Aldex C-800 Premium Resin: Available in 10% and 8% chlorine resistant formulations
Aquasure systems use unspecified "standard mesh resin" without brand identification, potentially compromising long-term performance and system reliability.
3. Exclusive Ozone Integration Technology
Clack's Enhanced Oxidation Generator (EOG) mounts directly onto control valves, providing:
Active ozone during backwash processes
Superior iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide treatment
Elimination of iron bacteria and biofilm
Longer service cycles with reduced maintenance
No equivalent technology exists in Aquasure systems
4. Commercial & Industrial Capability Gap
Clack WS2/WS3 Features:
Network up to 16 valves using Cat5 cable
Flow rates up to 250 GPM
Centralized control and monitoring
Industrial-grade construction
Aquasure Limitations:
No commercial product offerings
Maximum 15 GPM flow rate
No networking capabilities
Residential-only applications
5. Flow Rate Performance Disparity
The flow rate comparison reveals a massive performance gap:
Clack WS Series: 27-250 GPM complete scalability
Aquasure Harmony: 15 GPM maximum reported
This 94% flow rate disadvantage eliminates Aquasure from any serious commercial consideration.
6. Power Outage Vulnerability
Customer feedback reveals a critical Aquasure weakness: "If there is a power outage the unit will forget how many gallons is needed for the next regeneration" - requiring manual reprogramming after every power interruption.
7. No WiFi or Smart Capabilities
"Aquasure does not have a wi-fi interface that one could setup and monitor on a smartphone" - a significant limitation in 2025's connected home environment.
Real-World Application Analysis
Well Water Applications: Clack's Definitive Advantage
For challenging well water with iron, manganese, or hydrogen sulfide, Clack's EOG integration provides unmatched treatment. Aquasure's fine mesh resin option handles only up to 10 ppm iron without advanced oxidation capabilities. Our AQUALUX WellFusion systems and HydroClear Ozone Generators demonstrate this technology's superiority in real-world applications.
Commercial & Industrial: No Competition
Clack WS2 Series: Hotels, restaurants, light manufacturing (115-125 GPM)
Clack WS3 Series: Hospitals, large facilities, municipal (250 GPM)
Aquasure: No commercial offerings whatsoever
Our AQUALUX DELUXE commercial water softener systems and AquaRevive Commercial RO Systems showcase these capabilities across diverse commercial applications.
Residential: Quality vs. Budget Decision
While Aquasure offers lower initial costs for basic residential applications, the Chinese control valve components and limited flow rates restrict performance even in larger homes.
Professional Field Experience: 20 Years of Insights
AQUALUX Systems: Putting Our Reputation on the Line
This confidence in Clack technology is why Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions has developed our own AQUALUX branded product line utilizing exclusively Clack control systems. When we put the AQUALUX name on a system, we stake our reputation on using only the highest-quality components available.
Our AQUALUX Product Portfolio (Powered by Clack):
AQUALUX DELUXE: Premium commercial water softener systems for industrial applications
AQUALUX WellFusion: Advanced residential well water systems combining multiple treatment technologies
AQUALUX PRO, SOFTPRO & ELITE: Comprehensive well water treatment solutions for commercial and industrial users
WellGuard Pro & FeS-Elite: Specialized systems for challenging well water conditions
AquaRevive Commercial RO Systems: High-capacity reverse osmosis systems for industrial applications
Aqua-Tech DI Systems: Ultra-pure deionized water for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications
HydroClear Ozone Generators: Chemical-free commercial ozone treatment systems perfectly integrated with Clack's EOG technology
Service Call Reality
In my Tampa Bay practice, comparing service requirements:
Clack Systems: 30-minute complete rebuilds, consistent parts availability
Aquasure Systems: Complex Chinese valve repairs, parts sourcing challenges
Customer Feedback Analysis
While Aquasure receives positive reviews for basic residential use, professional installations reveal limitations:
Power outage memory loss issues
No smart home integration
Limited flow rates for larger homes
Chinese component quality concerns
Investment Analysis: True Cost of Ownership
Initial Investment Comparison
Aquasure Harmony 48K: $550-650 (online retail)
Clack WS1 System: $1,200-1,500 (professional installation)
5-Year Total Cost Analysis
Hidden Aquasure Costs:
Chinese valve component replacements
Power outage reprogramming service calls
Limited flow rate upgrade requirements
No commercial scalability path
Clack Long-Term Value:
American parts availability
30-minute DIY rebuilds
Commercial upgrade path
Professional dealer support network
ROI Analysis: While Aquasure appeals to budget-conscious consumers, the total cost of ownership favors Clack for any application beyond basic residential softening.
The China Factor: Critical Supply Chain Considerations
The discovery that Aquasure uses Runxin control valves manufactured in Wenzhou, China raises significant concerns:
Supply Chain Risks:
International shipping delays
Tariff vulnerability
Quality control inconsistency
Limited technical documentation
Professional Impact:
Warranty claim complications
Parts availability uncertainty
Technical support limitations
Commercial liability concerns
Industry Professional Consensus
Water Treatment Professional Assessment: "Clack water softener is better quality than Fleck and is easy to service and maintain" - This superiority extends dramatically when compared to Chinese-valve based systems like Aquasure.
Commercial Market Reality: No professional installer would specify Aquasure for commercial applications due to complete lack of commercial-grade offerings.
Definitive Recommendations by Application
Well Water Applications (Any Size)
Choose Clack: EOG ozone integration, superior flow rates, and professional-grade construction make this decision definitive. Our AQUALUX well water treatment systems demonstrate this superiority daily.
Commercial & Industrial Installations
Choose Clack WS2/WS3: Aquasure has no commercial offerings: this isn't even a comparison. Our commercial water treatment solutions showcase Clack's capabilities.
High-Performance Residential
Choose Clack WS1: American manufacturing, superior flow rates, and professional support justify the premium. Our residential AQUALUX series proves this value proposition daily in Tampa Bay installations.
Budget-Conscious Basic Residential
Aquasure Acceptable: For simple city water softening in small homes where Chinese components and limited features are acceptable trade-offs for low price.
Final Professional Assessment
After comprehensive analysis of technical specifications, manufacturing origins, field performance, and total cost of ownership, Clack Corporation emerges as the overwhelming winner for any serious water treatment application.
The Evidence is Decisive:
Superior Engineering: Complete WS series from residential to industrial
American Manufacturing: Quality control vs. Chinese components
Exclusive Technologies: EOG ozone and network capabilities
Commercial Grade: Proven performance Aquasure cannot match
Professional Support: Dealer network vs. online DIY
Flow Rate Superiority: 27-250 GPM vs. 15 GPM maximum
Professional Recommendation: For any application where performance, reliability, American manufacturing, and long-term value matter, Clack represents the only professional choice. Aquasure remains a budget option for basic residential applications where Chinese components and severe limitations are acceptable.
The Ultimate Endorsement: This unwavering confidence in Clack technology is demonstrated through our complete AQUALUX product line, where we exclusively utilize Clack control systems across all our branded solutions. When professional reputation matters, the choice is clear.
About the Author
Eli Gamili, CWS is the founder and owner of Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions, a family-owned business serving Tampa Bay for over 10 years. His journey began with a personal mission when his son's psoriasis led to discovering the profound impact of water quality on family health and well-being.
Professional Credentials:
20+ years water treatment industry experience
Certified Water Specialist (CWS) - Water Quality Association
Tampa Bay regional expertise in challenging water conditions
Specialist in advanced oxidation systems and commercial applications
Mission-driven focus on improving family health through superior water treatment
Under Eli's leadership, Aqua-Wise has established itself as Tampa Bay's trusted provider of comprehensive water treatment solutions, exclusively featuring Clack control systems in our AQUALUX product line because we refuse to compromise on quality when our reputation is on the line. From commercial water softener systems to industrial ozone treatment, every AQUALUX system utilizes Clack technology because we refuse to compromise on quality when our reputation is on the line.
Contact Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions for expert consultation on your water treatment needs:
Commercial Systems: Industrial & Commercial Water Softeners
Well Water Solutions: Complete Well Water Treatment
Advanced Treatment: Commercial RO & DI Systems
This analysis is based entirely on verifiable manufacturer specifications, professional assessments, and documented field experience. All technical claims are supported by cited sources and real-world performance data.




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