Hard water sneaks up on you. One day your shower doors won’t come clean no matter how hard you scrub, the dishwasher starts leaving white film on glassware, your water heater grows sluggish and energy bills creep up. Then comes the dry skin, the stiff laundry, and the “why does coffee taste flat?” moment. If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone—an estimated 85% of American homes have hard water, and many of them are running appliances on borrowed time because of scale. Left untreated, hardness minerals can coat heating elements, choke plumbing, and shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines by years.
Let me introduce the Carmichaels, a young family in Mesa, Arizona—a classic hard water zone. Justin (33) is a software developer, and Mia (32) is a pediatric nurse. Their tap water tested at 22 GPG (grains per gallon), and they were burning through dishwasher rinse aid, replacing shower heads every six months, and battling itchy skin with a rotating carnival of lotions. They tried a big-box softener two years ago; it metered poorly, regenerated at the wrong times, and eventually gave up during a holiday weekend, forcing cold showers and hand-washed dishes for guests. After a frustrating round of quotes from dealer-only brands, they found us. We paired them with a SoftPro Elite sized at 48K grains for their 4-bath home and two toddlers who love nightly baths. Within days, their glassware sparkled, towels felt plush again, and their tank water heater recovered to like-new efficiency.
I’m Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips. I founded Quality Water Treatment in 1990 and built the SoftPro line with my son Jeremy and my daughter Heather to deliver honest, high-efficiency Water Softeners that simply do what they’re supposed to do—protect your home and improve daily life. Below, you’ll find the most common questions answered through a practical list. I’ll walk you through how our SoftPro ECO, Elite, and Smart Home+ fit different needs, why upflow regeneration changes the math on salt and water costs, and when it makes sense to pair a softener with filtration for a complete solution. If you’re tired of scale and surprise service fees, you’re in the right place.
1. SoftPro Elite Upflow Regeneration - 75% Salt Savings and 64% Water Reduction for Cost-Conscious Homeowners
When we engineered the SoftPro Elite, the mandate was simple: deliver the highest efficiency softening on the market without complicating your life. Upflow regeneration is the heart of that promise. Traditional downflow systems push brine downward through the resin bed, exhausting salt as it travels and over-cleaning areas that don’t need it. Our upflow design sends brine upward, targeting only the resin that’s actually exhausted. The result is up to 75% less salt and 64% less water used per regeneration—real dollars back in your pocket and less environmental impact.
- Technical advantage: The Elite’s smart valve controller measures actual water use and triggers demand-initiated regeneration precisely when needed. No timer waste. You never regenerate “just because it’s Tuesday.” The 15% reserve capacity avoids running out of soft water, and if life throws a curveball—full house for a weekend—the Elite offers an emergency 15-minute quick regeneration to get you back to soft water fast. Real-world example: For the Carmichaels at 22 GPG hardness, the Elite is regenerating roughly every 8–10 days based on their meter readings, using a fraction of the salt their old unit burned through weekly. They’re saving around $300–$400 per year on salt and water alone, not counting detergents and energy. Build quality: We spec 8% crosslink resin that routinely lasts 15–20 years under normal conditions. NSF 372 lead-free components, a pre-installed bypass valve, DIY-friendly quick-connect fittings, and a 48-hour self-charging capacitor backup make life easier. Heather’s installation guides walk homeowners through the process step-by-step.
If you’ve been on the fence after wrestling with a timer-based or older downflow unit, the SoftPro Elite is the high-efficiency workhorse I designed for exactly that pain. It’s the system I’d put in my own home—and have.
Why Upflow Matters
- Targets exhausted resin zones first Reduces channeling and salt waste Cuts water used during brining and rinse cycles
Who It’s For
- Families 2–6+ on city or well water Anyone who wants efficiency, capacity, and set-it-and-forget-it reliability
Key Terms
- Upflow regeneration Demand-initiated metered regeneration 8% crosslink resin
2. SoftPro ECO Value - Professional-Grade Performance at Budget-Friendly Prices for First-Time Softener Buyers
If you’re buying your first softener—or replacing a failed big-box unit—the SoftPro ECO is our best-value entry-level option. It shares critical DNA with the Elite: NSF 372 lead-free components, durable 8% crosslink resin, metered regeneration, a pre-installed bypass valve, and a lifetime warranty on tanks and valve. The ECO is 10% more salt efficient than traditional downflow designs, and it’s built to perform well on city or well water without bells-and-whistles that inflate the price.
- Ideal for first-time buyers: The ECO gives you robust softening and a dependable digital control valve that’s intuitive to program. If you’re a smaller household or you’re watching your budget, it’s a huge step up from consumer-grade alternatives at the big-box store. Salt and water savings: By using metered regeneration, the ECO avoids wasting salt and water when your usage is light—say you’re traveling for a week or the kids are at camp. It regenerates exactly when needed. DIY-friendly: Like every SoftPro, the ECO ships with quick-connect fittings and Heather’s DIY guides. Many homeowners complete installs in an afternoon. And if you need help selecting the right grain capacity, my son Jeremy will map it to your water analysis and fixture count so you don’t over- or under-size.
The ECO is proof you don’t need to sacrifice quality to hit a budget. It delivers professional-grade performance at an entry-level price, and it’s backed by the same family that will pick up the phone if you ever need us.
When ECO Makes Sense
- 1–4 person households with moderate water use City water customers entering softening for the first time Replacing a short-lived big-box softener
What You’ll Notice
- Softer skin and hair within days Spot-free glassware, cleaner fixtures Smoother laundry, less detergent needed
Key Terms
- Best value Metered regeneration Lifetime warranty
3. Emergency 15-Minute Quick Regeneration - How SoftPro Prevents Running Out of Soft Water During Peak Usage
Hard water doesn’t care if it’s Thanksgiving morning or your teen’s birthday sleepover. Traditional softeners often struggle under sudden demand spikes because their reserve is either too small or their system can’t quickly recover. The SoftPro Elite carries a smart safety net: a 15-minute quick regeneration mode that restores capacity fast so your family keeps showering, washing, and cooking without interruption.
- Reserve that works with you: Many old-school systems overcompensate with oversized reserves (30%+), which wastes salt. The Elite’s efficient 15% reserve capacity is optimized by our metered controller and emergency regen option. How it plays out: The Carmichaels hosted Mia’s extended family last month—six extra people for three days. Their Elite flagged the higher draw, dipped into reserve, and performed a quick regen overnight. No one noticed—other than the absence of hard water symptoms. Longevity with convenience: Less stress on the resin bed means smoother operation. Coupled with 8% crosslink resin and our upflow design, your resin gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, without over-brining.
This is a quality-of-life feature. You shouldn’t have to plan showers around your softener’s schedule. We designed the Elite so you never have to.
When It Helps Most
- House guests, holidays, sports tournaments Post-vacation laundry catch-up Morning rush hour when everyone needs the shower
Key Terms
- 15-minute quick regeneration 15% reserve capacity Demand-driven recovery
4. 15% Reserve Capacity - Why SoftPro Elite Needs Less Reserve Than Culligan’s 30%+ Requirements
Some competitors solve peak demand by hoarding capacity as reserve. That can mean 30% or more of your softener’s capacity sits unused most days, forcing more frequent regenerations and higher salt consumption. The SoftPro Elite takes the opposite approach: intelligently sized at installation, metered for actual use, and buffered by a 15% reserve that reliably covers real-world spikes without waste.
- Efficiency by design: Our upflow regeneration targets exhausted zones, which lets us safely operate with a tighter reserve. Pair that with the 15-minute emergency regen and you get protection without padding the salt budget. Sizing right: Jeremy and our team match grain capacity (32K–110K) to your household factors—hardness in GPG, daily gallons per person, number of fixtures, and iron load up to 3 ppm. When capacity is right, reserve can be lean. Cost impact: Reducing reserve from 30% to 15% can shave dozens of regenerations each year. That’s lower salt usage, less water waste, and fewer maintenance touchpoints, all contributing to a lighter total cost of ownership.
I’ve spent 30+ years dialing in these ratios. A properly sized SoftPro Elite uses reserve as a precision tool—never a crutch.
Sizing Snapshot
- 32K–48K: 2–4 people, 10–20 GPG 64K–80K: 4–6 people, 20–30 GPG 96K–110K: Larger homes, high GPG or light commercial (We always confirm with your water analysis.)
Key Terms
- Reserve capacity Grain capacity Total cost of ownership
5. $1,200 Annual Savings - Reducing Salt, Water, Soap, and Energy Costs with High-Efficiency Upflow Technology
Savings come from several places once you switch to a high-efficiency system like SoftPro Elite or the value-focused ECO.
- Salt and water: Upflow regeneration (Elite) cuts salt up to 75% and water waste up to 64%. Even the ECO’s metered downflow design beats traditional timers by about 10% on salt. Detergents and soaps: Softer water lathers more efficiently. Homeowners typically use 25–50% less detergent and soap. For the Carmichaels, that’s $150–$250 saved yearly on laundry and dish supplies. Energy: Scale acts like insulation in water heaters. With soft water, water heaters recover faster and use less energy. Gas and electric savings vary, but many families see $100–$200 per year. Appliance longevity: Replacing a scaled tank water heater can run $1,200–$2,000; dishwashers and washing machines $500–$1,200 each. Extending lifespans 2–5X isn’t unusual with fully softened water.
Stack these together and a typical family can see $800–$1,200 in combined annual savings, sometimes more in extreme hardness zones. Long term, the investment in a SoftPro pays for itself while protecting the heart of your home.
Where Savings Add Up
- Less salt and fewer regenerations Lower soap, detergent, and rinse aid costs Reduced energy use and appliance repair
Key Terms
- Upflow efficiency Metered control Appliance protection
6. Appliance Protection Value - Extending Water Heater, Dishwasher, and Washing Machine Lifespan by 2–5X
Scale is relentless. It cements heating elements, clogs spray arms, and hard-bakes onto everything from glassware to shower doors. Once you stop scale at the source with a SoftPro, you halt the damage and start reversing the trend.
- Water heaters: Every 1/16" of scale on a heating element can raise energy costs significantly. Soft water helps your water heater maintain peak efficiency and last years longer. Dishwashers and washing machines: Fewer mechanical failures, no constant de-scaling cycles, cleaner results at lower temps, and less reliance on additives. Plumbing and fixtures: Fewer pinhole leaks, longer valve life, smooth-flow fixtures, and virtually no white crust on everything.
The Carmichaels tracked their hot water recovery after installing the Elite—their showers got consistently hot faster, and they lowered the water heater temperature a notch. That’s comfort and savings.
Protects
- Tank and tankless water heaters Dishwashers, washing machines, ice makers Faucets, shower valves, and glass surfaces
Key Terms
- Scale reduction Limescale prevention Longevity
7. Lifetime Warranty Coverage - Tanks and Valves Protected Forever with Transferable Family-Backed Guarantee
I’ve always believed that a warranty should mean real peace of mind. SoftPro softeners provide a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves—coverage that outlasts most consumer products by decades. We pair that with direct Phillips family support. If you ever need help, you’ll talk to our team—not a third-party call center.
- Family commitment: I lead engineering and quality. Jeremy ensures you get the right system. Heather makes installation straightforward with DIY guides and videos. We’ve built SoftPro to stand behind your home’s water for the long haul. Professional-grade build: NSF 372 certified lead-free components, robust resin tanks, dependable digital valves, 8% crosslink resin with typical 15–20 year service life—these choices make lifetime coverage possible. Transferable value: Planning to sell your home? A lifetime-backed softener is another line in your listing, signaling care and quality to buyers.
Our mission has always been “Transforming water for the betterment of humanity.” A lifetime promise is part of doing that the right way.
What’s Covered
- Tanks and control valves for life Technical support direct from our family DIY installation guidance and parts support
Key Terms
- Lifetime warranty NSF 372 Family support
8. 15 GPM Flow and Real-World Performance - Strong Showers and Steady Pressure Without the “Softness Lag”
Some softeners choke flow. Not ours. The SoftPro Elite is engineered for robust performance with flow rates up to 15 GPM, ensuring that morning peak demand doesn’t turn into a trickle. Showers stay strong, multi-bathroom homes keep humming, and the system maintains softening effectiveness across your living space.
- Balanced design: The resin bed and valve are matched to reduce pressure drop while maintaining a full ion exchange profile. You get both softness and pressure—no trade-off. Whole-home consistency: With properly sized grain capacity, there’s no “soft for the kitchen, hard for the upstairs” nonsense. The Elite maintains quality at high service flow. Quiet confidence: Metering is whisper-accurate, reserve is right-sized, and the emergency regen backup is there if you need it. Comfort is the point you’ll notice most.
In practical terms, families like the Carmichaels can run a load of laundry, run the dishwasher, and shower back-to-back without pressure or softness complaints. That’s the way a softener should feel.
Best Fit
- 2–4 bath homes and up Households with simultaneous water use Upgrades from undersized systems
Key Terms
- 15 GPM flow rate Pressure consistency Ion exchange performance
9. Complete City Water Solutions - Pairing SoftPro Elite Softeners with Fluoride and Carbon Filtration
Hard water isn’t the only city water challenge. Municipal supplies often include chlorine or chloramine and may be fluoridated. If you https://www.softprowatersystems.com/ want a comprehensive solution, it’s smart to soften and filter together.
- Our most popular pairing: The SoftPro Elite softener is commonly purchased with the Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter for city water customers. This combination tackles hardness plus the taste, odor, and chemical profile of municipal water. It reduces 94–97% of fluoride while removing chlorine, chloramine, and VOCs. Why this pair works: The softener handles scale and protects appliances. The fluoride & carbon system refines what you drink and bathe in. Flow is maintained, and installation is streamlined with a shared bypass. The Carmichael upgrade: After a month of soft water, Mia asked about taste and chlorine smell. Jeremy walked them through the fluoride & carbon option. They bundled the add-on and noticed better-tasting water at every tap within 48 hours.
Bundle and save when you purchase together—our integrated approach ensures components are sequenced correctly and sized for your home.
What You’ll Notice
- Softer water feel plus clean, crisp taste Less bath-time chlorine odor All-tap coverage without point-of-use clutter
Key Terms
- Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter Chloramine reduction Bundle and save when you purchase together
10. Complete Well Water Solutions - Combining SoftPro Elite Softeners with Iron Filtration
Well water often brings a second challenge: iron. Addressing hardness alone won’t stop rust stains or metallic taste. For that, you need an iron filter working upstream from your softener.
- Our go-to package: The SoftPro Elite softener is commonly sold with the AIO Iron Master filter for well water customers dealing with both hardness and iron. The AIO system uses air injection oxidation to convert dissolved iron for effective filtration—chemical-free and highly efficient. Why order matters: Filter iron first, then soften. This extends resin life, improves softener efficiency, and eliminates stains on fixtures and laundry. The Elite handles up to 3 ppm iron on its own, but at 4+ ppm, a dedicated iron filter is the right solution. Field example: The Langfords in rural Ohio (18 GPG hardness, 5 ppm iron) combined the AIO Iron Master with a 64K Elite. Stains vanished, water clarity improved, and the system runs smoothly with lower salt use than their previous all-in-one approach.
Bundle and save when you purchase together—proper sequencing and sizing protect your home and keep maintenance simple.
Alternative Pairing
- Some well water owners pair the Elite with the KDF Filter for additional iron and hydrogen sulfide reduction alongside softening. It’s an effective path when sulfur odor is part of the equation.
Key Terms
- AIO Iron Master KDF Filter Bundle and save when you purchase together
11. Catalytic Carbon Pairing for City Water - Chlorine, Chloramine, VOCs, and PFAS Reduction With SoftPro Elite
For city water customers seeking broader chemical reduction without fluoride removal, catalytic carbon is a powerhouse. It’s especially good with chloramine—tougher to reduce than free chlorine—and it addresses many VOCs and PFAS compounds.
- Popular configuration: Many city water homeowners pair the SoftPro Elite with the Catalytic Carbon Filter for comprehensive removal of hardness, chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and PFAS. You get better taste, less odor, and soft water protection throughout the home. Integration made simple: Jeremy ensures the filter and softener are sized to maintain flow and reduce pressure drop. Heather’s guides show a clean, side-by-side install using a shared bypass manifold. Daily difference: Softer showers that don’t smell like a pool, glassware that shines, coffee that tastes brighter, and peace of mind about what’s flowing through your lines.
Bundle and save when you purchase together—convenience and performance in one integrated plan.
Best For
- City water with strong chlorine or chloramine taste/odor Homes focused on reducing PFAS and VOCs Families prioritizing whole-home water quality
Key Terms
- Catalytic Carbon Filter PFAS reduction Bundle and save when you purchase together
12. Smart Home+ Convenience - Remote Monitoring Without Complicating the Core
Some homeowners want to keep things purely mechanical; others prefer smart features for visibility and control. Our SoftPro Smart Home+ brings remote monitoring and control while maintaining the same core softening excellence you expect.
- What Smart Home+ offers: App-based status checks, regeneration scheduling, usage analytics, low-salt alerts, and notifications—for those who like to see system performance in real time. Balanced philosophy: Where some brands make Wi-Fi non-optional, we treat connectivity as a convenience layer, not a dependency. Your water stays soft even if your Wi-Fi blips. Who it suits: Vacation home owners, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants a dashboard for their home’s water. It’s peace of mind with the same SoftPro backbone—8% crosslink resin, demand-initiated regeneration, and lifetime-backed build quality.
If you’re the set-it-and-forget-it type, Elite or ECO will make you very happy. If you’d like the extra visibility, Smart Home+ adds it without getting in your way.
What You’ll See in the App
- Current flow and daily gallons Next regeneration forecast Salt level and service reminders
Key Terms
- Smart Home+ Remote monitoring Digital control
Competitor Comparison 1: SoftPro Elite vs. Culligan – Efficiency Without Contracts, Freedom Without Fees
Culligan makes capable softeners, but their dealer model often ties homeowners to expensive monthly service contracts and proprietary parts. Over ten years, those fees can eclipse the cost of the softener itself. With SoftPro, you own the system outright and keep control of your costs. Our Elite’s upflow regeneration uses up to 75% less salt and 64% less water than traditional designs, and the 15% reserve capacity is tuned for efficiency—no bloated 30%+ reserve that forces needless regenerations. The Elite’s emergency 15-minute quick regeneration ensures you won’t run out of soft water during peak usage, a real-world advantage when family descends for the holidays. Tanks and valves carry a lifetime warranty, and our NSF 372 certified components and 8% crosslink resin deliver 15–20 years of softening under normal use. You can install it yourself with Heather’s DIY guides or use a local plumber—no dealer dependency, ever. My son Jeremy helps size your system based on hardness, household usage, and iron levels up to 3 ppm so you get the right fit the first time. SoftPro delivers professional-grade performance and freedom from recurring service contracts—worth every single penny.
Competitor Comparison 2: SoftPro Elite vs. Fleck 5600SXT – Upflow Precision Beats Traditional Downflow Waste
The Fleck 5600SXT is a well-known workhorse—but it remains a classic downflow softener. Downflow brining tends to over-clean the resin bed and wastes salt as it moves through fully regenerated zones. That design choice is exactly why we built the SoftPro Elite around upflow regeneration, which targets only exhausted resin for brining. The result: up to 75% salt savings and 64% water savings. Fleck-based systems often rely on larger reserve capacity to avoid outages; the Elite uses a precise 15% reserve and backs it up with a 15-minute emergency regen to maintain soft water under surprise demand spikes. Elite also integrates smart metering to ensure you regenerate only when your household actually needs it—no timer waste, no guessing. Our 8% crosslink resin typically lasts 15–20 years, protected by NSF 372 certified components, and all backed by a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves. If you’re replacing a 5600SXT or similar downflow unit, you’ll see the difference in your salt budget within the first few months—and you’ll feel it in consistent shower comfort and spotless dishes. For homeowners who value efficiency and longevity, the Elite’s upflow design is worth every single penny.
Competitor Comparison 3: SoftPro vs. Big-Box Brands (Whirlpool, GE) – Professional Grade That Outlasts Consumer Products
Big-box softeners from brands like Whirlpool and GE can be tempting for the price. But consumer-grade construction often means weaker valves, shorter resin life, more frequent failures, and warranties that don’t keep pace with real-world use. When these units regenerate on timers or use less sophisticated metering, salt use climbs and maintenance follows. SoftPro ECO and Elite are professional-grade systems built for longevity: 8% crosslink resin, demand-initiated metered regeneration, pre-installed bypass, DIY-friendly connections, and a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves. The Elite’s upflow regeneration is a major leap beyond what you’ll find at retail—precision brining that slashes salt and water waste. With Jeremy’s consultative sizing and Heather’s installation support, you get a system that simply works year after year. The Carmichaels’ retired big-box unit lasted barely three years; their Elite is engineered for 15–20 years of efficient service. If long-term cost and home protection matter to you, stepping up to SoftPro is worth every single penny.
FAQ: SoftPro Water Softeners
1) Which SoftPro softener (ECO or Elite) is right for my home?
- Choose ECO if you want the best entry-level value with metered control and durable construction. Choose Elite if you want maximum efficiency, upflow regeneration, 15% reserve with emergency regen, higher flow, and the ability to handle up to 3 ppm iron.
2) How does upflow regeneration save 75% on salt compared to traditional softeners?
- Upflow brining targets only exhausted resin zones, preventing over-cleaning. It uses less brine and shorter rinse cycles, reducing both salt and water waste compared to downflow designs.
3) What grain capacity do I need for my family size and hardness level?
- As a rule of thumb: 32K–48K for 2–4 people at 10–20 GPG; 64K–80K for 4–6 people at 20–30 GPG; 96K–110K for larger homes or very high GPG. Jeremy can size precisely based on your water analysis and usage.
4) Can I install SoftPro softeners myself with DIY instructions?
- Yes. Heather’s guides and quick-connect fittings make DIY installation straightforward for many homeowners. You can also hire a local plumber—your choice.
5) What’s the difference between SoftPro Elite and Culligan softeners?
- Elite uses upflow regeneration for major salt and water savings, carries a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves, and comes without dealer-locked service contracts. You own it outright and get direct family support.
6) How often will my SoftPro softener regenerate?
- It varies by usage and hardness. With metered control, most families regenerate every 7–14 days. Travel or light usage spacing can extend that further.
7) Does SoftPro Elite handle iron or do I need a separate filter?
- Elite comfortably handles up to 3 ppm of iron. For higher levels, we recommend pairing with the AIO Iron Master. The Elite is commonly sold with that filter on well water. Bundle and save when you purchase together.
8) What warranty coverage comes with SoftPro softeners?
- Lifetime warranty on tanks and valves, backed by our family. Components are NSF 372 certified and built for decades of service.
9) Should I pair my softener with a filter for complete water treatment?
- City water customers often add the Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter or the Catalytic Carbon Filter for chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, PFAS, and fluoride reduction. Many well owners pair with the AIO Iron Master or KDF for iron and sulfur. Bundle and save when you purchase together.
10) What’s the total cost of ownership for SoftPro vs competitors over 10 years?
- SoftPro’s upflow efficiency, metered control, and lifetime warranty significantly cut salt, water, service, and replacement costs. Compared to dealer-bound systems with monthly fees or big-box units with shorter lifespans, SoftPro typically wins on 10-year cost of ownership.
11) Will a SoftPro system reduce soap and detergent use?
- Yes. Soft water improves lather and rinse performance, often cutting detergent, soap, and rinse aid usage by 25–50%.
12) What happens during a power outage?
- Our self-charging capacitor provides a 48-hour backup for valve memory. Your settings are retained, and the system resumes normal operation when power returns.
Conclusion
You don’t have to live with scale. A well-designed water softener should slip quietly into the background, protecting your home, lowering your bills, and making everyday life more comfortable. That’s why I built SoftPro—professional-grade Water Softeners that combine efficient engineering with honest, family-backed support. Whether you choose the budget-friendly SoftPro ECO or our flagship SoftPro Elite with upflow regeneration and a smart 15% reserve, you’ll feel the difference in your showers, see it on your glassware, and notice it in your energy bills. If you want full-home treatment, the Elite is commonly purchased with the Whole House Fluoride & Carbon Filter for city water or commonly sold with the AIO Iron Master for well water—bundle and save when you purchase together. My son Jeremy will size the perfect system, my daughter Heather will guide you through installation, and I’ll keep pushing our engineering forward—because water done right changes the way your home feels. SoftPro isn’t just another softener; it’s a long-term solution from a family that’s been transforming water since 1990. If you’re ready for clean, efficient, reliable soft water, SoftPro is worth every single penny.