Get a softener, no reasonably priced whole house filter will work for your problem. Been there, in the same situation you have. We had to get a new softener as the old one was kaput (but seller paid for it). It is a Sears, middle of the line, and is working very well. They go on sale from time to time. Cost about half what a similar Culligan size would have been. Whatever brand you go with it's worth it.