Hard water quietly drains money and time from a home. The signs show up in little ways at first—stiff laundry, dull hair, shower doors that never look clean no matter how long you scrub. But the biggest bite is hidden: reduced appliance efficiency, premature failures, and wasted detergents that add up year after year. As someone who’s spent three decades in basements and mechanical rooms solving exactly these headaches, I can tell you—when a true softening system is installed correctly, the difference is immediate and unmistakable.
Meet the Ramaswamy family. Arjun (39), a paramedic, and his wife, Priya (37), a CPA, live in Cedar Park, Texas with their kids, Maya (9) and Dev (6). Their municipal water tested at 17 GPG hardness with 1 ppm iron—classic Central Texas conditions. Within four years, they replaced two shower heads, had their tank water heater flushed twice, and saw their dishwasher’s spray arm clog more than once. After throwing money at a compact big-box softener that regenerated on a timer and a “magnetic conditioner” that did nothing for the film on glassware, they called my team. We installed a SoftPro Elite 64K with fine mesh ion exchange resin and a smart valve controller. What happened for them is what I’ll outline for you here—step by step—so you know exactly what to expect after your SoftPro Elite is up and running.
Here’s the short tour of what we’ll cover:
- Faster lather, cleaner rinses, and immediate feel changes at the tap A quieter, less wasteful system thanks to precision demand-initiated regeneration Real savings on salt and water from the SoftPro Elite’s upward-cleaning regeneration design Consistent pressure and flow—no “softener choke” during showers Cleaner appliances, longer lifespans, and real-world cost avoidance A smarter control head that actually tells you what’s going on Correct system sizing so you’re not regenerating constantly DIY-friendly setup with support from my family team at QWT Maintenance that takes minutes, not hours Warranty and support that outlast trends and gimmicks
Let’s get specific.
#1. Immediate Water Feel Upgrade — Ion Exchange Chemistry That Actually Removes Hardness
If you’ve never felt true soft water, the first shower after installation is eye-opening. Skin rinses clean, shampoo explodes into lather, and you’ll feel a slickness at first—that’s not residue, that’s your natural skin oils not being stripped by minerals.
- How it works: The SoftPro Elite uses cation exchange to trade hardness ions (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) for sodium ions (Na⁺). The 8% crosslink ion exchange resin provides a durable framework of exchange sites—roughly 2.0-2.2 milliequivalents per gram—capable of reducing hardness to 0–1 GPG. In independent testing, SoftPro systems exceed 99% hardness reduction. Why it matters: Unlike salt-free devices that try to modify mineral behavior, the Elite physically removes the offenders from your water stream. That’s why the results are immediate and consistent.
Arjun noticed it first while shaving—his razor glided easily, and his aftershave stopped stinging. Priya saw the difference in the kids’ bath time: fewer bubbles needed and zero tight-skin feeling after.
What “Soft” Feels Like at the Tap
Expect more lather with far less product. Typical homes use 50–70% less soap and shampoo once hardness is removed. Glasses air-dry without chalky outlines, and stainless looks like stainless again.
The Resin Advantage Explained
SoftPro’s high-efficiency fine mesh resin increases surface area by roughly 40% over standard beads, improving exchange rates and capturing trace iron (up to 3 ppm) that often stains fixtures. That finer media is one reason you’ll notice results quickly.
Getting to 0–1 GPG
With correct programming and a proper startup regeneration, your meter reading at the tap should show near-zero hardness. Test strips confirm it. I recommend testing weekly for the first month while the system settles in.
Key takeaway: Real softening is chemistry, not marketing. SoftPro Elite delivers the chemical swap that makes water feel right.
#2. Less Salt and Water Waste — SoftPro Elite’s Upward Cleaning Process Pays You Back
The biggest mistake in this industry? Assuming all “softeners” regenerate the same way. They don’t. The SoftPro Elite uses an upward-cleaning cycle that changes everything about salt and water consumption.
- The technical edge: During regeneration, the Elite moves brine through the resin bed from the bottom, lifting and expanding the bed 50–70%. That expansion frees trapped hardness and improves brine contact time. In practical terms, 95%+ of the brine dose is utilized instead of washing down the drain. The numbers: Traditional downflow systems commonly burn 6–15 lbs of salt per cycle and dump 50–80 gallons during regeneration. An Elite often needs 2–4 lbs of salt and 18–30 gallons of water for the same capacity recovery. Multiply that over a year—you’ll feel it in your wallet.
After one month, Priya tracked salt usage: 40 lbs fed their 64K system for more than three weeks with a family of four at 17 GPG. That same demand previously used three times as much with their old downflow unit.
Upward Brine Contact, Real Savings
Because the brine lifts and cleans the resin, you’re not fighting channeling. Every pound of salt does more work, and every gallon of regeneration water is productive.
Set It Once, Let It Run
Once hardness and capacity settings are programmed, the Elite calculates how much resin needs to be restored. No guessing. No waste.
The Quick Math on Annual Savings
Typical homes see $120–$260 annual salt savings and $50–$100 in reduced water costs compared to older downflow softeners, depending on hardness and usage.
Key takeaway: An Elite doesn’t just soften—it softens smarter. The efficiency is built into the physics of the cycle.
#3. Metered, Demand-Initiated Control — Regenerates Only When You Actually Need It
Timer-based systems regenerate whether you used water or not. That’s wasteful. The SoftPro Elite’s metered valve measures gallons used and regenerates only as needed.
- Core function: The smart valve controller tracks gallons remaining and triggers a cycle when the calculated capacity is nearly spent. You’ll see “gallons remaining” and “days since regen” on the 4-line LCD touchpad. Reserve done right: A 15% reserve (not 30–40% like many older valves) keeps you in soft water while maximizing each tank’s full capacity. Less reserve means more usable capacity per pound of salt.
Within a week, Arjun noticed the Elite “learning” their weekday vs weekend pattern. Longer showers on Saturdays? The controller adjusts. That’s how you get both comfort and conservation.
Vacation Mode Protects and Preserves
Going out of town? The controller performs an automatic gentle refresh every 7 days to prevent bacteria growth in stagnant water. Your resin stays clean; your home comes back online smoothly.
Emergency Reserve Regeneration
If you’ve got guests and blow through capacity unexpectedly, the Elite’s 15-minute emergency refresh delivers soft water fast without a full brine cycle. It’s a real-life saver for holidays.
You’ll Love the Display
Clear status, error codes, and manual regen options at your fingertips. Add in a self-charging capacitor that holds settings for 48 hours during outages—no reprogramming headaches.
Key takeaway: Smart metering and minimal reserve give you more soft water from every pound of salt.
#4. Real-World Comparison: SoftPro Elite vs Fleck 5600SXT — Efficiency Meets Everyday Comfort
As a technician-turned-manufacturer, I have respect for the stalwarts. The Fleck 5600SXT is a workhorse with legacy in this space. But the 5600SXT uses downflow regeneration, which inherently consumes more salt and water to fully clean the bed. Here’s how this plays out:
- Technical performance: The Elite’s upward cleaning approach uses roughly one-half to one-third the salt per regeneration and slashes regeneration water volumes by more than half in many homes. The demand-initiated regeneration on both platforms is helpful, but the Fleck’s typical reserve needs are larger, reducing usable capacity per cycle. The Elite’s fine mesh resin further boosts brine efficiency and iron handling up to 3 ppm. Real-world usage: Arjun and Priya’s old big-box downflow unit (similar behavior to older Fleck installations) regenerated about twice as often and used roughly triple the salt monthly. After moving to the Elite, their salting schedule dropped to a quick top-off every few weeks. With Fleck, you can definitely achieve soft water; with the Elite, you achieve soft water with less input and better capacity utilization. Value conclusion: Over five to ten years, the Elite’s salt and water savings stack up. The efficiency difference, the smarter reserve logic, and the diagnostic-friendly controller make SoftPro worth every single penny.
#5. Pressure and Flow That Hold Up — 15 GPM Service Rate Keeps Showers Satisfying
No one wants a softener that throttles the house. The SoftPro Elite maintains a 15 GPM service rate (with peaks higher) so you can run multiple fixtures without that “weak shower” feeling.
- Specs that matter: Expect a 3–5 PSI pressure drop across the system during the service cycle. The Elite is built with full-port internals and 3/4" or 1" connections to match standard plumbing. Minimum inlet pressure is 25 PSI; ideal operation is 50–70 PSI. If your static pressure exceeds 80 PSI, add a regulator to protect fixtures. Real-home impact: Two showers, a running dishwasher, and a washing machine? The Elite handles peak demand without derailing your morning routine.
Maya and Dev often shower back-to-back on school days while the dishwasher runs from the night before. With the Elite, Arjun no longer hears complaints about trickling water in the hallway bath.
Flow Matters in Bigger Homes
If you’ve got a multistory layout or multiple full baths, a 64K or 80K grain system with 1" plumbing ensures the pressure profile stays comfortable throughout the home.
Resin Bed Health and Flow
A cleaner, well-expanded resin bed maintains better hydraulic performance. Upward cleaning prevents compacted channels that can restrict flow in older systems.
Watch Your Aerators
If you previously battled plugged faucet screens from mineral particles, you’ll see those maintenance events all but disappear after the Elite settles in.
Key takeaway: Efficient softening should never mean weak showers. With the Elite, it doesn’t.
#6. Appliance Protection You Can Measure — Water Heater, Dishwasher, and Laundry Benefits
Hardness acts like insulation on heating elements and a clog factory for spray arms and valves. Removing it changes the appliance trajectory immediately.
- Water heaters: Mineral film on heating surfaces can raise energy consumption 20–30% within a couple of years. With soft water, elements operate clean and efficient. Expect longer life and fewer flushes on tanks. Tankless systems avoid scale-induced error codes and descaling cycles. Dishwashers: Heating elements and internal lines stay clear; detergent rinses completely; glasses no longer dry with chalky outlines. Washing machines: Inlet valves and internal lines remain free of grit. Clothes feel softer without fabric softener, and colors don’t gray from mineral interactions.
Priya tracked their maintenance: After the Elite, the water heater stopped making that rumbling “kettle” noise. Their dishwasher’s rinse agent usage dropped in half, and whites looked brighter within two laundry cycles.
The Financial Angle
- Water heater: Avoid $1,600–$2,400 replacement earlier than expected and cut energy costs meaningfully. Dishwasher: Keep it running to its intended lifespan. No more surprise call-outs from mineral obstructions. Laundry: Expect detergents to last substantially longer; many families cut product use by a third to a half.
Plumbing Preservation
From PEX to copper, scale accumulation narrows flow paths. SoftPro Elite halts that buildup, and over months, you’ll see old fixtures clean up internally.
Iron Stain Relief
At up to 3 ppm, the Elite’s resin reduces those rust rings around drains and toilets. Heavier iron may warrant pre-treatment—my team can advise.
Key takeaway: The most expensive part of hard water is appliance damage. This is where the Elite quietly pays for itself.
#7. Sizing That Fits Your Home — Grain Capacity Done with Math, Not Guesswork
The surest way to kill a softener’s efficiency is to undersize it. We size every SoftPro using daily removal demand:
- Formula: People × 75 gallons × hardness GPG = daily grains to remove. Example: The Ramaswamys (4 people × 75 × 17 GPG) = 5,100 grains/day. With a 64K grain capacity and high salt efficiency, they regenerate roughly every 5–7 days, depending on use.
The Elite lineup includes 32K, 48K, 64K, 80K, and 110K options, so you can match capacity to demand precisely.
When to Choose 32K
Ideal for 1–3 people with moderate hardness (7–12 GPG). Keeps cycles efficient and intervals healthy.
48K and 64K Sweet Spots
- 48K for 3–4 people at 11–15 GPG. 64K for 4–5 people at 15–20 GPG or when weekends bring guests.
80K and 110K for Heavy Lifting
Larger families or very high hardness (20+ GPG) need more resin volume to avoid frequent regen. Bigger beds also handle peak flows more gracefully.
Key takeaway: A properly sized Elite regenerates every 3–7 days. That’s the efficiency sweet spot for comfort and cost.
#8. Living with the Controller — Diagnostics, Alerts, and Set-and-Forget Convenience
You don’t need to be an engineer to operate the Elite’s brain. The digital control head gives you real information without the fluff.
- Interface basics: The LCD touchpad presents gallons remaining, days since last regeneration, next regeneration estimate, and any alert codes. Manual regeneration is a button away if needed. Power loss? No panic. The self-charging capacitor keeps your settings alive for 48 hours. Even if the outlet blips, you’re not reprogramming from scratch.
In week two, Arjun ran a manual regen before a birthday sleepover using the emergency 15-minute refresh—no one took a hard-water shower the next morning.
Error Codes That Help, Not Confuse
Common alerts point to items like a restricted drain line or a brine draw issue. Clear guidance helps you fix the simple stuff and know when to call us for the rest.
Vacation Mode: Quiet Guardian
If water sits still in a resin tank for too long, it can get stale. The Elite’s automatic refresh is a gently timed safeguard.
Oversized Brine Tank, Fewer Trips
You’ll appreciate the larger brine tank that reduces refill frequency. Keep pellets above the water line by a few inches—simple and effective.
Key takeaway: The Elite gives you actionable info and peace of mind without turning your utility room into a tech lab.
#9. Installation and Support — DIY-Friendly with Real People Behind You
I designed SoftPro with homeowners and pros in mind. You can do this yourself if you’re comfortable with basic plumbing practices—or have your plumber handle it. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
- Space and utilities: Plan a footprint of roughly 18" × 24" for mid-size systems, 60–72" height clearance for salt loading, a nearby drain within 20 feet (longer with a small pump), and a GFCI 110V outlet. Plumbing: Connect through the pre-installed bypass valve with quick connects, PEX, or copper. Keep piping marked—“in” and “out” matter. Ensure drain line has an air gap per code to prevent backflow.
Heather on my team has assembled video walk-throughs and printable guides. If you can sweat copper, crimp PEX, or use push fittings safely, you’re set. If not, most plumbers can install an Elite in a few hours.
Basic Startup Steps
1) Bypass, cut-in, and connect tank to bypass.
2) Run drain line and brine line.
3) Add 40–80 lbs of salt.
4) Program hardness and time.
5) Run initial regeneration to prime the resin.
6) Check all joints under pressure for leaks.
Local Codes and Permits
Some municipalities require backflow devices or permits for water treatment installations. Call your building department or ask us—we’ll point you in the right direction.
City vs Well Considerations
On wells with sediment, add a pre-filter. On chlorinated city water, the Elite’s resin tolerates up to ~2 ppm chlorine, but carbon pre-filtration can extend resin life.
Key takeaway: Whether DIY or pro-installed, SoftPro gives you clarity and support from the first cut to the first clean shower.
#10. Warranty, Certification, and Long-Term Costs — Built to Last, Backed by Family
Credentials and coverage matter when you’re buying a system you’ll rely on daily.
- Certifications: The Elite is certified to NSF 372 for lead-free design with IAPMO materials safety validation. Performance aligns with NSF 44 expectations for softening, and independent labs validate >99% hardness reduction. Warranty: Lifetime on the control valve and mineral tanks, lifetime on the brine tank structure, 10 years on electronics. It’s direct—from our family at Quality Water Treatment—to you. No dealer shuffle.
Jeremy sizes your system precisely. Heather helps coordinate shipping and installation support. I stand behind the chemistry, engineering, and every tank we ship.
Cost over a Decade
- System: $1,200–$2,800 depending on capacity. Install: $0 DIY or $300–$600 typical pro labor. Annual salt with Elite upflow: $60–$140 vs $180–$400 for older downflow tech. Water during regen: ~$25–$40 annually with Elite vs $80–$150 for downflow. Resin: Expect 15–20 years before replacement.
Over 10 years, most homes save $1,200–$2,500 compared to downflow softeners, not counting appliance protection—where the real money lives.
A Word on Dealer-Dependent Systems (Culligan/Kinetico)
Some dealer models require proprietary parts and service calls for routine items. With SoftPro, you get standard components, direct parts support, and lifetime coverage that doesn’t depend on a local franchise’s business policies.
The Bottom Line
Performance you can measure, efficiency you can see on store receipts, and support from a family that’s been at this since 1990. That combination is worth every single penny.
Comparison Spotlight: SoftPro Elite vs Culligan — Independence, Diagnostics, and Ownership Costs
Culligan builds capable systems, but the ecosystem often ties you to dealer service visits, proprietary components, and maintenance schedules you don’t fully control.
- Technical contrast: Both platforms soften water effectively; however, SoftPro’s upward-cleaning regeneration can cut salt consumption dramatically while maintaining a lower reserve (around 15%) compared to dealer-programmed systems that frequently maintain higher buffers. The Elite’s diagnostic-rich controller offers transparent flow, capacity, and error feedback. Practical differences: With the Elite, you can program, adjust, and service the unit without waiting for a dealer appointment. Parts aren’t locked behind a franchise counter. Arjun appreciated using the controller’s gallons-remaining readout to time salt runs, while Priya liked that emergency regen could be triggered with a single button press. Value conclusion: Over years of ownership, the combination of autonomy, reduced salt consumption, and simple maintenance puts SoftPro ahead for most homeowners. It’s freedom plus efficiency—and worth every single penny.
Maintenance You’ll Actually Do — Simple, Predictable, and Fast
Think minutes per month, not afternoons.
- Monthly: Check salt level. Keep pellets 3–6" above the water line. Break any salt crust with a broom handle if it forms. Quick hardness test at a tap confirms 0–1 GPG. Quarterly: Inspect the drain line for kinks; clean the injector screen; cycle the bypass to keep it moving freely. Optionally trigger the emergency refresh just to verify performance. Annually: Sanitize the resin tank with a recommended cleaner; replace any sediment pre-filter cartridges; confirm controller settings reflect your current household size.
Arjun sets a calendar reminder for the first Saturday each month. It takes five minutes. That’s how you stay ahead of surprises.
Salt-Free Alternatives: Where They Fit, Where They Don’t
I’m asked weekly about magnetic and template-assisted systems.
- Electronic/magnetic gadgets: Claims to change mineral behavior but lack consistent, peer-reviewed results. You might see minor improvements in certain cases, but you won’t get the slippery soft feel, product savings, or appliance protection of true softening. Template-assisted crystallization (TAC): Can reduce adherence of scale, but it doesn’t remove hardness ions. Soap efficiency doesn’t improve the way it does with softening. For homes focused purely on scale on glass or fixtures, TAC can be a bandage—but it’s not a replacement for a whole house softener. Whole-house RO: Fantastic at removing everything—including hardness—but costly, slow, and wasteful for full-home flow. Use RO at the kitchen sink for drinking water; let the SoftPro Elite handle the house.
FAQ: Your Most Important Questions Answered
1) How does SoftPro Elite’s upflow regeneration save so much salt compared to traditional softeners?
It maximizes contact time and cleans the resin bed from the bottom up. By expanding the resin 50–70%, the brine reaches every exchange site, achieving over 95% brine utilization. That means fewer pounds of salt per capacity restored—often 2–4 lbs per cycle instead of 6–15. The demand-initiated regeneration and a lean 15% reserve ensure you use almost all available capacity before a cycle starts. In the Ramaswamy home at 17 GPG, this translated to roughly one-third the salt versus their old unit. Compared to timer-based or downflow systems like older Fleck 5600SXT setups, you’ll see fewer regenerations and tighter control over waste. In my professional view, that combination delivers the best salt efficiency you can buy in a residential softener today.
2) What grain capacity do I need for a family of four with 18 GPG hard water?
Use the sizing formula: 4 people × 75 gallons × 18 GPG = 5,400 grains/day. A 64K system is typically appropriate, aiming for 3–7 days between regenerations for optimal performance. If you frequently host guests or have high-flow demands (multiple showers and laundry simultaneously), consider an 80K for longer intervals and reduced pressure drop during peak usage. For the Ramaswamy family at 17 GPG, a 64K perfectly balanced efficiency and comfort, regenerating about once a week with the Elite’s metered valve.
3) Can SoftPro Elite handle iron along with hardness?
Yes, up to about 3 ppm of clear-water iron. The Elite’s fine mesh resin captures trace iron effectively during normal softening. If your well shows higher iron or ferric (particulate) iron, we’ll recommend pre-treatment like oxidation/filtration before the softener to protect the resin and keep the system efficient. In Cedar Park, the Ramaswamy https://www.softprowatersystems.com/products/softpro-elite-water-softener home sits around 1 ppm iron—well within the Elite’s capability. Regular regeneration and occasional resin cleaning keep performance high.
4) Can I install SoftPro Elite myself, or do I need a plumber?
Many homeowners install it themselves. You’ll need basic plumbing skills and tools for PEX, copper, or push-fit connections. Plan for an 18" × 24" footprint, 60–72" height, nearby drain within 20 feet, and a 110V outlet. Our bypass valve and quick connections simplify setup. Heather’s videos guide you through programming and startup regeneration. If you’re not comfortable cutting into the main line, a local plumber can complete the work in a few hours. Either way, our team is a phone call away.
5) What space requirements should I plan for?
For a 48K–64K system: allow roughly 18" × 24" footprint plus space for the brine tank beside it. Leave enough height (around 60–72") to pour salt comfortably. You’ll need drain access, electrical within cord reach, and clearance to service the control valve. Larger capacities (80K–110K) need a bit more footprint. Ensure the installation area stays above 35°F and below 100°F, and that the water temperature feeding the valve remains under 110–120°F.
6) How often do I need to add salt to the brine tank?
It depends on hardness, household size, and capacity. With the Elite’s upflow design, most families top off every 3–6 weeks. Arjun and Priya add a single 40-lb bag about every three weeks at 17 GPG with four people—which is far less than their previous system. Keep pellets a few inches above the water line, and avoid overfilling the tank. Check monthly, and you’ll never run dry.
7) What is the lifespan of the resin?
Expect 15–20 years with proper maintenance. The Elite’s resin is 8% crosslink and fine mesh, which balances capacity and durability. Chlorine exposure under ~2 ppm is acceptable, though a carbon pre-filter can extend resin life on heavily chlorinated city water. Annual sanitization helps maintain exchange efficiency. When resin eventually ages, replacement media is straightforward and far less costly than a new system.
8) What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years?
For most households: $1,200–$2,800 for the system (capacity dependent), $0–$600 for installation, $60–$140 per year for salt, and $25–$40 per year in regeneration water. Compared to downflow systems, SoftPro typically saves $1,200–$2,500 over a decade on salt and water alone. Add avoided appliance issues—water heater efficiency preserved, fewer dishwasher repairs—and your true savings may be several thousand more. That’s why I call the Elite a “quiet ROI machine.”
9) How much will I save on salt annually?
Savings vary with hardness and family size, but many homes cut salt purchases by 50–70% compared to older downflow or timer-based systems. In four-person homes at 15–20 GPG, that often translates to $120–$260 saved each year on salt alone. The Ramaswamy family cut their salt runs by about two-thirds after moving to the SoftPro Elite 64K.
10) How does SoftPro Elite compare to Fleck 5600SXT?
Both can soften effectively, but the Elite’s upward-cleaning regeneration and lean reserve requirement unlock significantly better salt and water efficiency. The smart valve controller on the Elite provides richer diagnostics and a simpler path to DIY ownership. In long-term cost and ease-of-use comparisons, the Elite generally wins for homeowners who value low operating costs and robust, transparent controls.
11) Is SoftPro Elite better than Culligan systems?
If you prefer independence, lower salt usage, and ready access to parts and support, yes. Culligan offers good performance but often ties you to dealer service and proprietary components. SoftPro gives you direct support from our family business, standard components, and an efficiency profile that shines in real-world conditions. For Arjun and Priya, the ability to self-manage programming and maintenance was a decisive factor.
12) Will SoftPro Elite work with extremely hard water (25+ GPG)?
Absolutely—just size it correctly. For 25+ GPG and larger families, an 80K or 110K grain system reduces regeneration frequency and maintains flow under peak demand. If iron or sediment is also high, we’ll design a pre-treatment stage. The Elite’s 15 GPM service flow and robust resin tank sizes handle the tough stuff when capacity and programming are matched to your home’s profile.
Final Word from Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips
Hard water is relentless, but it’s not unbeatable. When you install a SoftPro Elite, the first week brings obvious wins—silky showers, brighter laundry, clear fixtures. The next month delivers measurable savings—less salt, fewer regenerations, normal water pressure. Over years, the Elite quietly shields your appliances and plumbing, which is where the real money is.
We built SoftPro to give you the best of both worlds: engineering that squeezes every ounce of value from a pound of salt and family-backed support that doesn’t leave you hanging. From my daughter Heather’s install guides to Jeremy’s sizing help and my own obsession with efficient upflow regeneration, our mission is simple: Transform your home’s water—and make the change stick.
If you’re ready for that first shower that reminds you what clean feels like, the SoftPro Elite Water Softener is ready for your home. It’s efficient, proven, and worth every single penny.