Descripción
The AquaSilk Mini 8L is a compact cabinet water softener built for smaller Irish homes — the size of household where every centimetre of utility space matters but you still want soft, scale-free water on every tap.
Engineered with the EPS DC valve and up-flow regeneration, it uses less salt and water than older designs while protecting your boiler, appliances, skin and laundry from Ireland's hard water.
Built for Ireland's hard water — without the bulk
If you live in Dublin, Cork, Galway or anywhere with hard or moderately hard water, the cost is the same: scaled kettles, blocked showers, dull laundry, dry skin, and shorter lifespans on every appliance that touches water. The Mini 8L removes the calcium and magnesium that cause it.
Stops limescale damage
Protects your boiler, washing machine, dishwasher and shower from the scale that shortens appliance lifespan.
Softer skin & hair
Most owners notice the change after the first shower. Less itching, smoother hair, less product needed.
No more scale residue
White build-up disappears from shower screens, kettles, taps and dishes. Cleaning takes a fraction of the time.
Lower running costs
EPS DC valve with up-flow regeneration uses less salt and water than older designs.
Compact cabinet design
Tank and brine well housed together. Fits under a counter or in a utility room without awkward plumbing across rooms.
Set-and-forget operation
Automatic regeneration runs at off-peak hours. Top up the salt every few weeks. The unit handles the rest.
The Mini 8L is ideal if…
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1–5 people live in your home
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You have 1 bathroom, or 1 bathroom + ensuite
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Mains pressure is between 2 and 6 bar (most Irish homes)
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Tight space: under-counter, garage, hot press or utility room
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You want ¾″ standard plumbing connections
Bigger household?
If you have 6+ people, two full bathrooms, or very hard water (above 350 ppm), the AquaSilk Midi 14L or Maxi 21L will give you better salt economy and won't regenerate as often.
Not sure? Send us your Eircode and household size — we'll confirm the right size in 24h. Get sizing advice →
Everything to get a competent plumber up and running
- AquaSilk Mini 8L softener unitCabinet design with 8L resin tank and 15kg salt reservoir
- EPS DC control valvePre-fitted, up-flow regeneration, programmable
- Brine well kitBuilt into the cabinet — no separate brine tank needed
- ¾″ inlet/outlet connectionsStandard fittings to suit Irish plumbing
- Drain & overflow hoseFor regeneration discharge
- Manual & warranty cardPlus our Irish support number
Technical detail
| Resin capacity | 8 L |
|---|---|
| Salt tank capacity | 15 kg |
| Operating flow rate | ~ 0.9 m³/h |
| Plumbing connections | ¾″ inlet/outlet (standard) |
| Operating pressure | 2 – 6 bar |
| Operating temperature | 1 – 39 °C |
| Control valve | EPS DC valve, up-flow regeneration |
| Suitable for | Up to 5 people (depending on water hardness) |
| Power supply | 230 V mains adapter (low draw) |
| Warranty | See warranty page |
Two ways to fit it — you choose at checkout
Supply only
€549incl. VAT- Delivered to your door, ready for your plumber
- Includes manual and ¾″ connections
- Phone support if your plumber has questions
- Best if you already have a trusted plumber
Professional installation
€849incl. VAT- Fitted by an EcoFilter-approved plumber
- Bypass valve and drain connection included
- Full system commissioning and salt setup
- Walkthrough so you know how to top it up
Compare AquaSilk models
| Mini 8L | Midi 14L | Maxi 21L | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | 1–5 people, 1 bathroom | 4–6 people, 1–2 bathrooms | 6+ people, 2+ bathrooms |
| Resin capacity | 8 L | 14 L | 21 L |
| Salt capacity | 15 kg | 25 kg | 35 kg |
| Footprint | Smallest | Medium | Largest |
| Regeneration | More frequent | Balanced | Least frequent |
Common questions about the Mini 8L
Will the AquaSilk Mini 8L fit under a kitchen counter?
Yes — the Mini 8L is a cabinet-design softener built specifically for tight spaces. Most standard kitchen, utility or hot-press cupboards accommodate it comfortably. We recommend confirming clearance height and access for salt top-ups before installation. If you'd like exact dimensions for your space, send us a photo and measurements and we'll confirm fit before you order.
How much salt will it use, and how often do I top it up?
The EPS DC valve uses up-flow regeneration, which is significantly more salt-efficient than older down-flow systems. For a typical Irish household of 3–4 people on hard water, you can expect to top up the 15kg salt tank roughly every 6–10 weeks. We sell tablet salt in bulk if you'd like to add it to your order.
Do I really need a water softener in Ireland?
It depends on your area. Much of Ireland has moderately hard to hard water — particularly Dublin (especially the Liffey-supplied areas), parts of Cork, Galway and the midlands. Limescale shortens the life of boilers, immersions, washing machines, dishwashers and shower heads, and it's the main reason people end up with stiff laundry and itchy skin. If you regularly descale your kettle or see white build-up on your shower screen, a softener pays for itself in appliance lifespan and cleaning time. We're happy to check your area's hardness for free — just contact us with your Eircode.
How often does the unit regenerate?
Regeneration frequency depends on water hardness and household usage, but the Mini 8L typically regenerates every 3–7 days. The cycle runs automatically at off-peak hours (usually 2–3am) so it doesn't interrupt your supply. You'll never have to manually trigger it.
Can I install it myself, or do I need a plumber?
If you're confident with plumbing — soldering or push-fit, mains stop-cocks, drain connections — the Mini 8L is straightforward to install. The installation manual is clear, and you'll need a bypass valve, drain access for the discharge hose, and a 230V power outlet within reach. If you'd prefer to leave it to a pro, choose the Professional installation option above and we'll arrange a vetted plumber.
Will it remove chlorine, fluoride, or improve drinking water taste?
No — a softener removes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) but is not designed to filter chlorine, fluoride, sediment, or impurities you can taste. For better-tasting drinking water, pair the Mini 8L with one of our drinking water filter systems. Many of our customers fit both — the softener for the whole house, a drinking filter at the kitchen tap.
Is the softened water safe to drink?
Softened water is safe for most people to drink, though it does contain a small amount of additional sodium from the ion-exchange process. People on strict low-sodium diets, infants on formula, or anyone with specific medical concerns may prefer a separate unsoftened drinking tap — typically run before the softener at the kitchen sink. Our team can advise on this when you order.
What warranty comes with it?
The Mini 8L comes with a manufacturer warranty backed by EPS Ireland, with parts and aftersales support handled by us locally — so if anything ever needs attention, you talk to a Dublin-based team, not an overseas call centre. Full terms on our warranty page.
How fast is delivery in Ireland?
Orders placed before 1pm on a working day are typically dispatched same-day. Most ROI addresses receive the unit within 1–2 working days. NI and remote areas may take 2–3 days. Full details on our shipping page.
Will it work with a combi boiler?
Yes — the Mini 8L is fully compatible with combi boilers, gravity-fed systems, and high-pressure unvented systems within the 2–6 bar pressure range. In fact, combi boilers benefit hugely from softened water because limescale build-up in the heat exchanger is one of the most common reasons combi boilers fail prematurely.
What if I already have an old softener — can you remove it?
Yes. If you choose the Professional installation option, we can remove and dispose of your existing softener at the same visit — no extra charge in most cases. Just let us know when you order so the plumber arrives prepared.
Do you stock spares and replacement resin?
Yes — we stock control valves, bypass assemblies, replacement resin and salt tablets for the entire AquaSilk range. Buying from us means you've got a long-term partner for the unit, not just a one-off purchase.
Buy with confidence
Manufacturer warranty backed by EPS Ireland · Lifetime parts availability through our Dublin office · 14-day returns under Irish consumer law · Real Irish team, not a faceless reseller.
Ready to order?
Order today and have it dispatched within 24 hours. Not sure if it's the right size? Talk to our Irish-based team first — no pressure, no upselling.