Hard water quietly drains wallets. A small layer of mineral scale inside your water heater can hike energy use by a quarter. Faucets, showerheads, and dishwashers lose output as mineral residue clogs tiny passages. Detergent consumption climbs. Add the time you spend scrubbing tile and glass, and the “hidden tax” of hard water gets expensive, fast.
Let me introduce a family I recently worked with. Sofia and Daniel Aragon live in Peoria, Arizona with their kids Lucia (9) and Mateo (6). Sofia is a pediatric nurse (38), Daniel is a project estimator for a roofing company (40). Their municipal water tested at 19 GPG hardness with 0.6 PPM clear water iron—tough on anything with a heating element. Over three years, they replaced a shower valve, descaled their tank-style water heater twice, and watched the dishwasher’s internal heating element crust up. Between extra cleaners and spot-removal agents, the Aragons were spending over $420 a year in “compensations” for hard water. They tried an inexpensive magnetic gadget. It didn’t move the needle. The film on glassware kept returning, and Lucia’s dry skin flare-ups persisted.
If you’re looking for the best water softener for long-term savings—not a short-term patch—the list that follows is your roadmap. I’ll break down the technology that matters, why the SoftPro Elite belongs at the top of your shortlist, what real-world operating costs look like, and where competitor models fall behind. This is not theoretical; it’s the same playbook I’ve used for three decades to help homeowners like the Aragons stop spending on band-aids and start saving with a proper, high‑efficiency softening system.
We’ll cover:
- Why upflow regeneration cuts salt and water use dramatically How metered demand control prevents wasteful cycles Capacity sizing that fits your family and hardness level Pressure/flow details so showers stay strong Diagnostics and emergency reserve features that avoid downtime Warranty and support that actually mean something Installation realities (DIY vs. pro) The true 5- and 10-year cost picture Smart comparisons with Fleck, Culligan, and SpringWell A practical FAQ to finish
Let’s get you soft water that pays for itself—and keeps paying you back.
#1. Upflow Regeneration Done Right – SoftPro Elite, Ion Exchange Resin, and Brine Efficiency
Efficient regeneration is the heart of long-term savings, and SoftPro Elite’s upflow design is the benchmark. When we talk about “best” in a water softener system, this is the backbone.
- Technical explanation The SoftPro Elite uses an engineered counter-current cleaning path during its regeneration cycle, moving the brine upward through the resin bed, expanding it and scrubbing mineral-loaded beads more uniformly. This approach drives higher brine contact efficiency and clears channels where calcium and magnesium camp out. In numbers: an upflow cycle routinely uses 2-4 pounds of salt where traditional downflow designs commonly burn through 6-15 pounds. Water used for regeneration typically drops into the 18-30 gallon range per cycle, compared with 50-80 gallons on older designs. By maximizing brine utilization (95%+ in many scenarios) and refreshing the resin to a more complete state, SoftPro secures both capacity and longevity. With quality ion exchange resin—an 8% crosslink formulation—lifespan runs up to 15-20 years, and the system achieves 4,000–5,000 grains of hardness removal per pound of salt. Real-world family example After switching to SoftPro Elite, the Aragons cut salt purchases from eight bags a quarter to three. That change alone reduced their annual salt cost to roughly $90. Their regeneration water use also fell sharply, showing up on the utility bill.
How Upflow Prevents Channeling
Channeling—where water finds paths of least resistance—leads to partially regenerated resin and performance drop-offs. By expanding the resin during the upflow cycle, SoftPro’s control of flow and contact time helps eliminate ruts in the resin bed, restoring uniform performance and keeping hardness leakage to near zero (0–1 GPG at the tap).
Brine Utilization and Contact Time
More efficient brine use means less salt dissolves for the same work. SoftPro’s flow path increases contact time with the resin beads, enabling thorough ion replacement. Better contact time equals reliable capacity between regenerations.
Water Waste Reduction
Every gallon saved in regeneration is another tick on your long-term ROI. Cutting 30–50 gallons per cycle adds up across a year in any home, best water softener especially in regions with high hardness that regenerate more often.
Key takeaway: Upflow is not marketing fluff—it’s the primary driver of salt and water savings that compound year after year.
#2. Demand-Metered Control – Smart Valve Controller, Gallons-Remaining Display, and True Efficiency
Why regenerate when you haven’t used the capacity? SoftPro’s demand-initiated logic answers that question with precision.
- Technical explanation The smart valve controller meters water usage continuously, tracking the exact gallons remaining before the next regeneration. Instead of running on a timer, it initiates cycles only when the resin bed is truly approaching exhaustion. You’ll see “gallons remaining” and “days since regeneration” on the backlit LCD touchpad—data that makes it easy to confirm the system is tuned to your household routine. A self-charging capacitor preserves settings through brief outages (up to 48 hours). Combine this with the system’s 15% reserve strategy and you get fewer, smarter regenerations and a predictable salt budget. Real-world family example The Aragons used to hear their old timer-based softener kick on regardless of weekend trips. With SoftPro Elite’s metered control, no more idle cycling. Their run-time dropped, their water bill improved, and the garage got a lot quieter at night.
Why Metering Matters
Daily water use fluctuates. Laundry day spikes, travel dips. A metered valve respects those swings. Regenerating based on actual gallons processed protects resin life, keeps salt inputs low, and ensures you don’t run the system like a stopwatch.
Diagnostics You’ll Actually Use
Error codes, flow data, and trend indicators in the digital control head make troubleshooting straightforward. It’s friendly enough for DIYers and detailed enough for technicians, which reduces maintenance costs.
Vacation Mode
SoftPro’s vacation programming automatically refreshes the resin every seven days to prevent stagnation and bacterial activity—not a full regeneration, just enough movement to keep the media healthy while you’re away.
Key takeaway: Metered demand control is your insurance policy against wasteful cycles and creeping operating costs.
#3. Capacity Sizing That Fits Your Life – Grain Capacity Options, GPG, and Regeneration Frequency
Sizing is where many homeowners and even some dealers go wrong. An undersized system regenerates constantly; an oversized one costs more than you need.
- Technical explanation Start with a simple formula: People × 75 gallons × hardness (GPG) = daily grains to remove. For the Aragons: 4 people × 75 × 19 GPG = 5,700 grains/day. Multiply by 7 for a once-a-week regeneration target: ~39,900 grains per cycle. A 48K grain capacity SoftPro Elite hit the sweet spot. This configuration typically regenerates every 5–7 days, balancing efficiency with ample reserve. SoftPro offers 32K, 48K, 64K, 80K, and 110K sizes, covering everything from condos to large families with very hard water. With fine mesh resin available for iron up to 3 PPM, the Elite adapts to real-world chemistry. Real-world family example We initially considered a 64K for the Aragons, but the usage math and budget pointed to the 48K. Their system now regenerates roughly weekly—steady, predictable, and efficient.
When to Choose 32K
Singles, couples, or homes around 8–10 GPG can thrive on a 32K. You’ll enjoy low salt use and an attractive price point without sacrificing performance.
Why 64K and 80K Exist
Larger households or homes in extremely hard water zones (20+ GPG) need the headroom. Those sizes keep regeneration intervals in the 5–7 day range, reducing wear and salt usage spikes.
110K: The Edge Cases
Light commercial or very large homes with multiple simultaneous demand points will appreciate the stamina of a 110K, especially where hardness is severe and usage is high.
Key takeaway: Do the math once. Get the right size. Your salt bill and system lifespan will thank you.
#4. Pressure You Can Feel – 15 GPM Flow Rate, Minimal Pressure Drop, and Peak Demand Performance
Soft water isn’t helpful if your shower sputters when the dishwasher runs. Flow matters.
- Technical explanation SoftPro Elite is rated for a 15 GPM continuous service flow (with peaks above that) while maintaining a modest 3–5 PSI pressure drop through the softener during service. With standard 3/4" or 1" connections and a bypass valve included, you preserve household pressure even when multiple fixtures run. Minimum inlet pressure sits around 25 PSI, maximum at 125 PSI (use a regulator above 80 PSI). Drain line sizing of at least 1/2" ensures reliable backwash discharge. Real-world family example The Aragons noticed the difference most when guests visited. Shower strength stayed consistent even as the washing machine filled, eliminating the “who used the hot water?” chorus.
Peak Demand Scenarios
Back-to-back showers, laundry, and kitchen cleanup can strain smaller valves. SoftPro’s control valve and porting handle real household rhythms, not just laboratory tests.
Pipe Size Compatibility
Whether your main is 3/4" or 1", the included hardware supports a clean, efficient install that maintains pressure and flow.
Protecting Appliances
Consistent flow reduces mechanical stress on fixtures, solenoids, and valves—small wins that stack up into fewer repairs and replacements.
Key takeaway: A high-efficiency softener should also be a high-flow softener. SoftPro Elite nails both.
#5. Spend Less Over Time – Salt Efficiency, Water Savings, and Real ROI For The Best Water Softener
Let’s talk money. Lifetime value is where SoftPro shines.
- Technical explanation Upflow regeneration, metered demand control, and a 15% reserve strategy work together to minimize consumables. Expect 4,000–5,000 grains removed per pound of salt compared to 2,000–3,000 in conventional systems. Water used for regeneration drops by up to two-thirds versus older downflow designs. Resin life extends to 15–20 years under normal conditions, and the brine tank is oversized to reduce refill trips. Most homes see softeners pay for themselves in 2–4 years through salt, water, energy, and appliance savings. Real-world family example Over 12 months, the Aragons’ salt cost hovered around $90. Their lower gas bill—thanks to scale-free heating surfaces—saved another ~$110 that year. Add fewer cleaners and less fixture replacement, and their SoftPro Elite is on track to recoup its price in just over two years.
5-Year TCO Snapshot
With DIY installation, plan on $1,600–$2,400 all-in for a 48K SoftPro Elite across five years (system, salt, minimal water). Traditional downflow systems in the same period often land between $2,500–$4,000 due to higher consumables and maintenance.
10-Year Perspective
Stretch the analysis and SoftPro’s head start widens. Between salt, water, energy, and avoided appliance wear, savings frequently reach into the four figures.
Appliance Protection Dividend
Less mineral crust on heating elements keeps efficiency high and lifespans closer to their rated targets—especially in water heaters and dishwashers.
Key takeaway: Efficiency isn’t a buzzword—it’s a balance sheet outcome you can measure.
#6. Reserve Capacity and Emergency Backstop – 15% Reserve, Quick Regen, and No-Soft-Water Scenarios
Running out of soft water during a busy weekend is frustrating. SoftPro builds in safeguards.
- Technical explanation The Elite’s reserve logic uses around 15% of capacity as a safety margin—roughly half of what many standard systems require. That keeps more of the tank available for daily use and still leaves room for a surge. Drop below a defined threshold and the system triggers a rapid, 15-minute emergency refresh to carry you until the next full cycle. This feature pairs well with metered control to prevent hard water breakthrough during unusual usage spikes. Real-world family example When Sofia’s mother visited for a week, laundry and showers doubled. The emergency reserve cycle kicked in once, quietly, and nobody noticed—except when the control head later showed the event in its history.
Why 15% Matters
Standard builds often keep 30% or more of capacity in reserve, forcing earlier, more frequent regenerations. Using only 15% unlocks more capacity without risking downtime.
Emergency Cycle Mechanics
This quick cycle draws just enough brine to restore a slice of capacity—fast, efficient, and designed to keep softness consistent until the scheduled full regeneration.
Data Visibility
The controller logs cycles and usage so you can adjust settings if guests or seasonal patterns change your water use.
Key takeaway: Smart reserve management prevents both waste and surprises.
#7. Installation Readiness – DIY-Friendly Quick-Connects, Drain Requirements, and Code Considerations
If you’re handy, SoftPro rewards you. If you prefer pro help, the system plays nicely with plumbers.
- Technical explanation Allocate a footprint of about 18" × 24" for a 48K–64K unit, with 60–72" of height for salt loading and service. Keep a standard 110V outlet within reach and a drain within 20 feet for gravity discharge (longer runs are fine with a small condensate pump). The system includes quick-connect fittings, a full-port bypass valve, and clear programming steps. It’s compatible with copper, PEX, or CPVC with appropriate connectors. Operating temperature ranges from 35°F to 100°F, water temperatures up to about 110°F recommended. Check local codes for backflow requirements. Real-world family example Daniel installed the Aragons’ Elite over a Saturday morning using PEX and push-to-connect fittings. He followed Heather’s install videos, performed a manual regen to prime, and the family had soft water by lunchtime.
Pre-Install Checklist
Measure hardness (GPG), iron, and TDS. Verify pipe size and pressure. Choose a location near the main line entry with room for the brine tank and drain routing.
Programming Basics
Enter hardness, time, and preferred regen window. The controller walks you through the rest. A manual regeneration primes the system and confirms flow and drain function.
Professional Support
Prefer pro installation? Any competent plumber can handle the job; SoftPro does not require dealer-only service for warranty coverage, and our support team is available if your plumber has questions.
Key takeaway: Intuitive hardware and excellent documentation make setup straightforward.
#8. Real Warranty, Real People – Lifetime Valve and Tanks, IAPMO Safety, and QWT Family Support
A warranty is only as good as the people behind it. Ours is personal.
- Technical explanation SoftPro Elite carries a lifetime warranty on the valve and mineral tank, with a robust guarantee on electronics. Materials meet NSF 372 lead-free criteria with IAPMO safety certification. And when you call, you’re reaching the Phillips family organization—Quality Water Treatment—founded in 1990. I’m Craig. My son, Jeremy, leads sizing consultations and pre-purchase water analysis. My daughter, Heather, runs operations, shipping, and the tutorial library. We back the product because it’s built to last. Real-world family example When the Aragons needed a longer drain line for their layout, Heather’s team shipped the right parts and emailed a quick walk-through. No hoops, no phone tree.
What’s Covered
Valve and tanks for life, controller electronics for long-term service, and straightforward support on genuine defects. Damage from freezing or installation mishaps isn’t covered, as you’d expect.
Transferable Value
Selling your home? The warranty moves with it. That adds tangible value for future buyers.
Why Certifications Matter
Third-party validation like NSF/IAPMO proves the materials are safe and verifies performance claims. It’s not hype—it’s proof.
Key takeaway: A premier system deserves premier backing. You get both.
#9. Deep-Dive Comparison: SoftPro Elite vs. Fleck 5600SXT – Regeneration Efficiency, Operating Costs, and Control Intelligence
- Technical performance analysis Fleck’s 5600SXT is a respected workhorse with a downflow regeneration approach. It’s reliable, but it typically uses more salt per cycle (often 6–15 lbs) and discharges more water (50–80 gallons) during regeneration. SoftPro Elite’s upflow regeneration and demand-initiated logic reduce both consumables dramatically. SoftPro’s 15% reserve also means more usable capacity between cycles, while many downflow setups operate with higher reserves and more frequent regens. Add a 4-line smart valve controller with granular diagnostics, and SoftPro pulls ahead on everyday efficiency. Real-world application differences For the Aragons, a Fleck 5600SXT would have required more frequent salt refills and higher water usage due to Peoria’s 19 GPG conditions. The SoftPro’s quick emergency cycle and vacation protections further aligned with their travel schedule. Programming on SoftPro is straightforward, with a gallons-remaining readout that became Daniel’s favorite “at-a-glance” metric. Over a year, the difference in salt alone approached triple-digit savings, and the reduced regeneration water showed up on the utility bill. Value proposition conclusion Both are capable softeners, but if your goal is long-term savings and less hands-on maintenance, SoftPro Elite’s upflow design and smart metering pay you back every month. Over 5–10 years, that gap widens. It’s worth every single penny.
#10. Strategic Comparison: SoftPro Elite vs. Culligan – Dealer Dependence, Service Access, and Ownership Costs
- Technical performance analysis Culligan offers robust systems with dealer networks, but these models frequently tie you to proprietary service and parts. SoftPro Elite delivers premium performance with standard components and a transparent feature set: metered valve, upflow regeneration, vacation mode, and strong diagnostics. On efficiency, SoftPro’s 15% reserve and high brine utilization mean fewer consumables per year. Real-world application differences The Aragons wanted independence—no monthly technician visits or proprietary locks. With SoftPro, Daniel manages basic maintenance, salt checks, and controller adjustments easily. If something needs a deeper look, our family team is a call away. Long-term, the absence of dealer-service contracts and the system’s low salt consumption translated into predictable, lower ownership costs. Value proposition conclusion Culligan is a known name, but for homeowners who value control, independence, and efficiency you can measure, SoftPro Elite wins on both features and economics. Over a decade, the savings and freedom from dealer dependencies make it worth every single penny.
#11. Targeted Comparison: SoftPro Elite vs. SpringWell SS1 – Reserve Strategy, Emergency Regen, and User Experience
- Technical performance analysis SpringWell’s SS1 is a credible competitor with modern controls. Where SoftPro Elite takes the lead is in reserve strategy and emergency resilience. SoftPro’s 15% reserve keeps more capacity in play daily, and the 15-minute emergency refresh protects you during unexpected surges—a feature gap in many competitors. The LCD touchpad on SoftPro delivers real-time tracking, and the system’s upflow brine path pushes salt efficiency further. Real-world application differences With kids and grandparents visiting often, the Aragons valued a system that could handle spikes without reverting to hard water. SoftPro’s emergency reserve paid off during Lucia’s birthday weekend—back-to-back showers, laundry, and dish cycles—and still no hardness breakthrough. Value proposition conclusion SpringWell offers solid performance, but SoftPro Elite’s combination of reserve finesse, emergency quick-cycle, and diagnostics provides superior peace of mind and lower running costs. That blend of resilience and savings is worth every single penny.
#12. Long-Term Care That’s Simple – Monthly Checks, Annual Tune-Ups, and Troubleshooting That Makes Sense
Keeping a high-efficiency softener efficient isn’t complicated.
- Technical explanation Monthly: maintain salt 3–6" above water in the brine tank, test output hardness (target 0–1 GPG), and glance at the controller’s gallons-remaining display. Quarterly: clear the small injector screen, inspect the bypass valve, and verify the drain line is unimpeded. Annually: sanitize the resin tank with a recommended cleaner, inspect seals, and adjust programming if household usage changed. If you pre-filter sediment on well water, swap cartridges per manufacturer schedule. The controller’s error codes streamline troubleshooting. Real-world family example Sofia now does a quick monthly loop: salt check, hardness strip test at the kitchen faucet, and a look at the screen. Five minutes, tops. Once a year, Daniel runs a resin cleaner through the system—15 minutes to set it up while he’s in the garage anyway.
Salt Selection
Use solar pellets or evaporated salt of high purity. Avoid block salt. Keep the brine tank dry around the rim and break up any crust if you see bridging.
Adjusting for Seasons
Guests coming? Bump the reserve slightly or let the emergency cycle protect you. Traveling? Enable vacation refresh. SoftPro makes these tweaks a few button presses.
When to Call Us
If hardness creeps above 1 GPG consistently or you see unusual error codes, reach out. Heather’s team will guide you step by step.
Key takeaway: Light, regular attention keeps performance top-tier and costs low.
FAQ: Best Water Softener for Long-Term Savings – SoftPro Elite Water Softener
1) How does SoftPro Elite’s upflow regeneration actually reduce salt use so dramatically?
SoftPro drives the brine upward through the resin bed, expanding it and cleaning more uniformly. This increases brine contact efficiency and clears mineral pockets, so fewer pounds of salt do the same job. Typical numbers we see are 2–4 lbs per cycle for SoftPro versus 6–15 lbs for downflow units, with regeneration water also dropping into the 18–30 gallon range. For the Aragons (19 GPG), that difference pushed their salt spending to about $90 a year. In head-to-heads with downflow platforms like Fleck 5600SXT, upflow simply leverages chemistry better—more complete ion exchange equals fewer regenerations and less salt burned. My recommendation: for anyone who values total cost of ownership, upflow is non-negotiable.
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. Multiply by 7 days = ~37,800 grains per regen. A 48K SoftPro Elite fits nicely, delivering a 5–7 day interval. That’s how we sized the Aragons (19 GPG) and why they landed on a 48K. A 64K is appropriate if you expect peak demand, frequent guests, or want longer gaps between regenerations. Proper sizing keeps salt budgets low and performance steady.
3) Can SoftPro Elite handle iron as well as hardness?
Yes—up to 3 PPM of clear water iron with the right media choice. SoftPro’s fine mesh resin improves surface area and capture. If your iron is variable or above 3 PPM, add a dedicated iron filter ahead of the softener. The Aragons’ 0.6 PPM was easily handled by the Elite, and their fixtures stopped showing orange smudges in the sink basins. Remember: iron eats capacity, so confirm iron levels when sizing.
4) Can I install SoftPro myself, or do I need a plumber?
Many homeowners install SoftPro Elite themselves thanks to quick-connect hardware and detailed videos. You’ll need basic plumbing tools, connections for PEX/copper/CPVC, a 110V outlet, and a drain nearby. If you’re not comfortable cutting into the main line or your local code requires specific backflow devices, hire a pro. Daniel installed the Aragons’ unit with PEX in a morning and programmed it after lunch. Either route, our team supports you.
5) What space requirements should I plan for?
For a 48K–64K, plan roughly 18" × 24" of floor space and 60–72" of vertical clearance. Place the mineral tank and brine tank near the main water entry, with a drain within about 20 feet for gravity discharge (longer with a small pump). Keep the area above freezing, and provide access for salt refills and valve service. This footprint fits most garages, utility rooms, and basements easily.
6) How often do I need to add salt?
Salt usage depends on hardness and water use. With SoftPro Elite’s upflow and metered control, most families refill every 1–3 months. The Aragons keep three to six inches of pellets above the water line and refill when it dips. Upflow efficiency means fewer bags per year than traditional units—budget-friendly and less lugging.
7) What is the lifespan of the resin?
With SoftPro’s 8% crosslink ion exchange resin, expect 15–20 years in typical municipal water. Chlorine exposure can shorten life in some markets, but our media tolerates up to around 2 PPM. If you’re seeing higher chlorine levels, consider a carbon prefilter to protect the resin. When resin eventually needs replacing, it’s a simple service—not a full system replacement.
8) What’s the total cost of ownership over 10 years?
For a 48K SoftPro Elite with DIY install, plan approximately $90/year for salt and $25–$40 for regen water, plus light maintenance. Over a decade, including the purchase, you’re commonly in the $2,800–$3,600 range. Traditional downflow models often land $1,000–$2,000 higher due to salt/water waste and more frequent servicing. The Aragons’ projections show four-figure savings over 10 years, even with occasional filter and sanitizer costs.
9) How much will I save on salt annually?
Savings vary by hardness and usage. Switching from downflow to SoftPro’s upflow typically cuts salt by more than half. In real terms, the Aragons went from roughly two dozen 40-lb bags a year to about eight—hundreds saved, plus fewer trips to the store. If your home currently chews through salt, upflow is the fastest way to slash that line item.
10) How does SoftPro Elite compare to Fleck 5600SXT?
Fleck 5600SXT is durable, but its downflow design uses much more salt and water per regeneration. SoftPro’s upflow, 15% reserve, and smart valve controller deliver superior salt efficiency, fewer cycles, and better diagnostics. For families like the Aragons, the long-term operating cost difference is significant. Efficiency, programmability, and modern features tilt the scales to SoftPro.
11) Is SoftPro Elite better than Culligan systems?
For homeowners who don’t want dealer lock-in and recurring technician visits, yes. SoftPro provides premium efficiency with owner-friendly maintenance. You get lifetime coverage on tanks and valve, independent support directly from our family, and freedom to manage your system without proprietary constraints. The result is lower TCO and fewer scheduling headaches.
12) Will SoftPro Elite work with extremely hard water (25+ GPG)?
Absolutely—just size correctly. For 25+ GPG and four or more people, I often recommend 64K or 80K capacities to maintain 5–7 day regeneration intervals. In very large households or combined hardness/iron challenges, step to 80K or 110K and consider pre-filtration if iron exceeds 3 PPM. With the right configuration, SoftPro handles very hard water while keeping efficiency intact.
Conclusion: The Best Water Softener for Long-Term Savings
When you unpack the engineering, the economics, and the daily experience, SoftPro Elite stands out as the best water softener for long-term savings. Upflow regeneration cuts consumables. Demand-initiated control stops waste. A smart, readable controller makes ownership simple. Grain options scale from small homes to large households with very hard water. Flow performance keeps showers strong. And our family backs you with genuine service and a real lifetime warranty.
For Sofia and Daniel Aragon, that combination changed the math. Lower salt purchases. Lower water use. Fewer cleanups, better skin comfort for Lucia, and a quieter, smarter system in the garage. Extrapolate their results over five or ten years, and you’ll understand why SoftPro Elite has become the system I recommend day in, day out.
If you want soft water that pays for itself—and keeps paying you back—SoftPro Elite is the smart move.