Water Softeners

by Customer Care

WHAT ARE WATER SOFTENING SYSTEMS?


“Hard water” has high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium – healthy minerals that can nonetheless create issues for your plumbing and appliances. And, it’s a common water issue across the country with as many as 85% of Americans experiencing hard water. But what’s the solution?

The term "water softener" is used to describe a group of products that can help reduce the mineral ions that create hard water. There are two common ways in which water softening systems treat hard water to prevent scaling and etching: salt-based water softeners and salt-free water softener alternative. Each option will help reduce hard water issues giving you longer-lasting appliances and happier homes, but how do you know which solution is best for you? We’ll help you break it down…

First things first, you should test your home water to determine your local water hardness level.

WATER SOFTENERS VS. SALT-FREE WATER SOFTENER

If the water hardness in your home is below 25 GPG (grains-per-gallon) hardness levels, a Salt-Free Water Conditioner may take care of most of your problems. With a water hardness above 25 GPG, a salt-based softener may be best.

If water that “feels soft”, makes soap extra lathery, and reduces scale buildup seems worth the extra maintenance — then a salt-based softener is a good choice.

If a low maintenance, eco-friendly product sounds better, then a Salt-Free Water Conditioner is the perfect solution. A Salt-Free Water Conditioner might mean giving up that “slick” soft water feel and still having spots on the dishes, but it will address the scale build up when it comes to pipes and appliances.

Remember, to choose the right hard water solution, you should first test your home water to determine your local water hardness level.

  • Soft water contains 0 to 60 mg/L of dissolved calcium (0 to 3.5 grains)
  • Low hard water contains 61 to 120 mg/L of dissolved calcium (3.6 to 7.0 grains)
  • Moderate hard water contains 121 to 180 mg/L of dissolved calcium (7.1 to 10.5 grains)
  • Very hard water contains more than 180 mg/L of dissolved calcium (10.5 ++ grains)

One very important thing to remember about water softeners - by design, they are not water filters.  They do not remove chlorine, or polish the water to a very fine degree in order to remove contaminants.  Their purpose is utilitarian.  They perform a very specific function of reducing the effects of hard water. 

 

(Content courtesy of Pentair Everpure)
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