Water Softeners

Functional Differences

Hard Water

• Caused by Calcium and Magnesium

• Scale Deposits on Fixtures

• Decreased Detergent Lather

• Damaged Appliances

• Clogged Plumbing

Salt-Based Softeners

• Remove Hardness Causing Ions

• Utilize Resin Bed to Pull Ions From Water

• Use Salt to Remove Ions From Resin Bed

• Most Effective Softening Product

Salt-Based Softeners

• Typically Contain Two Tanks

• Salt Must Be Replenished

• Automatic or Timer Control System

• More Expensive

Salt-Based Softeners

• Little or No Effect on Human Health

• Add Salt to the Environment

• May Harm Local Ecosystems

• Not Allowed in Certain Areas

Salt-Free Softeners

• Claim to Alter the Structure of Ions

• Attach Directly to Pipes

• Use a Variety of Technologies

• More Affordable

• Do Not Add Salt to the Environment

• Less Effective

Selecting a System

• Local Regulations

• Desired Effectiveness

• Environmental Concerns

• Professional Recommendations

• Severity of Hardness

Resources

• http://www.homewatersoftenerreviews.com/

• How Does a Water Softener Work