Have Hard Water? It's Time To Choose A Water Softener
If you have hard water in your home, you need to install a whole-home water softening system. A water softener system will soften out the water and lessen the hard water's impact on your plumbing system and appliances.
Salt-Based (Ion-Exchange) Water Softener
When it comes to the basis for a water softener, a salt-based ion-exchange is it. This is the type of system that is most commonly used in residential homes. These systems are often used for whole-home systems as they can handle a high flow rate.
With a salt-based system, the resin is designed to draw magnesium and calcium from the water while replacing those elements with sodium.
It is important to note a salt-based ion-exchange is not going to remove chemicals or bacteria; it will only remove minerals from the water.
With a salt-based ion-exchange, you will have to purchase salt and refill the unit a few times a year.
Salt-Free Water Softener
You can also install a salt-free water softener. This type of water softener doesn't use an ion-exchange. A salt-free water softener works by neutralizing the minerals that make your water hard and keeps the elements from sticking together and damaging your plumbing system and appliances.
You will have to pay more to purchase and install a salt-free water softener; however, you will not have to buy salt bags and engage in regular upkeep. Therefore, the long-term costs of taking care of the system are less over time.
It is important to note that a salt-free system uses an in-depth filtration process that will help remove both chemicals and bacteria from your water, so if you need a system that will clean everything out of your water, a salt-free water softener is worth the investment.
Reverse Osmosis Water Softener
Next, a reverse osmosis system works well as a water softener. The reverse osmosis process will help to remove all substances from the water. That means all elements that make the water hard, like magnesium and calcium, will be removed from the water.
The reverse osmosis system can also add back minerals you do want to drink to your water, so you get all the necessary minerals you need and none of the ones you don't. A reverse osmosis system will also get rid of other impurities from your water.
If you need to deal with hard water, a salt-based ion-exchanger is all you need. If you need to remove bacteria and chemicals from the water as well, you are going to want to install either a salt-free water softener or a reverse osmosis water softener.
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