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Water softeners are devices that remove the hardness minerals found in tap water. By removing these hardness minerals, your clothes will come out of the laundry looking better and you’ll see improved performance from your dishwasher or washing machine. Hard Water is water with high mineral content. Water hardness can be measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

The average GPG level around the world is between 0 and 17, but water hardness levels have been known to exceed 100 GPG. A majority of American homes have a hard water rating of 15-30 GPG. Areas that are very cold often have higher concentrations of minerals because winter conditions prevent these minerals from being removed by running tap water through runoff feeders like underground limestone caverns naturally do during warmer months. The most common cause for increased concentration of minerals is dissolved salts within your groundwater, which become more concentrated as they move toward the surface due to over time. Water Softener is a device that removes hardness minerals found in tap water.

Water Softeners use ion exchange technology to remove these unwanted hard mineral deposits from your household plumbing system. A typical water softener contains resin beads, which are positively charged and attract the negative ions of calcium and magnesium while exchanging sodium for them instead (sodium is a positive charge). This means after purification, all you’ll be left with is regular salt and clean drinking water!

You need a water softener because those minerals in your drinking water are causing damage to the surfaces they come into contact with.

Water Softeners remove calcium, magnesium and other hard minerals from tap water without using salt or chemicals that would cause problems for plants or animals within the surrounding environment. This also means you’ll be able to save money by not having to buy bottled beverages anymore!

Hardness ions attach themselves wherever they can find something solid (like glass), which creates soap scum on shower doors, faucets and porcelain sinks & tubs over time; this makes cleaning up after yourself very difficult when it comes to removing these deposits manually. With regular use of household cleaners containing phosphates, hardness ions bond easily with these chemicals to create soap scum. This is why using phosphate-free dishwashing liquids and laundry detergents are recommended for maintaining your household plumbing system; alternatively, you can use any of the best water softener brands on the market!

Since calcium & magnesium ions bond easily with fatty acids (like those found in lotions or soaps), they leave behind mineralized film on skin that makes it difficult to wash off.

Best Water Softeners

Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System - Alternative Water Softener Salt Free for Whole House, Reduces the effects of Limescale

Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System by YARNA

The Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System – Alternative Water Softener Salt is an innovative water descaler product designed to give you ˜cleaner, clearer, crisper results. Simply attach the descalers after your filter, follow the instructions in our manual, and experience excellent results for your home.

The device operates on a capacitor coupled with two coils that are calibrated to frequencies found in distilled water – not in tap-water. Tap-water has ionized minerals in it whereas distilled water has none of these ions. This allows for slower coil oscillation which only increases the effectiveness of this electricity-based process by transmuting any potentially harmful minerals into salt crystals with higher solubilities at lower temperates.

A great feature of this product is that it’s not only suitable for any household, but also perfect to use in commercial spaces like spas and restaurants. It works on all water pressure systems – low or high-pressure boilers; basically anywhere you have a water system with even the smallest amount of limescale buildup! This device can remove up to 99% (or more) lime scale within your home. Furthermore, because there are no chemicals involved here, anyone who has allergies will be able to use this product without worrying about negative reactions from harsh chemical additives.

PROs
  • Salt free
  • Modern technology for water descaling
  • Very easy to use and maintain
CONs
  • Expensive compared to the competition.
AO Smith Whole House Salt Free Water Descaler - Water Softener Alternative - 6yr, 600,000 Gl - AO-WH-DSCLR

AO Smith Whole House Salt Free Water Descaler - Water Softener Alternative - 6yr, 600,000 Gl - AO-WH-DSCLR

The AO Smith Whole House Salt Water Descaler System is another great option for those looking to avoid chemicals, reduce their salt intake and remove the need of using a water softener. This product operates on an electrical grid that transmutes minerals into crystals with high solubilities at lower temperatures.

This device effectively reduces limescale buildup in piping systems by up to 99% – it’s very effective! Because no harsh chemicals are used here your home will be free from harmful contaminants associated with chemical-based products like rust spots or bad odors. Furthermore, this system can improve iron contents within drinking water if you have any problems there as well (reducing the effects of hard water).

PROs
  • Electrical technology for water descaling
  • Reduces limescale by 99% or more
  • Improves iron content in drinking water
CONs
  • More expensive than salt-free alternatives.
AFWFilters 5600sxt Metered On-demand 48,000 Grain Water Softener with brine tank, bypass and 1 adapters

AFWFilters 5600sxt Metered On-demand 48,000 Grain Water Softener with brine tank, bypass and 1

The AFWFilters 5600sxt Metered On-demand 48,000 Grain Water Softener with brine tank eliminates the hard water that causes scale buildup and reduced soap efficiency with our complete whole house water softening system.

The Metered On-demand Water Softener System is designed to provide years of maintenance-free operation through the use of a DURastream digital controller which automatically modulates regeneration according to actual water usage, eliminating over or undercharging.

This unit comes with an automatic backwash feature that purges scale buildup from your softener and restores the unit’s efficiency. The valve assembly and control box are included as well, allowing you to easily transition from a manual regeneration system to an automatic on-demand water softener.

PROs
  • Electronic technology for water descaling with digital controller that modulates regeneration according to actual water usage.
  • Automatic backwash feature purges scale buildup.
  • Valve assembly and control box included for transition from manual to automatic system.
CONs
  • None.
Hansing Whole House Water Softener System, High Efficiency Water Descaler, Heavy Duty Hard Water Filter, Reduce Scale and Chlorine for Heater, Shower Head, Dishwasher, Kitchen Sink and Laundry

Hansing Whole House Water Softener System, High Efficiency Water Descaler, Heavy Duty Hard Water Filter, Reduce Scale and Chlorine for Heater, Shower Head, Dishwasher, Kitchen Sink and Laundry

The Hansing Whole House Water Softener System is a great option for those who have concerns about chemicals and their harmful effects on the environment. This unit operates by using an electrical grid to transform potentially damaging minerals into salt with higher solubilities at lower temperatures, allowing them to pass through your pipes without causing any damage or buildup!

This system comes equipped with a digital controller that modulates regeneration according to actual water usage which eliminates overcharging as well as under-regeneration – perfect for those looking for optimum efficiency from their descaling device. The valve assembly and control box are included as well, making the transition from manual regeneration very easy indeed. You’ll also receive everything you need in order to install this product quickly and easily, saving both time and energy!

PROs
  • Great for those concerned about using chemicals
  • Easy to install and operate
  • Great option for families with children or pets.
CONs
  • The electrical grid may cause some issues if you’re looking for a fully manual system without any electronic components.
H2oEliteLabs EWC-Max I Electronic Water Conditioner, Salt-Free Hard Water Softener Alternative, Whole House Descaler, Protects Against Limescale Buildup

H2oEliteLabs EWC-Max i 0-35 GPG

H20EliteLabs’ EWC-Max system is one of the most efficient and cost effective salt free water softeners on the market today. This product operates by using an electrical current which alters both pH levels as well as electrolytic balance to prevent damage caused by scale buildup in your pipes, appliances, or anything else that comes into contact with hard water! The result? Cleaner equipment that lasts longer – it’s like having a second lease on every single appliance you own!

The installation process for this unit is very simple; all components are included along with detailed instructions explaining what goes where. Once set up properly (which should take no more than 30 minutes) this device will automatically regenerate on its own, making it perfect for those looking to cut down on their water bill without sacrificing the quality of their home’s equipment.

PROs
  • Automatic regeneration
  • Great option if you’re worried about overcharging your system
  • Easy installation process – takes less than 30 minutes!
CONs
  • May be too hard on appliances that are already damaged by scale buildup or corrosion.
Aquasure Harmony Lite All-In-One Water Softener wTriple Purpose Pre-Filter, 34,000 Grain, Low Maintenance, Water Saving Technology, 5-Year Warranty, US-Based Tech Support

Aquasure Harmony Lite All-In-One Water Softener wTriple Purpose Pre-Filter, 34,000 Grain, Low Maintenance, Water Saving Technology, 5-Year Warranty, US-Based Tech Support

This company was the first in America to use dual-duty filtration. It uses active carbon that is infused with silver, zinc and copper for odor control protection, giving you cleaner water every day. The Aquasure AS-HL34A was designed and built to provide soft, scale/spot-free water for the entire home. The system can treat up to 34,000 grains of hardness (making it perfect for a household size of one person)

The manufacture guarantees this product is durable enough to last 20 years with proper maintenance. This efficient system filters your whole house’s drinking water flawlessly with its small blueprint of 43” (with control valve attached), 10 ½” wide, 18 ½ long, and 26″ tall.

The installation process is very easy; it can be done yourself with step by step instructions provided with your order as well as excellent customer support via phone or email if you need additional assistance getting started! The manufacturer also provides a five-year warranty on this product, so there’s no reason not to go ahead and give the Aquasure Harmony Lite system a try today – we doubt that you’ll find anything better than this high quality unit at such an affordable price point.

PROs
  • Built in water softener
  • Great for those looking for simple filtration without any extra bells and whistles.
  • Very durable build
CONs
  • May be too small for multiple people living under one roof
PureAction Vitamin C Shower Head Filter with Hose & Replacement Filters - Hard Water Softener - Chlorine & Flouride Filter - Water Purifying Filtered Showerhead with Beads - Helps Dry Skin & Hair Loss

PureAction Vitamin C Shower Head Filter with Hose & Replacement Filters - Hard Water Softener - Chlorine & Flouride Filter - Water Purifying Filtered Showerhead with Beads - Helps Dry Skin & Hair Loss

If you want cleaner water for your shower, look no further than the PureAction Vitamin C Shower Head Filter. This system is built to provide softer and healthier water for two full years before needing a replacement filter – what’s more? The manufacturer provides one free set of filters with every order just to say thank you! What are these filters made out of that makes them so much better at purifying your home’s drinking/showering water compared to other models on the market today? They’re infused with Vitamin C (which means they’ll help improve skin health), activated carbon (that helps eliminate chlorine) as well as natural sea salts which work together against scale buildup in pipes or appliances within your household.

The installation process of this model is very easy – all you need to do is twist it on and go! The manufacturer provides a hose with every order, letting you place the filter at any height of your choice. It comes in three different colors (chrome, rose gold, or oil rubbed bronze) so that you can match it perfectly with other appliances already installed into your bathroom today. As for price? You won’t find anything better than this quality shower head system available online right now; especially with its free set of replacement filters included with each purchase!

PROs
  • Easy installation process
  • Comes in multiple color options
  • Free replacement filters!
  • Purifying filtration mechanism
CONs
  • May be a bit too complex for those who prefer simplicity in their homes.
Shower Filter 15 Stage For Hard Water, Universal Shower Water Softener with 2 Cartridges, High Output Shower Head Filter Removes Chlorine and Harmful Substances

Shower Filter 15 Stage For Hard Water, Universal Shower Water Softener with 2 Cartridges, High Output Shower Head Filter Removes Chlorine and Harmful Substances

The Shower Filter 15 Stage For Hard Water, Universal Shower Water Softener with 2 Calcium can be use in both a shower head and a hand held shower. It keeps away unpleasant smell and impurities like fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals. This filter blocks the scale from building up on bath or shower water while keeping your skin soft for hours. The universal filter is resistant to rusting and durable enough for many uses before needing to be replaced.

The filtration system is very easy to install. You can do it yourself without needing any additional tools or experience with home fixes. A rubber adapter, faucet tape and an allen wrench are included in the package for installation of this shower filter cartridge. The manufacturer also provides a 45 days money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your purchase!

PROs
  • Long lasting cartridges
  • Easy to set up
  • Money back guarantee available after 45 days of use
CONs
  • Some people have reported issues installing them successfully so read instructions carefully before getting started on anything else.
iSpring RCC7P-AK Boosted Performance Under Sink 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Filtration System and Ultimate Water Softener with Alkaline Remineralization, and Pump, WQA Gold Seal Certified

iSpring RCC7P-AK Boosted Performance Under Sink 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Filtration System and Ultimate Water Softener with Alkaline Remineralization, and Pump, WQA Gold Seal Certified

The iSpring RCC-AK is a six stage reverse osmosis water filtration system. It comes with an included alkaline mineral filter to remineralize your drinking and cooking water for added health benefits, as well as clean the smoky smell from your tap water! This unit can be used under any sink or countertop that has access to cold running filtered water. The filters are made out of top quality materials such as carbon steel housing and lead free components so they’re safe on human use and will not negatively affect the taste of your household’s drinking/cooking water even after years of continuous daily use within this machine.

This model doesn’t require electricity since it uses only gravity pressure so you won’t need to worry about electricity bills high water bill. It is easy to set up within minutes and includes an adjustable faucet, hose connector, tubing clips, TDS meter ID stickers for testing the performance of your cartridge’s filtration system (included), allen wrench for replacement parts installation (also included) as well as a user manual with detailed instructions on how to get started!

PROs
  • No electricity required
  • Water pressure activated only by gravity
  • Removes heavy metals like mercury
  • Removes chlorine from tap water
  • Adds alkaline minerals into drinking/cooking water
CONs
  • May contain issues related to poor packaging or damage during shipping due to its size.
Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002 10000 Grains Portable Water Softener

Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002 10000 Grains Portable Water Softener

Watts RV Pro-1000 is a portable water softener with 1000 grains of capacity and it comes with its own inbuilt tank, or you can purchase the Watts M700 option if you’d like to add this system onto an already existing one. This unit not only effectively tackles hard water but also reduces rust build up within your household’s appliances such as hot water heaters making them last longer before needing replacement!

The filtration technology used by this model is known for being very effective at removing contaminants from tap/well/river/lake etc. The best part about using these products together is that they work well on their own so that even when there are no more salt pellets available for use, you can still enjoy purified drinking and cooking water just fine!

PROs
  • Reduces rust build up within household appliances
  • Removes contaminants from tap/well/river/lake etc.
  • Longer lasting hot water heaters due to less mineral buildup
  • Portable and can be set anywhere where there is access to running water for its use
CONs
  • None.

What Are the Different Types of Water Softeners?

Salt Based Ion Exchange Water Softeners

A salt based ion exchange water softener uses the minerals found in hard tap water to produce clean, softened drinking & cooking water.

These systems are typically more affordable than other types of best water softeners because they use standard table salt pellets that dissolve into the tap while also adding potassium supplements for an additional boost! These work by allowing calcium and magnesium ions through its mineral filter before converting them into sodium (a base) which is then flushed out during regular flushing cycles. While it’s easy to install on your own, some models require professional installation; besides that, you’ll need routine maintenance every few months or so depending on how often you use hard tapwater throughout each day.

Salt-free Water Conditioners

Salt-free water conditioner units are becoming more popular because they’re environmentally friendly. They remove chlorine, iron and other minerals from the water, which leaves your hair shinierand reduces mineral buildup inside pipes and appliances like hot-water heaters.

Salt-free units go by various names including deionizers or ion exchangers (see Figure B). These devices work in a similar way to traditional salt softeners except that instead of using sodium chloride as the exchange medium it uses zeolite beads. Zeolite is mined from natural deposits near Stassfurt Germany . Salt has its limitations–it can create dry skin for some people, excess salting isn’t good for appliances such as dishwashersor washing machines if you have hard , plus salt doesn’t work well with softened water which contains high concentrations of sodium.

Electronic/ Magnetic Water Descalers

Electronic water descalers work by producing a magnetic field that induces an electrical current in the scales and dissolves them, thus preventing any further build up.

These typically work better for people with soft water because the minerals in hard tap water tend to be more difficult to dissolve.

Some models require a power source and hookup, whereas others are battery operated–this can make installation easier but it also means you have to replace batteries every few months depending on use; besides that, these types of best water softeners need regular maintenance as well!

Issues Caused by Hard Water

  • Hair & Skin

When your hair and skin come in contact with hard water, it leaves behind soap scum that can cause serious damage to the surface of your shower doors.

Over time you'll notice a buildup around faucets or on porcelain sinks & tubs; this is commonly referred to as scale - which causes surfaces to look duller than they should be! If left untreated over an extended period of time (especially if not properly maintained), mineralized build up can lead to permanent etching on glass surfaces like tile grout lines found inside showers. This means regular maintenance may require professional cleaners for deep cleaning jobs down the line.

  • Faucets and Pipes

Hard water can also cause damage to your household plumbing system by creating mineralized build up on pipes, which restricts the flow of hot or cold water through them.

Scale buildup that forms inside faucets and shower heads can lead to restricted movement of fluid that makes it difficult for you to adjust the temperature accordingly. This is because minerals bond together whenever they're exposed to heat - so if there's too much build up in one area, this will decrease overall functionality until cleaned out properly! Regular maintenance may be required depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day.

  • Sulfur Smell

A sulfur smell coming from your faucets is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas being released into the air whenever water sits still for too long.

This typically happens when you run the tap before filling up a bathtub or sink - because this allows time for these gases to escape, rather than accumulate at any one specific location inside the plumbing system. While not harmful in small doses, it can cause respiratory issues if inhaled directly during showers; besides that, it's also considered an environmental pollutant that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible! This means regular maintenance may require professional cleaners down the line depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day.

  • Reduced Water Heater Efficiency

Hard water and hot water do not mix well together, which can lead to severe reduction in efficiency for your household water heater.

When the minerals attach themselves inside these appliances, it causes them to overheat faster than they should because of excess buildup that's restricting their functionality - this means you'll also need more energy output when heating up cold tap water! This is why regular maintenance may require professional cleaners depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day.

Benefits of a Water Softening System

Appliance Longevity

Using hard water can reduce the life of your appliances because it leaves mineral deposits that are difficult to remove.

This means more money spent on repairs or replacements, which is why regular maintenance with a professional cleaner every few months may be necessary depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day .

Water Heating Efficiency

When it comes to how efficiently your household water heater works, hard water is the worst!

Hard tapwater minerals like calcium and magnesium attach themselves inside of appliances which causes them to overheat faster than they should because of buildup that's restricting their functionality. This means you'll need more energy output when heating up cold tap water - not exactly what you want on a hot summer day . This is why regular maintenance may require professional cleaners depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day .

Water Flow Rate

A water softener exchanges all of the calcium and magnesium ions in hard tapwater for sodium. This means that your household plumbing will have a much easier time pushing out water at faster rates!

However, salt-free units are better because they don't create buildups inside plumbing or appliances which can reduce efficiency over time. That's why regular maintenance may require professional cleaners depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day.

More Efficient Cleaning

Hard water can leave mineral deposits over time that are tough to clean--this is why the best water softeners use sodium instead of salt.

Using hard tapwater without a descaler will make it harder for detergents and other cleaners to dissolve stains which means more elbow grease required! This may require professional cleaning depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day.

Lime/ Stain-free Surfaces

Water softening systems are designed to reduce the amount of lime and rust that builds up inside plumbing fixtures, appliances, water heaters, etc. As a result, they will prevent hard spots from forming on dishes in your dishwasher as well as stains on bathroom surfaces like toilets and sinks. This is because less calcium/magnesium ions remain after passing through the system’s resin bed(s).

Skin and Hair

Many people notice a difference in their skin and hair after switching from hard water to soft. This is because the minerals found in hard tapwater have been stripped away which means less residue will be left behind on your body during showers or washing dishes!

It's not uncommon for babies who drink formula made with softened water to build up less mineral deposits as well--this can prevent future problems such as eczema, psoriasis, etc. Regular maintenance may require professional cleaning depending on how often you use hard tap water throughout each day .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my water bill increase with the use of a water softener?

A water softener works with your plumbing by replacing hard minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the supply line of running tap/well etc. This means that if you had an increase in usage prior to buying a water softener, it is likely due to most households not being aware how much more they are using compared to others who have installed this technology.

Once you install a quality product such as those listed above, then there should be no reason for increased usage or higher bills because all salt pellets used within these machines are natural products that do not affect household use at all!

Why can't I just buy bottled drinking water?

Bottled waters contain contaminant chemicals so unless the company has stated otherwise, always assume its purified but doesn’t have the minerals needed to balance pH levels within your body.

With a water softener, you will not only enjoy great tasting drinking/cooking water but it will also contain exactly what your body needs in order to function optimally every day!

Does my tap water still taste good after having installed a full house system?

Yes, if you’ve chosen one of the products listed above then rest assured that there is no issue with this whatsoever. There are some units out there which require extensive pre-filtration for best results so always check reviews carefully before buying any product online or offline as each model differs from another and might work better on certain properties over others depending on overall household size etc.

When should I use a water softener?

If your household uses more than 200 gallons of water per day, then it is advisable to install a quality water softener for the health benefits alone.

Where are water softeners installed?

It can be installed anywhere within your household piping including the kitchen and/or bathroom. There is no need to worry about increased hardness in water if you have one of these systems as it will naturally return calcium and magnesium back into supply lines where running tap etc occurs!

Why does my water softener smell bad?

If you notice a strong smell of salt or chlorine within your water then this is due to the resin beads which collect and trap minerals such as calcium carbonate, magnesium etc. The only way for these particles to be removed from the system completely is by back-washing them out so that they cannot reattach onto other surfaces making it difficult to remove all at once.

Back-wash when necessary based on usage/water pressure levels etc but never worry about bad smells because those are regular occurrences during use!

Can I use potassium chloride in place of salt in my softener?

Salt is salt, if you’ve purchased or are considering purchasing one of the products listed above then rest assured that there will be no issue with changing out potassium chloride for standard sodium chloride.

Conclusion

Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can leave behind deposits on your fixtures, appliances, clothes, skin or hair. A water softener is a device used to remove these minerals from the hard water so it becomes softer! If you are experiencing any of these issues with hard water in your home then read our blog post for more information about what causes them and how to solve them by installing a high-quality whole house water filter system.