Water Softener Comparisons
Wondering whether you need a water softener? But which one will work for you?
Well, you can get your answer from this article. Here we have mentioned several types of water softening systems that can offer you healthy and safe water. So, read further to get an idea.
Ion Exchange or Salt-Based Water Softeners
These types of water softeners are the most popular and common. As of its name, this system uses an ion exchange procedure. This system uses the positive charge sodium ions to interact with hard water elements and minerals and flush them out.
Hard water comprises magnesium and calcium ions. Besides that, ion exchange softening systems use salt to get the sodium to attract these ions.
In this system, the salt is present over a resin bed inside the resin tanks. This is the tank where the system attracts the hard water minerals. When the resin starts to reduce, it is a sign that the system is out of salt. You need to regenerate it by inserting the salt inside the tank.
Additionally, you also need to keep in mind that you have to do regular maintenance, as you need to refill salt-based systems every week. But it also depends on your usage. However, you don't need to change the resin for several years. Ion exchange water softeners effectively eliminate all hard water elements from your water but don’t offer any other benefit.
Pros
- Efficiently eliminates hard water minerals
- Most commonly used
- Affordable price options
- Lasts longer
Cons
- Can cause salt mushing and salt bridging
- Refilling salts requires regular expenses
Reverse Osmosis Water Softeners
These are among the best options, as they provide soft water for the entire house. These filtration systems are not actually water softeners, but they help you prevent every type of substance from entering the water. In fact, you can clean minerals causing hard water, such as magnesium and calcium. The best part is that this system features some additional processes that reintroduce healthy and necessary minerals into the water. This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of minerals.
Most of the reverse osmosis systems are designed to install under the sink. In addition to it, they also provide you faucets from which you can take purified and soft water. You also need to know that reverse osmosis use high pressure to push the water through the RO membrane. This membrane filters down the water to the microscopic levels. The system also passes through the water to several other types of filters to ensure the complete elimination of impurities.
Pros
- Offers you unlimited RO water on the tap
- Healthy water with necessary minerals
- Removes sodium from water
- Turns hard water into soft water
Cons
- Cost you more as they are expensive
- Sink based systems only offer soft water in one faucet
Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free water softeners don't need regular maintenance, as they don't need regeneration of salt. So, when it comes to salt versus salt-free softeners, you may find the latter much easier to handle.
This water softener doesn’t eliminate hard minerals from the drinking water. Salt-free water softeners neutralize minerals to hold them from building up and sticking together, which results in hard water.
You also need to know that these systems are also costly. But they save a lot of money in the long run. This is because you don’t have to shell out your money weekly to get a new bag of salt. On top of that, they also cover less space than the ion-based water softeners since they don't require having an extra tank for draining and brining.
The best part is that even after offering you a compact solution, they treat the water through different filtration processes. So, these softeners can remove the impurities from the water, such as chemicals and bacteria.
Pros
- No maintenance
- Safe and secure for health
- Sodium free soft water
- Compact design
Cons
- Expensive than other softening systems
- Doesn't remove hard minerals
Electronic Descalers Water Softeners
These are relatively new softeners in the market. Generally, people know them as the alternative to water softeners, and they don't get rid of the hard minerals. Like salt-free softeners, electronic descalers water systems use methods to neutralize the hard minerals to stop them from mixing in water.
Hence, you will avail all the perks of soft water. You can also buy them without any worry as they are available at an affordable cost. Furthermore, they are also easy to install. You don’t have to cut, fix, or repair anything to install them, as well as don’t need to turn off the water.
All you need to do is wrap them up on your current pipes, and then the magnetic field will treat your water while passing through it.
Pros
- Doesn't require cutting the pipes
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Offers best features to soften the water
Cons
- Requires electricity
- Neutralize minerals instead of removing them
You can read about our other popular reviews on Culligan, Kinetico, Rayne Water, and waterboss.
Bottom Line
Water softeners are best to remove minerals, toxins, and other contaminants and substances from your water. However, not every system provides you all the features. Some of them are expensive but offer you maximum features. Others are cheap and affordable but don't offer you 100% clean and clear water.
So, you can choose the one that suits your requirements and needs. Also, make sure to consider your location. Try to know the number of contaminants and substances present in your tap water. Hence, you can opt for a system that can eliminate toxin elements from your water.
