Choosing a Water Softener

Did you know that there are two types of water softeners? There are salt-based water softeners and salt-free water conditioners. Let’s talk about how each of them works. We will also share what we like and don’t like about each type of softener.

So, what does a water softener do exactly? Water naturally has minerals like calcium and magnesium in it. There are other minerals in the water. The mineral density increases if your water comes from a well. The more calcium the water carries the more you’ll see chalk-like calcium on your shower door, faucets, etc. That same calcium residue builds up on your water pipes. A traditional salt-style water softener filters out the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.

The NuvoH20 system uses the basic scientific principle in which an organic compound binds with the minerals in the water. That makes them soluble so that they can wash down the drain. A salt-free conditioner uses chelant to bind with the minerals allowing the minerals to stay in the water instead of removing them like you would with a salt-based water softener.

Salt-based water softeners remove magnesium and calcium from your drinking water. They use an ion exchange with resin beads in the softener that are then cleaned through an ion exchange with sodium.

What we like about salt-based water softeners:

Magnesium and calcium are removed from your drinking water. In addition, you aren’t going to see scaling and spotting where hard water would hit. That means you won’t spend as much on repairing and replacing appliances. Salt-based water softer not only stops buildup it also removes current deposits.

Water from a salt-based water softener feels great on your skin and makes it easier to lather soaps and shampoos. Who doesn’t like extra lather?

One downside of salt-based water softeners is the fact that you need bags of salt. You need to haul it and store it and replace it on a routine basis. It can also be cumbersome and difficult to remember when you need to refill.

There are a few choices when it comes to salt, including: rock salt, salt pellets, or potassium pellets.

Rock salt may be the cheapest choice. Rock salt looks like large granular salt. There is a downside. Because they are smaller particles, there is more of a chance that salt bridging will occur. A salt bridge makes it appear that your salt tank is full but there is a gap below the salt that causes the ion exchange for cleaning to not be completed.
Salt pellets are usually more expensive than rock salt because they are typically more pure. Also, we recommend using pellets to decrease the likelihood of a salt bridge.
Potassium pellets are an option if you have an adversity to sodium. Potassium pellets can be difficult to find and are often more expensive than your other options.

Now let’s talk about salt-free water softeners, or more accurately salt-free water conditioners.

A conditioner, or salt-free water softener, reconditions the water. As the name indicates, you don’t need salt for this softener. It uses a replaceable cartridge that the manufacturer recommends be changed every six months. That’s a lot less maintenance than a salt-based water softener.

While some prefer the way the skin feels when using a salt-based water softener, others do not. You won’t have that slippery feel with a salt-free water softener.

Another benefit to this type of water softener: they are less wasteful. Salt-based softeners create wastewater (also known as brine).

You won’t see an increase in your electric bill because salt-free water softeners don’t use electricity!

The calcium and magnesium that is removed if you use a salt-based water softener stays in your water with the process of chelant. So, if you would like to keep the minerals in your water this softener may be a better choice.

One question we get is about maintenance. Are water softeners difficult to maintain? A salt-free water softener requires very little maintenance. You will have to occasionally replace the filter. The frequency of filter replacement depends on conditioner and the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every six months. A salt-based softener will require some maintenance, including replacement of salt. Typically on a monthly basis.

If you have specific questions about maintenance or the water softeners available at 1st American Plumbing, Heating, and Air. Call us at (801) 477-5818 or fill out this form and we will contact you.

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