The benefits of using a Water Softener are numerous. Firstly, soft water requires less soap, as it is free of calcium and magnesium ions. It is also much more efficient at cleaning – less soap is required as it is not bonded with calcium ions. Secondly, water softening is effective at removing certain metal cations from hard water. You can use a Water Softener to treat all of your household water, from the faucet to the bath tub.
Reverse osmosis water softener
A reverse osmosis water softener is an excellent addition to your home. Reverse osmosis can remove up to 90% of chemicals and associated odors from water, making it fit for drinking and daily use. Water softeners also help reduce soap and detergent use, and can eliminate the need to purchase bottled water. Here are some benefits of reverse osmosis water softeners.
Hard water contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium carbonate salts. The minerals can cause a variety of problems, including clogged showerheads and faucet aerators. These minerals can also harm plants whose pH level is very high. A reverse osmosis system can remove these solids and restore the pH balance of your water. Hard water is also harmful to your plumbing, especially if it is used for bathing.
Reverse osmosis systems filter hard water by using multiple stages of filtration. They are designed to remove minerals from water and a broader spectrum of other contaminants. Their central RO membrane is made of tiny pores, which trap a range of impurities. A reverse osmosis water softener will prevent these impurities from sticking to the membrane. This will extend the life of the membrane and reduce the risk of damage to other appliances.
Salt-based water softener
A salt-based water softener has several drawbacks. These water softeners require electrical hookup for monthly regeneration and can waste 100 gallons of water per cycle. In addition, sodium ions in the water softening solution are harmful to local farmers in hard-water areas. Some cities restrict the use of salt-based water softeners. Fortunately, a new generation of salt-free water softeners has a number of advantages. One such system is the FUTURA system. It uses catalytic-conversion media to break down magnesium and calcium particles in the water. The system also reduces scale buildup in your pipes.
A salt-based water softener typically works by introducing a small amount of sodium or potassium ions into the water. This process attracts the heavy minerals in hard water and exchanges them for sodium or potassium ions in the softening solution. When the resin fills up, it releases sodium or potassium ions back into the water, which then softens the water. Salt-based water softeners can only soften water up to a certain level of hardness.
Depending on the amount of water you use, you may need more than one salt-based water softener. For small households, a small one might do. An affordable salt-based water softener may be the right choice for you. You can also purchase an inexpensive one from Walmart or Amazon. The larger Salt-based units will be more efficient than their smaller counterparts and will improve the quality of water throughout your entire home.
Ion exchange water softener
Ion exchange water softeners are great for hard water, but they do require regular salt replenishment. Depending on the product, you might have to replenish the salt as often as every three months or every month. Some products require 300 pounds or more of salt, while others use far less. Smaller-capacity softeners usually require less salt at fewer intervals, while larger-capacity models need more salt at a longer time interval. In addition, some models are designed with an upflow design that reduces salt regeneration time by up to 30%.
A good example of an Ion exchange water softener is the Aquasure AS-HS32D Harmony Series. This machine is under one thousand dollars and offers customizable presets. The system also has a bright LCD display for viewing its settings. Using a backlit control unit is convenient when adjusting the softening parameters, since many products have grayscale screens that make it hard to see them properly.
The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT is an excellent ion exchange water softener with a reliable computer system. It automatically sets water softening parameters and monitors them while preventing damage to your pipes. It has a capacity suitable for most American households. The WS-165-150 is a high-capacity unit with an upflow design that promotes extended contact between hard water and the resin beads. The system is designed to remove hard minerals from water with less sodium.