The water softening process involves removing magnesium and calcium from hard water and replacing it with sodium to make it soft. Softened water has many advantages which include increased the life span of the plumbing system and house appliances like hot showers, dishwashers, and water heaters. Softened water also ensures that water heats faster and improves soap action. Another benefit of softened water is that it is friendly to your skin and leaves it soft and healthy, unlike hard water. Overall, water softeners save users extra costs that would have otherwise been incurred replacing or repairing the home appliances, paying for electricity and buying soap regularly.
There are three types of water softeners and each has its own purpose. Some water softeners are also known to reduce manganese and iron. Understanding these types and what each does will help you decide the one that your home needs. Manufacturers like Fleck have all three types and knowing the differences will prevent confusion when purchasing a water softener.
Salt- Free water softeners
Unlike other water softeners, salt-free water softeners use nanotechnology to soften water. With salt-free water softeners, no salt is added to the hard water. Instead, they have filters that remove the calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese from the water. Salt-free water softeners are common in many households since they do not use any chemicals thus do not affect any of the other healthy minerals contained in water. Many water softeners manufacturers like Fleck highly recommend these softeners. Additionally, salt-free water softeners require less maintenance, therefore, saving money for the user. Water softened by the use of salt-free softeners is safe for drinking. Salt-Free water softeners are however not suitable for very hard water.
Ion-Exchange water softeners
Ion-exchange water softeners apply the technology of removing the minerals in hard water and replacing them with hydrogen, salt or potassium. The minerals removed are those that cause the water to harden and those added help in softening the water. Ion-exchange water softeners are the most preferred choice for water that is very hard. However, owing to the addition of sodium and other chemicals to the water, it is advisable not to use water softened using this system since it contains a lot of sodium which might not be good for your health.
Magnetic water softeners
Magnetic water softeners apply magnetism to remove undesirable ions from hard water. They do not use chemicals. The process involves passing the hard water through pipes that are surrounded by a magnetic field inside and outside. The water that goes through to the other side of the magnetic field is softened. This water is suitable for drinking since there are no chemicals added, this is the one, went for this one. Magnetic water softeners are however not very popular. One of their biggest shortcomings is that the water goes back to its hardened state after 48 hours since going through the magnetic field.
In conclusion, to understand the most suitable type of water softener for your household, it is important to have your water tested. Companies like Fleck also offer advice to their customers at the point of sale. Some companies will even offer to do the water test for their clients.
The Fleck water softener is an ion-exchange softener suitable for a home with moderately hard and hard water problems. It is digitally metered and thus works automatically. It uses one bag of salt pellets in one week. You can also opt for potassium if you do not want to use salt. It has a mid-range price and gives you value for your money.
The aquasana is yet another softener that has a chelation system. It uses polyphosphate bead to reverse the mineral charge. It may not be as effective as a salt based softener, but it helps in descaling. You can use it for home or local basis. The aquasana comes with a cartridge that you have to replace every six months. Replacing the cartridge is the only maintenance that you have to do. If you do not want a salt based softener, then you should buy the aquasana softener.