10 Things You Might Not Know About Water Softeners

If you’re considering buying a water softener, chances are you’ve heard conflicting information about how they work. Unfortunately, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about water softeners that can confuse homeowners who are researching water quality product options, and may even lead them to make the wrong decision.

Let’s explore 10 common things that many people do not know or understand about water softeners.

1. Salt-Free Water Softeners Don’t Actually Soften Water

Systems that are sold as “salt-free” water softeners are actually water conditioners, not softeners. While conditioners (sometimes also called “descalers”) will help prevent scale buildup, they do not remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium. If you want true soft water, choose an ion exchange system that uses salt.

2. Softened Water Does Not Tastes Salty

A properly functioning water softener does not make water taste salty. The system exchanges hardness minerals for a small amount of sodium, but the amount is minimal, much lower than what’s found in common foods like bread or milk.

3. Water Softeners Can Be Efficient and Use Less Water

Older water softener technologies were not known for efficiency. Today’s water softeners use advanced regeneration cycles to minimize water waste. Many high-efficiency models can reduce water usage by up to 70% compared to outdated systems.

4. Soft Water Isn’t Harmful for Plants and Lawns

While excessive sodium can be harmful to plants, most softened water is safe for irrigation. If you’re concerned, you can use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride in your softener to avoid sodium buildup in the soil.

5. Water Softeners Do Not Remove Chlorine and Bacteria

Water softeners only remove hardness minerals; they do not filter out chlorine, bacteria, or other contaminants. If you need additional purification, a separate water filtration system is necessary.

6. The Slippery Feel of Soft Water Means it’s Clear

That “slippery” feeling is actually a good thing! Hard water leaves a residue on your skin, while soft water allows soap to rinse off completely, leaving your skin’s natural oils intact. By removing the dissolved rock from your water, a water softener provides you with water that thoroughly cleans your skin and hair. With hard water, skin pores clog with soap residue leaving skin dry and hair dull.

7. A Whole-House Filter Doesn’t Replace the Need for a Water Softener

While a whole-house water filter is effective in removing contaminants like sediment, chlorine, and other impurities that can affect the taste and odor of water, it does not address water hardness. These filters work to improve the overall quality of water by preventing unwanted particles from entering your home’s plumbing system. However, the essential minerals that cause hardness remain unaffected.

8. Soft Water Is Completely Safe to Drink

Softened water contains a small amount of sodium, but it’s typically well below health risk levels. If you’re on a low-sodium diet and still concerned, a reverse osmosis system can remove any excess sodium from your drinking water.

9. Soft Water Is Better for Pipes and Plumbing

Soft water actually helps protect plumbing by preventing scale buildup. Hard water, on the other hand, can lead to clogs and reduced efficiency in your pipes and appliances.

10. Water Softeners Are an Investment that Pays Off

Hard water can cause scale buildup, increase detergent use, and reduce appliance efficiency. In addition to improving your water today, a water softener also can extend the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances, making it a smart investment that actually pays in the long run.

Water Boss Has Water Softeners and Solutions to Meet a Variety of Needs

Most homes can benefit greatly from a water quality upgrade. Water softeners provide real benefits, from protecting your plumbing to making your laundry softer and your skin smoother. Why not invest in a dependable Water Boss water system that will improve your daily living and be kind to your home and appliances?

WaterBoss has a wide range of water softener options available, so you can choose a model to meet your specific water softener and water filtration needs.