Top 5 Questions About Water Softeners
If you’ve ever noticed spots on your dishes, soap that doesn’t lather, or scale buildup on your faucets, you’re likely dealing with hard water. These problems are not only annoying, but they can also cause expensive problems with plumbing and water-using appliances.
Many homeowners with these issues install a water softener to solve these problems. If you’ve never had a water softener and are considering purchasing one, you probably have a few questions.
Here are answers to the top five questions homeowners ask when shopping for a water softener.
1. What does a water softener actually do?
A water softener removes calcium and magnesium, which are the minerals responsible for hard water. It does this by exchanging them for softer minerals like sodium or potassium. This process helps eliminate scale buildup, protects plumbing and appliances, and improves the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
With soft water, you’ll notice cleaner dishes, softer laundry, and fewer water stains around your home.
2. Do I really need a water softener?
If you live in a region with hard water, the answer is almost always yes. Hard water can:
- Leave mineral deposits on fixtures and glass
- Shorten the lifespan of dishwashers and water heaters
- Make skin and hair feel dry
- Cause soap and detergent waste
Installing a softener is an investment that pays off over time through lower maintenance costs and longer-lasting household appliances.
3. How do I choose the right size water softener?
Choosing the right size water softener for your home depends on two main factors: your home’s water hardness and your household’s daily water use.
A professional water test or a simple DIY test kit can tell you your hardness level in grains per gallon (GPG). Multiply that by your household’s daily water use to estimate the total hardness your softener needs to handle.
Getting the right size ensures your system regenerates efficiently and delivers a consistent supply of soft water without waste.
4. How much maintenance does a water softener require?
Most water softeners require minimal upkeep. You’ll need to:
- Keep the brine tank filled with softener salt and check salt levels as needed
- Clean your softener with WaterBoss softener cleaner every 3 months
- Reset the system after power outages, if necessary
Many newer systems include self-cleaning filters or demand-initiated regeneration, which help reduce salt and water use and minimize the need for frequent attention.
5. What’s the difference between salt-based and salt-free systems?
Salt-based systems remove hardness minerals through ion exchange. These are the most effective for true softening and scale prevention.
Salt-free systems, often marketed as descalers or conditioners, don’t remove minerals but instead alter them to reduce buildup on surfaces.
While salt-free options can be good for mild hardness or as supplemental treatment, homeowners with very hard water generally achieve better results with a traditional salt-based softener.
The Smarter, Space-Saving Way to Soften Your Water
Once you know what to look for, you can choose a system that fits your home’s needs and your budget. WaterBoss offers a comprehensive line of water softeners and water filtration options to meet a wide range of needs.
Designed for performance, efficiency, and convenience, WaterBoss offers compact, all-in-one softeners that fit where bulky systems can’t, which is ideal for smaller homes or anyone who prefers easy, do-it-yourself installation.
Whether your home uses city water or well water, there’s a WaterBoss model built to deliver reliable, whole-home softening. Every WaterBoss unit is:
- Proudly designed and built in the USA with durable components
- Features built-in sediment filtration
- Has rapid regeneration cycles
- Offers exceptional salt and water efficiency
- Saves you time and money
Ready to find the right fit for your home?
Locate your local WaterBoss retailer and start enjoying the difference soft water makes.
