What You Need to Know about Soft Water and Water Softeners

Guess what? The international market for water-softener systems has turned into a $7.67 billion industry. And the demand isn't showing any signs of slowing down.If you're considering buying a water softener or simply want to learn more about them and the difference between hard and soft water, you've come to the right place.

What is Hard Water Anyway?

Hard water contains a higher amount of minerals such as calcium, magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates than soft water does. This happens when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk, or gypsum on its way to your local water-treatment plant.

Properly treated hard water is safe to drink and can even have moderate health benefits by supplying the body with needed minerals. But it can also lead to the formation of limescale deposits in pipes, kettles, and water heaters. Over time, these deposits can build up and clog pipes or shorten the life of appliances.

Hard water also reduces the amount of lather you get from soap, although modern soaps and detergents have ingredients that counteract this effect. However, since there's such a higher level of mineral content and pH in hard water, it can cause minor skin irritations such as itchy skin and dryness.

Pro tip: experts say that you can substitute your hard water with bottled water when you're having a bad skin day, but please do so only when absolutely necessary.

Perks of Using a Water Softener System

The best way to fight the limescale buildup in your pipes and appliances and to ensure your family has fewer skin issues from hard water is to buy your own water softener system. Soft water is simply water that contains a lower amount of minerals than hard water does. There are several potential benefits to having soft water in your home:

• Use less soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent
• Soften and moisturize your skin and hair.
• Help your clothes feel softer.
• Clean your silverware and dishes more effectively.

It's important to know that there are other minerals and contaminants that can find their way into your water supply. Ferrous iron can cause rust stains in sinks, tubs, and toilets, while hydrogen sulfide gas can make your water smell like rotten eggs. However, a standard water softener won't eliminate these problems. You need a special water-treatment softening system.

Our Three Picks

Here's a little info on three of our favorite water-softener options:

AFWFilters 5600sxt-48k-10 Water Softener

This water softener comes with a massive softener tank, a standardized brine tank, and an easy-to-use navigation system.Amazingly, the AFWFilters water softener functions off of a preset timer throughout the day. In addition, it can automatically refill itself when needed. That way, you'll save electricity, water, and salt.

Fleck Iron Pro 2 Water Softener

Do you have a well on your property? If so, you're probably aware that iron buildup is a common problem that many well owners have to deal with on a regular basis. Plus, you have to handle other hard-water issues due to magnesium and calcium. These reasons are why the Fleck Iron Pro 2 Water Softener is an excellent solution. Since it was created to combat iron in water, your days of drinking poor-tasting water should be a thing of the past. It's no wonder they call this water softener the "iron pro."

Fleck 5600sxt BR8 Water Softener

Okay, so a Fleck water softener is already on the list, but can we discuss the Fleck 5600sxt BR8 model? If you have a system that's based on salt, then you may to want to invest in something like this to get rid of your hard-water issue.We've already talked about how standard water softener systems refill themselves based on a preset timer, and this model is no exception. This means no more worrying about your backwash when you're on vacation.

Off to a Good Start

If you're in the market for a water softener for your family, we recommend starting your research with the three models above. Of course, there are many more out there, so keep looking until you find one that has the features, size, quality, and price that are right for you. Shoot us an email and tell us which one you choose!