Hard water can cause many problems in your pipes and appliances, so a water softener may be a solution. There are four basic water softeners, each with its pros and cons. Which one you choose may be based on your water's hardness, household usage, and personal preferences. Here is more to know about the four basic types of water softener systems and their pros and cons.
Salt-Based Ion Exchange Water Softeners
This is the most popular type of water softener system. As your household's water flows through the system, it is pulled through resin. The calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for salt ions. These systems are highly effective against very hard water. One of the drawbacks is that you need to refill the salt. Another drawback is that this method wastes a lot of water. Because of the wastewater issue, many states have limited or banned these systems.
Dual Tank Water Softeners
Dual tank softener systems are salt-based systems that use two tanks instead of one. The purpose of the second tank is so you can still get softened water during the regeneration process. You will need to have a little more space available to set up the second tank, though. These systems are best for households or businesses that need a large and constant supply of soft water. The average household will do well with a regular system.
Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free systems don't remove the hard water minerals. Instead, they use a medium, such as potassium chloride, to keep the minerals from sticking to anything. Therefore, the minerals don't build up on your pipes or machines. This system doesn't take up a lot of space, doesn't need any added salt or chemicals, and has less waste.
Electromagnetic Water Softeners
Electromagnetic systems use a magnetic field to neutralize hard water ions. The hard water minerals can no longer bond to each other and stay soluble in the water. These systems don't take up a lot of space and use no extra chemicals. However, a lot of controversy about these systems has created a debate about their efficacy. Many say that certain versions of this system do not work very well or at all. Your best bet is to do your research before purchasing.
Check your area's regulations before settling on a particular system. Also, be sure to map out space and maintenance requirements. Some systems can take up a lot of space and require frequent maintenance. Make sure you are buying a system large enough to handle your household's needs.
Contact a seller of water softener systems for more information on types and features.
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