What Is a Salt Free Water Softener

Hard water, which is water with a high mineral content, can be very damaging to water tanks and piping and acts as a deterrent for creating suds for cleaning clothing and dishes, and in bathing or showering water. Hard water forms deposits causing a build-up of scale composed of calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide and calcium sulphate.

Although there is no convincing evidence of hard water having adverse effects in humans, it is often preferable to soften hard water to eliminate the chance of scale build-up and prevent damage. You may wish to opt for a salt free water softener to eliminate the use of salt for your own personal use as well as for environmental issues.

Salt free water softeners are actually more like water conditioners, as the chemical makeup of the water is not changed. No salt or chemicals are added to the water.

There are actually a few different methods used in saltless water softeners, with manufacturers claiming proprietary patents. In one method, coils which wrap around the pipe of the incoming water create an energy field or electrical pulses which cause the magnesium and calcium in the water to crystallize and remain in suspension in the water instead of clinging to the walls of pipes, water heaters, shower heads and taps, tanks etc. The crystals flow through the system with the water and out the drain.

Another method is to use magnets on the outsides of the incoming water pipes. The magnets, like the electrical impulses, change the molecular structure of the scale forming minerals in the water. The result is basically the same, but using slightly different technology and without the use of harsh chemicals or salt.

There is another method called Chelation water softening, which filters the hard water using citrus and other harmless substances, however it is much more expensive and not as popular.

If you are seriously considering a salt free water softener system, another consideration may be where to put it in the house. If it is not necessary to condition the water you will be drinking or cooking with, you may only want to use it at the point-of-use for showers, dishwashers or water heaters.

Many salt free water softener reviews claim these systems do not work, so it is best when looking into purchasing one, that you do your research and go with a reputable manufacturer. Ask questions and find out what other people who have used the salt free water softeners systems before are saying. Also it is wise to make sure there is a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

All in all if you are concerned about the salt you may be using in more conventional systems for your own personal health and for ecological concerns, choosing to use a salt free water softener system seems like a good option. Many people today are opting for more environmentally green products even if it means a slight compromise.