Types of Water Softeners

Your spring break getaway has come to a close, the luggage emptied, sand dumped from your shoes, and bathing suits tucked away until summer. All that remains are the memories of good times in the warm sunshine, and perhaps a longing for the soft skin and amazing hair days that seemed only to last as long as your travels.

Although everything is better at the beach, you can also probably thank your hotel for looking and feeling better than ever. More than likely, your shiny hair and smooth skin can be attributed to the  commercial water softening system that your hotel has implemented. Hotels benefit from using softened water the same way homeowners do—money savings on laundry (soft water uses less detergent), softer, fresher sheets that look brighter and last longer, and protection of appliances and reduced maintenance costs without hard water scaling. It’s also easier to clean bathrooms and toilets and leave things polished and streak-free. Homeowners and hotel patrons alike value cleanliness; this is much easier to achieve when you’re using soft water to keep things ship-shape. 

Now, more than ever, good hygiene and sanitation are key to keeping businesses from failing, in part, due to loss of income from poor reviews and a bad reputation. The importance of making people feel comfortable and safe, at home or away, is of utmost importance, especially in today’s world. When hard water infiltrates, it’s difficult to achieve that comfort, given that water full of hard minerals causes dinginess and creates a less appealing environment. 

Types of Water Softeners 

When it comes to residential water softening, there are several types of water softeners. Commonly used systems include salt-based (ion-exchange) water softeners, salt-free water conditioners, and portable water softeners. Knowing which one suits your home and lifestyle requires a little more explanation. 

Ion-Exchange Water Softeners

Salt-based ion-exchange water softeners are the most traditional choice for  whole home water softening. These systems supply soft water to your entire home and feature high flow rates. They employ the use of resin to attract calcium and magnesium from water, replacing it with sodium ions during a process called ion-exchange. When the resin runs out of positively charged ions to exchange for hard minerals, the system will regenerate the resin using salt. These types of systems effectively provide softened water to a home for 10-15 years with minor, but regular maintenance required. 

Salt-Free Water Softeners

Another type of softener, called a salt-free softener or de-scaler, by definition, does not have the ability to truly soften water. In fact most data presented proves that salt-free water softeners do not actually do anything to improve the water quality or lessen the affects of hard water. Water softening is the process of removing the dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals that cause hardness in water. A salt-free softener, more accurately claimed as a water conditioner, neutralizes hard minerals instead of removing them. The claims are that the use of the salt-free systems results in a reduction of scaling and build-up caused by hard water minerals. While these systems require less maintenance, a salt-based softener will always outperform a salt-free conditioner. Without the use of salt, a salt-free system will not improve your water; this technology should not be mistaken for a true water softening system.

Explore Salt-Free Water Softener Alternatives

Portable Water Softeners

What if you want that “hotel water” feel, but your next vacation plans involve a more outdoorsy adventure? If that’s the case, don’t worry--you can be on the run and still get softened water! Portable water softeners are the best water softeners for RVs, campers, and even boats. They play a key role in protecting your investments whether on wheels or on water. This type of softener prevents rust buildup, soap scum, and dry skin. It also removes sulfides and other particles that give water a bad odor or flavor. Most basic portable water softeners don’t require any form of power, and can fit in tight spaces for space maximization. 

Letting life take you where the road leads can be fun, but the unknown of what you’ll find in your drinking water at the end of that road can be disconcerting. Whether you’re a world traveler or a staycationer, water softeners ensure that the pipes and appliances in your home, and your home away from home remain free of mineral build-up. 

Water is a vital component in most cleaning processes around your home. We know that laundering clothing entails more than just throwing them in the washing machine and adding detergent. Just as washing your face entails more than a bar of soap and a washcloth. What we use to clean our body, hair, and clothing is just as important how often we do it. Whichever type of water softener you employ, the removal of hard minerals allows you to take advantage of the best that water has to offer.