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Hard Water vs Soft Water: What You Need to Know

Water is just water…right? In fact, it’s much more complex than that. Hard water has a high mineral content which many believe to be more healthy. However, this causes some unwanted effects on your skin and in your home.

If you’re struggling with very dry skin and dull hair, mineral marks on your glassware and clothing, and calcium buildup in your pipes, you likely have hard water.

That’s where soft water comes in. So, what’s the difference and how do you get soft water? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Hard Water?

When water contains an excessive amount of minerals, namely calcium and magnesium, it is considered hard water.

The more minerals in the water, the harder the water is. Hard water is not contaminated water. It’s full of minerals that are actually good for human consumption.

You can recognize if your water is hard by looking for spots that appear on glassware after washing, less water pressure at home, and mineral stains on clothes.

Hard Water vs Soft Water

So, what’s the deal with soft water? Soft water, on the other hand, is water where minimal levels of calcium and magnesium are present — and sometimes no minerals at all. Soft water often contains high levels of sodium or salt.

There are a couple of key differences between hard water vs soft water that impact your home. Hard water, when heated up, may form calcium deposits which cause a buildup in your plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances.

Soft water, because it’s free from minerals, prevents a scale buildup in your pipes and appliances ensuring a longer lifespan and better performance.

3 Types of Water Softeners

There are various types of water softener systems that remove the hard minerals from your water. Check out these common types so you can choose the right one for you.

Salt-Based

These are the traditional type of softeners, such as the Kenmore water softener. A resin removes the minerals and replaces them with sodium using a process called ion-exchange.

Salt-Free

These systems don’t remove the minerals but neutralize them. This prevents calcium and magnesium from sticking together and creating buildups. These systems are lower maintenance than salt-based systems.

Portable

Perfect for travelers and RV enthusiasts who would like soft water wherever they go. No electricity is required to run these and all you need is regular table salt. The water supply is much lower than the previous two systems.

Benefits of Using a Water Softener System

What are the benefits of water softener systems and why would you get one in your home? Here are just a couple of reasons why water softeners are a great home addition:

  • No more soap scums or mineral stains when cleaning
  • Combats skin dryness caused by hard water and cold weather
  • Protects pipes and appliances from mineral buildup

Deciding Which Water Is Best for You

Soft water isn’t for everyone — especially when it’s created using salt as many people have salt-restricted diets. You may prefer to consume water with nutritious minerals. However, if you’re noticing excessive calcium buildup, choose a water softener to prevent damage to your pipes and appliances.

Did you find this post interesting? Our site is full of awesome content to keep you informed and up-to-date — keep reading for more.

John Morris
John Morrishttps://www.tenoblog.com
John Morris is a self-motivated person, a blogging enthusiast who loves to peek into the minds of innovative entrepreneurs. He's inspired by emerging tech & business trends and is dedicated to sharing his passion with readers.

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