A Guide for How to Test Water Hardness

Posted May 19, 2020 by Ken Christopher

Have you ever wondered how to test water hardness in your house? The answer might be closer than you think. Hard water is the result of elevated mineral levels in the groundwater supply. While hard water may be potable water and not necessarily harmful to your health, it does result in a number of unpleasant effects with which you are probably familiar.

Figuring out how to determine water hardness isn’t necessarily a complex process. While there are detailed tests that can give you an accurate and exact measure of how hard your water is, determining whether or not you have hard water is a much simpler exercise.

In this article, we’re going to outline some easy to understand tips that can help you determine whether or not you have hard water. In doing so, we’ll explore some of the key effects that hard water can have around your house and on your body. Some of these are merely unsightly, while others can impact everything from the efficiency of your appliances to the moisture of your hair and skin. In the end, you might be surprised at the many ways that hard water has had an impact on your daily life and may be interested in a whole home water softener. Water Softening System.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that has a high amount of minerals in it. The majority of these minerals are usually calcium carbonate and magnesium, however other minerals such as manganese and iron can also be found in hard water samples. The higher the mineral count in your water, the harder your water is considered.

Generally, water is thought of as “soft” if it has less than 1 Grain per Gallon (GPG) of calcium carbonate. A higher concentration than this is considered to be hard water, with varying degrees of calcium hardness assigned to different thresholds of calcium carbonate.

Water Softener Systems starting at only /mo. Try before you buy!

How Does Hard Water Form?

The formation of hard water occurs naturally through an interaction between water and the soil it passes through. Starting as precipitation, water is largely soft, though there may be small amounts of minerals contained in rainfall. Once that rainfall hits the ground, it begins to move into and through the soil.

The movement of water through the soil and into the rivers and aquifers that provide our water supply is long and arduous. As water passes through soil along the way, it dissolves the bonds of the mineral ions in the soil. These minerals are then carried along with the water into the water that reaches your tap.

In order for water to be hard, it must pass through soil that is rich in calcium carbonate and magnesium. This typically means chalk or limestone. Hard water can also contain high levels of iron if it moves through iron-rich soil. Put another way, the presence or absence of minerals in the soil around a groundwater source has a direct impact on how hard the water is.

This means that the hardness level of water can vary substantially based on where you live. Many parts of the United States have hard water. This is also why you might notice that the water feels different when you visit another state or country.

Testing for Hard Water

If you are wondering how to measure water hardness, there are a variety of different tests you can do to find out whether or not your water is hard. Most municipal water suppliers also publish information about what types of minerals and other substances the water piped into your house contains. These water quality reports can provide a valuable source of general information, such as where your local water is sourced from, how it is treated, and what types of organic and inorganic materials it might contain. An example of a local municipal water quality report can be found here.

Short of browsing a water quality report or testing a water sample directly at your tap using a water test kit or test strip, there are some easy observational methods that you can use to determine if your water is hard.

Do You Have Spots on Your Dishes?

If your dishes come out of the dishwasher with spots or a slight film on them, you probably have hard water. Those spots found on your dishes are mineral deposits left behind when the water used to wash the dish evaporates or is dried during the last part of the dishwasher cycle.

Have You Observed Mineral Buildup on Your Faucets and Fixtures?

You can definitely tell that you have hard water if you pay close attention to your plumbing fixtures. Those areas of your house that are in frequent contact with tap water will be the areas where you see the biggest impact of hard water, and nowhere else comes in contact with water as frequently as plumbing fixtures.

If you have noticed scaly buildup on your fixtures then you most likely have hard water. You may have noticed that the nozzles on your shower head become clogged over time. This occlusion is due to mineral deposits left behind by hard water. The same is true of the nozzles in your dishwasher, which slowly become closed off by mineral deposits over time.

Staining from mineral deposits on plumbing fixtures can also be different colors. White or gray stains tend to be from calcium carbonate, while areas with a high amount of iron in the water will produce reddish stains on fixtures and faucets.

Do You Get Soap Scum?

If you are constantly battling soap scum, you have hard water. Soap scum is a white, filmy layer often found in showers, in sinks, or on bathroom fixtures. Soap scum forms from a reaction between the minerals in water and the soap or detergent you use and leaves behind a solid substance that is difficult to clean.

Soap scum can combine with mold or trap mildew in it. It can also be extremely difficult to remove, particularly if it has been left in place for some time. Most often, soap scum is an unsightly nuisance that most people with hard water have just learned to live with.

The Hair Test

Hard water can affect our lives in surprising ways. One of these is the effect of hard water on hair. You can test for water hardness by observing your hair – hair washed with hard water will begin to form a layer of minerals on the hair follicle. This mineral layer has a couple of effects that you may not have even realized were happening.

The first is that minerals make hair look dull. Typically, hair washed in hard water will, over time, become duller and lack the vibrancy of hair washed in soft water. Your hair might also be drier when washed with hard water vs. soft water. The minerals deposited by hard water makes it more difficult for moisturizers to penetrate your hair follicle, leading to drier hair over time.

The Hand Washing Test

This could also be considered the soap test, given the fact that it really comes down to how effectively your water washes away the soap. If you wash your hands with hard water and soap, you will probably notice that your hands can feel a bit dry and rough after all the soap has been visibly washed away, requiring lotion or oil. That dry feeling is from a thin layer of liquid soap sticking to the hard mineral left behind and sticking to your hand and is a common sign that your water is hard.

Another component of this test method applies to your skin as a whole. Individuals with hard water can have dry skin, which actually stems from that layer of soap that is left on your body after you get out of the shower.

How to Soften Water

If you realized through your observational tests that you probably have hard water, you might be wondering what makes water soft. Once you determine you have hard water, there are a couple of options for you.

Option 1

The first is to just live with the fact that you have hard water and deal with the issues associated with hard water in your home.

Option 2

The second solution is to install a water softener. What is a water softener? Water softeners are systems that are installed where your water comes into your house. Water Softeners generally consist of two tanks; a mineral tank that contains a negatively charged resin, and a brine tank that contains a sodium-rich solution. Both of these tanks work together to remove minerals from hard water in a process known as ion exchange.

A home water softener system functions by running the tap water coming into your house through the mineral tank, where the positively charged mineral ions are attracted to the negatively charged resin in the tank. These minerals are replaced with sodium ions in the water during the water softening process.

Once the resin in the mineral tank reaches its capacity, it will need to be recharged. With this process, water from the brine tank is pushed through the mineral tank where the sodium ions that also have a positive charge replace the mineral ions that are on the resin. Once the mineral ions have been flushed out of the tank completely, the tank is ready for further extraction of minerals from your hard water.

Is Soft Water Salty?

A water softener solution provides soft water for your entire home. One thing most people immediately wonder is whether the soft water that enters their home is salty, given the fact that there is now sodium that is attached to the water molecule. While there is sodium added to the water during this process, it doesn’t substantially raise the salinity of the water going through your house and doesn’t taste salty.

If the salt content of soft water concerns you, you could look into installing a reverse-osmosis home water filtration system at your sink tap, which would remove any excess sodium as well as bacteria or other contaminants that might be in your water.

Closing Thoughts

Testing to see if your water is hard doesn’t have to be a confusing process. The methods we’ve outlined above constitute an observational test that anyone can perform to quickly determine whether their water is hard. Key indicators of hard water are mineral buildup around faucets and plumbing fixtures, spots and film on dishes after they have been cleaned and dried, and ever-present soap scum or suds in your showers and on your sinks.

Alongside these indicators, there are some additional ways that you can tell your water or drinking water is hard. You may notice that your hair is dry and dull, both of which are often the result of a buildup of minerals from hard water on your hair follicles. Hard water can also cause the skin on your scalp and body to become more dry or irritated, which stems from a layer of soap left on the skin after it has been washed. This layer of soap is also why your hands might feel a bit dry after washing them in an area with hard water.

While hard water doesn’t have any huge negative health consequences, it does produce unsightly buildup and can impact the operational efficiency of equipment such as water heaters over time. If you live in an area with hard water, switching to soft water is as easy as installing a water softener into your home. Water softeners ensure that all of the water in your house is soft through an ion exchange process, whereby the mineral ions in hard water are extracted and replaced with sodium ions in soft water.

The tests we have outlined can give you a good idea of whether or not you have hard water. If you want to understand the total hardness of your water, or exactly how hard the water at your tap is, contact Rayne Water today to schedule a free water hardness test. Rayne Water is proud to serve California and Arizona. So if you need a water softener in Phoenix or a reverse osmosis system in San Diego… we’ve got you covered!

Sources:

How Does a Water Conditioner Work?

Posted April 19, 2020 by Ken Christopher

Home water conditioner system providing clear, fresh drinking water from the tap

Saltless water conditioners offer a smart, modern twist on water treatment, but what exactly do they do?

A whole house water conditioner is a salt-free system installed at your main line. It doesn’t remove minerals; instead, it changes their behavior. The result? Calcium and magnesium won’t cling to pipes or leave hard scales behind. Every tap in your home stays protected.

Water conditioners target both scale and taste issues. Unlike a softener, they leave minerals in place but neutralize their effects, giving you cleaner-feeling water without salt or frequent upkeep.

For those weighing water conditioners versus softeners, understanding this distinction makes all the impact when choosing the right fit.

What’s in Your Water?

Conditioners are an alternative to water softening systems, but these systems are used to remove different types of contaminants from your water. The type of system you choose for water treatment is usually determined by what contaminants you want to remove from your water.

Hard Water: The Mineral Menace

Tap water can contain many contaminants. Some of these contaminants are minerals, which can be left as deposits known as scaling.

Hard water is simply water with high levels of minerals. As it percolates through earth and stone, it collects calcium and magensium. These minerals may be harmless to drink, but they’re notorious for leaving behind spots, scaling pipes, and dulling laundry.

Chemical Culprits: Taste and Odor

Other common contaminants are disinfectants, such as chlorine, disinfection byproducts, chloramines, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals and compounds alter how your water tastes and smells.

You might not see them, but you’ll definitely notice them when you pour a glass or take a shower.

Choosing the Best Water Treatment System

There are effective treatment options for both categories of contaminants in your water.

If your primary concern is the impacts of hard water around your home, you’ll probably want to choose a water treatment system that can remove hard minerals or reduce their impact. These include water softening systems or certain types of water conditioners.

On the other hand, if you are concerned about the taste and smell of your water or prefer a salt-free system, a water conditioner may be right for you.

Why Choose a Whole House Water Conditioner?

A whole house water conditioner can target a wide range of water contaminants at the source, addressing everything from scale-forming minerals to chemicals like chlorine and VOCs.

No matter what comes through your pipes, a whole house water conditioner works at the source, keeping every tap and appliance protected. While most minerals in hard water aren’t hazardous to your health, they do cause functional and aesthetic issues such as spots on dishes, scale in plumbing, dry skin, and dull laundry.

Other contaminants, such as VOCs or high chlorine levels, can impact taste, odor, and even pose health risks with prolonged exposure.

Understanding your water quality is the essential first step. Testing helps you determine what’s present in your tap water and whether you need a traditional water softener, a salt-free water conditioner, or a combination system.

For many households, a whole house water conditioner is the easiest way to ensure every tap delivers clean, great-tasting water free from common issues.

What’s the Problem With Hard Water?

Limescale buildup on old metal tap showing effects of hard water on plumbing

Hard water isn’t harmful to your health, and if you lack a nutrient-rich diet, the minerals contained in hard water can actually be beneficial. But in everyday life, the downsides of hard water show up where you least expect them: on fixtures, laundry, and inside appliances.

How Scaling Happens

Though there are a few negative impacts on the human body from water hardness, including brittle or dry hair and dry skin, most of the undesirable hard water effects can be found around your home.

When hard water passes over or evaporates on a surface, it leaves behind the dissolved minerals it contains. This is known as scaling. Scaling can occur on any surface hard water comes into contact with. It is most frequently seen on the inside of plumbing over long periods of time and on surfaces and fixtures in your kitchen or bathroom.

Over time, those invisible minerals form visible, chalky buildups. Suddenly, a faucet drips slower, or your once-shiny sink grows dull with spots.

Everyday Impacts: Laundry, Dishes, and Appliances

The mineral deposits from hard tap water will make your clothes more brittle and dull. When your dishes come out of the dishwasher they will have small white spots on them, which are minerals left behind when hard water has dried.

Your appliances are affected by hard water as well. When hard water is heated it leaves behind scales. This means appliances like your water heater, teapot, or coffee pot will have a reduced lifespan as scale builds up inside them.

A water heater quietly works harder. A kettle takes longer to boil. Over months, scale buildup shortens appliance life, sometimes without warning.

Hard Water in Commercial and Industrial Settings

In a commercial setting, scaling can reduce the lifespan of boilers and heaters, as well as the plumbing which delivers water to systems.

The impacts of hard water don’t end at your home or business. Industrial agriculture requires water to be softened, usually through the use of a reverse osmosis system, to give growers greater control over the PH of the water they are using on their crops.

Manufacturers in certain industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry, also remove dissolved minerals from water to achieve higher purity and consistency in their products through an ion exchange process.

For larger operations, using a whole house water conditioner or commercial water conditioners is critical. These systems help maintain optimal equipment efficiency and reduce maintenance downtime. For everyday households, a whole house water conditioner helps protect laundry, keeps skin and hair softer, and prevents unsightly scales throughout your home.

A small change like installing a water conditioner, can bring a big shift. Cleaner fixtures, longer-lasting appliances, and softer clothes start to feel like a new normal.

Source: The Conversation

Water Softening vs. Water Conditioning

If you’re like most people, you are probably wondering about the difference between a water conditioner vs water softener. Let’s break down the differences between these two terms.

What is Water Softening (Ion Exchange)?

Water softening occurs through a process known as “ion exchange”.

In a water softening system, the dissolved mineral ions in hard water are removed from the water supply and replaced with sodium ions. Replacing the mineral ions with sodium ions allows your water to maintain a balanced electrical charge.

Don’t worry, your softened water won’t taste salty! For most people, the level of sodium in softened water isn’t noticeable at all.

Ion exchange is highly effective at eliminating scale but requires salt and regular maintenance. It may not be ideal for sodium-sensitive households, and brine discharge is restricted in some areas.

What is Water Conditioning?

So what is a water conditioner? Unlike water softener systems that remove and replace dissolved minerals in hard water, a water conditioner system treats the water to remove different types of unwanted contaminants.

Most water conditioners remove contaminants that alter the smell of your water, such as chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, and organic gases.

Some water conditioners also provide some benefits of softened water, but don’t actually remove any hard minerals from the water. These water conditioners do this through a process that alters the chemical structure of the dissolved minerals in hard water, allowing those minerals to remain in the water but removing their negative effects.

A whole house water conditioner can use carbon filtration, template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media, or other advanced materials. Instead of removing minerals, these systems neutralize their negative effects and improve taste and odor, without salt, electricity, or brine.

Water conditioners are especially popular for homeowners seeking a salt-free, eco-friendly solution that tackles both scale and common water contaminants.

How Does a Water Conditioner Work?

Every home tells a different water story. For some, it’s scale on fixtures.

For others, the water never quite tastes or smells clean, no matter how much you run the tap. That’s where a whole house water conditioner comes in: it changes your daily experience, right at the source.

Water conditioners are used to process water, but this term has multiple meanings in the industry. Most water conditioners remove contaminants that give your water an unpleasant smell or taste.

Contaminants like chlorine, which is used as a disinfection agent in tap water, can be absorbed through the skin and give water an unpleasant smell and taste.

Likewise, VOCs can also cause your water to smell or taste unpleasant. Most water conditioners remove these substances, but don’t actually remove the calcium and magnesium in your water that cause scaling around your home.

Instead of targeting hard minerals, water conditioners focus on comfort. They leave beneficial minerals in place, but sweep away the invisible culprits behind odd smells and sharp flavors.

That’s the secret to softer showers and better-tasting water, every day.

Removing Chlorine, Chloramines, and VOCs:

You pour a glass from the tap, eager for refreshment, but the sharp scent of chlorine stops you short. Whole house water conditioners step in right here, usually using carbon filtration to trap chlorine, chloramines, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Carbon media absorbs these unwanted chemicals, dramatically improving taste and odor. For many households, this is the easiest way to ensure every tap delivers fresher, cleaner water.

Conditioners do more than tackle odor. Some provide the feel of softened water without actually removing hard minerals. Instead, these saltless water conditioners alter how minerals behave, preventing the scaling issues hard water normally causes. They achieve this through TAC media.

Get started today! We specialize in providing the purest water possible!

Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC):

If you’ve ever dealt with scale, you know the frustration all too well. Faucets crusted, dishes spotted. TAC media stops scale at the source by providing nucleation sites, where dissolved calcium and magnesium form harmless seed crystals.

These crystals stay suspended in your water and won’t stick to pipes or appliances, effectively preventing scale buildup without actually removing the minerals. You won’t see or taste the crystals, but you will notice less spotting and scale around the house.

Template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media contain nucleation sites that attract the dissolved mineral ions in hard water. These dissolved mineral ions come together and form very tiny crystals, which are sometimes known as “seed crystals.”

Once these seed crystals have formed, the other hard minerals in the water bond to them preferentially.

Source: Waterboards.CA.GOV

Continuous Flow = Instant Conditioning:

A whole house water conditioner works instantly as water flows through the system. There’s no delay, no regeneration cycle, and no interruption in your water supply. This makes it ideal for busy households or businesses needing high water volume, providing continuous protection from scale and contaminants.

Keep in mind that many water conditioners provide a fundamentally different function than water softeners. While most water conditioners will remove contaminants such as chlorine and organic gases from your water, they won’t alter or remove water hardness.

This makes them a great water treatment alternative for individuals who are concerned with contaminants in their water, but don’t necessarily need the benefits of softened water.

Types of Water Conditioners

Technician replacing water conditioner filters for optimal whole-house water treatment

Media-Based Conditioners (e.g., TAC)

Media-based water conditioners, especially those built with template-assisted crystallization (TAC) technology, have quickly become the favorite for homeowners looking for reliable scale control.

These units use advanced filtration media to transform calcium and magnesium into microscopic crystals that remain suspended in your water, so they can’t stick to your pipes or leave spots on your fixtures.

There’s no salt, no brine, and no excess waste. Because of this, these systems appeal to anyone with environmental concerns or salt restrictions in their area.

You’ll get all the benefits of a whole house water conditioner, less buildup, fewer appliance issues, longer plumbing life, without sacrificing water quality or taste. Maintenance stays simple, and your water feels fresh every time you turn on the tap.

Carbon-Based Conditioners

For those seeking cleaner, better-tasting water throughout their home, carbon-based conditioners are the answer. These systems use activated carbon to trap and reduce chlorine, chloramines, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which can give water an unpleasant taste or odor.

If your tap water smells like a pool or tastes bitter, a carbon-based conditioner provides a dramatic improvement.

You’ll notice coffee, tea, and recipes taste brighter, too. While these units excel at purification, they’re not designed to address hard water minerals or scale. Pairing a carbon conditioner with another solution often makes sense for homes dealing with both taste and mineral problems.

You get crisp, clean water at every tap, free from the distractions of chemicals.

Electronic/Magnetic Descalers

Electronic and magnetic descalers take a high-tech approach to water treatment.

These compact devices wrap around your incoming water pipe and use electric pulses or magnetic fields to influence how minerals behave as water flows through.

The goal: keep calcium and magnesium from bonding to surfaces and forming stubborn scales.

There’s no plumbing, salt, or chemicals required, so installation is a breeze. Results can be mixed, though. Some households see a noticeable drop in buildup, while others find the changes subtle.

Independent research hasn’t yet provided a clear verdict. For those who like to try new technology, electronic descalers offer a low-maintenance, hands-off way to support their whole house water conditioner, but traditional solutions remain the gold standard for proven scale prevention.

Whole House Water Conditioner Systems

When you hear “whole house water conditioner,” you’re talking about a system installed right at your main water line, before it ever reaches a single tap.

Every shower, every sink, and every washing machine in your home enjoys the same treated water.

No skipping the guest bathroom or the laundry room. The benefits reach every inch of your plumbing, protecting fixtures and extending appliance life. You’ll notice softer skin, fewer spots on your dishes, and brighter laundry.

Many homeowners pair a whole house water conditioner with a reverse osmosis (RO) filter under the kitchen sink.

That way, your drinking water reaches another level of purity, while the rest of your home stays free of scale and bad tastes. It’s comprehensive protection, from basement to top floor.

Common Use Cases

A whole house water conditioner isn’t a luxury reserved for a select few; it’s a practical solution for real-world problems.

Homes in areas with brine restrictions rely on salt-free water conditioners to avoid fines and environmental headaches.

Households plagued by water that tastes odd or carries a strong chlorine odor turn to a water conditioner to improve their daily experience. If you’re sensitive to sodium or want to avoid adding it to your water, these systems provide peace of mind without compromising quality.

Many families dealing with moderate hard water love the difference a conditioner makes: fewer maintenance calls, appliances running smoother, and everyone in the house enjoying fresher water.

The right choice means every faucet, every load of laundry, and every cup of coffee starts with better water.

Key Benefits of a Water Conditioner

Saltless water conditioner filters for improved water taste and reduced contaminants

A whole house water conditioner delivers practical, everyday benefits. It helps reduce scale, protect your plumbing, and improve water quality at every tap. Daily tasks like showering, cleaning, and cooking become easier and more efficient.

Salt-Free Operation: Start your morning without lugging heavy salt bags or dealing with slippery floors. With a water conditioner, maintenance melts into the background. No more surprise trips to the store for supplies or the hassle of cleaning up spills. Each refill-free month brings an easier routine.
Eco-Friendly Performance: It’s easy to forget your water system even exists until you realize what it saves. No brine discharge polluting local waterways, and no wasteful regeneration cycles running late at night. A water conditioner simply does its job, letting you feel good about a choice that’s better for your home and the planet.
No Power or Drainage Needed (Media-Based): Some mornings, you’ll notice how quietly your home runs. No humming motors. No extra drain lines winding through the garage. Once your whole house water conditioner is in place, it fades into the background: silent, efficient, and reliable.
Better for Skin, Hair, and Appliances: Step out of the shower and notice your skin isn’t as dry. Laundry feels softer. Dishes sparkle. Even your water heater and dishwasher get a break, running longer without scale. Each improvement is a small win you can see and feel.
All-Home Coverage: From the kitchen sink to your bathroom faucet, every tap benefits. Fill a kettle, wash your hands, or run a load of towels. With a whole house water conditioner, you get coverage you don’t have to second-guess.

In short, this no-fuss solution lets you get back to living, with fewer chores and fewer worries about your water.

How to Choose the Right Water Conditioner

Know Your Water Quality

Every household’s water is unique. Some taps pour out mineral-heavy water that leaves behind chalky residue. Others deal with chlorine or chemical tastes that ruin coffee and tea.

Before you shop for a whole house water conditioner, get the facts.

A simple test, DIY or pro, will reveal exactly what’s flowing from your pipes. Maybe it’s calcium and magnesium. Maybe it’s chlorine, VOCs, or a blend of both. Each tells a story. And each demands a solution tailored to your needs.

Armed with a water profile, you’ll be able to pick the water conditioner or filter system that targets your specific problems, not someone else’s. That’s how you move from guessing to getting it right.

Consider Home Size and Water Usage

Your water needs aren’t one-size-fits-all. A family home with four bathrooms on a Monday morning operates differently than a quiet studio apartment.

A bustling household can be chaotic. Multiple showers run at once, laundry piles up, and everyone’s rushing out the door. For this, a whole house water conditioner is key. It’s designed to handle the demand. High flow rate ensures you won’t have to pick between washing dishes and taking a hot shower.

Smaller spaces, like apartments, have simpler needs. A point-of-use water conditioner might suffice. Yet a whole-house system offers more. It delivers consistency, protects every faucet and appliance, and eliminates worries about pressure drops or cold showers

Think Long-Term: Cost, Efficiency, and Lifespan

A whole house water conditioner isn’t just about clean water today. It’s about investing in hassle-free living for years to come. Media-based water conditioners often last for years with minimal upkeep.

Operating costs stay low; there’s no salt to refill and no spike in your power bill. Over time, you save money on maintenance, repairs, and even appliance replacement. Compare warranties and support.

Some water conditioners offer robust guarantees and responsive customer care.

That peace of mind pays off, year after year. Choose a system that matches your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals, and enjoy water that works as hard as you do.

var app_63333cfd794e23001633657a;(function(d, t){var s=d.createElement(t),options={“appId”:”63333cfd794e23001633657a”,”width”:”800″,”height”:”800″,”async”:true,”host”:”quiz.tryinteract.com”};s.src=’https://i.tryinteract.com/embed/app.js’;s.onload=s.onreadystatechange=function(){var rs=this.readyState;if(rs)if(rs!=’complete’)if(rs!=’loaded’)return;try{app_63333cfd794e23001633657a=new InteractApp();app_63333cfd794e23001633657a.initialize(options);app_63333cfd794e23001633657a.display();}catch(e){}};var scr=d.getElementsByTagName(t)[0],par=scr.parentNode;par.insertBefore(s,scr);})(document,’script’);

Are Water Conditioners the Right Fit for Your Home?

Passing a glass of conditioned water for cleaner, great-tasting tap water

When is a whole house water conditioner the smart choice?

If you want salt-free operation, a lighter environmental footprint, and an easy fix for water that smells or tastes off, water conditioners stand out. These systems reduce mild scaling, keep your appliances running cleaner, and leave your water fresh from every tap.

For homes where sodium sensitivity, brine restrictions, or eco-conscious living are priorities, a whole house water conditioner is hard to beat.

Ready to find the right solution? Rayne Water specializes in tailoring water conditioners and softeners to fit every home’s unique needs. Reach out for a water quality assessment, and let us help you enjoy water that feels right for you, through every faucet, every day.

FAQs

Do water conditioners remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium?

No, water conditioners do not remove hard minerals. Instead, they change how these minerals behave. Technologies like Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC) convert calcium and magnesium into harmless seed crystals that don’t stick to surfaces. This prevents scale buildup without stripping minerals from your water.

What’s the difference between a water softener and a water conditioner?

A water softener removes hard minerals using a salt-based ion exchange process. A water conditioner, on the other hand, does not remove minerals but neutralizes their negative effects or removes other contaminants like chlorine, chloramines, and VOCs. Conditioners are ideal for people seeking a salt-free or low-maintenance solution.

Is a whole house water conditioner suitable for all homes?

Most homes can benefit from a whole house water conditioner, especially if you want to reduce scale, improve water taste, and avoid salt use. However, if your water has extreme hardness levels, you may need a traditional softener or a combination system for optimal results. A water quality test is the best way to determine the right fit.

Difference Between a Water Conditioner vs Water Softener

Posted April 19, 2020 by Ken Christopher

It’s a common dilemma for homeowners—choosing between a water conditioner and a water softener. What’s the difference between these two, and how do you know which one is right for you?

Understanding Water Conditioning and Water Softening

Water softeners are designed to tackle the problem of hard water. They remove minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are the main culprits behind water hardness.

Water conditioners are more like multitaskers. They help reduce hardness but also tackle other issues like chlorine, sediment, and unpleasant odors. This makes them a more versatile option.

Both systems use various methods to achieve these results, and understanding these different technologies will help you make an informed decision about which system is best for you.

Whether it’s cleaner dishes with a softener or tastier drinking water with a conditioner, getting to grips with these options is the first step to better water at home.

Why Choose to Soften or Condition Your Water Supply?

You may have heard of hard water, but aren’t sure exactly what it is. Water is considered hard if it contains a high level of dissolved minerals. These hard water minerals, in the form of ions, usually consist of calcium and magnesium ions that your water has picked up over time as it percolates through the ground.

Water hardness can have a big impact on your home, body, or business. The most common impact of hard water is the mineral deposits left behind on surfaces that have come into contact with hard water. These mineral deposits are known as scaling.

If you have hard water in your home, take a look at the fixtures in your bathroom or surfaces such as your shower doors. You’ll most likely find scale buildup, which is a stubborn mineral buildup that looks whitish in color.

Surfaces in your bathroom and kitchen aren’t the only place where scale builds up. Scale builds up on the inside walls of plumbing over time. Scale affects appliances that heat water, such as your dishwasher or water heater. Eventually, the buildup reduces the efficiency of these appliances and shortens their lifespan.

Some people choose to soften their tap water because they don’t like the effects of hard water on their bodies. The mineral deposits left behind by hard water are often found on your hair and skin.

These mineral deposits will rob hair of its natural shine and volume, while also causing it to become more brittle. At the same time, mineral deposits left behind on your skin can dry it out.

The most effective way to deal with these problems is to use a house water softener.

While water softeners are used to remove hard minerals from water, water conditioners are typically used to remove chemicals and substances that give your water an unpleasant taste or smell. In addition, some water conditioners offer soft water benefits, while hybrid systems combine both treatment processes into the same system.

But how do you choose between a water conditioner vs water softener? Both of these systems are usually installed where your water line comes into your house so that they provide softened or conditioned water for your whole house.

Let’s take a look at how each water filtration system works so that you can better understand whether a water softener vs conditioner is right for you.

Water Softeners

Water softening systems are the most common method to deal with hard water in both a residential and commercial setting. Water softeners use a process known as ion exchange, or reverse osmosis, to soften water.

At a functional level, ion exchange systems remove dissolved mineral ions from hard water and replace them with sodium ions.

Most water softening systems consist of two tanks. The primary tank contains special resin beads that have been coated with sodium ions. A second tank contains a salty brine solution which is used to regenerate the resin in the primary tank.

As water moves through the soil it picks up mineral ions. These mineral ions become bound to the water molecule. To break this bond, ion-exchange units attract these mineral ions away from the water molecule.

As the water supply enters the primary tank in the water softening system, the mineral ions are attracted to the resin beads. As they attach to the resin beads, they displace the sodium ions. The sodium ions bond to the water molecules, allowing them to maintain a balanced charge.

Over time the resin beads will collect so many dissolved minerals the system can’t continue removing more. Because of this, the system must occasionally be regenerated. To regenerate the system, salty water from the brine tank is used to fill the resin tank.

This water displaces the mineral ions on the resin beads, replacing them once again with sodium ions. Afterward, any remaining water in the tank is flushed out of the system through a drain line.

Softening water through ion exchange is a time-tested method for eliminating hard water. They are great for providing large amounts of consistent, softened water. Like most filtration systems, ion exchange systems do require a degree of maintenance. The regeneration process must occur regularly, and the owner must add salt to replenish the brine tank periodically.

Water Conditioners

Most water conditioners are salt-free systems that are used to remove unwanted substances that alter the taste or smell of your water. These substances include chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and organic gasses. Water conditioners are also used to remove lead from water.

How does a water conditioner work? It depends on what type of water conditioner you have.

Some water conditioners filter out unwanted substances from water as it passes through, giving your water a better smell. Other water conditioners offer some soft water benefits by actually altering the structure of minerals in the water.

These systems rely on a specialized material known as template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media to provide the benefits of soft water around your home.

As hardened water passes over the TAC media, small amounts of hard minerals react with the TAC media and combine to form into crystals about the size of a nanometer. This process is known as nucleation. The crystals formed during this process are sometimes referred to as “seed crystals”.

Once these nanometer-sized crystals have formed on the TAC media they rejoin the stream of water. Not all of the hard mineral ions in the water have formed into crystals.

However, these seed crystals are sufficient to eliminate scaling. This is because the remaining hardness ions contained in the water will prefer to bind to the seed crystals over other surfaces such as the lining of your plumbing or your bathroom fixtures.

Water conditioners using TAC media are highly effective at reducing scaling from hard water. Research conducted by the WaterReuse Research Foundation found TAC media reduced scaling by up to 88%.

At the same time, water conditioners like our Spartan series that use TAC media don’t require external power to operate. This results in lower utility costs when compared to other hard water treatment options.

The best water conditioner for you will depend on how you want to treat your water. If you are concerned about exposure to chlorine or lead, a water conditioner like the Rayne Executive Series is probably right for you.

However, if you also want the benefits of softened water you may want to consider a water conditioner that uses TAC media or a hybrid system that combines both water softening and conditioning.

Curious about how long water conditioners take to work? Water conditioning occurs quickly, so you don’t have to worry about the flow rate being affected or having to wait for conditioned water.

If you are wondering about an electronic water conditioner and if they work, there hasn’t been conclusive evidence one way or the other that electronic or magnetic conditioners are as effective at removing scaling.

Key Differences in Function and Mechanism

When it comes to managing hard water in your home, understanding the functional and mechanical differences between water softeners and water conditioners is key.

Here’s a breakdown of how each system works and what it means for your water quality.

Mechanism of Action: How They Treat Hard Water

Water Softeners: These systems remove minerals like calcium and magnesium and replace them with sodium. This is done through a process known as ion exchange, which effectively reduces water hardness. This switch can help prevent scale buildup in your pipes and make soaps and detergents more effective.
Water Conditioners: Unlike softeners, conditioners don’t remove minerals from the water. Instead, they use methods like template-assisted crystallization or electromagnetic waves to change the structure of the minerals. This prevents them from forming scale on your fixtures and appliances without stripping the water of beneficial minerals.

Impact on Water Composition and Quality

Water Softeners: By swapping calcium and magnesium for sodium, softeners slightly increase the sodium content in your water. This is something to consider if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, although the increase is generally minimal.
Water Conditioners: These systems maintain the original mineral content of the water, which means the essential minerals your body needs are still present. They offer a way to manage hard water without altering its natural composition.

Which Water Solution Suits Your Needs?

Choosing between a water conditioner and a water softener depends on your needs. Water softeners remove minerals to tackle hard water, while conditioners address a wider range of issues like chlorine and odors. Many times, homeowners will get both systems to tackle a full range of water treatment issues. Understanding their differences helps you choose the best solution for your home’s water quality.

Rayne has delivered top-notch water softener & drinking system solutions since 1928. Our water softening systems tackle hard water and start saving you money from day one. Get started with us today!

Sources:

https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/multi-aia/the-intelligent-scale-solution–template-assisted-crystallization
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/water_recycling/research/ion_exchange_water_softeners.pdf
https://www.osti.gov/biblio/567404
Vastyan, John. 2010. “Template-Assisted Crystallization.” Heating/Piping/Air Conditioning Engineering 82 (11): 34–37.

FAQs

What are the main features of a water softener vs water conditioner?

Water softeners produce sodium-rich water and require periodic salt or potassium replenishment, while water conditioners maintain mineral content and require less maintenance.

Which one should I choose: a water softener vs conditioner?

The choice depends on your water quality needs. If you want to address water hardness, a water softener is suitable. If you’re concerned about scale buildup and want to maintain mineral content, a water conditioner is preferable.

How can I determine which system is best for my home?

Consider factors like your water quality issues, space availability for installation, maintenance preferences, and budget constraints. Consulting with a water treatment professional like Rayne will also help you make an informed decision.

How do I choose a water softener?

Posted May 6, 2014 by Ken Christopher

Water softeners are an effective and affordable choice for people who want to eliminate the trouble caused by high mineral content but knowing which to choose is something we can help you with. Hard water is not dangerous for humans, but it can cause harm to water appliances in your home. Likewise, glassware and dishes are left with spots which can be embarrassing when you have guests over. Clothes appear duller and feel coarser. Bathroom fixtures develop unsightly film. Soaps and laundry detergents don’t lather as well. Even your skin and hair don’t feel as clean. The most costly problem? It is definitely related to your appliances; especially on washing machines and hot water heaters, causing them to wear out up to 30% faster. Your pipes and appliances will also remain clog free with less maintenance and repair. The instant benefits of soft water is noticeable to the eye. Your clothes, pipes and appliances will be better off and function better thanks to softened water. It will save you time and money – two things that we cannot waste these days. No one has time or money to throw away freely. Before you choose a water softener for your home, it is important to consider the size and demands of your household, eco-friendly solutions and whether or not your area has a ban on traditional salt-water softeners. Should this be the case, we have an option for you so you don’t have to go on living with hard water. We offer a PE tank service, or soft water service, where a certified technician will come and switch your tanks for you. A fully-regenerated tank will be delivered to you and the old tank is brought back to our centralized facility to be re-generated. More than 25 communities around California have banned some water softeners that use salt on the grounds that they are hazardous to the environment. For example, these types of softeners are illegal in Orange County; however, salt free water softeners in Orange County as well as salt-free water softener systems in Santa Clarita are legal. Don’t invest several hundred dollars in a salt softener only to find it cannot be used. Contact us today to learn how our products could change your life for the better and give you back precious time and money that you can never get back!

Best Water Conditioner

Posted April 21, 2020 by Ken Christopher

Do you need a solution to your hard water problems but are having trouble sorting through the available water conditioners on the market? A no salt water conditioner can be a great alternative to salt-based water softening systems , but choosing between systems can be difficult.

Not all water conditioners will help reduce the impact of hard water around your home. Many water conditioners filter out other contaminants like chlorine and chloramine, but don’t affect water hardness. Understanding the difference between water conditioning systems and their capabilities is essential for finding the best water conditioner for your needs. In order to help you find the best salt free water conditioner , we’ll explore what you should look for in a water conditioner and what you should expect from one in terms of water hardness, flow rate, and more.

What is Water Conditioning?

You may be asking yourself, “ what is a water conditioner ?”. Water conditioners are an alternative to water softening systems, but they offer very different results. Water conditioners are a water treatment system that removes unwanted substances from your water, including lead, chlorine, chloramines, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In contrast, water softening systems are used to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium from water. These minerals cause scaling, soap scum, and many other hard water problems around your home.

Water conditioners are a salt-free alternative to water softeners. How does a water conditioner work ? Different water conditioners work in different ways. The Best Water Conditioner for reducing the impact of hard water around your home uses a substance known as template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media to physically alter the structure of the minerals in your hard tap water through a process known as nucleation. Specifically, the minerals in water conditioned by these systems have been altered to be crystalline in structure, which ensures they won’t attach and cause buildup to surfaces and fixtures in your home. Calcium and magnesium are two hard minerals that tend to contribute to such a build-up.

While some water conditioners offer a few softening benefits, the primary benefit of a water conditioner is to remove disinfectants used in water treatment such as chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, lead, and organic gases. These substances alter how your water smells and tastes. Conditioned water has had these substances removed, resulting in water that smells cleaner and tastes crisp.

How long does the water conditioner take to work ? Water conditioning happens quickly. As water passes through the water conditioner any harmful chemicals such as chlorine and chloramines are removed. This makes water conditioners capable of providing on-demand conditioned water and providing as much conditioned water as you need. We’re talking gallons and gallons of safe drinking water made readily available.

You may have heard of electronic water conditioning. If you are curious about an electronic water conditioner do they work to reduce scaling, the answer is maybe. The existing research on electronic or magnetic water conditioners is conflicted. For a home water conditioner you know will work, look for units with proven effectiveness.

Water Conditioner vs Water Softener

Water conditioners and water softeners function in fundamentally different ways and produce very different results. Whereas water softeners are used to remove hard minerals from water, water conditioners are primarily used to remove unwanted chemicals that alter the taste or smell of your water.

Water softeners achieve this by removing the mineral ions from the water and replacing them with sodium ions – a process known as ion exchange. In contrast, salt free water conditioners use different methods of achieving their goal. Some water conditioners utilize activated carbon to trap unwanted chemicals, while others also incorporate TAC media to provide some soft water benefits.

Both water conditioners and water softeners are considered a point-of-entry (POE) water supply treatment solution. They are installed where your water line comes into your home so that they are able to treat water before it is distributed throughout your home.

Here are a few of the key ways water conditioners are different from water softeners:

Water conditioners don’t require the use of a brine tank. This means they are a suitable no salt conditioner in areas with brine restrictions in place. With water conditioners, you don’t have to periodically add salt to the system and there is no wastewater produced during the regeneration cycle.
Water conditioners that use TAC media do not require electricity. These systems passively alter the physical structure of the minerals in your water. This means water conditioners tend to have lower ongoing costs than some water softening systems.
Water conditioning systems filter out other unwanted contaminants. These include disinfection agents like chlorine, chloramine, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

If you aren’t sure whether a tap water conditioner or water softening system is right for you, it may be helpful to schedule a water quality test. A water quality test will tell you what contaminants are present – chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals – and how hard your water is. Schedule a test with Rayne Water today so that one of our technicians can help you assess your water treatment needs and find the best treatment solution for you. Softened or conditioned water is not too far away!

Closing Thoughts

Whether you need a solution for dealing with the effects of hard water around your home, or are looking to remove chlorine and other chemicals and gases from your water, there is an effective system for you. Water conditioners are a salt-free alternative to water softening systems which are used to remove lead, chlorine, chloramines, and other substances that give your water an unpleasant smell or taste.

While most water conditioners won’t provide the benefits of softened water, there are some hybrid systems which will soften and condition water. At the same time, water conditioners like the Spartan 1000/1250 use TAC media to protect against scaling. So no matter what type of water treatment system you need, there’s a solution at Rayne available for you!

To learn more about water conditioners , please contact Rayne Water today. Our knowledgeable staff can help you explore systems that transform the hardness of water and find a solution that fits your needs! It’s time to enjoy clean, soft water. And lots of it!

Sources:

http://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/g1491.pdf
https://water.unl.edu/article/drinking-water-wells/salt-free-water-softener-alternatives
https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/multi-aia/the-intelligent-scale-solution–template-assisted-crystallization
https://www.osti.gov/biblio/567404
Vastyan, John. 2010. “Template-Assisted Crystallization.” Heating/Piping/Air Conditioning Engineering 82 (11): 34–37.

Protecting and Preserving our Water

Posted June 2, 2014 by Ken Christopher

So many people talk about the environment and how we are polluting it at an alarming rate, but are there actions behind their impassioned words? Our environment is comprised of many different things, but the most simplistic ingredients are water, air and non-living organisms. When even one of these components is compromised, it puts our entire eco-system at risk. All living things depend on a healthy environment so what can we, as individuals, do to ensure we are both protecting and preserving our environment.

As a water treatment company, we work with one of these vital components on a daily basis. We so often see how water is either being wasted or contaminated so we thought we would look at ways in which we can protect and preserve this precious commodity right in our own homes.

There are many areas that are faced with some serious water contamination issues. We encounter nitrate and arsenic contamination as well as hard water and mineral deposits in many of the homes we go into, so the first step is to determine the quality of the water your family is using and drinking so you can know the best way to treat it. Then the next step is to determine which water treatment system will cure your water issues in the most eco-friendly way possible.

If a water softener is what your home needs, you might want to consider using a salt-free water conditioning system. It reduces chlorine, removes any minerals that are causing problems, improves the taste and odor of your water and provides cleaner, clearer water from every faucet in your home. This is the same as any other water softener, but with one huge eco-friendly advantage – No salt consumption and no wastewater contamination. Water softeners in general are eco-friendly; they help preserve the integrity of your appliances, so there is no need to replace them as frequently. But, how much better would it be if you could eliminate the wastewater contamination part by using a salt free conditioner?

Next, let’s look at water filtration systems. Unfortunately, we encounter arsenic and nitrate water contamination all too frequently when we test water in homes; the only way to remove these chemicals as well as others that might be lurking in your drinking water is to employ a water filtration system. Not all water filtration systems are eco-friendly however; in fact some are downright wasteful. A typical reverse osmosis system does a fantastic job of filtering water; it removes harmful chemicals and other contaminants found in drinking water, but it wastes a TON of water in the process. In fact, it can waste as much as 8 gallons of water just to produce 1 gallon of filtered drinking water.

A much more eco-friendly choice would be an ion-exchange water filtration system such as the LINX Drinking Water System. Not only will it supply an almost endless amount of filtered water, but does so at a 90% water waste savings. So for virtually no water waste, you are able to remove all of the same, plus more, chemicals and contaminates as a typical reverse osmosis but in a much more eco-friendly way.

This is just a sampling of the small steps you can take in your home to be more environmentally conscious, but if we are all willing to make even small changes, we can collectively make a huge impact on our environment.

What is a Salt-Free Water Conditioner?

Posted July 29, 2014 by Ken Christopher

Let’s face it, water is an essential and vital component to sustain life, but in order for drinking water to provide its full range of health and household benefits, it often must be treated. The question most often asked is, “which water treatment system is the best?”

We wish there was just one answer to that question, it would make it so much easier for homeowners to know what to purchase, however that is not the case. The type of water you have in your home, as well as the local regulations and your own personal preference will determine which type of water treatment system will water conditioner work best for you.

Today, we are going to look at salt-free water conditioners; their pros, their cons and why they would or wouldn’t work for your situation. First, we need to understand how a salt-free water conditioner works. Unlike a water softener, which removes calcium and magnesium in the water and replaces them with sodium ions, a salt-free water conditioner leaves the minerals in the water but changes their form so they will not adhere to surfaces. When homeowners make the decision to treat hard water, it is usually to eliminate mineral buildup in their pipes and appliances which can damage and shorten the life of water using appliances as well as drastically reducing water flow in pipes. A salt-free water conditioner works great in this instance since it breaks up the minerals in such a way that they will not adhere to surfaces.

If homeowners want to eliminate the minerals in their water and enjoy the luxurious feel of mineral-free water, then a water softener would be a better option. The fact that salt-free water conditioners do not remove calcium and magnesium is actually a positive aspect of their features. Numerous studies have been done that tout the health benefits of both calcium and magnesium. In fact the World Health Organization (WHO) did an in-depth study of why calcium and magnesium should be left in our water. Inadequate intakes of calcium have been associated with increased risks of osteoporosis, kidney stones, colorectal cancer, hypertension and stroke, coronary artery disease, insulin resistance and obesity. Low magnesium levels have been implicated in hypertension, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, mellitus and metabolic syndrome. When left in drinking water, it is much easier to get adequate amounts of both these beneficial minerals.

Another consideration to take into account is how your water treatment decision affects the environment. A salt-free water conditioner not only does not waste any water, it also eliminates the addition of sodium into groundwater. Certain cities have already banned the use of salt water softeners; however, salt-free water softener systems in Santa Clarita and the other cities are legal. Sodium has been declared as one of the biggest contaminates affecting water supplies in the nation and around the world. It has become so prevalent that it is beginning to destroy crops and affect groundwater across the globe. In fact, many states now have communities which have banned the sale of some types of regenerative water softeners since they flush sodium back into the ground.

As we said earlier, there are many factors to take into consideration before choosing a water filtration system. The best way to start the process is to have your water tested to see what issues you need to address. Next, do your research; evaluate each water treatment system on the market to see which one fits your needs and the needs of the environment while still providing the best tasting, healthiest water possible.

Water Softener Alternatives

Posted February 12, 2020 by Ken Christopher

Salt-free water conditioner system installed in a home kitchen as an alternative to water softeners

Hard water can be a nuisance. Scale on your taps, streaks on glass, slow decline of appliances: it’s a daily struggle. While some still rely on salt-based softeners to handle this issue, more homeowners are looking for better, low-maintenance solutions.

A salt free water softener answers that call. These water softener alternatives bring results without the hassle of salt bags or brine discharge. A good example is a water conditioner, which doesn’t remove minerals but changes how they interact with surfaces, helping prevent scale and protect your appliances

With more reliable options than ever, it’s the perfect time to find the right solution and leave hard water problems behind.

What Is Hard Water and Why Does It Matter?

Before discussing water softeners and their alternatives, it is important to have a firm understanding of what hard water is. This will help shed light on how water softeners and their alternatives function and the differences between these two types of systems.

Hard water is simply water with high mineral content. Sometimes the water is hardened because it contains metals like iron, lead, or aluminum, but more often it is due to a high content of calcium and magnesium.

Calcium and magnesium in hard water may be in the form of sulfates, bicarbonates, and chlorides.

Hard water is a natural phenomenon that varies based on the region you are in; some regions have harder water than others. This is because water hardens as it passes through soil and stone with high mineral content.

For example, if your water is sourced from an area with a large concentration of limestone, your water will primarily be hardened with calcium.

As water moves through soil and stone, it picks up mineral and metal ions. Those ions bond to the water molecule, remaining until the water is boiled or evaporated away. What remains behind is known as scale. Scale is an insoluble precipitate that is one of the most common indicators you have of hard water.

When you see chalky buildup on your faucets, soap scum on your shower walls, or a white film on glassware, that’s hard water in action.

Over time, these minerals do more than leave marks: they can shorten the life of appliances, clog pipes, and make cleaning tougher. Because of this, many homeowners explore water softener alternatives or seek out a salt free water softener to keep their home running smoothly.

If you want to avoid ongoing scale and residue, understanding hard water is the first step toward finding the right alternatives to water softener solutions.

Source: USGS

How Is Hard Water Measured?

Water hardness is best thought of as a spectrum. Water may be soft or very hard, or somewhere in between.

Hardness level is most often determined by measuring the calcium carbonate equivalent content in a sample of water. This is expressed as the number of grains-per-gallon (GPG) of calcium carbonate.

Grains per gallon (GPG) offer a reliable way to measure water hardness, helping you pinpoint exactly where your water falls on the spectrum. If you want a long-term solution, start by knowing your exact GPG number.

These are the most commonly used thresholds for determining how hard or soft your water is:

Water with less than 1 GPG of calcium carbonate is considered soft: Soft water feels gentle on your skin, leaves soap lathering easily, and rarely causes buildup or water spots. Most homes with soft water see minimal issues with scale and don’t need significant water treatment beyond basic filtration.
Water between 1-7 GPG is considered moderately hard: At this level, you might start noticing some hard water effects: mild scaling on faucets, faint water stains on glassware, and a need for slightly more soap or detergent. Many households in this range benefit from a salt free water softener or other water softener alternatives, which can help reduce nuisance buildup without major maintenance.
Water between 7-10 GPG is hard: Expect more pronounced effects, including persistent spots on dishes, increased scale in pipes and appliances, and dry skin after bathing. This range usually calls for a more robust water solution, whether a traditional softener or one of the modern alternatives to water softener systems.
Water over 10 GPG is very hard: Here, mineral buildup becomes a daily frustration. You may deal with frequent appliance repairs, stubborn stains, or even decreased water heater efficiency. For homes with very hard water, choosing the right system, salt-based or salt free, makes a dramatic difference in both comfort and cost over time.

The best way to determine whether you have hard water is to schedule a water test with Rayne Water.

Alternatively, you can usually tell if you have hard water by becoming familiar with the top impacts of hard water and looking for their effects around your house. Things like scaling, soap scum and water spots on your dishes are all key indicators you are dealing with hard water.

Options for Dealing With Water Hardness

If you are fed up with the effects of hard water around your house, on your clothes, and on your hair, it’s important to understand what options you have for dealing with it.

Hard water can be a pain, but thankfully, there are effective ways to deal with it.

In a residential setting, the two most common methods of dealing with hard water are using a water softener or a water conditioner. Both of these systems function in different ways, and understanding what these differences are can help you determine which system is right for you.

Water Softeners

Water softeners have been around for a while, and most people have heard of them and used softened water at some point. Water softeners function through a process known as ion exchange, during which hard mineral ions in water are removed and replaced with sodium ions.

When water percolates through the ground, it picks up positively charged mineral ions. The process of ion exchange involves attracting these mineral ions away from the water molecule and replacing them with sodium.

To do this, water softeners will typically have at least two tanks. The first tank contains a large amount of negatively charged resin beads.

Attached to these resin beads are positively charged sodium ions. When hard water enters the water softener, it is placed into this resin tank. As the hard water passes over the resin beads, the mineral ions are attracted to the resin beads. When the minerals attach to the resin beads in the resin tank, they displace the sodium ion, which moves to join the water molecule.

This allows the water molecule to maintain a balanced charge and completes the process of ion exchange.

The second tank in a water softener is referred to as the brine tank. This tank contains a salty brine solution. This solution is used to periodically refresh the resin in the brine tank. The resin is saturated with the brine solution, which displaces the minerals attached to the resin and replaces them with fresh sodium ions.

Once this process is complete, the wastewater is flushed from the system and down the drain.

Some people are concerned about the level of sodium in softened water. Here are a couple of key points about sodium in softened water:

Softened water contains sodium (Na), not table salt (NaCl).
The sodium in softened water does not affect the taste.
The exact amount of sodium in softened water depends on how hard your water is. The process of ion exchange requires sodium to be added as hard water minerals are removed, meaning the harder your water the more sodium your softened water will contain.

For most healthy adults, the amount of sodium in softened water poses little risk.

However, if you are concerned about sodium in softened water, it may be worth considering water softener alternatives like a water conditioner.

Many people choose to install a reverse osmosis system to use in conjunction with their water softener. Reverse osmosis systems are capable of removing sodium added to softened water, as well as reducing a wide range of other contaminants.

The best salt for water softener systems may depend on your specific system and needs.

The use of sodium chloride is more common, but some people use potassium chloride to reduce the amount of sodium in softened water. Be sure to speak with a water quality specialist familiar with your water softening system to determine the best salt for your system.

How does salt soften water properly? Learn more with our guide.

What Are the Traditional Solutions to Hard Water?

How Do Salt-Based Water Softeners Work?

Salt-based water softeners use ion exchange to tackle hard water.

Water enters a resin tank packed with sodium-charged beads. As hard water flows through, the beads capture calcium and magnesium and swap them for sodium ions. The softened water continues to your taps, while the minerals stay behind.

These systems include a resin tank and a brine tank. The brine tank holds a salt solution for periodic recharging of the resin. You’ll need to refill salt and keep up with the regeneration cycle.

Salt-based softeners effectively reduce scale, boost appliance life, and are widely used.

But for many homeowners, the story doesn’t end there. There’s the ongoing task of lugging salt bags and watching for low brine levels. Maintenance never really stops. That’s when the search for a salt free water softener begins, or perhaps another one of the many water softener alternatives on the market.

Some find themselves facing new restrictions, maybe a local brine ban or rising concerns about sodium in their water. Others want a system that’s easier on the environment and their schedule.

As homes and lifestyles evolve, so does the demand for a better way. Looking for alternatives to water softener systems has become the norm, not the exception, as people weigh performance, maintenance, and sustainability.

Source: Department Of Energy

Salt-Free Water Softener Alternatives

What Is a Water Conditioner?

Water conditioners are the best alternative to a water softener if you are concerned about sodium in your water. The key difference between water softeners and water conditioners is water conditioners don’t remove the minerals from hard water.

Remember, the main impact of hard water is scaling. Water softeners address this problem by removing hard water minerals and replacing them with sodium ions. In contrast, water conditioners cause minerals in hard water to crystallize.

Water conditioners do this through the use of template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media.

As hard water passes over TAC media, a small portion of the hard minerals crystallize. These are sometimes referred to as “seed crystals”. Once these seed crystals have formed, the remaining mineral ions contained in the hard water will preferentially attach to the seed crystal rather than any surfaces the water comes into contact with.

Although conditioned water still contains hard minerals, those minerals no longer cause scaling. This means conditioned water won’t cause mineral buildup in your pipes, in your appliances, or on surfaces throughout your home.

Water conditioners also have a couple of other features that make them advantageous for certain situations. These features are:

Many water conditioners don’t require electricity, unlike water softeners. This can make it easier to install in homes with limited access to electricity, where the water line enters their home.
Water conditioners don’t require the use of brine, which makes them an ideal solution for areas with brine restrictions in place. This also makes it unnecessary to install a drain line from the water conditioner.

Benefits of Salt-Free Conditioners

A salt free water softener brings unique advantages. Especially for those seeking water softener alternatives or eco-conscious options. Here’s what stands out.

No brine or salt needed. The days of lugging heavy salt bags are over. With a salt free water softener, there’s no brine tank to fill, and no salty residue heading down the drain. This isn’t just convenient: it’s a real win for the environment, especially in regions where strict brine restrictions can limit your options.
Minimal maintenance. Life is busy enough. These systems work quietly, with no regeneration cycles to schedule or frequent service calls to remember. Weeks and months pass, and the system keeps working. You’re free to focus on what matters, not on maintenance chores.
Sodium-free solution. For anyone watching sodium intake, there’s comfort in knowing your water stays sodium-free. These conditioners offer clean, healthy water for every glass you pour and every meal you prepare. All without a second thought about added salt.
Consistent performance. The benefits add up over time. No scale crusting up the pipes. No surprise breakdowns in your appliances. Water flows smoothly, and everything it touches lasts longer. That’s true reliability, and without the slippery feel of traditional softeners.
Quiet operation. No whirring pumps. No late-night motor noise. Media-based salt free water softener alternatives simply do their job in the background, never disturbing your routine.
Good for all homes. From city condos to rural retreats, these systems fit right in. For families tired of complicated upkeep or seeking to minimize environmental impact, salt free water softener options provide relief and peace of mind.
Long-lasting media. You won’t need to mark the calendar for constant replacements. The core media inside these systems can last for years. Fewer replacements mean less hassle, and lower costs, year after year.

For those seeking alternatives to water softener setups, a salt free conditioner offers a solution. Low-maintenance. Reliable. Eco-friendly. A way to fight hard water problems.

Limitations of Water Conditioners

Salt free water softener systems are popular water softener alternatives, but it’s smart to know what they can and can’t do:

A salt-free water softener doesn’t lower water hardness; minerals like calcium and magnesium stay in the water.
Homes with very hard water may still see some scale, since conditioners work best for moderate levels.
Water conditioners don’t remove minerals, only change how they behave, so water tests show the same hardness.
Some appliances may still need maintenance in high-hardness regions.

Other Water Softener Alternatives

Electronic/Magnetic Descalers

Electronic or magnetic descalers promise a simple solution for scale.

These devices clamp or wrap around existing pipes, sending electrical pulses or magnetic fields through the water. Installation is quick. A few turns of a screwdriver and you’re set. Maintenance? Hardly any at all.

The aim is to alter the charge of calcium and magnesium ions so they’re less likely to stick to surfaces. In some homes, faucets sparkle longer and showerheads stay clear. In others, results are less convincing, and scale remains stubborn. The science behind these devices is still evolving, with independent research catching up to bold marketing claims.

As a salt free water softener option, electronic descalers appeal to those seeking water softener alternatives with minimal commitment.

They’re a low-risk experiment, especially if you’re not ready to overhaul your plumbing just yet.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems excel at delivering pure, clean water for drinking and cooking right at your kitchen tap.

Their multi-stage filtration removes dissolved minerals, heavy metals, and countless other contaminants. Every glass tastes crisp and clean. If water quality matters at the table, RO shines.

But these systems focus on the point-of-use—usually under the sink—rather than treating all the water in your home.

RO units aren’t designed to prevent scale in your pipes or protect your appliances and laundry.

That’s why many homeowners pair a salt free water softener or other water softener alternatives with an RO filter. You get reduced scale throughout your plumbing and truly great-tasting water at the tap.

For those who want the best of both worlds, it’s a smart solution.

Potassium Chloride Softeners

Potassium chloride softeners work almost exactly like standard sodium-based softeners, swapping sodium pellets for potassium in the brine tank.

If you’re watching your sodium intake, or simply want a more eco-friendly alternative, these units offer real appeal. You avoid the salt taste and still protect pipes and appliances from scale.

There’s a catch: potassium chloride costs more than sodium, and it’s a bit less efficient at exchanging ions. So over time, you may notice higher costs.

But for those seeking a salt free water softener option or more sustainable water softener alternatives, potassium chloride softeners deliver. They let you keep all the traditional softening benefits, just without the added sodium. For the right household, that’s a win.

Comparing Water Conditioners vs Softeners

Feature	Water Softener	Water Conditioner (Salt free water softener)	Electronic/Magnetic Scaler
Removes Minerals	Yes	No	No
Prevents Scale	Yes	Yes	Yes (in some cases)
Sodium or Salt Required	Yes	No	No
Eco-Friendly	No (brine discharge)	Yes	Yes
Maintenance Level	Moderate (salt refills, cleaning)	Low (media change every few years)	Very Low (minimal to none)
Effective at High Hardness	Yes	May struggle with very hard water	Results vary
Taste Improvement	No	Yes (removes chlorine/VOCs)	No
Ongoing Cost	Salt + energy	Minimal	Minimal
Upfront Cost	Moderate	Moderate	Low

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a System

Regional Water Hardness

Water is different everywhere. Some regions have gentle, soft water.

Others face tough, high-mineral content that leaves scale behind, no matter what you do.

If you live in an area where hardness levels exceed 10 grains per gallon, you’ll need a solution built for heavy lifting. Standard water conditioners or a salt free water softener might work well in places with moderate hardness, but the hardest water often calls for a traditional softener or a hybrid system.

In areas known to have very hard water, homeowvers deal with white deposits on every fixture. Checking your local GPG levels is the first step. Grab your city’s water report or use a quick home test kit before you select a system.

Health Considerations (Sodium Sensitivity)

Softened water contains only a small amount of added sodium, but that doesn’t suit everyone.

If you or someone in your home follows a low-sodium diet, it’s wise to weigh this detail before you choose a system. Salt free water softener units and other water softener alternatives don’t add sodium, making them a natural fit for anyone who wants to limit intake or avoid salt entirely.

For families managing heart health or special diets, these alternatives to water softener options provide the scale protection you want, without changing your water’s mineral content or taste.

Environmental Restrictions

Some places take salt and brine discharge seriously. In regions like California and Arizona, brine bans are the rule, not the exception. Suddenly, traditional water softeners aren’t even an option.

Imagine unpacking boxes in your new house, only to discover the water softener you’ve always relied on can’t be installed. Local regulations make the decision for you.

In these brine-restricted areas, you’ll need a different approach. Salt free water softener systems and other water softener alternatives rise to the challenge.

Before you make a purchase, double-check your city’s policies. With water conditioners that avoid salt and backflushing, you’re not just meeting the law: you’re doing right by the environment, too. In some neighborhoods, that’s not a choice. It’s the only way forward.

Budget and Maintenance Preferences

Every system has costs, but those costs don’t always show up where you expect.

Traditional softeners mean buying salt, scheduling maintenance, and watching water usage during regeneration. With a salt free water softener or other water softener alternatives, upkeep is lighter: sometimes just a media change every few years.

Look beyond the sticker price. Upfront savings can disappear if ongoing costs pile up, whether it’s for salt, energy, or filter changes. Some systems hum quietly along, barely needing attention. That simplicity pays off, especially for busy households.

A little planning today brings peace of mind tomorrow. In the end, the most valuable option is often the one that runs effortlessly, keeping your water soft and your life simple.

Who Benefits Most from Salt-Free Systems?

Industrial water treatment process with technician bottling water as an alternative to home water softeners

A salt free water softener isn’t a universal fit, but for the right home, it’s the perfect match. Who really reaps the rewards? Let’s break it down.

For Small Households and Apartments

Small households and apartments enjoy these systems because they’re compact and easy to install at the main line or even under the sink. No bulky tanks. No complicated plumbing. For renters or city dwellers, a salt free water softener slides right in.

In Regions with Brine Restrictions

If you live in a region where brine discharge is banned, such as parts of California and Arizona, salt free options become a necessity, not just a preference. Local rules make traditional softeners tough or even illegal. Here, water softener alternatives step up as the only real solution, keeping you compliant and hassle free.

Low-Maintenance Seekers

For those who value a low-maintenance routine, water softener alternatives shine: there’s no heavy salt to haul, no brine tank to refill, and hardly any ongoing upkeep. Busy schedule? Hate chores? These systems are set-and-forget. Once installed, you barely have to think about them.

Eco-Conscious Consumers

Eco-conscious consumers find these systems especially appealing.

Without salt or backflushing, there’s no added sodium in the water supply and no environmental burden from salty wastewater. If protecting the environment matters to you, alternatives to water softener technology offer a sustainable way forward.

For anyone searching for alternatives to water softener technology that are gentle on the planet and easy on your schedule, salt free solutions provide clean, scale-resistant water while supporting a greener home.

Which Water Solution Fits Your Home Best?

A water conditioner is the leading alternative to a traditional water softening system.

While water softeners pull mineral ions out and swap them for sodium through ion exchange, water conditioners take a different approach. They keep the minerals in your water but change their structure so scaling can’t take hold. You get protection for your pipes and fixtures, but without the drawbacks of extra salt.

Curious about how water taste can change? See our guide for more insights.

Water conditioners are effective throughout the whole home. They’re typically installed at the main line, just like a standard softener, and don’t need electricity or a drain. No brine, no mess, just simple installation and smooth performance.

For those living in areas with brine restrictions, water conditioners offer a practical, compliant solution. Both water softeners and conditioners tackle hard water issues, but the right fit depends on your needs, preferences, and local regulations.

Still unsure? The Rayne Water team can help you choose. We provide RO systems, water softeners, and expert advice throughout Orange County, San Diego, Phoenix, Ventura, and SoCal. Contact us today to discover the best solution for your home.

FAQs

Will a salt free water softener eliminate all hard water spots?

A salt free water softener is highly effective at reducing scale buildup and spotting, but it doesn’t remove minerals from the water. Instead, it alters the minerals so they don’t stick to surfaces.

Most homeowners see a dramatic improvement. They notice cleaner fixtures, fewer stains, and longer-lasting appliances. If your water is extremely hard, you might still observe some spots, but maintenance becomes much easier.

For those seeking water softener alternatives, salt free systems deliver impressive, low-maintenance results.

Are salt free water softeners better for the environment?

Yes, salt free water softener options shine in eco-friendly households. They don’t add sodium to your water or discharge salty brine into the environment.

Many communities in California and Arizona now require salt free or brine-free solutions. If you care about reducing your environmental footprint, these water softener alternatives offer the ideal blend of sustainability and performance.

How do I choose between a salt free water softener and other alternatives to water softener systems?

Start by testing your water and assessing your household’s needs. If you want a system that prevents scale, requires little upkeep, and avoids salt, a salt free water softener or a TAC-based water conditioner may fit perfectly.

If you have very hard water or specific concerns, like health, regional brine bans, or appliance protection, compare all water softener alternatives. Rayne Water’s experts can guide you through every step, ensuring you get a tailored solution for your home.

Salt Versus Salt-Free Water Softener

Posted February 10, 2020 by Ken Christopher

Ever wondered what a salt vs salt free water softener is? There are two broad categories of water softening systems used to treat hard water: salt-free systems and ion-exchange systems which require the use of salt. Understanding how a salt versus salt-free water softener systems work and the advantages or disadvantages of both can be beneficial if you are exploring water softening options.

Hard Water Explained

Before diving into how does salt soften water, it is useful to gain a good understanding of how water becomes hard in the first place. Understanding this process can help you gain a better sense of how salt is used to soften water.

Water becomes hard naturally over time as it passes through soil and stone rich in minerals. The most common minerals in hard water are calcium and magnesium, usually in the form of bicarbonates, sulfates, and chlorides. Metals like iron, lead, and aluminum can also cause water to become hard.

As water percolates through ground rich in minerals it dissolves the bonds between some mineral ions, attracting these ions to the water molecule itself. These hard water minerals remain bonded to the water molecules until they are deposited as an insoluble precipitate on surfaces the water comes in contact with. These deposits are known as scale.

Water is described as “hard” when it has a high content of minerals. Alternatively, water is considered “soft” if it has a very low content of dissolved minerals. The exact hardness of your water is determined through a test that measures the number of grains-per-gallon (GPG) of calcium carbonate a sample of water contains. Once this number is determined it is compared to the water hardness scale.

The water hardness scale is as follows:

Water is considered soft if it contains less than 1 GPG of calcium carbonate.
Water is considered moderately hard if it contains between 1-7 GPG of calcium.
If the water contains between 7-10 GPG of calcium it is hard.
Water measuring over 10 GPG is considered very hard.

Softening Water With Salt

In weighing a salt versus salt free water softener (which is actually defined as a water conditioner) it is helpful to start by understanding how systems using salt work since they are an older and more common method. Water softening systems use salt to soften water through a process known as ion-exchange.

Ion-exchange systems function by removing mineral ions from hard water and replacing them with sodium ions. Here are a few important things about this process to understand from the outset:

The ion-exchange process is natural, gentle, and doesn’t involve the physical filtration of the mineral ions out of the water.
Water produced by ion-exchange systems contains sodium ions (Na), not table salt (NaCl).
Water softeners do not necessarily filter water, just as water filters do not soften water.

A standard ion-exchange system will have two tanks. The first tank contains negatively charged resin beads and is often referred to as the resin tank. The resin beads in the tank are coated with sodium ions. The second tank contains a salty brine solution and is known as the brine tank.

When hard water enters the water treatment system it passes through the resin tank. As it moves through the tank the mineral ions in the hard water, which are positively charged, are attracted away from the water molecule and towards the negatively charged resin. The mineral ion is exchanged with the sodium ions, allowing the water molecules to pass through the water softener system to maintain a balanced charge.

Ion-exchange water softeners are often installed where the municipal water line enters your home. This allows water softeners to provide soft water to your entire home, which is important if you want to eliminate the problems associated with hard water. These water softening systems will require access to an electrical outlet, and they will also need a drain.

Ion-exchange systems require a drain because periodically the minerals removed by the system will need to be flushed. The flushing process is fairly straightforward; salty water from the brine tank is used to fill the resin tank. The high salt content in the water replaces the minerals that have been collected on the resin with sodium ions. The remaining brine solution which now contains the minerals captured by the system is then flushed down the drain. Occasionally, the owner will have to add salt for a water softener to the brine tank for the next regeneration cycle.

Some people are apprehensive about ion-exchange systems because of the sodium content in the soft water they produce. While the softened water does contain sodium, it only contains a small amount in the water supply . The actual sodium content of the water will depend on how hard your water was when it entered your system. Harder water will require more sodium to soften.

The sodium content of softened water is very low and can’t be tasted. If you have health concerns, you can consider installing a point-of-use (POU) reverse osmosis system at your sink to provide drinking water. Reverse osmosis systems can function as a salt water filter , leaving you with softened and filtered water.

Salt-Free Water Softeners

Water softeners that don’t use salt offer an alternative to ion-exchange systems, but function in a fundamentally different way. First one must understand that a salt-free water softener is actually a water conditioner — as this is commonly mistaken.

One way to remove the mineral content from hard water is through physical filtration. The more common salt-free method to soften water is to use a water conditioner. A salt-free water conditioner leaves the minerals in hard water but eliminates the negative impact they have around your home. Let’s take a look at each of these in greater detail to decide the best salt free water softener for you.

Physical Filtration

Physical filtration of hard water minerals is probably the least common of the three types of water softening systems, but it is worthwhile to understand because it can be a viable option. Physical filtration is the process of passing water with unwanted contaminants through a membrane containing pores small enough to allow water molecules through but not small enough to allow minerals and metals through.

Reverse osmosis systems are the most common way to filter the mineral content of hard water. Reverse osmosis systems function by forcing water at pressure through a membrane containing very small pores. Water molecules are able to pass through the pores, while the minerals and metals in hard water aren’t allowed to pass. Sodium chloride is also filtered by reverse osmosis systems, making them effective salt water filtration systems .

While highly effective at reducing minerals and other contaminants in water, reverse osmosis systems tend to be used to provide drinking water at a single tap rather than filter all of the water coming into a home. However, whole-house reverse osmosis systems are an option. The advantage of these systems is: they not only soften water by removing minerals and metals but also remove other contaminants like microbes.

Water Conditioners

Rather than softening water, salt-free systems condition the water. Water conditioning treats the water so it doesn’t cause scaling. Hard water deposits minerals like calcium and magnesium as scale, an insoluble precipitate that builds up on surfaces, fixtures, and appliances around the home.

At the core of these systems is template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media. As water passes over this special material, the calcium and magnesium bicarbonates in hard water are precipitated out of the water as small crystals, sometimes referred to as “seed-crystals”, before they can form into scale.

Normally, when hard water passes through pipes or flows over surfaces and fixtures the minerals in the water deposit on those surfaces. With conditioned water, the seed crystals created as the water passed over the TAC media are a more attractive deposit point than the surfaces the water is passing over or through.

So, with a water conditioner, the seed-crystals in the water collect the minerals before scale can form. These systems don’t actually remove the mineral content from hard water, but instead change the minerals to eliminate their harmful impact. This is distinct from ion-exchange systems that remove minerals from hard water and replace them with sodium ions.

Water conditioners can still be used to help avoid the harmful impacts of hard water. These systems are capable of providing conditioned water throughout your entire house. Additionally, water conditioners don’t require electricity, unlike ion-exchange systems. This makes them great for installation in areas of your home without ready access to an electrical outlet.

Water conditioners are also a great way to enjoy the benefits of soft water in areas with brine restrictions. Some cities restrict the disposal of brine wastewater, which is a key component of ion-exchange systems.

Final Thoughts

If you are exploring your options for producing soft water throughout your home, you’ll come across systems using salt and systems marketed as salt-free. These systems function in distinct ways. Ion-exchange systems use salt because they exchange the mineral ions in hard water with sodium ions.

In contrast, salt-free systems condition hard water to reduce its impact. This conditioning process involves changing the minerals contained in hard water into a crystalline structure before they can form a scale. While water conditioners don’t remove the minerals from hard water, they do ensure the harmful impacts of hard water are avoided. It is also possible to use a reverse-osmosis system to physically filter the mineral content from hard water, though this is less common as a whole-house solution.

These two different types of systems have advantages, and understanding these advantages can help guide you towards the right water softening solution for you. Water conditioners are advantageous if you live in an area with brine restrictions, or when access to electricity or a drain near the installation point is unavailable.

To learn more about the advantages of these different water softening solutions , please contact Rayne Water today. We are a trusted and reliable water softener company that has been providing clean water since 1928. We have quality experts who will be able to walk you through the available systems and provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of each. Additionally, see our guide to water softener alternatives you may not be aware of. Rayne Water is proud to serve California and Arizona. So if you need a water softener in Phoenix or a reverse osmosis system in San Diego… we’ve got you covered!

Sources:

How Does Salt Soften Water?

Posted February 6, 2020 by Ken Christopher

*Reviewed by Ken Christopher, Senior Vice President at Rayne Dealership Corporation

One of the most common ways to soften hard water is through the use of salt. Most people who are curious about how to soften hard water naturally will lean towards the use of an ion-exchange water softener. Salt plays a critical role in the functionality of these water softening systems.

Before investing in a water softening solution, it is worthwhile to spend some time understanding how ion-exchange works, what role softening salt plays in this process, and how effective these systems are.

What is Water Hardness?

You’ve probably heard of water being described as “hard” and may understand hard water tastes, feels, and acts differently than water that isn’t hard. But why is water hard and what does water hardness mean exactly?

Water hardness is the concept used to describe the mineral content of water. Water which contains a relatively large number of minerals is described as hard, while water with low mineral content is described as soft.

Water becomes hard through a natural process. When water falls as rain it contains little mineral content, but as it moves through soil and stone it picks up mineral ions. This is because water is an excellent solvent. When water passes through stone or soil rich in minerals it dissolves some of the ionic bonds of the minerals it comes in contact with, picking up mineral ions along the way.

For more insights on how to remove salt from water and water softener alternatives, visit our page.

What Minerals are in Hard Water?

Any mineral can contribute to water hardness, but some minerals are much more common than others. Calcium and magnesium are the two most common minerals found in hard water in the form of bicarbonates, sulfides, and sulfates.

Metals can also cause your water to become harder. One of the most common metals found in hard water is iron, which can cause reddish-brown stains on surfaces and bathroom fixtures. Other metals like lead and aluminum may also be found in hard water.

The exact mineral content of your water will depend upon which types of soil and stone your tap water passed through. For example, if your water is sourced from an area with soil rich in limestone, your water will most likely contain a high content of calcium carbonate.

How is Water Hardness Measured?

Water isn’t either hard or soft, but rather water hardness is better thought of as a spectrum encompassing varying levels of mineral content. This is important because many of the impacts of hard water will be worse or more noticeable if your water is very hard.

The actual mineral content of your water is determined through a water test. The most common type of water hardness test will measure the content of calcium carbonate, communicated as the number of grains-per-gallon (GPG) of calcium carbonate in your water. This measurement is then compared to the water hardness scale, which offers different thresholds for water depending on its mineral content. This scale provides a useful way to describe how hard or soft your water is.

Here is the common water hardness scale:

Water containing between 1-7 GPG is moderately hard.
Water containing between 7-10 GPG is hard.
Water containing over 10 GPG is considered very hard.

Water is considered “soft” if it contains less than 1 GPG of calcium carbonate.

How is Water Softened?

There are two broad categories of systems that are used to soften water: ion-exchange systems and salt-free systems. Ion-exchange systems are the more common of the two and use salt to soften water. Let’s take a look at how to soften hard water with these two types of systems.

Ion-Exchange Systems

Most whole-house water softeners use a process known as ion-exchange to remove the mineral content from hard water. These systems offer an effective way to reduce the mineral content of water without using physical filtration methods like reverse-osmosis, which makes them ideal for providing large amounts of soft water. If you have wondered, “ how does salt soften water ?”, the answer is through the process of ion-exchange.

Ion-exchange water softeners have two or more tanks. One softener tank contains the resin beads, while the other softener tank contains a salty brine solution. The resin beads in the ion-exchange system are positively charged and are coated with negatively charged sodium ions.

The minerals contained in hard water are also negatively charged. When hard water passes over the resin beads, the minerals contained in the water are attracted away from the water and towards the resin beads. At the same time, the sodium ions which had been attached to the resin beads are attracted to the water molecule. This exchange of mineral ions for sodium ions allows the water molecule to maintain a balanced charge.

The water leaving the system is soft and the hard minerals which were in the water are left behind on the resin beads. Periodically these systems need to be refreshed because all of the space for minerals to attach to is taken up. This is where the brine tank comes in. To regenerate the system the resin tank is flushed with salt water from the brine tank. This causes the salt in the brine to take the place of the minerals on the resin. The minerals and brine solution are then flushed from the system and down the drain, and the system is ready to begin the softening water treatment again.

Salt-Free Systems

Salt-free systems offer an alternative to ion-exchange systems, but function in a fundamentally different way. Salt-free systems like the Rayne Spartan Series are known as water conditioners rather than water softeners.

These systems use something called template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media. Unlike ion-exchange systems that remove mineral ions from hard water and replace them with sodium ions, systems using TAC media don’t remove minerals from the water. Instead, a water conditioner changes the hardness in water to a crystalline structure which doesn’t cause scaling.

Scaling is the process where hard water deposits the minerals it contains on surfaces it passes over or through. These deposits are an insoluble precipitate, making them durable and difficult to remove or clean. The scaling caused by hard water is directly responsible for the most common hard water effects seen in residential and commercial buildings.

With conditioned water, the hard minerals in the water form seed-crystals which then attract other minerals in the water instead of coating the surfaces and fixtures around your home. The minerals are more attracted to the nano-sized seed crystals than the other surfaces they come into contact with. The best salt-free water softener, which is actually a water conditioner, will provide an end result where water still contains minerals, but those minerals don’t form scale.

Which is Better?

There are many benefits when comparing a salt versus salt-free water system. Both of these methods of softening water are highly effective at reducing the impact of hard water around your house. If you aren’t sure which type of softener system is right for you, it is probably worthwhile to talk to a water quality expert at Rayne Water.

Many people find the use of salt in an ion-exchange system problematic and wonder how much sodium in softened water provided by their systems. While the water produced by ion-exchange systems does contain sodium, it is only a small amount. The exact amount added to your water depends on how hard water was before treatment, so providing an exact amount is difficult. Sodium (Na) is also distinct from salt (NaCL), which is worth keeping in mind.

Most healthy adults won’t have an issue with the sodium used to soften water, nor will they taste it. However, if you are concerned about the amount of sodium in softened water you can consider adding a reverse-osmosis system at your kitchen sink to provide filtered drinking water. Not only do reverse-osmosis systems dramatically reduce a wide range of contaminants contained in water, but they also remove the sodium used to soften water.

Salt-free systems may be advantageous for reasons other than not using salt. Because they don’t use softening salt, these systems are great for areas with brine restrictions in place. Some areas greatly restrict the discharge of brine, like the type used in ion-exchange systems. Usually, these types of restrictions exist in arid regions or areas experiencing drought.

Salt-free systems also don’t require electricity or drainage like ion-exchange systems. This can make the installation process easier in some situations.

Final Thoughts

Salt is critical for water softening systems that use ion-exchange. These systems remove the minerals in hard water and replace them with sodium ions. This process is gentle, natural, and is excellent for providing soft water to an entire home or building.

Concerns about the sodium levels in softened-water are generally unwarranted. The sodium content in softened water is low and doesn’t affect the taste of the water. However, for individuals with health concerns, the sodium used to soften water can be removed with a reverse osmosis system. Alternatively, in areas with brine restrictions, salt-free solutions like the Rayne Spartan Series which rely on TAC media to crystallize the minerals in hard water can offer a great way to avoid the harmful impacts of hard water.

To learn more about water softening solutions and if water has a taste or not, please contact Rayne Water today.

Sources:

Do you want a custom recommendation?

Do you want a custom recommendation?

Do you want a custom recommendation?

Archive for the ‘Water Softeners’ Category

What is Hard Water?

How Does Hard Water Form?

Testing for Hard Water

Do You Have Spots on Your Dishes?

Have You Observed Mineral Buildup on Your Faucets and Fixtures?

Do You Get Soap Scum?

The Hair Test

The Hand Washing Test

How to Soften Water

Option 1

Option 2

Is Soft Water Salty?

Closing Thoughts

Sources:

What’s in Your Water?

Hard Water: The Mineral Menace

Chemical Culprits: Taste and Odor

Choosing the Best Water Treatment System

Why Choose a Whole House Water Conditioner?

What’s the Problem With Hard Water?

How Scaling Happens

Everyday Impacts: Laundry, Dishes, and Appliances

Hard Water in Commercial and Industrial Settings

Water Softening vs. Water Conditioning

What is Water Softening (Ion Exchange)?

What is Water Conditioning?

How Does a Water Conditioner Work?

Removing Chlorine, Chloramines, and VOCs:

Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC):

Continuous Flow = Instant Conditioning:

Types of Water Conditioners

Media-Based Conditioners (e.g., TAC)

Carbon-Based Conditioners

Electronic/Magnetic Descalers

Whole House Water Conditioner Systems

Common Use Cases

Key Benefits of a Water Conditioner

How to Choose the Right Water Conditioner

Know Your Water Quality

Consider Home Size and Water Usage

Think Long-Term: Cost, Efficiency, and Lifespan

Are Water Conditioners the Right Fit for Your Home?

FAQs

Understanding Water Conditioning and Water Softening

Why Choose to Soften or Condition Your Water Supply?

Water Softeners

Water Conditioners

Key Differences in Function and Mechanism

Mechanism of Action: How They Treat Hard Water

Impact on Water Composition and Quality

Which Water Solution Suits Your Needs?

FAQs

What are the main features of a water softener vs water conditioner?

Which one should I choose: a water softener vs conditioner?

How can I determine which system is best for my home?

What is Water Conditioning?

Closing Thoughts

Sources:

What Is Hard Water and Why Does It Matter?

How Is Hard Water Measured?

Options for Dealing With Water Hardness

Water Softeners

What Are the Traditional Solutions to Hard Water?

How Do Salt-Based Water Softeners Work?

Salt-Free Water Softener Alternatives

What Is a Water Conditioner?

Benefits of Salt-Free Conditioners

Limitations of Water Conditioners

Other Water Softener Alternatives

Electronic/Magnetic Descalers

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Potassium Chloride Softeners

Comparing Water Conditioners vs Softeners

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a System

Regional Water Hardness

Health Considerations (Sodium Sensitivity)