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Do Salt-Free Water Softeners Work?

Saltless Water Softeners


Water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove both calcium and magnesium from the water. Softeners utilize a plastic polymer with a positive ionic charge that holds on to negatively charged calcium and magnesium ions in the water.

Several popular water filtration companies make salt-free water softeners. The idea of a salt-free way to soften water is appealing from a maintenance standpoint, but unfortunately, these systems do not work.

Salt-free water softeners do not soften water - they condition it. Saltless systems chemically transform the magnesium and calcium so they do not adhere to surfaces.

Because salt-free systems do not "capture" calcium and magnesium, there is no need for a regeneration cycle to clean the resin bed and flush the minerals.

Disadvantages Salt-Free Water "Softeners"


Because the hard water minerals are not actually captured by salt-free water softener systems, there is no need for salt or a regeneration cycle to purge the minerals down the drain. Since the very definition of water softening requires that hard water minerals be REMOVED, and the salt-free process only CHANGES the minerals, allowing them to remain in the water, salt-free water softeners don't actually soften water – rather, they are for "water conditioning".

Penn State University laboratory tests found "no discernible change in water hardness" in salt-free softeners.

With a salt-free water softener, you'll still have hard water and the following problems:

  • Hard water spots on your glasses and dishes
  • Soap-scum buildup up on shower doors
  • Scale buildup on fixtures and water-using appliances
  • 75% more soap, detergent and shampoo useage
  • Water heating expenses 30% above the cost of heating soft water

Test Your Water Quality

True Water Softening


The only way to truly soften water is with an < a href = "https://www.waterbionics.com/whole-house-water-filtration/#section_9ufgT">ion-exchange process utilizing sodium chloride (or potassium chloride).

We have over 21 years of experience in the water industry. Mark Williams is a Class-3 Water Treatment Specialists through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and serves on the board of Texas Water Quality Association (TWQA) as a director. Water Bionics is also a member of the Water Quality Association (WQA).

Our main focus is treating the water coming into your home and creating the purest and best quality water you can get - just like it was intended to be by mother nature.

We offer discounts to military personnel, first responders, teachers and those in civil service.

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About Water Bionics

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