I have hard water, do the saltless water softeners work?

Today a customer asked me this:

“Been reading your site and blog for a while now. I would like to compliment you on your knowledge base and advice. I tried finding information related to my question(s) but could not find it. So, I am wondering about a couple of things. First, I have heard a lot about dealing with hard water. I am leaning towards going with the traditional “water softener” for my city water. My major concern is the amount of sodium which will be circulating throughout the house and whether or not it is a legitimate concern. My water hardness is @ 11 gpg and I have heard that the amount of salt in the water needed to soften that hardness is equivalent to about 1 piece of white bread. Do you have any experience regarding this issue?

Secondly, the “salt-less” solution to my hardness issue intrigues me. I am wondering if you have any input on this solution? I have heard that the saltless systems break down the hardness minerals so that they don’t build up inside the plumbing. That they don’t really eliminate the hardness minerals, and therefore, my family would still experience those mineral benefits in our water. Again, any experience or knowledge that you can share would be appreciated. I don’t want to make my decision based on the marketing hype of some dealer or manufacturer. I value your opinion, Jim. Thanks for responding.”

Best,
Tom in Chicago

Here’s my response:

Hi Tom -

 

I’ve attached information on the water softener I provide.

 

My water is 12 grains and I don’t soften at all.  If you’re having issues with the hardness deposits, and it is all personal preference, then a water softener is the only solution.

 

The saltless softeners not only don’t eliminate buildup I’m not sure what they’re doing to the minerals is healthy.  Keep in mind that the human body is accustomed to drinking those minerals in their natural form.  I wonder if we’ll find out one day that modifying them was a bad idea.

 

I’d stick with the traditional methods for now or suffer through the hard water.

 

In Chicago I recommend my Urban Defender and Kitchen Defender and no softener.

Advertisement