Saltless water softeners don’t work similarly as a water softener. These systems work as a water conditioner or a descaler. You might want to check them out if you wish to preserve essential minerals in the water. They are an excellent addition to any home because they’re easy to use, too. The best salt-free water softener can be more valuable than a traditional appliance that squanders water. It can also offer low maintenance, long-lasting use, and an eco-friendly solution.
Picking the most suitable salt-free water softener is easy if you learn various essential factors. After trying out various products, we’ve determined that the following aspects are of utmost importance.
- Water Conditioning Technology: Salt-free water softeners feature different technologies for preventing limescale formation and buildup. Most products use template-assisted crystallization (TAC) technology, while others employ electrical conduction or magnetic field creation. TAC systems are the most effective while retaining healthy minerals. Meanwhile, magnetic systems are the cheapest but may yield inconsistent results.
- Water Flow Rate: Some water conditioners do not impact water flow, while others do. Regardless of the technology, the water descaler should maintain your home’s ideal flow rate. For instance, a water conditioner with a flow rate of 12 GPM is sufficient for houses with one to three bathrooms. Meanwhile, a 15 GPM unit is advisable for households with at least four bathrooms.
- Installation Requirements: This factor is not a concern if you have a DIY spirit. Sadly, not everyone has the skill or resources to set up a water conditioner. Electromagnetic water descalers are the easiest to install, while TAC setups are similar to water filter installation. You might want to check the user guide, installation instructions, and other resources.
To find the right saltless water softener, we’ve researched the top recommendations for a saltless water softener. These products are by reputable manufacturers in the industry and are highly reviewed by users themselves. To further help in the selection process, we’ve included a buying guide for the considerations when examining your choices.
Table of Contents
- Top-Rated Salt-Free Water Softener Reviews
- 1. iSpring ED2000 Electronic Descaler Water Conditioner
- 2. YARNA Water Descaler System
- 3. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
- 4. NuvoH2O DPHB Home Water Softener System
- 5. AO Smith AO-WH-DSCLR Water Descaler
- 6. Aquasana EQ-1000-AST Whole House Water Filter System
- 7. Watts Premier OneFlow & Salt-Free Scale Prevention
- What Is A Salt-Free Water Softener/ Who Is This For
- How Does It Work
- What Are The Different Types Of Salt-Free Water Softeners
- Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Salt-Free Water Softener
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Top-Rated Salt-Free Water Softener Reviews
1. iSpring ED2000 Electronic Descaler Water Conditioner
Families looking for a more advanced technology to prevent scale formation in water lines should consider the iSpring ED2000. It is a water conditioner that utilizes a very different approach to descaling and preventing rust in water lines.
The ED2000 is one of those devices that rely on electromagnetism to prevent the adhesion of minerals on the inner surface of water lines. It is almost like conventional salt-free systems, except that the ED2000 requires electricity for it to operate. If one is already familiar with the pros and cons of salt-free water softeners, it is easy to understand the advantages of using electromagnetism in scale prevention.
Traditional salt-free house water softening systems use a medium that serves to change the polarity of the minerals in the water. It prevents the metals from sticking to the water pipe’s inner surface.
The same applies to magnetic systems wherein their magnetism changes the polarity of the minerals. In this case, you will never lose calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals. And since the system does not use salt, there is also no danger of increasing sodium in the body.
Because the minerals do not stick to the inside surface of the pipes, you get to maintain the integrity of appliances that use water. You will be able to use your water heater, ice maker, dishwasher, and washing machine for more years with this water conditioner.
Installing this whole house salt free water softener ED2000 is also straightforward. There are no connections necessary. You only need to wrap the ED2000 cables around your pipeline, and you are good to go.
Unfortunately, this is where the drawbacks of a magnetic system become evident. First, the magnetic force of the device is limited to about 50 feet. You may have to install one machine for every 50 feet of water pipe.
The system’s effectiveness is also dependent on water iron levels. The maximum level of iron in the water that it can accommodate is 0.3 PPM. If your water has a higher iron content, then the performance of the ED2000 can suffer.
Despite these drawbacks, many people still consider the iSpring ED2000 to be an excellent water conditioner. It protects your appliances and water pipes from both corrosion and limescale formation.
- Protects the integrity of water appliances
- Retains the natural chemistry of water
- Easy to maintain
- Very easy to install
- Eco-friendly design
- Limited descaling- and rust- prevention capability
- Requires electricity to descale
2. YARNA Water Descaler System
To determine the best salt-free water softeners on the market, we deemed it necessary to read reviews as well. We read reviews about water softeners and conditioners from Consumer Reports, Lowe’s, and many more. What surprised us is that one of the most trusted products is not a real water softener at all. However, it is so effective in its descaling capabilities that many people consider it the top-tier system to use in their households. This product is the YANRA Capacitive Descaler System.
What separates YARNA from other types of so-called water conditioners is its capacitive technology. The design of the product is a lot like an electromagnetic device. The difference is in the way the device clumps the hardness minerals calcium and magnesium.
The main effect is that capacitive technology alters the basic structure of water. This change in water structure promotes the crystallization of hardness minerals. This crystallization allows the mineral to travel with water and never adhere to the inside of the pipes. It prevents limescale buildup.
The effects are almost noticeable right after the installation of the device. Your plates, cutlery, glassware, and kitchen utensils will look and feel cleaner. And if you take a shower, you will never have that slick feeling on your skin and hair. The technology protects and prolongs the lifespan of your appliances that use water.
We were also amazed to learn that a single device is enough to descale an entire house. Electromagnetic water conditioners are only useful so long as the minerals are within the range of the electromagnetic field. It is not unusual for you to have several units of electromagnetic water conditioners for the entire house. It makes the YARNA a more efficient system to use.
On the bright side, you get to retain these beneficial minerals. The YARNA Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler System is a must-have for modern families. It has a straightforward design that belies its excellent capability to prevent limescale formation.
- Straightforward installation
- More efficient than electromagnetic descalers
- Retains beneficial minerals in the water
- One device works for the entire house
- Works with different types of water pipes
- Not a real water softener
3. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
I am not a fan of electromagnetic water conditioners, but I will make an exception in the case of Eddy. This easy water no salt conditioner enjoys substantial positive reviews from numerous customers, providing peace of mind to families who remain skeptical about its effectiveness.
Setting it up is never an issue. Even teens can mount the product on a water pipe, wrap the wire following the water flow, and plug the unit into an electrical outlet. Unsurprisingly, many households prefer this device to other systems, such as NuvoH2O.
Convenient installation is not the only thing positive about this water descaler. Its performance is also impressive, even to doubters like me. For one thing, this softener does not dump sodium or potassium into the environment during regeneration, making it more eco-friendly than conventional salt-based systems.
According to the company, this product can handle water hardness levels of up to 20 grains per gallon or about 343 mg/L. The US Geological Survey says that water with 180 milligrams of calcium per liter is already “very hard.” If the product information is accurate, I can say this product beats even leading water softeners.
This product’s best attribute is that it does not remove magnesium and calcium from the water. It retains them, making them available to folks with mineral deficiencies.
Buyers can also ask for a replacement or a repair of the unit, no questions asked. And if they feel the water descaler did not meet their expectations, they could return it within 12 months and get their money back.
Although its water-conditioning performance is impressive, this salt-free softener is not suitable for households with a water flow rate higher than ten gallons per minute.
Still, I would not mind recommending this water descaler to anyone who desires an effective and easy-to-install system.
- Uber-convenient to set up
- Can treat hard water with up to 20 GPG hardness
- Lifetime parts replacement and repair warranty
- Eco-friendly design with potassium- and sodium-free regeneration process
- Retains healthy minerals
- Not for households with a flow rate higher than 10 GPM
4. NuvoH2O DPHB Home Water Softener System
It is not easy to find hard water solutions without salt requirements. I knew I was in luck when NuvoH2O introduced its DPHB Home Water Softener System.
Eddy might be convenient to install and does not require salt, but it runs on electricity. Some families might not want to increase their electrical consumption only to enjoy more pleasant baths and use limescale-free water fixtures and appliances. This water conditioner can offer these benefits without requiring electricity.
Surprisingly, this product has an NSF 42 certification. It suggests that this system can also remove chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine taste/odor. The certification also proves that this water conditioner is objectively better than Eddy.
Like other water conditioners with similar technology, this product binds calcium, magnesium, and other hard minerals. It allows them to form crystals with the chelating agent. As a result, calcium and magnesium stay in the water, enabling families to leverage these minerals’ many health benefits.
Six months might be too short for a TAC cartridge lifespan, but I should not worry because it is about the same longevity as carbon-based water filters. Besides, the package has an extra cartridge to extend its use to about a year.
Keep in mind that this water-conditioning system is only effective for homes with a floor area not exceeding 1,500 square feet. Families might want to get an extra unit if they live on a larger property.
Some folks find this salt-free water softener pricey. However, I must emphasize that template-assisted crystallization technology is not cheap. Moreover, it is more effective than electromagnetic systems in treating water while retaining healthy minerals.
Water softeners do not manage CTO (Chlorine, Taste, and Odor). Given that this conditioner does actually have this feature, I’d consider this product a better buy than a typical water softener (without an accompanying filter) and an electromagnetic system.
- Advanced mineral chelation system for improved “soft water” characteristics
- Requires no electricity and salt
- Recommended for small houses
- Six-month cartridge lifespan with a back-up cartridge
- NSF 42-certified for chlorine and CTO removal
- Rather pricey
5. AO Smith AO-WH-DSCLR Water Descaler
AO Smith is one of the brands that never label its products like water softeners. Instead, it plays it safe by identifying its AO-WHI-DSCLR as a water descaler that does not rely on salt or any chemical. The product remains one of the most reliable hard water treatment systems without salt added to its efficient operation.
As a descaler, the AO-WH-DSCLR works like a charm. It prevents the different minerals found in water from ever clumping together and attaching to the inside surface of water fixtures. The clumping and adhesion of these minerals can lead to the formation of limescale. Since the AO Smith product prevents this from happening, you can expect your water fixtures to be free of scale.
According to the company, the AO-WH-DSCLR is ideal for both city and well water. We have also encountered some homeowners who use the system in their well water systems. The perfect setup is to have a pre-filter first before the descaler. It maximizes the performance of the device. The filter will help minimize the number of sediments and contaminants passing through the AO-WH-DSCLR.
We like the simple design of the AO-WH-DSCLR. It already comes with a hose adapter, a nipple, and a shut-off valve. You will still need a few more things to connect it to your existing water system. Maintaining it is never a problem either. Once installed, you can leave it as it is. There are no backwashing and cleaning involved.
Nevertheless, AO Smith AO-WH-DSCLR remains the right choice for people in the countryside. It does a decent job of addressing the scaling and rusting of your water fixtures. It allows you to use fresh and saltless water for different applications.
- Reliable descaler
- Works with both city and well water
- Easy installation
- Zero maintenance
- Durable construction
- Does not come with filter and water softener
- Requires replacement of the whole unit upon reaching its service life
6. Aquasana EQ-1000-AST Whole House Water Filter System
Aquasana continues to surprise many households by providing cost-effective house water systems. One of their most suitable is the Aquasana EQ-1000-AST.
It is a kit that is perfect for homes that want to free their water from most contaminants and impurities. Simultaneously, the system also includes an element that conditions the water to improve the lifespan of water fixtures and water lines.
We have seen a lot of favorable Aquasana salt-free water softener reviews. Most of these underscore the completeness of the kit and its efficiency in terms of filtering water impurities and conditioning water. As such, we shall be covering our review of these two EQ-1000-AST features.
The whole house water filter capabilities of the house water system can help reduce the levels of water contaminants. These can include chlorine, mercury, lead, other chemicals, industrial solvents, and others. It can also minimize the amount of chloramine in the water. The only issue here is that the filter membrane’s pore size is large enough to allow the passage of viruses and certain bacteria.
We laud Aquasana for labeling its product as a water conditioner and not as a water softener. One must understand the distinction between softening and conditioning. No salt water softeners are actually water conditioners by design. They do not remove magnesium and calcium – two minerals that can ‘harden’ water.
Saltless systems only prevent the adhesion of these minerals in water pipes. The resulting water still contains calcium and magnesium that can help improve the health of bones. At the same time, you will no longer need to fret about increasing sodium levels in your blood.
One comment we have about the whole house water filter is that it has a short service life. The pre-filter can only last about a month or so. The post-filter has a longer service life of 2 to 3 months. While the system itself can last a decade, you will have to replace its whole house water filter up to 12 times every year. The entire kit also requires a good working knowledge of plumbing for proper installation.
- Excellent combination of water conditioner and filter
- 10-year service life span
- Includes everything you need for installation
- Hassle-free maintenance
- Good value for money
- Requires necessary plumbing skills for installation
- The filters have a short service life
7. Watts Premier OneFlow & Salt-Free Scale Prevention
If you are looking for affordable and effective softeners for conditioning your water, then OneFlow is the one to get. This product is unlike saltless water softener systems that mislead customers into thinking that they are buying a water softener. The OneFlow system focuses more on the prevention of scale.
We think this is the right way to go as people will not be misguided in their buying decisions for softeners. Water softeners and water conditioners work in different ways. Pure water softeners remove the different minerals that give water a ‘hard’ characteristic. Water conditioners eliminate the hardness minerals’ ability to adhere to surfaces, the main action of salt-free systems. Watts Premier plays it safe by naming its product as the OneFlow Salt-Free Scale Prevention System.
People using the house water softening system report a dramatic improvement in the operation of their water appliances. There is less incidence of limescale formation. It suggests that the Template-assisted Crystallization technology embedded in the OneFlow system is working. People also report not having that slimy feeling right after taking a shower.
OneFlow softeners have a built-in filter cartridge. It is very different from other products with a filter canister separate from the so-called water softening compartment. The design makes installation a lot easier. The addition of a pre-filter also helps improve the odor and taste of water. You will never taste chlorine or any other impurities in your drinks.
We believe in the ability of the OneFlow water softeners to prevent scale. They are an excellent product for those who want to protect their water appliances. OneFlow is also great for people who do not want to throw away the essential minerals present in their drinking water.
- Prevents the buildup of sediments and the formation of scale
- Eliminates chlorine odor from water
- Improves the lifespan of water appliances
- Easy installation
- Good value
- Short actual filter life span
- Large filter pore size
What Is A Salt-Free Water Softener/ Who Is This For
Hard water may be one of the trickiest and most prevalent problems every homeowner faces. In simple terms, hard water is just water containing vast amounts of dissolved compounds such as calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, aluminum, and the like.
While hard water may not be a health hazard, it is still nonetheless a problem. Due to the presence of these compounds, hard water often leaves a white, cloudy residue on surfaces and sometimes even on specific kitchenware. This residue is difficult to remove since hard water counteracts and lessens the efficacy of cleaning supplies.
Hard water also poses a danger to plumbing and pipes. These minerals often get stuck and buildup on your pipes, which might damage them in the long run.
Hard water may also have specific effects on one’s skin, especially to those who are sensitive. Bathing using hard water may increase the risks of skin allergies, and the like as it tends to leave the skin feeling dry and itchy. It can also cause hair dryness.
Electronic water softeners provide homeowners the option of mitigating and even eliminating these skin and hair issues. The standard model can effectively lessen the mineral concentration as it trades these compounds using salt. With this, water will eventually “soften.”
However, while called a water softener, water softeners that don’t use salt behave more like a descaler. Unlike the other versions, these models do not per se remove these minerals in the water. Instead, they just prevent these compounds from sticking and building up in surfaces.
As such, salt-free water softeners are ideal in prolonging the lifespans of appliances and plumbing systems and pipes.
How Does It Work
Unlike their salt-based counterparts, electronic water softeners do not necessarily remove the hard minerals found in the water. Instead, these models alter these hard minerals into a new form.
Also called water conditioners, salt-free softeners rely on a process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC) responsible for the mineral alteration process. Water must first flow via a TAC media tank. It contains the “nucleation sites.” They are crater-covered and tiny polymer beads.
The nucleation sites serve as templates, which then catch all the hard minerals in the water. During this process of catching and building up, small micro-crystals form from the hard minerals. Once they reach a certain weight and size, these crystals break off and go into the water.
Since they are very stable, these micro-crystals retain their form, size, and shape as they travel through plumbing systems, pipes, and even appliances. Because of this, they do not unnecessarily attach themselves to flat surfaces.
However, these hard minerals are still present in the water. Still, many people prefer the top-quality salt free water conditioner since it’s simple to use and virtually maintenance-free. Unlike its counterparts, this doesn’t require any salt, electricity, extra water, chemicals, etc.
What Are The Different Types Of Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free softeners, also known as descalers or water conditioners, fall under the broad classification of water softeners. This section will list all of them thoroughly to give the user a better idea of their differences.
Salt-based Softeners
Often called the “classic” model, salt-based water softeners are a staple in many households. According to customer reviews like Tac water treatment systems reviews, these types of water softeners rely on an ion exchange process to eliminate the hard minerals found in the water.
How this works is that water flows into a tank containing resin beads. These resin beads act as magnets that attract all the hard minerals into them. Once the minerals build up into a certain amount, the system automatically regenerates and flushes all of these out.
Thus, salt-based softeners are great for reducing mineral buildup that damages plumbing systems, pipes, and appliances. However, they need to undergo routine maintenance, and the water they produce tends to carry a salty taste.
Salt-free softeners
More appropriately called water conditioners or descalers, salt-free softeners do not per se remove these hard minerals like the salt-based models. Instead, they just alter and transform these minerals to prevent them from clinging to surfaces.
Relying on a process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC), salt-free models have magnets or cartridges responsible for the mineral alteration. Here, the ions in the minerals realign, removing their ability to adhere to surfaces.
Salt-free softeners are great in lessening scale buildup. They are also simple to use and are maintenance-free.
Dual Tank Softeners
As in their name, dual tank softeners consist of 2 large tanks and a brine variant. Because of their bulk, this heavy-duty system is in large households that often consume a lot of water.
With these tanks, this system provides easy and instant access to water. In salt-based softeners, one cannot usually use any soft water while the system is undergoing the regeneration process. However, this problem is not in dual tank systems due to multiple tanks.
As such, even when one of the tanks regenerates, the others are still working and can also provide the user with soft water.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Salt-Free Water Softener
Like all products, water softeners also have their respective pros and cons. This section will jot down the advantages and disadvantages these models provide.
Residue-Free
Because of its contents, hard water tends to leave a white, cloudy residue on surfaces. It is often found in the bathroom and other flat surfaces, as well as on particular kitchenware.
However, with a water softener, one wouldn’t have to worry about this anymore. Salt-free softeners alter and transform these hard minerals into crystallized forms that lose their ability to cling and adhere to these surfaces.
As such, one can see a decrease in these white, dark spots. With this, one can maintain the aesthetic as well as cleanliness on flat surfaces and the like.
Lessen Scale buildup
Hard water also poses a danger to plumbing systems, pipes as well as certain appliances. Due to their content, hard water can cause limescale buildup, which might cause significant damage in the long run.
For the pipes and plumbing system, the problem may be clogging, leaking, and other related issues. On the other hand, appliances might have shorter lifespans and might need frequent repairs.
Moreover, when left unnoticed, these buildups often produce a foul smell. It is especially true if there is a buildup in sinks, faucets, showerheads, water heaters, and other similar products.
However, a water softener can help mitigate this problem since they produce new forms of these hard minerals. As such, these new forms have lost their ability to adhere and clinging to surfaces.
Simple and Maintenance-free
Salt-free water softeners are also simple to use and are virtually maintenance-free. Unlike the other types, they do not have any additional parts, nor do they require any chemicals, extra water, salt, and the like.
With this, the user doesn’t have to worry about performing routine check-ups. It also enables the user to save on some expenses.
Disadvantages
Still hard water
However, unlike their salt-based counterparts, salt-free softeners cannot necessarily remove the hard minerals found in the water. Instead, it just cleverly realigns ions and alters their structure to create a crystallized version.
While the crystallized forms are useful in lessening scale buildups and residues, it remains that hard minerals are still present in the water. One can see this when performing a water test. Because of this, one will again face the other problems posed by hard water.
Salt free water softener buying guide
Unlike their salt-based counterparts, salt-free units can only prevent limescale buildups. However, these products are simple to use and are virtually maintenance-free. Moreover, they do not inject any salt in the water.
Because of this, salt-free softeners also have a significant following in the market. They can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, models, types, and the like. An array of choices makes it quite difficult for users to pick a product, especially for beginners.
However, you don’t have to worry. This section will list down all the factors to check.
Capacity and Size
Capacity refers to the volume of water the water softener can treat in a day. To determine the softener’s ability, the user needs to determine the household’s size and daily water consumption and intake. One also needs to know the hardness level of the water.
When these numbers are all figured out, one can now know the minimum and maximum capacity the water softener should have. For reference, take note that water softeners in the average household have a size of 33,000 grain.
It is essential to pick just the right amount for capacity. Buying an oversized system can be detrimental since it costs more. On the other hand, a too-small unit might wear the softener out faster due to a heavy workload.
Available Area
It is also essential to determine the size and measurements of the area you plan to install the softener. With this, you can adequately estimate the size of the softener for it to fit into the pipes and the proposed space snugly. This method also enables the user to save up on expenses since there is no need for back jobs or additional costs.
Certifications
Another factor one needs to consider is the product’s certifications. These ensure the product’s efficacy as well as its quality. It also speaks about how safe the product is to use.
Certifications may differ in specific locations. Hence, it’s best to know and study the certifications your city uses.
Durability and Performance
Of course, no one wants a product that quickly deteriorates. It is the same when it comes to water softeners. Ensure that the product is made from high-quality materials and has an interface that is simple and easy to use.
You must look for a product that boasts a reliable performance. One can know this by carefully studying the products online or by reading different product reviews. If you have the means and the time, it’s most suitable to visit your local stores and check out the product. A salesperson may even be there to assist you and answer all your queries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an alternative to water softener?
A water conditioner (or descaler) is the best alternative to a water softener. Most folks call a descaler salt-free softener for well water and other supply systems with unusually high mineral content. However, it is worth noting that salt-based and salt-free softeners work differently.
In the salt vs salt-free water softener debate, the former systems contain ionically-charged resins that attract calcium and other minerals from the water. The chemical reaction replaces the hard minerals with sodium chloride. Meanwhile, a “salt-free” system changes the minerals’ characteristics through various mechanisms.
For example, a water descaler for Arizona homes might feature electrically-induced precipitation that clumps and sticks the hardness minerals on an electrode. Some water conditioners dissolve the minerals. Others promote hardness mineral crystallization through magnetic induction and template-assisted processes.
We must emphasize that water conditioners do not remove calcium, magnesium, or other hard minerals. These chemicals are still there, making such systems appealing to health-conscious families. Salt-free systems also prevent limescale formation, promote more pleasant showers, and optimize water appliance functioning.
Moreover, some salt-free systems remove water contaminants, such as chlorine, while a water softener cannot. And as pointed out by several users on Reddit, these systems don’t require frequent maintenance as salt-based ones do.
How long do salt-free softeners last?
The longevity of salt-free water softeners varies across brands. For example, Aquatell’s salt-free system’s template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media can last three to five years before requiring a replacement.
Meanwhile, a top-of-the-line Culligan salt-free water conditioner can stay operational for at least a decade. Moreover, this brand offers an unequaled lifetime guarantee on some parts while covering ten years on most.
On the other hand, the Springwell FutureSoft salt-free water softener requires a pre-filter change every six to nine months. However, the brand does not mention how long its system would last.
How can salt-less softeners remove hard minerals without salt?
Let us get things straight first. Salt-less water “softeners” DO NOT remove hard minerals from the water. They only change the minerals’ chemical characteristics, preventing them from adhering to the walls of water pipes, plumbing fixtures, and water appliances. Unsurprisingly, experts call salt-free systems “water conditioners.”
Water conditioners or “salt-free water softeners” work in various ways. Some products induce mineral precipitation by running an electrical current along the water pipe. The minerals form a sludge that adheres to the system’s electrodes, preventing the hard minerals from sticking to pipes, faucets, water fixtures, and water appliances.
Other brands use an electrical system that dissolves calcium and other hard minerals, preventing surface adhesion. Some water conditioners feature template-assisted crystallization (TAC) technology to induce hard minerals to form crystals instead of limescale.
Magnetic induction is another salt-free water treatment choice, with the manufacturers claiming the system can force hard minerals to form crystals as they pass through a magnetic field.
However, the scientific community hasn’t found conclusive proof of its effectiveness, considering the minerals may revert to their original configuration once they’re beyond the magnetic field.
What are the most trusted salt-free water softener brands?
You won’t go wrong if you choose one of the most trusted brands among saltless water conditioners and softeners. A few brands to rely on include Aquios, APEC Water Systems, and Tier1 and the rest featured earlier.
Do salt-free water softeners remove iron?
Salt-based water softeners remove water hardness. On the other hand, salt-free systems work the opposite because they retain the minerals in the water. However, they don’t harden and stick to the surfaces. Salt based water softeners are the actual water softeners, while salt-free ones are conditioners.
Water conditioners don’t require a valve. It never arrests anything, so in a nutshell, water conditioners only have partial efficacy against hard water. Well water, for instance, has a moderate to high content of iron and manganese. Unfortunately, water conditioners are outright ineffective against these two elements. What will happen is the iron and manganese ions will just bounce off the anti-scale media but will still eventually flow through your entire plumbing.
Should you want the iron removed from your water, you would likely need an iron filter and softening system. You can also go for an alternative treatment other than using salt-free water softeners. Your water will still be hard even after it goes through a salt-free water softener.
How much is a salt-free water softener?
There are many available water softeners on the market today. The good thing about having options is that you can be more flexible when it comes to your budget. There are essential salt-free water softeners that would fall under the most affordable bucket when it comes to price.
Of course, like any other product, the more premiums that go with it and add-ons, the more the price of the salt-free water softeners increases. It is best to canvass and compare prices, including the unique benefits of the salt-free water softeners you have shortlisted. Of course, each would highlight the pros, but see if you can work and compromise with the system’s cons.
Initially, this investment may cost, but it is an asset that you can use for years and years to come. It is a long-term addition to your entire household. You can continuously reap its many benefits for a good number of years. Compared to salt-based water softeners, salt-free systems are usually less expensive.
Does Culligan have a salt-free water softener?
It is excellent news for a lot of avid users of the Culligan water treatment equipment. This all-time trusted brand does offer salt-free water softeners from which you can choose. You can have their systems installed quickly in your home and even in your businesses.
Culligan refers to this water treatment as salt-free water conditioner, and they have several series of systems that you can consider. Culligan has got you covered if you are looking for a water conditioner that will suit your needs, preferences, and especially your budget. The company has salt-free water softeners that promise better water quality for you with a simple and easy process.
With everything now being accomplished online, you can quickly check the site of Culligan Water to gather information about their water treatment systems. It includes salt-free water softeners. As a piece of advice, you might want to reach out to Culligan for guidance. They can offer you a suggestion on the correct product based on your location and the source of your water supply.
This brand extends its expertise. It can also provide you with a free water analysis to make sure that what you purchase with them will be the top-tier and most applicable water softener based on the facts of your water at home. This free water test will allow a representative from the company to review and discuss all your options with you before you finally take the leap and purchase their system.
How to install and use?
Salt-free water softeners utilize potassium instead of sodium, which in return crystallizes the minerals instead of having them removed from your water. They are more accurate in the lines of water descalers than softening agents.
Installing these systems can be a DIY project for you, especially if you have some background in plumbing and torching. You have the needed tools, but yes, you can complete the installation without calling in a professional. If you are not confident in doing it yourself, you can get help from an expert.
Most salt-free water softeners come with a step by step guide to complete the installation of the softened water system. Others also come with videos to make it easier to get everything working. The installation process requires space because you’d expect a lot of moving around before getting everything settled.
After installation, there will be no changes to how you use your water. The salt-free water softener will automatically complete the process in the background. However, you must install it close to your water system’s entry point.
You can just open your tap, fill your tub, or let the water flow to your laundry area as always. Once the salt-free water softener is installed, nothing is further required from your end to make it work. It is one of the advantages of a salt-free water system softener.
How to care & clean?
One main reason why people opt to get a water softener system is that it requires zero to very minimal maintenance. This system only consists of a single cartridge or tank. They neither go through a regeneration cycle or a backwash, so you don’t need the frequent maintenance of draining the connections. You won’t also be needing storage tanks for brine or valves to monitor the flow. As far as the overall upkeep is concerned, you are not required to do anything further once installed.
The Template Assisted Crystallization or TAC media primarily used by salt fewer water conditioners only require replacement once in three to five years. You don’t need regular visits from the plumber to ensure that the water flow and pipes are in tip-top shape.
There is also no electricity involved for it to operate, so you don’t need to worry about cables and corrosion. Sound advice is to do a quarterly check on everything just for sanity’s sake, but as far as maintenance is concerned, you’re free. It silently does its work in the background, and you won’t experience any water disruptions during the process.
For salt fewer water softeners, you’d be spending more time cleaning and maintaining your appliances and fixtures where water flows through the occasional buildup of limescale. Consider it as part of your regular maintenance of cleaning the faucets, heaters, sinks, and tubs. Still, again, as far as your water conditioner is concerned, your responsibility in maintenance is very little.
Where to buy?
Find these softening systems in places such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target. They offer you a broad range of selections for these saltless water softening systems that you can choose from and use.
Conclusion
There you have our buying guide and the reviews of the most excellent water softening units on the market. From this source, we’re hoping you’re able to pick the best salt-free water softener with the properties and features you want yours to have. Compare and weigh your choices well among excellent salt-free softeners today!
Hi, I am Ronald, founder of Saveourh2o. With this website, we aim to solve all the problems related to your water filters, softeners, and heaters. I have five years working in water equipment sales & service. I hope to bring the knowledge gathered from my daily work to help you to achieve comfort and safety in your home!