Water softeners are important for households. Over the years, they have developed into varied products — many choices are available to fulfill certain demands in the market. A great water softener will help sustain and prolong the effectiveness of appliances that come into contact with water. Read on for three tips to help you pick the best water softener to meet your specific requirements.
3 things you should know before buying water softeners
1. Types of water softeners
Salt-based water softeners: These softeners are important for their capabilities of effective oxidant and water treatments. They can disinfect all types of water to protect against the dangers of contamination by bacteria. In addition, they draw heavy minerals like magnesium and calcium into a resin inside the softener and exchange them for sodium ions or salt. This sustains the neutrality of the healthy state of the water.
Magnetic or electric water softeners: These softeners are the best option when looking for a solution to moderate or light hard water concerns. They neutralize heavy minerals by using magnetic space to strip positive or negative ions, instead of removing the heavy minerals. Magnetic softeners are important for use in small spaces like pipes, as they don’t take up large spaces.
Dual-tank water softeners: if you want a softener that never runs out and can handle additional water for each cycle of regeneration, the dual-tank water softener is your best choice. These softeners are important for their two resin tanks, since one can continue providing softened water, while the other is busy regenerating.
Salt-free water softeners: This option is the best if you do not want to use salt to improve the quality of your water. Similar to the magnetic softeners, the salt-free water softener does not remove the heavy minerals. Instead, it uses a neutralization process known as template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to neutralize the water to avoid sculling and build-up from hard water. In addition, these models of softeners last longer without recharging or using electricity.
2. Where do you want to use the water softener?
Is it for use at home, industrial, agricultural, or business purposes? Establishing where you want the water softener can help you pick the right one. Softeners are important due to their “economic and eco-friendly solutions to hard water and limescale build-up in your water system.”
Magnetic and salt-based softeners are best for home and business use. They can remove minerals and filter out chlorine to improve quality for bath water and taste. The dual-tank softener may be the best option for industrial use as its two resins can soften water 24 hours a day. On the other hand, salt-free water softeners are important for agriculture owing to their ability to serve water while reducing limescale build-up. Not all softeners work everywhere. Knowing where you want to use the water softener will help you pinpoint the best one.
3. Proper use of product to prevent defects
Your ability to maintain the product in accordance to its guidelines can assist in the decision-making process. The failure to maintain a softener may cause defects. How well the water softener works is entirely based on your ability to use it properly.
