I had looked into the salt-free "water softeners". They are not really water softeners as they do not remove the calcium and magnesium ions that create the "hardness". Some people refer to them as "water conditioners". They do, however, show the ability to reduce scale built-up under some conditions. However, it appears that scale may still develop when water is mostly stagnant, such as in hot water heaters. Some people prefer the feel and other benefits of soft water and I do not believe the salt-free systems will deliver a "soft feel" as they do not remove calcium and magnesium ions. If your interest is in reducing scale build-up they may be worthwhile. I use a true water softener and it cost about $80/year for potassium chloride. If I switched to sodium chloride the cost would be less.
Carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine and have a substantial impact on the taste of water. The replaceable carbon-block filter I use lasts about a year and cost $60.
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Originally Posted by LSchaef2
Your best bet is a carbon water filter for taste and to remove chemicals that disinfect the water that are not good for you (Chlorine and Chloramines) with a water softener. Then when you soften the water with a softener you save your applicances from scale and they last longer. Mike Scott Plumbing sells and installs the best SALT FREE technology available. It is called Enviro Water Products and once you install it is guaranteed softening for life and the carbon only needs to be replaced every five years. It is the best value for the money. I have one in my home and I did not drink the water until it was put in. We no longer buy bottled water for every day. We are drinking out of the tap and loving it. Mike Scott Plumbing also has a show room across from Brownwood just as you cross over route 44.
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