[zcaveman]

I prefer the softener. I had one in NJ and tried it here without one and did not like it so I installed one and am very happy.

I am sure the water will pass some kind of tests but the water still smells and tastes like chlorine. I did not feel as clean and I used more soap and detergents without the softener.

As far as I am concerned softeners are a personal thing. Either you want one or you don't. You will never convince a softener lover that he does not need one any more than you can convince a softener hater that he needs one.

Z