Water Conditioner Vs Softener

Water softeners is the quality of water.

Water conditioner vs softener. There is no simple answer to that question much of it depends upon where you live and your lifestyle. A water softener is a specific type of water conditioner that reduces water hardness one grain per gallon or less. The differences between a water softener and a water conditioner the term water softener describes a system that uses a process of ionic exchange to pull hard water minerals calcium magnesium out of the water and replace them with sodium ions. As these minerals are essentially flushed from your water the result is softer water that removes.

A salt free water conditioner does not make the water soft it simply causes the hardness minerals to lose their ability to form scale. Meaning lots of limescale problems and white stains around your pipes and plumbing. A water conditioner is best for hardness levels up to 25 50 gpg. A water softener is best for hardness levels over 25 50 gpg.

While both water softeners and water conditioners are designed to address the problem of water hardness in some way a water conditioner typically tackles other water issues too such as biological contaminants including bacteria and algae which can collect on surfaces. A water conditioner is a general term for a piece of equipment that changes the water in your home in some way. With a water hardness above 25 gpg a salt based softener may be best. This is low to medium hard water.

When this happens the calcium and magnesium are pulled from your water and replaced with sodium ions. Water softeners remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium which are two of the most common minerals causing hard water. A water conditioner might filter remove chlorine or improve taste of the water. In addition some water conditioners offer some soft water benefits while hybrid systems combine both treatment processes into the same system.

Water softeners work through what s known as ion exchange. Find water softeners at lowe s today. If the water hardness in your home is below 25 gpg grains per gallon hardness levels a salt free water conditioner may take care of most of your problems. Some salt free or saltless water softeners work better than others but for the sake of comparing what they are capable of i have made this comparison chart.

While water softeners are used to remove hard minerals from water water conditioners are typically used to remove chemicals and substances that give your water an unpleasant taste or smell. This is very hard water. What is right for you.