Types of Water Softeners You Need to Know

W ater softeners are available in the market in different brands. However, they exist in two broad categories namely salt-based and salt-free water softeners. As a consumer of such products, you need to know the differences between the products in order to select the best machine to serve your needs. The most popular and commonly used type of water softener is the ion exchange. In salt-based models, which are common in most households, the machine works by recycling water through two tanks. One tank contains a special resin while the other tank contains brine. This type of machine follows the principles of ion exchange in its operation. It replaces the hard water minerals of magnesium, calcium, and iron with sodium, which in turn makes the water soft. In a salt-free water softener, the machine works differently. Instead of replacing the hard water minerals with sodium, it uses potassium chloride to recycle the water. Sodium being a salt-based component is not applicable here, which is why the process is salt-free. This type of softener is suitable for those who do not eat salt. In its operation, it only reduces the scaling effect of hard water minerals on water-using appliances and does not remove the dissolved minerals completely. Salt-free method of water softening is better where there is no alternative softener. For conventional water treatment, it is advisable to go for water softeners that deliver effective results. Other types of softeners that exist in the market include magnetic water softeners and dual tank water softeners among others.