Having access to clean, safe water is essential for more than just human health. It’s also important for maintaining reliable plumbing systems. However, 85% of homes in the United States are plagued by hard water. Hard water is characterized by high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not harmful to health, hard water can lead to a variety of issues, such as scale in plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Salt-based water softeners were long considered the most effective method for addressing hard water. While these systems provide the most aggressive approach to hard water, they do have drawbacks, such as salt discharge and more frequent maintenance. Developments in water softening technology have led to the creation of salt-free water softeners that utilize Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) media. These systems may be a better solution than salt-based systems for some homes, depending on your needs and preferences.
When hard water runs through pipes, fixtures, or appliances, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water produce mineral deposits called scale. Over time, accumulated scale can limit water flow, leading to damage and increased energy use. Salt-based water softeners use a process called ion exchange to strip calcium and magnesium ions from the water in exchange for sodium ions. During this process, a resin bed attracts and keeps calcium and magnesium ions while releasing sodium ions into the water. Eventually, these resin beds become saturated with mineral ions and must be regenerated. The calcium and magnesium ions are displaced during the regeneration process by flushing the resin bed with a salt water brine, displacing mineral ions as wastewater.
Traditional salt-based water softeners are indeed the most effective way to actually soften hard water. However, there are a few downsides to these kinds of products:
Environmental Impact
The regeneration process discharges a sizeable amount of salty wastewater into the surrounding environment. The discharge has the potential to damage aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the salinization of soil. Some municipalities even restrict the use of salt-based water softeners due to the potential environmental impact.
Higher Sodium Content
The sodium level in water is increased by salt-based water softeners, which may not be good for individuals who require low-sodium diets.
Ongoing Maintenance
Systems that use salt require periodic maintenance. For example, the brine tank on a salt-based system must be filled on a regular basis, which can be cumbersome and add to the overall cost of the system.
If you’re wondering how to treat hard water without salt, the answer is a system with TAC media. This material kickstarts a natural crystallization process to transform dissolved calcium and magnesium ions into tiny inert crystals. As these ions crystalize, they continue to float in water, preventing them from sticking to surfaces where they become scale. TAC water softeners don’t actually remove or reduce mineral content from water like traditional salt-based systems. Changing the ion structure is enough to keep these minerals from adhering to surfaces and reducing their impact on plumbing, fixtures, and appliances.
Kind Water’s Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener and Filter Combo and Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener and Filter Combo with UV help combat the negative effects of hard water and other common water challenges. Both options are ideal for homeowners seeking a salt-free system with a small footprint and flexible installation options inside or outside the home. These salt-free TAC water softeners are also best suited for customers who prefer minimal maintenance and lower overall costs compared to salt-based alternatives.
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Environmentally Friendly
Salt-free water softeners that use TAC media are environmentally friendly since they don’t require chemicals or produce brine.
Salt Content Isn’t Increased
TAC media doesn’t introduce sodium into water during the treatment process like salt-based systems do. So, homeowners concerned about salt intake may want to opt for a TAC salt-free water softener.
Healthy Minerals Remain
Though high concentrations of calcium and magnesium contribute to hard water, these minerals are important for a healthy diet. Since TAC water conditioners only alter the mineral structure instead of completely removing these minerals from water, these systems help maintain nutrient values in water.
Electricity Isn’t Required
Salt-free TAC water softeners do not require electricity to operate like salt-based systems do, lessening environmental impact and overall associated costs.
Minimal Maintenance
TAC water systems require only minimal maintenance, such as annual filter replacements. This is a stark comparison to the regular maintenance that comes with a salt-based system.
Smaller Footprint
Kind Water’s salt-free water softeners have a smaller footprint and take up less room than their salt-based counterparts, making them an excellent choice for homes with a limited amount of available floor space.
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