Salt-Free Water Softener- The Truth About Water Conditioners
Salt free water softener and salt-based systems are often thought to work similarly. But this isn’t correct. Although they help with hard water problems, they employ different technologies. And this means that they don’t always lead to the same results. Consequently, they may not work for everyone.
In today’s post, we’re going to explore what a salt free water softener is. Also, we’ll compare it to water-based systems and determine what will work best for your needs. Moreover, our team has identified a few of the best salt free water softener systems for homes in 2020.
Difference between salt water softener and salt free water softener
For clarity, we first need to define what water softening is.
Water softening means removing the calcium, magnesium, and other ions from water. These are the minerals that make water hard. Hard water causes an array of problems in home plumbing systems. These include;
- Limescale deposits in plumbing fixtures
- Difficulty lathering with soap and shampoo
- Faded clothes and unsightly dishware
- Dry skin and hair
To determine whether you have water, you’ll need a water testing kit. This kit measures the dissolved minerals in grams per gallon (GPG) and particles per million (PPM).
Depending on the hardness level, you may need a water softener. This device softens hard water by reducing the level of soluble minerals in it. In effect, it prevents costly plumbing repairs. Also, it boosts the efficiency and effectiveness of water appliances. Hence, it leads to increased savings.
How does a salt-based water softener work?
A salt-based water softener consists of 2 tanks. First is the main tank, which has resins. Resin beads act as a magnet. They trap and remove calcium, magnesium, and other contaminants. In effect, you get clean and soft water for home use.
However, resin beads gradually lose their effectiveness as hard water minerals attach to them. This takes us to the second tank.
The second tank contains salt. Also, it has water at the bottom, which creates a brine solution. After every couple of days, this brine is passed through the resin beads. Consequently, this solution contaminants the hardness ions on the resin beads with sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange. Lastly, the system flushes the hard water ions and contaminants down the drain. In effect, the resin beads regain their effectiveness.
Salt water softeners: Pros
- First, salt-based softeners remove hardness minerals. As such, they prevent scale buildup. As a result, your water appliances and plumbing last longer and require minimal maintenance.
- Also, soft water reduces soap curd. In effect, cleaning is easy. Again, you get shinier silverware and glassware. Your fabrics will last longer too.
Salt-based water softeners: Cons
- Worth noting, salt-based softeners add sodium into your drinking water. On the one hand, the softened water is safe for your plumbing and appliances. However, the additional sodium may negatively affect some people. For instance, too much sodium increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. Also, it can cause kidney disease and stomach cancer. Moreover, it could cause high blood pressure.
- Accordingly, you may require an additional filter, for instance, a reverse osmosis filter, to reduce the sodium levels. As a result, the overall expenses get even higher.
- Furthermore, you may need permission to install a salt-based water softener in some areas. This is due to all the salt that goes into the municipal drainage system.
- Lastly, salt-based softeners waste a lot of water when flushing the resin bed. Also, remember that you’ll need to keep replenishing the salt. Needless to mention, this adds to the overall maintenance cost.
How is a salt free water softener different?
First, a salt free water softener doesn’t use salt. Actually, this system does not remove water hardness minerals. Instead, it only conditions them so that they don’t stick to surfaces.
Some salt free water softener systems work by creating an electromagnetic field on your water supply’s main entrance. Others use Template Assisted Crystallization. As water passes near these devices, they crystallize the magnesium and calcium minerals. As such, these micro-crystals don’t attach to pipes.
To demonstrate, if your water has a hardness reading of 8 GPG before treatment, it will have the same hardness level after passing through a salt free water softener. However, the calcium and magnesium minerals after treatment aren’t able to adhere to surfaces. So they won’t cause problems around your home. As you can see, a salt free water softener isn’t a softener. Essentially, this is a water conditioner.
Salt free water softener: Pros
- First, salt free water softeners are generally inexpensive
- Secondly, they are very cheap to install, and require minimal maintenance needs
- Third, a salt free water softener does not inject sodium to your drinking water.
- Moreover, a saltless water softener does not waste water. As a result, most municipalities are now encouraging these systems.
Salt free water softener: Cons
- Needless to mention, its biggest downside is that it doesn’t soften the water. It only minimizes scale buildup in your water pipes. Well, you may realize reduced soap and shampoo wastage. However, you’ll still spot some stains in your dishwasher and shower doors.
- Secondly, you may also see limescale buildup where water sits, for instance, in the water heater.
- Also, a salt free water softener isn’t very effective in areas with very hard water. With this in mind, we’d only recommend it if your water supply has a hardness of between 3.5 gpg and 25 gpg.
Why is a water conditioner better?
Here are the main reasons why you should consider a salt free water softener;
- It’s generally cheaper than a salt-based softener. Precisely, the salt free water softener cost may be up to 85% lower.
- Water conditioners are much cheaper to install.
- Most of them are very easy to maintain.
- Again, they don’t add sodium to your drinking water. As such, it’s safe for everyone, including the elderly and kids.
- Moreover, a salt free water softener doesn’t flush sodium down the drain.
Best Water Conditioner- Salt Free Water Softener Reviews
iSpring ED2000 Whole House Descaler Water Conditioner
https://www.amazon.com/iSpring-ED2000-Electronic-Descaler-Conditioner/dp/B0744TC3PW
Electromagnetism technology
The iSpring ED2000 is rated for hard water areas with 10-19 grains. This no-salt softener uses electromagnetism. It crystallizes calcium and magnesium minerals in water. Consequently, it reduces scale buildup without removing beneficial minerals. So, this is a win-win for your family’s health and that of your plumbing system.
A breeze to install
The ED2000 doesn’t involve complex installation. Also, you won’t need to modify your existing water system. As such, you may not require a plumber to install it. Worth noting, you’ll need a power outlet nearby.
Works with PVC and PEX pipes
The ED2000 will work with both PVC and PEX pipes. Again, keep in mind that it’s recommended for water mains below 1 inch. For 1″-1.5″ tubes, you may require two water conditioners. Again, the water shouldn’t be traveling longer than 50 feet from the treatment point. Otherwise, you may need another conditioner too.
Pros
- Much cheaper than salt-based systems
- Professional installation is not necessary
- Results are almost instant
- Maintenance-free
- Does not waste water or release sodium
- Retains beneficial minerals
Cons
- Effective for 10-19 gpg areas
- Not ideal for large homes
Final verdict
The iSpring ED2000 is an inexpensive salt free water softener. It doesn’t soften your water per se. But it’s excellent if you want to avoid the hassles of a salt-based system. Importantly, test your water and ensure that it’s within the recommended range.
Watts OneFlow + Salt-Free Scale Prevention and Water Filtration System
https://www.amazon.com/OneFlow-Salt-Free-Prevention-Filtration-System/dp/B01H273O4M
High GPG rating
The OneFlow+ is notably pricier than the iSpring ED2000 above. But there’s a reason for that. To begin with, this salt free water softener is suitable for areas with up to 75 gpg hardness level. Needless to mention, the OneFlow+ will work even in homes on well water supply. In addition, it’s recommendable for big homes with several bathrooms.
Complex water filtration
Secondly, the OneFlow+ has a 20-micron carbon block. Uniquely, this carbon filter reduces carbon and odor. Besides, it filters out sediments.
Template Assisted Crystallization
The OneFlow+ relies on Template Assisted Crystallization. To explain, water flows through the OneFlow media cartridge. As a result, the hardness minerals are converted into inactive micro-crystals. Importantly, this cartridge treats around 250,000 gallons. In general, that’s around three years worth of water conditioning. On the other hand, the carbon block lasts 50,000 gallons or one year.
Is it easy to install?
Well, it’s easy to install if you have basic DIY plumbing skills. Furthermore, Watt has detailed YouTube video guides and instructional manuals. Installing the OneFlow+ will require cutting the main pipes. But it doesn’t require any power. Furthermore, you can install it on the floor or mount it on a wall. On this note, you’ll get a wall mounting bracket.
Pros
- Removes hardness minerals, chlorine, and sediments too
- Doesn’t require power
- Generally easy to install
- Perfect for big houses
- Durable
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Maintenance is costly too
Final Verdict
The OneFlow+ promises excellent performance in water conditioning. But it’s pricey to buy and maintain. As such, we’d not recommend it if you’re replacing an actual water softener.
Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
https://www.amazon.com/Eddy-Electronic-Water-Descaler-Alternative/dp/B003Z96GR4/
Won’t affect water pressure
The Eddy is another best-rated salt free water softener. Unlike the OneFlow+ above, installing the Eddy is merely wrapping a cable on your mains. So, it has no effect on your water pressure. Consequently, this will be an incredible addition to a whole house filter that already has a toll on water pressure.
Up to 20 gpg performance
This magnetic water softener has a rating of 20 gpg. Worth mentioning, this is a descaler. So, it won’t remove the calcium and magnesium in your water. However, it does an excellent job of preventing scale buildup. Also, it will slowly help in breaking down the existing scale in your water lines.
Easy installation
Equally important, we believe any homeowner can install the Eddy. Although you’ll need to plug it in, everything else is a cinch.
Pros
- Anyone can install it
- Does not affect water pressure
- Requires minimal storage space
- Although electric, it uses less power
- Has a full year return guarantee and lifetime warranty
Our final verdict
We recommend the Eddy for a couple of reasons. First, it’s easy to install. Second, the Eddy does not require any maintenance whatsoever. Moreover, it has a 12-month money-refund guarantee. So, you can try it and return it if it doesn’t work for you.
Nuvo H2O Dphb-a Home Water Softener System
https://www.amazon.com/Nuvo-DPHB-Water-Softener-System/dp/B0042A8HFY
CitraCharge
This Nuvo water softener is different. This salt free water softener has a 20-inch cartridge with a citrus formula. So, as the water passes through the cartridge, the formula binds to calcium ions. Resultantly, they are unable to bind to your pipes and water appliances. Notably, the Nuvo H20 Dphb-a has a hardness capacity of up to 120 gpg.
Incredible water flow rate
Importantly, the Nuvo has a water flow rate of 12-15 gpm. Worthy of mention, this rate is impressive compared to that of OneFlow+. Basically, it won’t have an immense effect on most homes’ water flow rate.
Hassle-free installation and easy maintenance
The Nuvo water softener installs easily. To emphasize, the package includes the entire mounting kit. Identically, it features 1-inch inlets. So, we expect it to be compatible with most water lines.
Easy maintenance
Of course, cartridge replacement is necessary. But this will be after treating up 20,000 gallons. To illustrate, this cartridge should serve a family of two for 2-3 months. Importantly, the Nuvo H20 Dphb-a has a bypass valve. This makes cartridge replacement easy, fast, and mess-free.
Pros
- Incredible water flow rate
- Eco-friendly
- Compact
- Easy installation
- Doesn’t need electricity
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Requires regular cartridge replacements
Final verdict
The Nuvo H20 is an incredible salt free water softener in theory. Also, we like that it comes with a 5-year warranty. But going through Nuvo h20 reviews, this conditioner doesn’t seem to work. To explain, most homeowners report that it doesn’t reduce scale buildup. As such, we wouldn’t recommend it.
Salt Free Water Softener Comparison Table
Functions/Features
Salt Free Water Softener
ISpring ED2000
OneFlow+
Eddy
Nuvo Dphb-a
Customer Rating
4.0
4.3
4.1
3.0
Price
$
$$$
$$
$$$
Technology used
Electromagnetic
TAC
Electromagnetic
Chelation
GPG range
10-19
75 GPG
20
120
PPM range
171-325
1225
342
2052
Contaminants reduced
Scale
Existing deposits
Scale, Chlorine,
Odor
Sediments
Scale
Existing deposits
Scale
Reduces corrosion
Recommended water mains size
1-inch
1-inch
1-1.5 inch
1-inch
Power outlet needed
Yes
No
Yes
No
Maintenance requirements
None
Cartridge 3 years
Carbon block 1 year
None
Cartridge replacement after 20,000 gallons
Warranty
1-year
1-year
Lifetime
5 years
Which is the best salt free water softener?
Well, this will depend on your water’s hardness level. Your budget matters, too Overall, we’d recommend the iSpring ED2000. First, we like that it’s more affordable than others. Secondly, judging from the reports, it tends to work much better. The OneFlow+ is highly recommendable too. Actually, this might interest you if your water supply has chlorine too. But it’s pricey. Also, it requires maintenance, albeit annually.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking, “do water conditioners work?” The answer is yes. However, remember that they don’t remove calcium and magnesium. To point out, they condition these minerals. As a result, the minerals won’t form scale in your water pipes, showerheads, and sinks. But they are still present in your water. So, these systems are ideal for homes with mild water hardness.
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Learn how a salt free water softener works in reducing hard water problems in your home and the best salt free water softener to buy in 2020