Water Softening
vs. Water Conditioning
If you know anything about water treatments, you’ve probably heard of water softeners and water conditioners. While these water treatment products are similar, they are not the same. Here’s a rundown on how they differ!
How Water Softeners and Conditioners are Different
At the root of hard water are two minerals: magnesium and calcium. Water softeners use salt to modify the water’s properties and remove unwanted minerals. A water softener can improve the efficiency of your dishwasher and washing machine. When your water is softer, you’ll even leave the shower with more hydrated skin and hair.
Unlike a water softener, water conditioners don’t remove hard particles from your water supply. Rather, they alter your water’s composition for a certain period of time. Water conditioning treatments also remove some chemicals like chlorine from the water. Both water softeners and conditioners can reduce scale buildup on your plumbing and appliances. However, conditioners will only do so for a limited amount of time, and softeners can sometimes completely eliminate the buildup.
Is a Water Softener or Water Conditioner Better?
So now that you understand the basic differences, you may still be wondering which one is right for you. Water conditioners are usually easier to use than water softeners. They require minimal maintenance and are fairly inexpensive. They also have the ability to remove harmful chemicals like chlorine which softeners will not do.
That being said, because conditioners don’t actually remove hard particles from your water, they are not a good long-term solution for treating your hard water. Because of that, a softener may be in your best interest although they will cost more and involve more maintenance.
