Salt vs. No Salt Water Treatment Systems

Choose The Most Appropriate Water Treatment System

Do you often feel that your skin is unusually dry, or find that your laundry feels dingy and is losing color? Are you tired of the glue- like build up which you keep finding when you use water from your faucet? These problems are all due to the nature of the water in your area. Water in Florida, and many other parts of North America, have high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals create what is referred to as hard water. Many people opt to install water treatment systems so as to “soften” the water and make it safer to drink, and minimize the above mentioned effects. There are two main type of treatment systems – a salt water system and a salt free system. But which is the better option? Let’s compare the two.

How do they work?
A salt water treatment system has a salt based “softener” which ensures that calcium and magnesium is completely removed from the water, and is thus known as a “true water softening system. This means that the water is, in essence, safer to use. The glue-like build up is removed and the water feels smoother and more slick – many will refer to it as a feeling of “being clean”. Another advantage is that your pipes and water-based appliances will last longer because they are less affected by the chemicals.

On the other side of the coin, the disadvantage is that the salt based treatment system is more expensive. It requires more maintenance, uses electricity and you would also have to keep buying salt so that the system works correctly. It also takes a while longer to begin seeing results.

A salt free water treatment system does not remove the chemicals from the water, but rather their form is changed so that they do not stick to surfaces and give that glue-like build up. It is thus better known as “water conditioning” as opposed to softening. It neutralizes the chemicals into crystals that don’t adhere to surfaces, so as to reduce the build-up, but you will still have the effects of dingy clothes and be prone to drier skin. However, this system is cheaper because there are hardly any maintenance costs – no electricity is needed, nor constant salt or electricity, so the system itself is much simpler.

So which system should you choose?
You should ideally look at what it is that you want and decide. If you are someone that prefers being on the chemical free side of life, a salt based treatment system is probably best for you. Your water will be “healthier” for your skin and improve the quality of your laundry. Also, in the long run, a salt water treatment system is advantageous for your pipes and water based appliances.

However, if it’s just the icky build up that you want to get rid of and the dry skin and clothes don’t really bother you, then a salt free system would work just fine for you. It’s also easier on your pocket and would save you money in the long run.

At Art Plumbing, AC and Electric we will help you decide which system is best for you. We will guide you through the process, and can also help you out with any other water treatment and system needs. Give us a call today to get the best water treatment solution for you.