With a range of Water Softeners and limescale prevention systems available on the market, you may be wondering – how do I know which one is right for me? The first thing to understand is that there are four main technologies used in domestic and commercial water softening (or water conditioning) applications, which include:
1. Ion Exchange Water Softeners
2. Salt Free Water Softeners
3. Reverse Osmosis Systems
4. Water Conditioners
Ion Exchange Water Softeners
Ion exchange water softeners work using a negatively charged ‘bed’ of softening resin. This resin bed attracts hardness molecules such as calcium and magnesium and clings on to them releasing a sodium (or salt) molecule into the water in exchange. The resin bed has a fixed capacity, but is easily regenerable using salt. This ion exchange technology is tried and tested and is the most commonly found type of water softener on the market. Salt based water softeners can last up to 25 years when serviced and maintained properly, with the main operating cost being the top up of salt.
Ion exchange water softeners come in many different shapes and forms. Most domestic systems feature a ‘cabinet’ design that neatly encloses all internal components in a compact outer case. These are often small enough to be installed under the kitchen sink. For larger properties and commercial or industrial applications, there several options to choose from including higher capacity ‘cabinet’ style units, or larger freestanding units including simplex and duplex.
Common types of ion exchange water softeners:
- Electric Water Softeners: Utilise a valve powered by electricity, allowing for advanced features and a level of programmability that is not offered by non-electric systems. This means they are generally more efficient.
- Non-Electric Water Softeners: Instead of being powered by electricity, these clever systems run off the kinetic energy from your water pressure. These are a great option for installing a water softener in an area without access to a power supply.
- Simplex & Duplex Water Softeners: These are freestanding, larger units usually used in commercial or industrial applications. They feature typically much higher resin capacities, and a separate salt tank for easy top ups.
What Other Types Of Water Softeners Are Available?
Whilst ion exchange water softeners are the most popular choice, it is good to note that other types of scale control systems are available. These alternative technologies work in slightly different ways than their ion exchange counterparts, often referred to as water conditioners, scale inhibitors or salt-free water softeners.
Salt-Free Water Softeners
This type of treatment uses technology to change the chemistry of the hardness molecules so that they do not form limescale. No salt or regeneration is required which does mean that the resin inside these systems has a finite life – as the technology is relatively new it is difficult to get a clear answer of the lifespan of the resin, however many manufacturers advise 12-36 months. It is worth noting that this type of water conditioning only tends to be effective up to a certain temperature, so if you were to buy a water conditioner for your home you may still experience limescale build-up in your kettle.
Salt-free water softeners or ‘water conditioners’ can be installed anywhere, either at the point of entry or at the point of use. As no electricity or drain line is required, they offer a more versatile solution in some cases where space is limited, or there is no access to a drain or power supply.
Where are salt-free water softeners used?
- For single outlets such as urns, taps or coffee machines
- For hard to access areas where maintenance is difficult
- As an alternative to an ion exchange water softener
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Although reverse osmosis systems are technically not a type of water softener, they do remove hardness molecules and prevent limescale build-up, so we thought it was worth a quick mention here. RO is designed to remove all dissolved ions from your water, not just the scale-forming ones. Its most often used for drinking water applications, to remove contaminants such as fluoride, pesticides and hormones.
In a domestic setting RO systems are usually installed under the sink. If you are looking to prevent scale formation in your kettle then RO could be the right option for you, however if you want scale protection throughout your property then you should consider an ion-exchange water softener in addition to a drinking water RO system.
Where are reverse osmosis systems used?
- Where a customer is looking to reduce all dissolved minerals in drinking water including fluoride and pesticides
- Within light commercial and industrial applications where purified water is required
- To produce ‘better than bottle quality water’ on-demand within the home
Magnetic Water Softeners
You may have heard of magnetic water conditioners, these are often considered a cheaper alternative to a water softener and can be found installed in many homes to ‘protect’ boilers and hot water tanks from scale formation. There is little scientific evidence to back up how effective this technology is and when selecting our range of quality products we did not include magnetic water conditioners for this very reason.
Where are magnetic water softeners used?
- To prevent scale formation on pipework and heating elements
- Commonly installed by plumbers when fitting a boiler system
- Cost effective choice to prevent limescale formation
What Type Of Water Softener Is Most Popular?
As we’ve established, the most popular type of water softener on the market is by far an ion exchange water softener as the technology is tried and tested, with scientific studies to back up its effectiveness. We offer a comprehensive range of ion-exchange systems in varying sizes, from ones that would fit under your kitchen sink to much larger, high capacity units designed for more commercial or industrial purposes (such as to feed a manufacturing process).
If you have taken the time to understand the different types of systems on the market, then you are well-placed to make a decision on which option is best for your particular use. If you have any questions about which option is right for you please get in touch with a member of our team on 01622 933 853 or by starting a live chat.