If you’ve come to discover that your drinking water isn’t soft enough, then there’s really only one solution.

Investing in a water softener is a great way to unlock the many advantages of softened water within the home.

While filling up your smart water bottle with the softer stuff from day-to-day will see you reap these rewards on the go too. But how does water softening really work?

In this blog post, we take a closer look at the water softening process and the benefits that should inspire every person living in a hard water area to soften their approach.

What happens during the water softening process?

There are several methods to soften water, yet the ion exchange process is by far the most widespread, particularly for at-home water softening systems.

The ion exchange process actively removes magnesium and calcium ions from the water using resin. These are then replaced with softer, sodium ions that are in comparison less damaging.

Once the softening process has been completed and the tank is full, salt is used to clear the resin. These types of water softeners are particularly low maintenance and long lasting, but they do rely on the use of higher quality resin.

Why should I invest in a water softener?

There are many reasons why you may want to invest in a water softener. If you live in a hard water area, your water supply and all the appliances it services may experience a number of issues, particularly if the water is excessively hard.

The Spruce explains what problems can arise within the home due to hard water use:

“There is no health concern with drinking hard water high in dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. In fact, small amounts of these minerals are necessary for health. But at high levels the minerals can build up in pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances, gradually interfering with their function. For example, mineral scale buildup in faucets or water heaters may shorten their lifespan.”

By softening your water, you can prolong the lifespan of appliances and fixtures as well as save money on detergents and other cleaners.

Some even report that their baths, showers and sinks are ‘self-cleaning’ after making the switch from hard to soft water.

This is due to the lack of limescale and scum build-up, and the minimal time needed to keep the kitchen and bathroom spotlessly clean as a result.

It’s not just your appliances, fixtures and fittings that will benefit, your skin will thank you for softer water too. Studies have found that softened water is kinder to eczema prone skin.

Softened water also tastes great, with most people preferring its neutral taste in comparison to hard water.

Which type of water softener should I purchase?

There’s two main types of water softeners available, electric, and water driven, which use different mechanisms to produce the softened water that everyone covets.

You can explore a range of top rated and reliable water softeners – all approved by us – plus all the accessories and supplies you need to soften at home right here.

Are you a business looking to install a water softener in your industrial or commercial premises? We can assist you too.

Find further information on our industrial and commercial applications.