The Pros and Cons of Using a Water Softener

As you consider getting a water softener for your home, it is important to understand the differences between hard and soft water.

Hard water is very common in the United States. In fact, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that around 85% of U.S. homes have hard water. However, both hard and soft water occur naturally. Hard water gets its name from the high levels of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that it contains. While many signs of hard water are tangible, you can also confirm it through a home water test kit or by checking your local water provider’s quality report. Water with more than 7 grains per gallon (gpg) or 120 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of minerals is classified as “hard.”

Soft water, on the other hand, lacks these minerals and thus doesn’t have problems associated with mineral buildup. It doesn’t leave deposits or streaks on dishes and clothes; it won’t dry out your skin and hair, and it won’t create scale buildup in pipes and appliances. You’ll also notice that soft water doesn’t have a bitter and chalky taste.

Whether you have hard or soft water largely depends on the area you live and where you get your water from. Hard water is most common in the Southwest and upper Midwest regions of the U.S., and you’re more likely to have hard water if you rely on a private well over publicly provided water from your municipality. This is because groundwater has a lot of contact with layers of rock and soil, giving it more time to accumulate deposits of hard minerals.

Limescale doesn’t just affect your pipes — it can also build inside household appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. This buildup forces appliances to work harder, using more energy and decreasing their lifespan. A water softener prevents limescale from accumulating, helping your appliances run more efficiently and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

One of the most obvious signs of hard water is spotted or streaked dishes, glassware, and silverware. These white spots or cloudy film occur because the minerals in hard water are difficult to rinse away. A water softener eliminates these minerals, leaving your kitchenware clean, shiny, and free of soap scum or residue after washing.

Hard water can take a toll on your clothes, causing colors to fade and fabrics to feel stiff or rough. Over time, the minerals in hard water can even weaken fabrics, leading to holes. A water softener helps you preserve your clothes by using water that’s more gentle, so your favorite threads stay soft, bright, and comfortable for longer.

Hard water minerals reduce the ability of soap to lather, which requires you to use more products when cleaning. This means you’ll have to spend more on soap, detergent, and general cleaning products to get the job done. By using a softener, you’ll find that soap lathers better and you can do more with less, saving you money long-term.

The minerals in hard water give it a distinct taste that you may detect when drinking or cooking with it. Hard water has a bitter or chalky taste which can make it unappealing to drink and influences the flavors of the food you cook. Using a water softener eliminates these elements so your water is more enjoyable to drink and it enhances the taste of the meals you make.

While there are many advantages of a water softener, there are some disadvantages and considerations you should know before getting one for your home. 

Water softeners are less eco-friendly than alternatives like conditioners because they generate wastewater and require electricity, which may be a consideration for some. However, softener efficiency varies from product to product, and some are better than others. For example, Aquasana water softeners use 50% less salt and 28% less water* than conventional softeners.

Some states and municipalities have restrictions on water softeners that limit if, or how they can be used. Dozens of communities throughout California have banned the use of water softeners, while Texas only allows softeners to be used if conservation standards are met. Other states like Connecticut, Michigan, and Minnesota may have restrictions on brine discharge or are taking measures to discourage softener usage. It’s important to check local regulations before purchasing a water softener to ensure it’s allowed in your area or any applicable limitations on how a system can be used.

While water softeners come with considerations, there’s no doubt that they are the most effective means of combating hard water. If the pros outweigh the cons and you decide that a water softener is right for your home, Aquasana offers systems to meet your needs. Our SimplySoft® 40,000 Grain Softener and SimplySoft® 60,000 Grain Softener are IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for the reduction of water hardness and to CSA B483.1. Compared to conventional softeners, ours also use 50% less salt and 28% less water*, which makes them more eco-friendly.

For homeowners seeking an alternative to water softeners, water conditioners can be an excellent option. Aquasana’s Salt-Free Water Conditioner can address hard water without the use of salt and it does not require electricity or generate wastewater. However you decide to address hard water, Aquasana has a solution to help. Shop our entire product collection to learn how we can help improve your water quality, or contact our water experts for additional information.

* Based on metered operation mode compared to standard time-based regenerated softeners.