The Difference: Salt Vs Salt-Free Water Softener

When water has an excessively high concentration of certain minerals – calcium and magnesium – we call it “hard.” Minerals can harm our skin, hair, clothing, kitchen utensils, dishes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances over time.

We all have noticed watermarks and filmy residue on sinks and tubs. The reason behind it is hard water. High levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium ruin the environment. Luckily there is a way to tackle this issue by installing a high-quality water softener.

For an in-depth comparison of water softener salts, check out our Diamond Crystal vs. Morton Water Softener Salt article to make an informed decision for your water softening needs.

The least we can say is that it is embarrassing. It can also be expensive. Freshwater eliminates these problems, saving you time and money.

A good water softener increases the lifespan of your plumbing and water-using appliances. Along with lowering your water bills and making them pocket friendly.

Water softeners come in two different types. One is a salt-based water softener, while the other is salt-free. And it is believed that the major difference is the presence of salt, but the truth is that there are a lot of differences.

A new water softener can be a big investment for your house. That’s why I have this guide here. You will know everything about a salt vs. salt-free water softener and the pros and cons of salt-free water softeners.

The difficulties caused by hard water in your home are pretty clear, ranging from the accumulation of lime in appliances. When we talk about other things, such as dishes to dry, dull skin and hair. The solution to soften all the water in your home economically is not so obvious.

You’ve undoubtedly done enough studies to realize that a water softener is the best answer to hard water. But you’ve received conflicting advice from the internet or from friends and family on whether a salt-free or salt-based water softener is right for your home.

That’s why we disclose the differences between the two systems and the pros and cons of buying.

For a comprehensive comparison, check out our article on Potassium vs. Salt Water Softener to explore the benefits and differences between these two water softening options.

Salt-Based Water Softener

A water filtration system removes calcium and magnesium in the water through the ion exchange method. It uses a polymer resin bed that gives a sodium particle in exchange for a hard mineral.

Let’s look at how this system works. Water softening is the process of removing calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) from water using a bed of polymer resin. That releases a sodium particle in exchange for hardness minerals. Check out our latest guide if your water softener is not using salt.

A water test would reveal this type of result: 10 grains/gallon before treatment and 0 grains/gallon after treatment. The system works admirably, especially in central Indiana, where the water is quite hard.

As the ion resin bed approaches saturation, salt-based water softeners use an electronically dosed valve placed over a fiberglass resin tank. This measures water per gallon and then performs a cleaning cycle.

The electronic valve performs a series of rear flushes during the cleaning cycle to remove hardness particles collected by the system in a dewatering pipe. The sodium in the resin bed is also provided during the cycle, and everything is ready for use again.

Water softeners make the shower water smoother, and you will notice that the soap produces more bubbles. This is because it is the feeling of being clean, as many water specialists would tell you.

This is because the minerals in the water have been eliminated and are no longer present, making your skin dry. Other benefits include keeping the colors of your clothes brighter because abrasive minerals are no longer present.

How does it work

The electronic valve performs a series of flushes during the cleaning cycle. It removes hardness particles collected by the system in a dewatering pipe. It will measure the water in gallons before running the cleaning cycle of water. The cleaning cycle will begin once the resin bed reaches its saturation point.

During this cycle, various black flashes eliminate the trapped minerals and wash them out of the system. When the water flows through the resin bed inside the tank, some salts like sodium and potassium chlorides are exchanged with harmful minerals that cause hardness in water. The sodium in the resin bed is provided during the cycle, and everything is ready for use again.

Curious about salt-free water softening options? Explore our article What If Your Water Softener Isn’t Using Salt to learn more about alternative methods for achieving smooth water.

Pros & Cons of Salt-based water softener

Pros

A salt-based water softener offers all of the following advantages:

1. Dishes and glasses no longer become foggy.
2. Prevents sanitary plugs caused by additional hard water minerals.
3. Softer and easier to handle hair.
4. Crispy markings and ladder deposits on sinks, toilets, and showerheads are no longer problematic.
5. It prevents calcium from causing problems with your water heater and dishwasher.
6. Soap and detergent foam well.
7. It can save you up to 30% of your heating costs.
8. It removes the hard minerals which outperform the salt-free system.
9. Less usage of soap and detergent.
10. Hard water will leave your clothes bright and soft after washing.
11. You will get bright and hydrated skin and hair.
12. No scaling and buildup on appliances and fixtures.
13. Efficient and long-lasting with less repair and plumbing maintenance.
14. Leave a stain-free surface, no matter whether it’s a window or porcelain surface of your bathroom.
15. It is NSF certified and has undergone a strict inspection process.

Cons

The only downside to owning a salt-based system is that it uses salt. As a result, you need to buy bags of salt to fill the brine tank.

1. Lifting those huge bags of salt is difficult, and you could injure your back if you’re not careful.
2. People who follow a low-sodium diet are concerned that the plasticizer will add sodium to their water. And it adds a little, but not much.
3. The hardness of your water determines the amount it contributes. However, the sodium content of an 8-ounce glass of water is usually about 12.5 mg.

Salt-Free Water Softener

Hardness minerals are removed from the water in the salt-based process (true water softening). The minerals remain in the water during the salt-free process, but their shape is changed so that they do not stick to surfaces.

You may also like salt-free water softener review: ScaleBlaster SB-75 Review.

Salt-free water softeners are water softeners, no plasticizers. A physical method known as template-assisted crystallization is used to treat water with catalytic media (TAC). Hardness minerals are converted into hardness crystals that cannot adhere to surfaces. It is not water softening; it is water treatment.

A water test would give the following results: 10 grains/gallon before treatment, 10 grains/gallon after treatment. Hardness is always present in water. It has been modified so that it does not stick to surfaces.

A salt-free system does not require an electric valve as it functions as a conditioner and never captures anything. Thus avoiding the need to expel minerals.

How does it work

Instead of using an ion-exchange method, it uses a catalytic media by using a physical process called template-assisted crystallization. The minerals are changed into hard crystal that does not stick to the surface of the system.

As a result, it does not soften the water but conditions it. Therefore, it does not capture the material, so there is no need for a cleaning cycle to remove trapped components. As it does not remove the salt, it is better to say this is a water conditioning system rather than a water softening system.

Pros & Cons of a salt-free water softener

Pros

Some advantages of a salt-free water softener are as follows:

1. The main advantage of a salt-free water softener over a softener that uses salt is that it requires less maintenance.
2. You won’t need electricity to perform the cleaning cycle and won’t waste water removing minerals from the resin bed.
3. A salt-free system is usually less expensive than a salt-based system.
4. The installation is easily complete with the right tools.
5. No sodium must be added to your diet because you “soften” the water with electricity and magnets.
6. A salt-free water softener does not use a small amount of salt at all. So you don’t have to deal with replacing salt bags.

Cons

Salt-free systems have the disadvantage that they do not soften the water. So, if you are currently facing any of these hard water problems, expect them to stop:

1. Cloudy apartments and glasses.
2. Cracked or dry skin after showering.
3. Dry and brittle hair after showering.
4. Scale and crispy markings on sinks and showerheads.
5. Orange crispy rings surround the waterline of your toilet.
6. After washing, clothes that have faded and faded.
7. Higher heating costs.
8. It does not remove the minerals but stabilizes them and forms crystals.
9. It may cause calcium buildup on sinks and tubs.
10. Your skin can get dry and itchy due to the presence of salt crystals.
11. It has a shorter lifespan as compared to a salt-based water softener.
12. The biggest drawback is that it is not NSF certified.

Which Softener Is Better Salt-Base Or Salt-Free Water Softener?

Saltwater softeners claim to achieve the same results as salt-based systems without mass and effort. These salt-free systems eliminate the need for a large salt tank and the cost of salt bags.

Moreover, the discomfort on the back is associated with its transportation home replenishing the system.

Isn’t it fantastic?

Salt-free water softeners do not offer many of the same benefits as salt-based systems. They are also not certified to meet industry requirements.

Only a salt-based water softener have utilizing to produce softer water, healthier skin, and no deposits of lime foam or soap. A salt-based system is a smarter option.

Curious about the effects of water softener salt beyond your home? Learn whether water softener salt can melt ice in our informative article, Will Water Softener Salt Melt Ice, to explore its potential outdoor applications.

Conclusion