The Top 6 Water Softener Myths

Most common worries about water softeners don't hold up. Modern softeners only use salt and water when they need to regenerate, the "slippery" feeling of soft water is clean skin rather than a film, and most people can't taste the sodium a softener adds. The real myth runs the other way: magnetic descalers and salt-free "conditioners" don't actually soften water.

There are a lot of myths out there about water softeners. Some people think they're a waste of money, while others believe they're bad for the environment. Here are the top 6, and the truth behind each one, so you can make an informed decision about whether a softener is right for your home.

Myth #1: Water softeners waste salt and water

One of the biggest myths about water softeners is that they waste salt and water. The truth is, modern water softeners are efficient.

They use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals from hard water, and they only use salt and water when they regenerate. Many modern units regenerate based on how much water you've actually used, rather than on a fixed timer, so they don't regenerate more than they need to.

Myth #2: Softened water leaves a film on your skin

Another common myth is that softened water leaves a slimy film on your skin. It doesn't. Hard water is what leaves a residue behind, because its minerals react with soap to form a film.

People often mistake the smooth, clean feeling of their skin after showering in soft water for a "slimy" residue. Once you get used to it, you won't want to go back to hard water.

Myth #3: Water softeners remove healthy minerals

Some people worry that a water softener will remove healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium from their drinking water. It's true that softeners remove these minerals (that's the whole point!).

But most of the minerals our bodies need come from the food we eat, not the water we drink. And if you'd rather drink unsoftened water, a separate drinking-water tap is an easy option.

Myth #4: Water softeners cost too much to run

Another misconception is that water softeners are expensive to run. There is an initial investment to purchase and install the unit, but the ongoing costs are low.

Salt is relatively cheap, and softeners use very little electricity. In fact, a water softener can save you money in the long run by protecting your appliances and plumbing from damage caused by hard water.

Myth #5: Softened water tastes salty

Many people assume that because water softeners use salt, the water must taste salty. During the softening process, sodium ions are exchanged for calcium and magnesium ions, and most people can't taste the small amount of sodium that adds.

The amount does go up the harder your water is to begin with. If you're watching your sodium intake, a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink removes most of it, or you can use potassium chloride in your softener instead of salt.

Myth #6: Magnetic descalers and conditioners work just as well as water softeners

Finally, some people believe that magnetic descalers or salt-free water conditioners work just as well as water softeners. This one really is a myth.

While these devices may reduce some scale buildup, they don't actually remove the hardness minerals from the water. If you want truly soft water, a salt-based water softener is the way to go. We compare the options in the 3 main ways to get soft, clean water.

Is a water softener worth it?

If you're tired of dealing with hard water problems like dry skin, spotted dishes, and scale in your fixtures and water heater, a water softener is definitely worth considering. See how hard the water is where you live on our water hardness by town page, or contact our water softener team to learn more about your options.