What is the Difference between a Water Conditioner and a Water Softener?
Many people wonder whether there is a difference between a water conditioner and a water softener. At RainSoft, we use the terms interchangeably. The reason many people refer to a water conditioner as a softener is because these systems improve the quality of hard water. It may seem strange to refer to water as being “hard,” but this actually refers to the minerals found in the water, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals leave behind buildup or calcification, which can accumulate in your tubs, sinks, and water-using appliances – not to mention your skin, hair, clothes, and dishes. A water conditioner system, or softener system, replaces calcium and magnesium ions in your home’s water with sodium or potassium ions, providing soft water that rinses more cleanly.
There are many benefits to having soft water in your home, such as:
- It is easier to clean sinks and bathtubs, because you do not need to scrub away layers of calcification.
- Softened water does not leave behind mineral buildup in the pipes of your home, lengthening the life of your plumbing.
- Water-using appliances accumulate less mineral buildup, lengthening the life of dishwashers and washing machines. A water conditioner also prevents mineral accumulation on the items in the appliances, resulting in spotless dishes from the dishwasher and softer clothes from the washing machine.
- Showering is more enjoyable, because softened water improves soap and shampoo’s ability to lather and clean, and also leaves hair and skin feeling softer and smoother.
At RainSoft, we have a variety of water conditioner systems that can help reduce the hardness of water so you can enjoy the many benefits of soft water. Contact an authorized RainSoft dealer today to set up a complimentary in-home consultation.
