Water hardness is a major problem all over the world. We usually refer to water softeners that use salt to remove hardness. Unfortunately, these softeners are not ideal for people who have heart or kidney problems.
Table Of Contents
−- Best Salt-Free Water Softener Reviews
- What exactly is a salt-free water softener?
- Water softener types
- How do salt-free systems work?
- Before purchasing a salt-free water softener
- Key factors to consider
- The pros and cons of a salt-free system
Because additional salt raises the salt level in the diet, effective water softeners do not use potassium chloride or sodium chloride for these people. In this article, we will learn about the best salt-free water softener for you.
Best Salt-Free Water Softener Reviews
There are many options for water softeners that don’t use salt but still work well. For example, cartridges are used in some water softeners to remove hard compounds from water.
There are electric descalers that generate electromagnetic waves to render hard particles insoluble. Magnetic softeners can also do the job if you want something that doesn’t require electricity.
Let’s figure out which saltless water softener is best for you. Don’t forget to read all the way through.
1. Oneflow + 7100638
OneFlow + provides you with the best salt-free water softener. It employs Template Assisted Crystallization to attract hardening particles from water. It then converts them into harmless microscopic crystal particles.
In other words, the hard particles remain in the water as a crystal suspension. Water flows smoothly through the plumbing to the drain this way.
The kit includes a relief valve for the head assembly and housing, a 20-micron radial flow carbon block cartridge with preinstalled filters, a scale reduction cartridge, two one-inch NPT inlet/outlet adapters, an outlet connector, two inlet/outlet adapter locking pins, an easy-to-install mounting bracket, and a multifunction toolkit.
Pros
- Ideal for scale prevention.
- Safe to drink water.
Cons
- Not a natural softener.
2. Tier 1 chlorine reduction
A chlorine reduction water treatment system is also the best salt-free water softener for the home. The system consists of an 8×44 inch resin tank with a carbon and KDF media blend, a 10×4.5 inch sediment filter with bracket and housing, an 8×44 inch resin tank with a scale inhibiting media blend, nipple(s), a ball valve, and the necessary flex connector (s).
Pros
- It works well with well water
- It is a low-cost and effective DIY system.
Cons
- You can’t use filters in this system.
3. Hqua 5000e
The HQUA 5000E is a sophisticated, frequency-modulated electromagnetic wave system that uses salt-free technology. It sends waves via two cable bands wrapped around the main water pipeline.
The term “resonance” refers to the phenomenon that occurs when the frequency of the electric waves matches the natural frequency of calcium carbonate dissolved in water.
As a result, the dissolved calcium carbonate dissolves in water. It will remain in the water but will not adhere to the plumbing, appliances, or kitchen faucets. As a result, it is one of the best saltless water softeners for the environment.
Pros
- It works well, even on curved pipes
- It is more effective on plastic pipes.
Cons
- It is not a substitute for a water softener.
4. Scalewatcher 2 Star
If you want to install a water softener in a small space and be stress-free, this is the best low-maintenance water softener. Also, if you don’t want anything to accumulate in the water, such as salt, it softens it using electromagnetic rays. These rays break down the hard minerals into small pieces, leaving nothing behind.
Pros
- It works best with plastic pipes.
- It will take 1-3 weeks to take effect.
- A ten-year warranty is provided.
Cons
- Does not work when there is a power outage.
5. Nuvo H2O DPHB
Nuvo is a cutting-edge water softener technology that can reduce the pH level of the water. Chelation is a scientific process that reduces the pH of minerals that cause hardness in water, such as calcium and magnesium.
This best water softener retains these minerals soluble in the water to no longer cause hardness. A mounting backplate, a mounting bracket, a manual, screws, and a housing wrench is included in the kit.
Pros
- The water tastes fantastic.
- A compact unit capable of handling a whole-house water system.
Cons
- Not appropriate for a home with a private well.
6. TurboMag XT6
This best lime water softener attracts hardness and does not flow well through the plumbing system. Magnetic fields are installed on the water supply line. As a result, the field softens when water passes through it. The hard particles are broken down so they can be easily assimilated into the body.
Pros
- Effective despite its small size
- Stops limescale accumulation within days.
- Increase the magnetic fields until it works.
Cons
- No products were discovered.
7. Tier1 Eco Series WH WS SF 1054
This is the best salt-free water softener for the entire house. The kit includes a 10×54-inch resin tank with a scale-inhibiting media blend, a 20×4.5-inch sediment filter with bracket and housing, the necessary flex connector(s), and a ball valve and nipple (s).
Pros
- Excellent at filtering chlorine.
- This water system is ideal for larger households.
Cons
- Not recommended for a new well.
8. Eddy Electronic Descaler ED6002P-US
Eddy is concerned about every homeowner dealing with a hard water issue. As a result, it is designed to be simple for anyone to install. It generates a complex electromagnetic wave via two coils installed around the pipe entering the house.
As a result, limescale’s adhesive properties are no longer present. It also has no negative effects on the water’s beneficial chemical hardness. See the image for an example.
Pros
- Easy to install and detach.
- It is a virtually maintenance-free water system.
- Removes up to 20 grains of hardness per gallon of water.
Cons
- It’s not a perfect descaler.
9. Aquasana Whole House EQ-1000-AST-AMZN
Aquasana designed this water softener to remove all of the hardness in your water with a single system. This system includes Scale Control Media (SCM) softening technology to softeners without introducing sodium.
The rust remover water softener also eliminates pesticides, herbicides, sediment, water-soluble metals, silt, and industrial solvents. The product includes a conditioner tank, salt-free descaler tank, filter tank, and professional installation kit.
Pros
- The water supply tastes pretty good from every faucet.
- It eliminates up to 97 percent of chlorine.
- It requires no maintenance.
Cons
- Does not remove fluoride.
10. iSpring ED2000
The best computerized and innovative water conditioning system eliminates hardness without sodium or any other chemical. It coils two antenna wires around the water pipeline. The coil produces a frequency-modulated and complex electromagnetic waveform. As a result, the solubility increases, and the existing scale buildup dissolves.
Pros
- It provides safe drinking water.
- It can treat hard water with a hardness level of 19 grains per gallon on the hardness scale.
Cons
- Doesn’t work after a 50-foot radius.
What exactly is a salt-free water softener?
As the name implies, a salt-free water softener is a salt-free water softener. This means that the system will employ a different common softening procedure to crystalize hard water minerals rather than eliminating them from the water.
Because salt-free water softeners condition rather than soften water, they may alternatively be referred to as water conditioners.
Water softener types
There are two kinds of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free. You must first understand each type and how it works to decide which is best for you. We’ve summarized each of the major types below:
Salt-based softeners
These are the most common and traditional types of softeners, and as the name implies, they are the exact opposite of salt-free softeners because they use salt. These water softening systems use ion exchange to substitute magnesium and calcium minerals with sodium ions, reducing hard water levels.
This process happens when water flows into a tank containing resin beads that attract hard minerals. Once the resin tank has accumulated enough hard water minerals, it must flush them out and regenerate.
They are popular because they are an excellent choice for those who want to prevent hard water from affecting their plumbing and appliances. However, it is important to note that they entail more servicing than a salt-free system and add sodium to your water.
Salt-free softeners
Because salt-free systems do not work the same way as salt-based water softening systems, they are also known as water descalers or salt-free water conditioners. They do not replace calcium and magnesium ions but alter these minerals, so they don’t adhere to surfaces on pipes and appliances.
It fights hard water on a technical level with a process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC), which uses magnets or cartridges to realign ions and prevent them from attaching to surfaces.
Salt-free softeners are an excellent choice for lowering scale on appliances because they need almost no maintenance and are comparatively easy to install and use.
Dual-tank softeners
Dual-tank softeners are an alternative water softening system built for larger properties with high water usage levels. The primary distinction with this type of water softening system is that it has two large tanks, one of which is a brine tank. While one system is operating, the other is regenerating, providing you with a continuous supply of soft water.
It is worth noting that these systems frequently use salt-based water softening systems rather than salt-free systems and may also include water filtration.
How do salt-free systems work?
Salt-free systems normally follow the same path as traditional salt-based water softeners. The key difference is that they do not remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium but rather change them into a new form that prevents them from adhering to pipes and appliance surfaces.
TAC is used for mineral transformation in salt-free water conditioners. It captures hard minerals, gradually forming micro-crystals that break off and return to the water once they reach a certain size. Because this new form is more stable, they are far less prone to change shape or bind to surfaces.
While this salt-free process is highly effective, it is important to note that it does not remove the minerals. On the other hand, a salt-free system is a fantastic option if you want a low-maintenance, cost-effective way to deal with hard water.
Before purchasing a salt-free water softener
There are notable distinctions between salt-free and salt-based water systems. For example, a salt-based water softener employs salt as a carrier to remove pollutants that harden water, preventing scaling on pipes and making soap sudsier for bathing, washing dishes, and cleaning cloths.
This softener must be supplied with salt regularly, around 40 to 80 pounds each month, for it to function. An electrical connection is also required for these softeners to power the ionization process, which eliminates contaminants from water.
Water softeners that do not require salt or electricity are known as salt-free water softeners. In contrast to salt systems, salt-free systems do not remove particles that cause water to harden.
They instead condition the water so that these particles do not accumulate on faucets and showerheads. While the minerals stay in the water, the conditioning process improves their digestibility. However, a salt-free system is unlikely to be sufficient to soften water in homes with extremely hard water or more significant concerns, such as lead in water.
With these considerations in mind, the first step before deciding on a salt-free water softener is to assess the water quality in residence. A simple water hardness test kit, consisting of a vial, dropper, and liquid soap, can be used for this.
Filling the vial to a certain line with water, adding soap droplets, and shaking the vial to produce suds are all part of the test. The harder the water is, the more droplets of soap it takes to make suds. Water with 7 to 10.5 grains per gallon is considered moderately hard, while water containing more than 10.5 grains per gallon is considered extremely hard.
Key factors to consider
When deciding which saltless water softener is best for your household, some key factors, and features to consider we’ve summarized below:
Type
Polyphosphates
The use of phosphates to soften water is a nearly 200-year-old tradition. However, rather than eliminating impurities from the water, this procedure uses a filtration cartridge to condition the water so that impurities do not cause scaling on pipes or faucets. This device generally keeps appliances from scaling in restaurants and other business environments.
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Electric magnetic softeners, like other salt-free water softeners, do not eliminate particles that create hardness in water but condition them. They soften water by magnetizing the grains, preventing them from adhering to surfaces and producing scaling.
These systems plug into a normal outlet and do not require plumbing, making them an appealing low-maintenance choice for water softening. Magnetic types accomplish the same function as electric models but do not require power and require little to no maintenance. However, they are less powerful and only ideal for tiny dwellings.
Complete filtering
Full filtration systems eliminate pollutants in drinking water in addition to softening it. This salt-free water softener works by putting water through a filter that crystallizes minerals, preventing them from clinging together, causing scaling, and damaging pipes and appliances.
Other contaminants removed include herbicides, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, and chlorine. However, filters for these water softeners can be expensive and only last 6 months to a year.
Capacity
This is the amount of water your preferred water softening system can handle in a given hour or day. It is critical to consider this because the most common complaint and annoyance are when a water filter or softener cannot provide enough water for a household, particularly a busy or larger one.
To completely estimate what capacity you require, it is also necessary to understand where your water supply falls on the hard water scale in your area. The harder it is, the more work is required to process the water. This is true whether you have municipal water or a well.
Once you have your hardness and usage data, you can figure out the most efficient system, which does not always imply buying the largest feasible, as this may be a waste of money. For example, a whole-house salt-free softener is an excellent system, but you may only require a smaller device for individual faucets.
Water Flow Rate and Water Pressure
Because they process the water before it reaches you, any water conditioner, filter, or treatment will affect the flow rate.
As a result, it is critical to investigate whether you have any concerns with your water supply flow rate and what the salt-free water softening system manufacturer states about the performance of their water systems.
The same can be said for water pressure and quality, as the lower these are, the harder the water systems work.
Other contaminants
You may wish to remediate other impurities in your drinking water and lower the hardness level. Installing a saltless water softener alongside a whole-house water filter is an excellent method to improve your overall water quality and access better-tasting, cleaner, safer, and healthier water.
Some manufacturers provide bundle packages that allow you to purchase a water softener and a water filter together, which is worth considering if you also need a whole-house water filter.
Control and features of the system
It’s a major bonus to have a simple water conditioning machine to set up and use. Most water conditioners include a digital control panel that allows you to monitor the system and be warned when the media needs to be changed. For example, backlit screens and touch displays will make navigating your system’s information easier.
Available space
Although salt-free conditioners take up less space than salt water softeners, appropriate space is still required for installation and maintenance. First, measure the area where you intend to place the water softeners and compare the dimensions to those of the water softeners you’re considering. Then, ensure you have adequate space to install the system and replace the resin comfortably.
Certifications
When a softening system obtains third-party certification, it signifies that an unbiased entity has tested the system and determined that its performance claims are true.
When looking for water softeners, the most common certifications you’ll come across are NSF/ANSI Standard 61 and NSF/ANSI Standard 42, which both pertain to structural integrity. However, no certification demonstrates that a water softener reduces hardness levels or scale buildup, proving this would be extremely difficult with a salt-free water system.
Price
Following the initial purchase, there are only a few expenditures associated with running a saltless water system. Specifically, the system will almost certainly require electricity to function, which means it will add to your electricity cost – albeit not much.
You must replace the softening medium if you have a resin-based TAC softener. However, when comparing saltless vs. salt-based softeners, you will need to pay significantly less per gallon of water softening. This is especially true if you use a magnetic water softener, which lacks a media bed and requires no maintenance.
Installation
Fortunately, most salt-free water softeners are simple to install and require no technical knowledge. This means you won’t have to pay a professional plumber to assist you, lowering the cost of installing a new water softening system.
If you own an existing water filtration system or a well water supply, you must ensure that your new salt-free water softening system can be installed properly.
Lifespan
When purchasing a new saltless water softener or any water filtering system, you want to know how long it will perform and how long it will last at the expected rate. In addition, you don’t want to replace parts or the entire system frequently.
Otherwise, it becomes an annoyance and an added expenditure. This implies that it isn’t always the best idea to go with the cheapest option; instead, consider performance levels and user reviews to choose one that meets your requirements.
The pros and cons of a salt-free system
There are numerous advantages to using a salt-free water softening system in your home, but it is important to understand the potential drawbacks. This way, you can decide whether salt-free softeners are the way to go or if a standard salt-based water softener system is preferable for you.
Pros
There are numerous advantages to purchasing one of the best salt-free water softeners for your home, including:
There is no additional salt.
Because these are salt-free methods, you are not adding salt to the process, which is a tremendous health benefit. Many people are sensitive about what they put into their bodies, and some have medical conditions that require them to consume a lot of sodium.
Maintenance-free
Once installed, a salt-free system requires almost minimal maintenance, which is simple enough in most circumstances. They do not require additional parts or the replenishment of salt or chemicals when they become depleted.
This means you can configure the salt-free system and forget about it, except for the occasional check to ensure the water softening process continues as intended.
No residue
Due to the scientific process that salt-free softeners use, you will no longer struggle with hard water, which leaves white residue on surfaces such as glasses and sinks.
This is because a salt-free softener changes the minerals into a new form, preventing them from adhering to surfaces. While this does not imply soft water, it helps alleviate this common concern about hard water.
Reduces scale buildup
Scale buildup in faucets, pipes, and appliances is one of the most serious concerns caused by hard water. In the long run, this may cause appliances and pipelines to lose function, break, and need to be replaced, which can be an expensive side effect of not processing hard water properly. In addition, if there is a scale buildup, you may notice a bad odor from faucets when you run tap or shower water.
A water conditioner, such as the salt-free softening systems on our list, helps to decrease this problem by changing the structure of minerals and preventing residue from forming because they can no longer bind to surfaces in pipes and faucets.
It saves space
Saltless water softeners have a substantially smaller footprint than salt-based water softeners since they do not require two enormous brine and resin tanks. Instead, they typically consist of a single tank containing the TAC resin. If you get a magnetic water softener, you will not need a tank; instead, magnets will be put on either side of your water line.
It does not always make use of power.
With a salt-based softener, you can’t avoid using electricity because it has to be connected to a power supply to know when to regenerate. While some saltless water softening systems require a power supply, most water softeners do not.
It does not squander water.
One of the most significant advantages of salt-free softeners is that no water is wasted during the softening process. Water waste is unavoidable with salt-based water softeners; when the resin tank contains calcium and magnesium ions, it must be flushed with water. There is no regeneration process with TAC-based water softening. Hence no water is wasted.
It does not remove beneficial minerals from water.
Although calcium and magnesium minerals produce annoying water hardness difficulties, they benefit our health and provide water with an alkaline flavor that most people appreciate.
A salt-based water softener entirely removes these water hardness minerals from the water, whereas salt-free water softeners just change their structure. This means you can still reap the health advantages of calcium and magnesium without dealing with hard water concerns.
Cons
While there are many reasons why a salt-free softener is a good choice for your family, it is vital to be aware of any drawbacks, so make sure you are not affected by any of the following:
It will not create water that is soft to the touch
Your water will not feel soft if you use a salt-free water conditioner (i.e., silky smooth, as salt-softened water feels). This is due to calcium and magnesium water hardness ions in your water.
Softeners that use salt are not as effective.
Because salt-free water softeners do not truly eliminate hard water minerals, you will most likely still notice scale. In addition, while a salt-free softening system can combat limescale, it is not as effective as a salt-based water softener.
It takes longer to see results.
Salt-based water softeners typically produce effects faster than saltless water softeners. This is due to the enhanced efficacy of the salt-based softening process.
It is difficult to demonstrate that they work.
It is obvious when a salt-based water softener is working because there are no longer any hard water minerals present. If you tested the hardness levels in your water, you’d know right once that it was soft.
However, if you tested conditioned water, it would still measure at the same hardness level as before the softener because the hard water minerals are still present. As a result, knowing for certain that your water will not develop scale is difficult, as there is no proof to go on. Therefore, you can only take a “wait and see” approach.
It is still hard water.
The biggest disadvantage of a water softening system is that it does not convert hard water to soft water. Instead, it will change the design and shape of the ions to prevent them from sticking to surfaces while allowing them to remain in the water supply.
This isn’t a huge issue because you’re still addressing the fundamental issue of scale building and residue without adding salt to your water source.
FAQs
Is salt-free water softeners any good?
Depending on your needs, the finest nonsalt water softener can be effective. They are the most effective in removing limescale build-up from your pipes and appliances but remember that this water softening treatment does not technically remove pollutants. Instead, it changes the water at the molecular level to make it safer to drink.
How do salt-free softeners remove hard minerals without the use of salt?
Salt-free units do not remove minerals; instead, they prevent scale formation.
Do salt-free water softeners eliminate iron?
Salt-free water softeners remove trace amounts of iron from water but are not designed to handle significant iron levels. In these circumstances, a standard water softener is the best option.
When would I prefer a salt-based water softener?
A: If you don’t mind the extra maintenance required by salt-based water treatment systems, you might prefer them for a more comprehensive, testable softening solution.
What are the advantages of a salt-free softening system for me and my home?
When you install a saltless water softener system, you will notice a significant reduction in the hardness level of your water supply. This implies that your appliances and water systems require less frequent cleaning and should last longer without scaling. The use of soft water should also improve the health of your skin and hair.
Is it safe to use salt-free water softeners?
They are generally in good health. For example, the water you drink from a salt-free water softener is healthier and better for your hair, skin, and nails. Alternative ways to make the water healthier include using a mix of salt-free conditioning and water filters.
Is it possible to use a whole-house salt-free system with both tap and well water?
Yes, these water systems may be utilized with city and well water.
What are the most reliable salt-free softener brands?
We review many water softening systems and have a lot of knowledge about the top manufacturers. Regarding salt-free water softeners, we featured several companies in our past assessments. Pelican appears to be among the most popular, with nearly all users giving it positive feedback. We also like implementing the OneFlow system because it is simple, inexpensive, and incredibly effective.
What is the price of a salt-free water softener?
This will be determined by the sophistication of the system you select. Naturally, the cost of systems with more features will be greater, but on average, a salt-free water softener will cost anywhere from $400 to over $1500 for the top-of-the-line system.
How can I tell whether my water softener is working?
A water softener should keep deposits from accumulating on faucets, sinks, and toilets. When showering, less soap and shampoo should be required to produce suds. Use a simple water hardness test kit for a more scientific approach to determine how effective a water softener is.
Is it necessary to conduct a water test?
A comprehensive water analysis is always a good idea! Go to Tap Score to purchase your test water kit.
How long is my salt-free water softener going to last?
This is determined by the type of salt-free water softener used. For example, an electromagnetic water softener can survive for 40 years, but an enclosed filter-based water softener can last for up to 6 years before needing to be replaced.
What is the best way to clean my salt-free water softener?
Most salt-free water softeners don’t need to be cleaned at all. Filter-based water softeners are contained and do not need to be cleaned. When the filter expires, simply replace it. Electromagnetic water softeners with coils that fit around pipes require little to no maintenance. Check the device regularly to ensure that dust and grime are not gathering around the coils. If this is the case, vacuum up any dirt.
Jay
Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."
