What is Salt-Free Water Conditioning?
Q: Does it soften your water?
A: No, it does not.
Q: Does it remove calcium and magnesium, the elements that cause hard water?
A: No, it does not.
Q: Does it eliminate hard water spotting?
A: No, it does not.
Q: Does it reduce the need for soaps and detergents?
A: No, it does not.
Q: Do the Batelle Study results apply to salt-free devices?A:
No, they do not.
Q: If you test hard water entering a salt-free device, will it still be hard when it comes out?
A: Yes, it will.
Q: Has any salt-free company submitted their device for certification to the Z601 NSF standard for scale reduction?
A: No, they have not.
The Hype vs. The Truth
Salt-free water conditioners come in various shapes, brands, and formulations. However, none of them remove hardness from the water. They only claim to reduce scale build-up in water heating devices. This becomes problematic when water heaters fail after the sale and the warranty has expired. Additionally, most tankless water heater and boiler manufacturers will void the warranty if their systems are connected to hard water or show evidence of hard water entering the heat exchanger.
Some companies use salt-free devices as a marketing tool, promising to install a softener if the customer is dissatisfied. However, they often do not refund the higher price paid for the salt-free device.
Conclusion: Cation exchange water softening remains the trusted, proven, and certified method for effectively removing hard water.
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