What Does a Water Conditioner Do?

Water conditioners transform hard water by reducing minerals that cause scale buildup. Learn how softeners work and the benefits for homes in Tampa Bay, FL.

Living in Tampa Bay means dealing with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals that can lead to dry skin, dull hair, stained fixtures, scaled plumbing and reduced efficiency of water-using appliances. A water conditioner is an essential device that can transform the quality of water in your home.

How Do Water Conditioners Work?

Water conditioners work by removing or reducing the minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause water hardness. The most common type is a salt-based ion exchange water softener.

The softener contains resin beads that are covered with sodium ions. As hard water passes through the softener tank, the resin beads attract and grab ahold of the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. The minerals stick to the beads while the sodium ions are displaced into the water. This ion exchange process transforms the mineral ions into harmless sodium ions, softening the water.

Once the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium, a regeneration process clears the buildup. Salt in the brine tank gets dissolved into a brine solution which washes over the resin beads, recharging them with sodium so the beads can continue softening hard water.

Benefits of Using a Water Softener

Installing a water softener provides many advantages:

Saves money - Softened water extends the life of water heaters, pipes, faucets and appliances by preventing scale buildup. Fewer repairs mean fewer costs. Soft water also allows you to use less detergent.
Better personal hygiene - Soft water creates more lather from soap and shampoo, rinses cleaner and leaves skin and hair feeling smoother.
Protects plumbing - Mineral scale can reduce flow in pipes and damage water-using appliances. Soft water prevents costly clogs and corrosion.
Removes existing scale - Over time a softener can dissolve and wash away existing scale on fixtures and in pipes.
Improves cleaning ability - Soft water allows detergents and soaps to dissolve and activate more efficiently for better cleaning with less effort.

Choosing the Right Water Softener

With the AquaLux Water Softener, you can enjoy softened water throughout your entire home. This whole house system removes hardness-causing calcium and magnesium ions as water enters your plumbing.

The Fleck digital metered valve allows you to adjust settings and closely monitor usage. The corrosion-resistant mineral tank is made of composite material for durability and strength.

Make sure to size your softener properly for your household needs. A water test can measure the hardness level and volume used so a softener can be rightly sized for optimal efficiency.

Softener Alternatives for Problem Water Issues

While a softener is ideal for reducing water hardness, other water quality issues may need additional solutions:

Rusty colored water - An AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter uses oxidation filtration to effectively remove iron and sulfur particles that stain sinks and laundry.
Cloudy water - The AquaBlue Whole House Filter system filters out sediment and particles, resulting in clear water for bathing, cleaning and drinking.
Bacteria concerns - The AquaGuard UV SYSTEM utilizes ultraviolet light technology to inactivate and kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens without chemicals.
Well water treatment - WellFusion Well Water Systems combine filtration and softening with UV disinfection to address multiple contaminants like iron, sulfur, manganese, and bacteria in well water sources.

Commercial Water Softening Systems

Larger facilities like restaurants, hotels, medical centers and apartment buildings that use high volumes of water need commercial-grade water softeners. The HydroTech Pro Commercial Water Treatment Systems effectively soften water for commercial applications.

These systems come with twin alternating tanks sized for high demand needs. The full-featured controller allows you to program based on water usage. Commercial softeners reduce scale and soap scum and enhance operations.

Getting a Water Softener for Your Home

Transforming your tap water with a quality water softener brings numerous benefits. To get started, contact Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions to schedule a free water test. Their water experts will assess your water, recommend the right solutions, and provide options to fit your budget. Enjoy softened water throughout your home and the advantages it brings.