8 Water Softener Myths Debunked

Some consumers wait to purchase a water filter or softener because they hear myths or rumors that make them feel nervous or uninterested. Below, you will find a list of the most common myths along with the facts that disprove them. A water softener can benefit your plumbing and any appliances that use water, as well as improve your health. Read on to learn more facts about water softeners.

Myth #1: Some Water Softeners Do Not Use Salt

You can purchase water conditioners that do not use salt. Other filtration technologies and techniques exist. However, what makes a water softener a water softener is that it uses salt. Traditional water softener technology-the kind that uses salt-produces a better conditioning effect than the majority of other water treatment options. So, if you want a true water softener, buy one that uses salt.

Myth #2: Water Softeners Add Unhealthy Amounts of Salt to Your Water

Water softeners use salt to neutralize the chemicals, namely calcium and magnesium ions, that cause hard water. The elements in salt react with the ions, pull them apart, and create new salt-like substances that do not harm your plumbing, appliances, clothes, or skin. For the most part, the salt in your softener stays in your softener, but some sodium does escape.

This marginal percentage of escaping sodium has led to the myth that water softeners put too much sodium in your body, and that sodium leads to inflammation and other health problems. However, only trace amounts of sodium leak into your pipes. So little of it enters your water that it could not affect your health in any way.

Myth #3: Water Softeners Keep Helpful Nutrients Out of Your Water

Your body needs magnesium and calcium, which softeners remove. Because of this function, many people believe that water softeners make them less healthy. However, the magnesium and calcium in your tap water often come in chemical compounds that your body cannot absorb anyway. Additionally, you already get enough magnesium and calcium in your diet, so you do not need the dose in your water.

Myth #4: Softened Water Is Acidic

Some water softeners do lower the water’s pH, and a lower pH does technically count as acidic. However, this technology does not turn your water into a dangerous acid that could harm your body or your plumbing. Your softener simply removes bicarbonates and leaves carbon dioxide behind, and carbon dioxide lowers the pH from a seven to a six. A six still counts as a neutral, not an acid.

Myth #5: Softened Water Leaves a Salty Film on Your Skin

Hard water leaves a calcium and magnesium film on your skin. Softened water does not. The reason you feel filmy when you bathe in softened water is that you actually have clean skin, and that skin feels softer and less dried out. You do not have a film on you.

Myth #6: Softened Water Does Not Rinse Your Soap Off

Again, your skin feels slippery after you bathe not because you have soap or a film on your skin, but because you’ve achieved a more thorough clean. Your softener removes problem chemicals that normally counteract your bath soap and shampoo.

Myth # 7: Water Softeners Purify Your Water

Again, water softeners remove calcium and magnesium. Some remove iron. However, these treatment systems do not purify your water. If you have concerns about heavy metals and biological toxins, invest in a purifier instead.

Myth #8: Water Softeners Cost a Lot of Money

Water conditioners, softeners, and filters become more affordable all the time. Browse what your local experts offer and shop online to find the best deal for your needs.

You will not regret purchasing a water softener. For more information about softeners and other filtration systems, have a look at our other blog posts.