Which water softener actually works?

The answer to the question ‘Which water softener actually works?’ is: a water softener which removes limescale from the water 100%. If you’re to believe the stories and adverts on the internet, the radio and TV, water softeners are the ultimate solution to all your limescale problems. But what do water softeners actually do? And which ones really work? And the most important question for you: Which water softener should you buy??

The different types of water softeners

It is important to distinguish between the different types of water softeners. They can be divided into two categories: water softeners that do not remove all the limescale from the water, and water softeners that do remove 100% of the limescale from the water. There are various products that fall into these categories. To give you a clear picture, we’ll explain it to you.

1. Water softeners that do not remove limescale from the water

These are water softeners such as the well-known magnetic models and filter-based devices, such as the Big Green and One Flow. Both devices claim to render the limescale harmless, as it were, but the limescale actually remains in the water. So, in fact, they aren’t really water softeners either. But what are they, then?

Magnetic water softeners

You’ll have seen them in the adverts: magnetic water softeners. These descaling devices work on a magnetic principle and are said to bind the limescale in the water, preventing it from sticking to the pipes. The main advantage is that they’re cheap, but apart from keeping moles out of the garden, these water softeners don’t really work. You can buy them for just a few tens, but that’s actually too much money to pay for a simple magnet. What’s more, these are the systems we at Mooiwater replace most often.

See also: Do magnetic water softeners work?

Filter systems without salt or resin

As well as magnetic water softeners, there are also filter systems that do not use salt or resin, such as Big Green or One Flow. These systems allow the water to flow through a filter, after which minerals are bound into crystals. These minerals then clump together, causing the lime can no longer build up in appliances, pipes and bathrooms. In practice, we find that you will still experience limescale build-up and that, over time, these systems are eventually replaced by genuine water softeners. Just like magnetic water softeners, these water softeners do not actually work. On the magnetic water softeners These are also the systems we replace most often at Mooiwater. That’s a shame, because these systems aren’t cheap.

2. The water softeners that do remove 100% of limescale from the water

So which appliances actually work? The water softeners that are guaranteed to remove limescale from the water (100%). These water softeners using a resin tank, which removes all the limescale from the water. When this resin tank is full, it is flushed clean with brine. This is also why this system requires salt. This brine is discharged outside via the drain, ensuring that no limescale remains in the system and you no longer suffer from limescale build-up.

Would you like to know how much a proper water softener costs? Then take a look at: How much does a water softener cost?

Electric or non-electric water softener?

When it comes to proper water softeners, you can choose between an electric water softener (also known as a smart water softener) and a non-electric one. The video below explains the difference between these two types of water softener. This video shows that you get far more benefits from an electric water softener than from a non-electric one. This is because a smart water softener offers lower running costs, whilst a non-electric model is an expensive and outdated piece of kit.

See also: All water softeners operate without electricity

Water softeners in various sizes

Water softeners come in various sizes. At Mooiwater in particular, we offer a range of water softeners in all sorts of sizes. This is important, as you need to choose a water softener that suits your water consumption. At Mooiwater, we offer the smallest water softeners in the Netherlands. Thanks to their compact size, they almost always fit in the desired location. In practice, we often find that even the smallest model offers more than enough capacity, meaning you’ll rarely run short. However, you can also choose a larger model. This offers added convenience, as you’ll need to top up the salt less often.