Water Conditioner Vs Water Softener

The mechanism of action mainly makes water conditioners different from softening systems. Some other factors that differentiate those two are— maintenance, efficiency against scale buildup, cleaning effects, and environmental impact. 

Hard water can be quite hard to handle. It bears multiple problems that can wash away your peace of mind. 

Pubmed says that—

Around 884 million people consume hard water, meaning they also face related issues.

Are you tired of the water’s hard nature? Time to soften them up.

Introducing the power-duo: Water softeners and conditioners.

They work to make your H2-Oh-So-Good!

Interestingly, both have different personalities, procedures, and pain points with only one similar purpose— 

• To improve water quality by preventing scale deposits
  

About Hard and Soft Water

The journey of water starts “Soft” when it falls as rainwater. It’s the circumstances, more precisely minerals, that turn the water “Hard”. 

What is Hard Water?

Water— rich in minerals. 

Hard water represents water with high amounts of dissolved salts and minerals. They’re mostly calcium and magnesium. 

Anything that goes above 1.5 to over 7 GPG is hard water. 

Now, how does your water become hard? 

When the water flows through several pathways from groundwater to your faucet, it picks up some stuff. This includes minerals from rock deposits like– 

• Gypsum
• Limestone
• Halite
• Chalk

The minerals dissolve into the water as they flow while the rocks turn it hard. 

Common Problems of Hard Water

• Scale buildup
• Reduced appliance efficiency
• Clogged pipes
• White spots
• Soap scum
• Chalk-like or bitter taste 

What is Soft Water?

Water– super low in minerals. 

Soft water refers to water that’s almost free to free of dissolved minerals. Typically, water below 1 to 1.5 GPG represents soft water. 

It stays in its softest form while falling as rainwater. There are fewer to no minerals. Hence they remain soft. As it starts moving through groundwater, it collects minerals and becomes hard. 

However, you can make the water soft again through different methods like–

• Water softening system
• Water conditioner

Benefits Of Soft Water

• Smooth tasting water
• Neutral smell
• Crystal clear
• Soft skin
• Healthy hair
• Reduced risk of kidney stones
• Better lather
  

Water Hardness

You can measure water hardness through two units— 

• Grains per gallon (GPG) 
• Parts per million (PPM) or Milligrams per liter (mg/L)

GPG measures the level based on a number of grains of dissolved minerals per gallon of water. 

Contrariwise, PPM measures the concentration of minerals living in water. It means how many milligrams of minerals are there in one liter of water. 

As per the Water Quality Association, the classification of hardness level looks like this— 

Water Softeners

A device to soften water.

A water softening system is a water treatment unit. It uses an “ion exchange” method to soften water. 

This helps you get rid of hard water problems like—

• White spots
• Scale buildups
• And many more 

Want a reliable water softener? Get one from NJ Water Systems now!

The device replaces the mineral ions in hard water with salt ions. 

Inside the unit, there are tiny resin beads that hold negative ions like sodium and potassium. Basically, salt. 

Here, 

• The beads have a negative charge 
• The minerals have a positive charge

So, when the hard water flows, the minerals stick to resin beads. Ion exchange happens and the beads replace them with salt. 

This softens the water that finally comes out of your faucet. That sums up the process of the water softening system. 

The functioning of the softener doesn’t end there. 

Over time, the resin beads get full of hard minerals and can’t hold more. So, you add salt (mostly sodium chloride) to the system. 

This recharges the beads by pushing the minerals out and replacing them with sodium ions again. That’s how the regeneration cycle works. 

Pros of Water Softeners 

• Effective hardness removal
• Improved soap efficiency
• Protection of plumbing systems

Cons of Water Softeners 

• Regular maintenance
• Increased sodium levels in water
• Environmental concerns
  

Popular Water Softener Brands

• NJ Water Systems 
• Culligan
• Fleck
  

Water Conditioners 

A solution to manipulate mineral traits. 

Water Conditioners are formulations that soften water differently. 

They don’t actually remove minerals. Instead, they alter their structure, chemistry, and physical properties with different technologies. The techs can be— 

Such a change helps prevent scale buildup without adding salt or chemicals to the water.

Pros of Water Conditioners

• Maintenance-free
• Environmentally friendly
• Retains beneficial minerals

Cons of Water Conditioners 

• Less effective in preventing soap scum
• May not be suitable for very hard water areas
• Doesn’t completely remove minerals

Popular Water Conditioner Brands

• Pelican 
• Scaleblaster
• Aquasana SimplySoft

Water Softeners and Water Conditioners: Comparison Table

Key Differences Between Water Softeners and Water Conditioners

Mechanism of Action

The water softening system works like a superhero for your water. It swaps these hard minerals for sodium or potassium through an ion exchange method. This helps remove minerals and soften water. 

However, water conditioners don’t remove those hard minerals. The formulations rather change how minerals behave through methods like TAC or electromagnetic waves. So, the minerals stay in your water, but they won’t stick to surfaces as easily.

Maintenance Requirements

Water softeners need a bit of TLC. It’s because they regenerate periodically to keep things running smoothly.

So, you need to—

• Refill it with salt every 1-3 months
• Clean the resin bed twice a year
• Replace the bed once in 5-10 years and
• Sometimes— do a system regeneration

With water conditioners, you don’t face much hassle. These guys are super low-maintenance. They don’t use salt or have moving parts. So, there’s almost nothing to do. 

The most advanced options may have filters. That’s the only thing you have to change every 3 to 5 years. 

Environmental Impact

Here, the water softener loses a point. A noticeable downside of such devices is the brine discharge.

They release salty water (brine) when they clean themselves. This salty water can be bad for aquatic life, fish, and plants in local waterways. How?

Because the salt alters the salinity of freshwater ecosystems. Increased salinity can—

• Disrupt the balance of nutrients and
• Harm organisms that are sensitive to changes in salt levels

A softener can discharge up to 120 gallons of brine per regen cycle. It varies based on the model and water chemistry. 

Several studies have shown the adverse effects of elevated salinity in water. 

The good news is that there are many better alternatives available. You can consider—

• Eco-friendly softeners
• Devices that use less salt, or 
• Reverse osmosis units

Looking for a reliable RO system? Try NJ Water Systems today!

Now, what about water conditioners?

Well, they don’t produce brine or wastewater. So, they’re naturally a sustainable option. 

The formulations condition water to prevent scale buildup and improve water quality without any salt or harsh chemicals. This makes them environmentally friendly for homeowners.

Effectiveness Against Scale Buildup

Water softeners take the cake in this case. 

The devices are super effective at preventing scale. They completely take those hard minerals out of the water, bring it down to 1 GPG, and soften the water.

So, they can effectively stop scales from forming on the surface. Your plumbing stays clean and your appliances work better for longer

Water conditioners work differently. They focus on changing the traits of minerals and stopping them from sticking to the surface. 

However, since the minerals linger in water even after conditioning, you may notice some scale. Then again, they’re easier to clean. 

Soap and Cleaning

Softened water allows soap to lather more effectively. 

The soap creates more bubbles and foam that make it easier to clean your skin and other stuff. Not just that, you enjoy benefits like–

• Efficient use of detergents and soap
• Low water use
• Reduced utility bill 

An article even mentions that—

• Soft water can reduce detergent use by 50%. 

Conditioned water may not deliver the same lathering power as soft water. 

It can prevent scale deposits to a great extent. However, you may notice that soaps don’t foam and clean as well as softened water. Such a reduction in cleaning efficiency can be an issue. It can lead to— 

• More usage of cleaning products and high energy consumption. 

Cost Comparison: Water Conditioner vs. Water Softener

Initial Cost

• Water softeners: $500 - $2,500 (varies by system size and brand).
• Water conditioners: $400 - $1,500 (varies by technology and brand).

Installation Costs

• Water softeners: $300 - $1,000 (may require professional installation).
• Water conditioners: $150 - $800 (some are DIY-friendly).

Ongoing Costs

• Water softeners: Salt refills ($50 - $200 per year), occasional servicing, energy usage.
• Water conditioners: Minimal or no ongoing costs.

Long-Term Savings

Water softeners can extend appliance lifespan and reduce detergent usage. However, the con is higher ongoing costs.

Water conditioners can ensure lower maintenance costs. Then again, they may not provide the same level of hardness control.

Can You Use a Water Softener and Water Conditioner Together?

Of course! Both water softener and conditioner can work great together. The combination can provide you with the best water quality. However, the main question is— 

Is it Necessary?

You don’t have to use both systems. There isn’t any strict law. 

However, combining both can provide you with several advantages. 

Benefits of Combining Both

Lower Sodium Levels

Conditioners can help reduce the amount of sodium that ends up in your water from softeners. This makes it a healthier option for those concerned about sodium intake.

Enhanced Protection

The conditioner can help minimize scale buildup in piping. Meanwhile, the softener ensures a longer lifespan of pipes/appliances, smoother taste, better soap lathering, and cleaning efficiency.

Comprehensive Coverage

A softener improves rinsing quality. On the flip side, a conditioner tackles the formation of limescale. 

So, both will offer a holistic approach to water quality.

When to Consider Both

Water Hardness Levels

Check how hard your water is. If it’s hard and the level is over 7 GPG, pick both. The combination can help tackle different issues more efficiently. 

While the softener will remove minerals, the conditioner will stop them from sticking to the surface. 

Sodium Concerns

Have health concerns related to sodium intake? 

If it’s a yes, pick both. 

The reason is that— using just a water softener can raise sodium levels in your drinking water. Here, pairing a water conditioner with a softener can lower that level. 

The conditioner also helps manage how much sodium leaches into the water. Eventually, it gives you the benefits of softening without increasing salt intake.

Longer Appliance Lifespan

Want to make your dishwasher and water heaters last longer?

Choose both. The softener will remove the minerals that degrade the strength of your appliances. Meanwhile, the conditioner will prevent stubborn scale formation.

Better Water Experience

Using both units can bring multiple cleaning and aesthetic benefits— 

• Spot-free dishes
• Brighter laundry
• Cleaner faucets and fixtures

Which One is Right for You?

Choose a Water Softener If

• Your water hardness is high (above 10 grains per gallon)
• You have issues with soap scum, stiff laundry, or dry skin
• You don’t mind the maintenance of salt refills

Choose a Water Conditioner If

• You want low-maintenance, eco-friendly water treatment
• Your water hardness is moderate (below 10 grains per gallon)
• You don’t want added sodium in your water

Best for Well Water?

• Water softeners are typically better for well water with high hardness levels.
• Conditioners may work if well water contains lower mineral levels.

Best Water Conditioner and Water Softener Brands

Best Water Softeners

NJ Water Systems

Highly rated for whole-house use.

Culligan High-Efficiency Water Softener

Premium brand with professional installation.

Whirlpool WHES40 

Affordable and reliable for small homes.

Best Water Conditioners

Pelican NaturSoft

High-efficiency salt-free conditioner.

Scaleblaster SB-75 

Electromagnetic water conditioning system.

Aquasana SimplySoft 

Ideal for chlorine-heavy municipal water.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does a water conditioner actually soften water?

Not exactly. Water conditioners alter the traits of minerals. They help prevent scale buildup and maintain water quality without removing the minerals. So, the water may stay slightly hard but the quality improves. 

Is conditioned water better for drinking?

Yes. Conditioned water is treated to retain its beneficial minerals without adding sodium or chemicals. This makes it suitable for those who are on low-sodium diets. 

Do water softeners increase sodium in drinking water?

Yes. Water softener's main function is to use salt i.e. sodium. This is for the ion exchange process. It results in increased sodium levels in softened water. 

Can a water conditioner remove chlorine?

Most water conditioners can’t remove chlorine. If you want to address this issue, get a separate filtration system that filters chlorine. 

Do water softeners work for iron removal?

Some water softeners can manage to remove iron to some extent. However, they aren’t designed for iron removal. If you want to focus on such an issue, get a dedicated filtration system that filters iron. 

What is better for a tankless water heater—softener or conditioner?

A water softener. The softening system completely removes minerals that can lead to scale buildup and ensures effective operation. This makes it a better pick for the tankless water heater.

How long does a water softener or conditioner last?

10 to 20 years. As long as you maintain it properly, the softener or conditioner can last 2 decades. Make sure to check regularly.