Water Softener vs Reverse Osmosis (RO) - What to Pick?

Water is the socialite of molecules. 

It easily mingles with minerals, microbes, or both. That’s why: 

2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe water. [Source: Water.org]

Any stranger that enters the world of water isn’t a good sign. Most of them are enemies that our noob water doesn’t understand.   

The invisible ones can be the most vicious. You end up facing several problems, like–

• Clogging
• Corroded appliances
• Staining
• Health risks
• Skin and hair dryness 

To fight them, there are 2 prominent superheroes: Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis. 

Both have different purposes, so they do the job differently. 

A Water Softener is a pro at removing minerals and softening water, whereas Reverse Osmosis eliminates all impurities and purifies water.

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So, if you have to choose one, ask your water who is residing with its molecules. Then, choose your hero accordingly.

Water Softener vs Reverse Osmosis Comparison Table

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What Is Water Softeners?

Ion exchange system. 

Water Softener is a whole-house water treatment system. It softens water with a special method called “ion exchange”.

This means that the device replaces mineral ions in hard water with salt ions. 

Minerals like calcium and magnesium are the main culprits of hard water. These offenders cause several problems:

• Limescale deposits 
• Spots 
• Lowering appliance and plumbing lifespan
• Rough skin and hair

The softening system helps filter them and help soften the water. It consists of the following components:

• Resin tank
• Brine tank
• Control valve

How Does It Work?

The device has tiny resin beads in a tank that house sodium and potassium salts. 

When hard water flows through the tank, the positive ions of minerals stick to the beads with negative salt ions. This causes ion exchange and replaces minerals with salts. Consequently, it turns hard water soft. 

That’s the main process of the water softening system. 

Note that the method requires regular upkeep. There’s a salt refill and resin bed replacement.

Benefits

• Reduction of limescale buildup.
• Extended lifespan of appliances.
• Softer skin and hair.

Limitations

• Doesn’t remove all contaminants like microbes and chlorine.
• Regular upkeep requirements.

What Is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?

The semipermeable membrane is the star here. 

Reverse Osmosis is a multi-tasking filter. It helps purify water through a special filter that blocks larger impurities but allows cleaner water molecules to pass. 

This ensures you get pure water from the system. 

Here are some impurities RO system traps and filters out:

• Chemicals like minerals and chlorine 
• Volatile Organic Compounds
• Agents and additives
• Dissolved salts
• Heavy metals
• Biological contaminants
• Particulate matter

Since it removes minerals to a good extent, you can relish both pure and soft water. 

In short, the device is there to ensure: 

• A smoother taste
• Neutral smell
• Crystal clear water

How Does It Work?

It uses ultra-high pressure and pushes contaminated water through a special filter: the semi-porous membrane. 

Water enters the RO filtration system and faces pre-filters first. They catch larger particles like sediment.

Then it goes through the semi-porous filter. This blocks tiny and invisible contaminants like lead, chlorine, minerals, fluoride, arsenic, and microbes.

Finally, clean water goes through post-filters. They remove the remaining bad taste and odors before reaching your faucet. 

That’s how Reverse Osmosis works. 

Benefits

• Removes a wide range of contaminants.
• Improves taste and odor of water.
• Enhances flavor profiles for cooking and drinking. 

Limitations

• Potential for water wastage during the process. 
• It may remove beneficial minerals.

Water Softener Vs Reverse Osmosis: A Comparative Analysis

Water Quality 

A Water Softener has just one enemy: hard water. Meanwhile, Reverse Osmosis has a bunch of them: contaminants. 

A water-softening system makes the liquid feel better and improves the quality: to some extent.

It targets minerals, mostly calcium and magnesium. They’re the ones that make your water hard. So, they swap out those minerals for sodium or potassium and turn the water soft.

This helps prevent:

• Limescale buildup 
• Degradation of appliances and 
• Corrosion of plumbing fixtures 

Result: The stuff lives longer. 

Reverse Osmosis is a little different. It filters up to 95% of impurities like microbes, dirt, and lots of chemicals with a semi-porous membrane. The minute holes help cleaner water molecules pass through. Meanwhile, the bad stuff gets left behind.

A water softener makes hard water soft, whereas RO makes water purer. 

Although RO removes some minerals, it’s not effective enough to prevent scale buildup.

Contrariwise, softener removes minerals while leaving behind some major contaminants. 

Winner: Both for different reasons

Cleaning Factors

One provides major perks, whereas the other one is slightly low-key. 

With a softener, you get smoother water. This helps make soaps and detergents lather better. 

It means fewer cleaning products for showers, laundry, and dishes. Eventually, this saves you money in the long run. 

A report by the Water Quality Research Foundation highlights that: 

"Soft water can lower detergent use by around 50% as there’s no soap scum."

Reverse Osmosis doesn’t give you noticeable results. 

However, the only benefit is that there aren’t any impurities. So, the water won’t contaminate the dishes, clothes, or your skin as you clean it. 

Winner: Water Softener 

Effects on Hair and Skin 

Both offer perks but differently. 

Softened water has low to no minerals. This helps prevent dryness and irritation. So, it can lead to softer hair and skin. 

Minerals usually strip away natural oils from the skin and stick to the hair shaft. This causes your skin and hair to go dry. Water Softener prevents that by providing softer water. 

On the flip side, Reverse Osmosis provides pure, clean water. It’s free from contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, VOC, and microbes. 

This is also beneficial for your skin and hair since there isn’t any unwanted stuff to irritate. 

RO water mainly works on the skin but also through consumption. Purified water is effective in improving skin health.

One study found that: 

"Drinking pure water helps improve skin hydration."

In short, a Water Softener helps improve skin and hair externally by making them soft. Reverse Osmosis helps improve skin health internally through hydration. 

Winner: RO for skin and Softener for skin+health

Taste and Smell

The softening device makes it salty, while RO makes it smoother. 

Water Softeners mainly lower the mineral content by up to 0%. They do that by replacing hard minerals like calcium and magnesium with sodium.

This can make the water taste a little saltier. Some people may not like that.

Then again, the difference is super subtle. 

The main benefit is that softened water prevents scale buildup. This can help avoid unpleasant tastes caused by plumbing issues.

As for the smell, it should be pretty neutral. However, if there are other impurities, there might be some odor the softener can’t remove. 

Reverse Osmosis systems shine brighter when it comes to taste and smell. 

Contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria can make water taste “off”. You may get a rotten egg or metal-like odor, too. 

RO filter removes all that bad taste and smell.  

As per the Water Quality Association–

Water treatment is beneficial for taste and smell as it filters the impurities and improves the water quality. 

This also works to enhance your drinking experience. Plus, it enhances the flavor of your dishes and drinks since the water tastes smooth. 

Winner: Reverse Osmosis   

Environmental Impact

Both have a nature that ends up harming our nature. 

Water Softener releases salty water when it cleans itself. This can affect the marine life in local waterways. 

It’s because the salt is notorious for altering the salinity of freshwater ecosystems. When there's more salt, it can:

• Throw off the balance of nutrients
• Hurt organisms that are sensitive to the salt

There’s one study that has highlighted:

“The adverse effects of elevated salinity in water on ecosystems.”

In that case, it’s better to opt for alternatives like salt-free devices, eco-friendly Softeners, and RO systems.

Speaking of which, Reverse Osmosis affects the environment differently. It wastes water. As per US EPA:

"For every gallon purified, they can waste 3 to 10 gallons."

This increases water scarcity.

To avoid that, use advanced membranes that reduce water waste. Some membranes do the filter job efficiently while using less energy.

Winner: Tie

Installation

Water Softener is quite straightforward. 

You can hook up most systems to your main line. It can take a few hours to set up, depending on who’s doing it and their level of expertise.

It’s good to have a professional do it.

Reverse Osmosis is slightly trickier. You usually need to look for a dedicated space under your sink for that. And some may require drilling.

Because it has more complex steps, we suggest having a professional. 

Winner: Water Softener 

Upkeep

Everything needs some care. It’s the same with Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis.

Water Softeners regenerate periodically to keep things running smoothly. So they regularly need refills. 

You may need to: 

• Refill the tank with salt every 1-3 months
• Clean the resin bed once in 6 months
• Replace the bed once in 5 or 10 years 

Reverse Osmosis filter collects impurities, and they can turn into deposits. This can lead to issues like clogging and bad water. 

To avoid that:- 

• Change the filter twice a year
• Inspect the membrane every 2 years
• Replace the membrane every 2-5 years if needed.
• Keep the storage tank and faucet clean regularly to ensure quality.

Winner: Reverse Osmosis   

Usage Areas

Integrating Both Systems: Is It Necessary?

To relish the best of both worlds, combine them.

Yes! You can do that. Different service providers offer this perk.

A combination of a Water Softener system and a Reverse Osmosis system enhances water quality BIG TIME.

The system will first soften and then purify the water. Such systems are highly effective in removing minerals and contaminants. 

Result–

• Tastier
• Fresher
• Neutral smelling water

Plus, you get the benefits of both systems. 

Best Practices

• Choose Quality Systems. Select reputable brands 
• Periodically check salt levels in the softener and replace the RO filters and membranes.
• Keep an eye on your water consumption. This helps determine how often to refill the softener and replace RO filters.
• Conduct periodic water quality tests to ensure both systems work well.
• Hire a licensed plumber for setup to ensure proper setup.

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Water Softener or Reverse Osmosis? We’ll Help You Choose!

Not sure whether you need a water softener or a reverse osmosis system? Each serves a different purpose, and the best choice depends on your home’s water quality. Let NJ Water Systems test your water and recommend the perfect solution for clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Book a free consultation today!

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Water Softener vs Reverse Osmosis: Common Questions Answered

Is Reverse Osmosis or a Water Softener Better?

Both have different purposes. Reverse Osmosis is better at removing contaminants to ensure pure water. A Water Softener is better at removing minerals to ensure softer water. 

Can I Drink Softened Water?

Yes. Soft water is typically safe to drink. However, it may taste a little salty.

Why Can't You Drink Reverse Osmosis   Water?

You can surely drink Reverse Osmosis water as long as the device is authentic and functions well. 

What is the Disadvantage of Reverse Osmosis   Water?

Some drawbacks of Reverse Osmosis   water are:

• Loss of good minerals
• Water waste
• Tricky installation