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Desalination Through Reverse Osmosis

Technology used in hard water purification systems is being used to provide fresh drinking water to areas of the world where fresh water sources are scarce. Even though the Earth is mostly covered in water, 97.5% of it is undrinkable due to the salt content. The reason why it is undrinkable is because a human’s kidney is unable to expel that much salt. Salts drain water from the body and cause dehydration. The same technology in the soft water systems used in your household are being used on a grander scale to create drinkable water from sea water.

What is Reverse Osmosis?

An example of this type of technology is the soft water systems that remove the minerals in hard water through reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is a process by which a solvent passes through a porous membrane in the direction opposite to that for a natural osmosis when subjected to a hydrostatic pressure greater than osmotic pressure. Simply, it uses pressure to remove impurities through several porous membranes. In households, these systems remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

What is Desalination?

Water desalination is the process of removing the salts from sea water to create potable water. This is water that is safe to drink. Saline is defined as dissolved salts. In fresh water there is less than 1,000 ppm (parts per million) of salt. In the ocean the amount of salt is 35,000 ppm. The Earth’s atmosphere has its own desalination system. This is done through solar desalination also known as the water cycle. This is done through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

How are These Processes Used?

There are large industrial plants that have huge reverse osmosis systems that are capable of desalinating millions of gallons of water per day all over the world. Although these plants are capable of creating drinkable water, the cost per gallon is more than pumping and treating fresh water. These plants are being built in areas where there isn’t a steady supply of freshwater and along the coasts for future planning. There are many areas that have a limited supply of fresh water or have times of the year of extreme drought. Desalination plants in Israel provide 20% of their water. In San Marcos, TX, desalination plants are used to create chemically compatible water to the Edwards Aquifer.  

What Happens to the Salt?

Once the desalination process has been completed, there is a bunch of salty brine that is leftover. This is usually just dumped back into the ocean and could cause pollution. Recent research at MIT has been able to put the brine through a nanofiltration system and convert it into chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, that are in turn used to desalinate more water. These chemicals are needed to operate the desalination plant. Essentially, the processes of desalinating water could have very little waste in the future and save the cost of having to pump brine back into the ocean.

The Importance of Water Treatment Systems

The hard water treatment systems that are used in households use the same technology as those used to create drinkable water from ocean water that would be unsafe without those systems. These systems could one day be the only system the entire Earth relies on for clean water. Technology is always advancing in all areas of life from electronics to the water we drink.

Interested in learning more about water conditioning systems? Contact Clear Water of San Marcos, a local company that provides water softening in San Marcos, TX.

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Tips for Finding the Right Water Softener for Your Home

Water makes up 60% of your body and 71% of the earth’s surface. Clean water will make you feel better and improve the cleanliness of your pots, clothing and pipes. Discover 3 tips for purchasing the best salt-free water softener.

What is Hard Water?

Not all water is the same. The water in each Texas town is slightly different in terms of chemicals, colors and odors. Generally, hard water includes high levels of calcium, magnesium carbonate and manganese.

Over time, this hard water is more likely to build up on your pipes, pans and appliances. It makes it more difficult for you to remove bacteria, dirt and deposits during washing. Soft water is better for cleaning.

But, I don’t want to deal with all that salt.

With a salt-free water softener, you can enjoy soft water without the salt. These salt free water softeners might use a physical process called “Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC),” which turns the aforementioned chemicals into hardened crystals. These crystals cannot adhere to pots, pipes or clothing.

So, what should you look for in one of these advanced water softeners? We will provide you with 3 valuable tips here:

1. Testing Water

The first thing that you should do is test your water – get a list of all the chemicals found in each gallon of water. These will list the number of grains for calcium, magnesium carbonate, manganese and so forth. You can choose from either a DIY testing kit or hire a professional water analyst.

The benefit of a water analyst is that he can help you interpret the results. He might also be able to explain any historical events that might impact your Texas water.

2. One Application or Full House?

You can buy a water softener for one room or for the full house. Perhaps, you want to concentrate on your bathroom. With a full house water softener, you can also reduce the deposits within your pipes.

3. Calculating Total Operating Costs

Determine how much it will cost you to operate your water softener, each year. Generally, water softeners should last at least 10 years. Therefore, you can take the total cost of the purchase, divide it by 10 and depreciate its value, each year.

Also, include extra costs. With a salt free water softener, you still might need to replace the filters. Experts suggest that you replace the filters every 6 months – it depends on your water quality and usage.

Compare different water softeners; you can ask the advice of experts, who have used both. Water softeners provide many hidden functions. But, these are still very important because they provide clean water for your entire family.

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Getting Soft Water In San Marcos

Water is something that we use every day without thinking about where it is coming from. Many times one just knows that it comes out of a faucet while providing the many advantages of water in modern homes and businesses. Below are a few options for obtaining the very best water from your current home plumbing system.

Water in San Marcos, Texas

San Marcos obtains raw surface water from the Guadalupe River and from Canyon Lake. These bodies of water are the result of a number of springs and other groundwater sources. The water is treated by the new City of San Marcos’ water treatment plant which was established in January of 2000. When the raw surface water from the Guadalupe River arrives at the treatment plant it goes through a series of treatments to ensure San Marcos customers receive water that is clean and safe to drink. The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) is responsible for watershed resource management. Their goal is to assure a safe, sustainable and reliable water for all users.

The Effects of Hard Water

Dealing with hard water build-up can be expensive, as well as time-consuming, for both homes and businesses. Not only does hard water affect plumbing but it can also affect water heaters, laundry equipment, ice makers, and other appliances throughout a building that use water. Mineral build-up in these appliances can reduce the flow of water and increase the overall cost of energy for running appliances. If scale build-up because serious enough, it can even cause water blockage in appliances.

Using a Water Softener

Unfortunately, San Marcos water contains hard manganese, iron, and hard minerals. Exposure to hard water often results in a buildup of these minerals in plumbing and appliances. Hard water can also reduce soap lather, cause water spots, and other problems. A regular water softener will remove manganese, iron, and various minerals from the water and replace them with potassium or sodium. However, a water softener will not remove existing hard water build-up.

Using a Water Conditioner

An alternate option is salt-free water conditioners. This product is not a water softener but rather a water conditioner. Salt-free water conditioners retain the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals present in water while converting them so that they no longer stick to surfaces. Whether you have regular plumbing or a septic system, a salt-free water conditioner will protect your plumbing as well as soften your water which makes it possible to save money on soap and other cleaning products.

For more information about hard water solutions, contact Clear Water of San Marcos, a water treatment company in San Marcos, TX. We’ll be happy to test your home water, or to help you determine which type of water conditioner would work best for your home.

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Water And Health: Your Water And Your Skin

You’ve probably heard that hard water isn’t the best thing for your skin, but what makes water hard? If you pour two glasses of water, one containing hard water and one containing soft water, you aren’t going to be able to tell much of a difference just by looking at them. What makes the difference is the mineral components that are found in the water. The amount of minerals depends on the source of the water. For example, Central Texas has a higher mineral content than the majority of the United States. The higher the mineral content, the more damaging the water is to your skin.

Effects of Hard Water on Your Skin

Why is hard water bad for the skin? Hard water contains the minerals calcium and magnesium, and these minerals dry and irritate the skin. Calcium and magnesium could also form free radicals that can damage healthy skin. The major issue for your skin caused by hard water is that soap is unable to form a lather. The richer the lather, the easier it is to rinse off of your skin. Because hard water doesn’t allow this rich lather to form, soap scum will build up on your skin just like it does on the walls of your showers. Soap scum clogs pores causing skin conditions such as acne and eczema to worsen. Healthy skin will become dry and itchy because the layer of soap scum prevents natural oils that help to lock in moisture from being produced. Overall, hard water isn’t a friend to the skin.

Effects of Soft Water on Your Skin

When compared to hard water, soft water does make the skin softer. This is because the lack of harmful minerals allows the skin’s natural oil producing processes to function correctly. When used with soap, the ability to lather is not restricted. This means soap scum does not build up on the skin. When you get out of the shower, your skin should feel smooth and slick, contrary to the belief that you should be ‘squeaky clean.’ That squeaky noise is the sound of soap scum left on your skin and potentially clogged pores.

Options for Homes with Hard Water

What do you do if you have hard water? There are a couple of options available for making water safe for your skin, such as water softeners and salt-free water conditioners. Water softeners use a salt based filtration system that removes the negative minerals. Salt-free water conditioners use a process called template assisted crystallization that converts the minerals to a crystal that is unable to bind to surfaces. There is still a mineral in the water, but its structure doesn’t allow the damaging processes to occur.

If you notice that your skin is feeling dry and itchy, you might want to examine the quality of your water before trying various skin products or investing in a dermatologist appointment. Now that you know the difference between hard and soft water, you have the option to decide if you need a water conditioning system to help achieve healthier skin. To speak with a professional about water conditioning options for your home, contact Clear Water of San Marcos, located in San Marcos, TX.

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Tips For Homeowners Dealing With Hard Water

For homeowners in the Central Texas area, having hard water in your home is almost a certainty without intervention. Hard water can cause all kinds of havoc in a home, including damaging appliances, leaving stains on dishes and clothing, and building up mineral deposits in faucets and shower heads. Below are a few suggested ways to limit or repair the issues caused by hard water.

Vinegar

The first solution is to use vinegar. This is because vinegar can help to loosen some of the mineral deposits. This means that it can get out of the stains on the bath mats, chrome faucets, shower heads, and coffee pots. You can also use the vinegar inside of your dishwasher and washing machine by just running a cycle with nothing in it. It might help to remove stains and disinfect if you spray the surface of the shower doors, sinks, and toilets with the vinegar. All you will have to do is to wipe down these surfaces and if the stain is very bad, you might have to scrub it a little bit.

Baking Soda

The second solution is to use baking soda. This is one of the best things that you can use when you have a lot of hard water buildup that is just not going away. This is because it is going to be a little more abrasive to all of those stains. All you have to do is to sprinkle the baking soda on the stain so that it can sit for a few minutes and then scrub it with a scrub brush in order to remove the stain. This is going to work best if you have already used vinegar on the stain. After applying the baking soda, you’ll need to add water. Water will cause the baking soda to become a paste that you can quickly wipe up, leaving a cleaner space.

Cleaners with Chemicals

There are a lot of chemical cleaners that you can use that will help you to remove the mineral stains and hard water buildup in homes. You will need to need to pick a cleaner that has acids in it like phophoric, hydrochloric, or hydroxyacetic acids. You are going to need to be very cautious about the more abrasive cleaners and brushes that can scratch the surface of the fixtures. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure that you are using the cleaners properly. For some cleaners, protective gloves should also be worn.

Colored Stains from Hardwater

If you have a red or reddish brown stain from iron, then you might consider using cream of tartar and water. This is going to create a paste that you can let dry and rinse off, leaving a cleaner surface. If you have a brown or black stain from manganese in your water, then you can make a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Lastly, if you noticed a green or blue stain from copper or water that has a lot of acid in it, you can use a mixture of soap suds and ammonia to lighten it. Just let the mixture dry and then rinse it off.

Salt-Free Water Conditioner

For a more permanent solution, consider having a water softener installed in your home. A water softener greatly lessens the impact of hard water on your home and appliances, and many of these devices are made to last for years. Another option to consider is a water conditioner, which has a slightly different process than a water softener, but which still solves your hard water issues. Many homeowners turn to salt-free water conditioners because they require very little maintenance and are built to last you and your family for years.

If you would like more information about dealing with hard water, or about installing a salt-free water conditioner, contact Clear Water of San Marcos, located in San Marcos, TX.

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Soft Water Helps Save Money In Your Home

If you live in the San Marcos area, you’re familiar with hard water. You’ve probably tried everything to get your water to smell, taste, and feel good. If you don’t have a water softening system, installing one can transform your water and save you money.

How Hard Water May Be Costing You Money

Hard water damages appliances and fixtures over time. Water with high iron content, for example, turns tubs and sinks orange and contributes to rusting of water heaters. When an appliance leaks, like the water heater, you also experience flooring damage. Also, nearly 90 percent of homes in the US have hard water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium. This causes scaling which clogs the plumbing and water lines. In addition to the needed plumbing repairs, this causes higher electricity costs. It requires more soap to clean clothes and dishes, and chemicals and minerals in hard water can damage clothing when laundered, causing it to fade and wear more quickly.

How Softening Water Could Save You Money

Soft water reduces your electricity. Without being hindered by the scale caused by hard water, your appliances can run more efficiently. With no scaling, they can last longer as well, leading to fewer leaks and fewer replacements. Fewer leaks also means less repairs to the surrounding flooring. The boilers, pipes, and fixtures can last longer, too.

In addition to extending the life and efficiency of your appliances, you’ll need to buy less soap because it lathers better in soft water. Your laundry detergent can go further, too. Soft water helps your clothes and linens last longer because it helps remove stains better. According to The Salt Institute, soft water cleans dishes 12 times better and it removes clothing stains 100 times more effectively than added detergent or hot water wash.

Types of Water Softening Systems

Several types of filtration systems exist, and each has its own benefits. You can install a water softening or water conditioning system with a well water system or with a municipal water supply feed. The three most popular types of softening systems are:

Coal Filtered,

Salt-Free Water Conditioner,

Salt Filtered.

Salt filtered systems are common, though they can eventually lead to corroded pipes and water heaters. Coal filtered systems are less popular because they use a non-renewable resource, and mining for coal can damage the environment. A salt-free water conditioner is easier on appliances and does not harm the environment, or add any traces of sodium to your water. This type of water conditioner requires very little maintenance.

For a minimal investment, you can have healthy water using a coal-free, salt-free water conditioner. Your water will taste better, clean better, and be gentler on your appliances, helping extend their lifetimes and efficiency. If you are considering installing a water softener or conditioner in your home or would like to speak to a professional about the best option for the water in your home, contact Clear Water of San Marcos, located in San Marcos, TX.

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Signs You May Need A Water Conditioner

You may have wondered if you should have a water conditioner or water softener installed in your home. Here are a few issues that can indicate that you should consider a water conditioner sooner rather than later.

Strange, Smelly, Or Unpleasant Tasting Water

One symptom that you need a water conditioning system for your home is that the water tastes unpleasant or strange. It can also have an unpleasant smell in addition to an unpleasant taste. The bad taste can come from too much iron, which creates a metallic taste. Sediment, corrosion from pipes, and hydrogen sulfide gas can also give your water a bad taste or smell. Get a water conditioning and filtration system to eliminate these issues.

Staining Of Plumbing Fixtures And Soap Scum Accumulation

A good indication that your water is hard and needs to be softened is that your plumbing fixtures such as the faucet, sink, and toilet bowl get stained. Depending on the minerals present in your water, you could have orange, reddish, or grayish stains. Soap scum accumulation in your shower is another sign your water needs to be softened. Hard water makes it that much more difficult for soap to become dissolved. Hence the accumulation of soap scum in the bathtub and shower.

Clogged Shower Heads, Weak Lathers, And A Soapy Feeling After A Shower

All of these are symptoms of hard water that should be conditioned. Minerals from hard water accumulate and form scale on the shower head. This clogs the head as well as the plumbing, leading to reduced water pressure. Hard water also makes it more difficult for soap to lather. In addition, it makes it more difficult to wash away and dissolve soap that you apply to your body. This is what causes that soapy or filmy residue feeling after showering with hard water.

Clogged Pipes, Worn Out Appliances, And Clothes That Don’t Get Cleaned

Hard water creates scale buildup which builds up overtime and will clog pipes. If you have an older plumbing system that uses steel pipes, then this problem will be especially severe. The scale from hard water will also wear out appliances that use water such as the dishwasher, washing machine, and even refrigerator. This will lead to repairs, cleanings, or even replacements that can cost you a lot of money.

If your clothes don’t seem to get cleaned or feel rough and faded after you put them in a washer then this is a good sign your water could some softening. The hard water will make the detergent less effective. It can also stain your clothes as well.

A Salt-Free Water Softener And Conditioning System For Your Home

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in your home, then it is time for you to get a water softening and conditioning system. Clear Water of San Marcos can install a salt-free water softener in your home that will require no salt and no back washing that wastes precious water. Call Clear Water of San Marcos today at 512-757-1731 to get a water softener system installed in your home to eliminate scaling, soap scum accumulation, and staining from your water.

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Do Water Softeners Remove Healthy Minerals?

Water softeners do remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water, and these are minerals that your body needs. However, having them removed from your water won’t decrease your intake of these minerals, since your body does not usually get these minerals from water but instead from your diet. Let’s take a closer look.

Which Minerals Are in Hard Water?

Hard water is typically water that contains significant amounts of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and similar minerals. These are picked up naturally from the areas water has flowed over before it reaches your home. Having these minerals in your water can lead to film-like deposits left on your dishes or other surfaces. These chalky deposits may seem nothing more than annoying on dishes, but they can also build-up in your appliances and eventually cause them to need repairs or replacement.

What Happens to the Minerals?

Softening water does not fully remove calcium and magnesium from your water, but it neutralizes them by changing their form. How this is done depends on what sort of water softener you have. For example, water softeners that use salt utilize a process called ion exchange. This process essentially “trades” the calcium and magnesium for the soft mineral sodium.

However, if you have a salt-free water conditioner, the process is a little different. Salt-free systems are referred to as water conditioners rather than water softeners because they don’t remove hard minerals from water. Instead, they condition water by chemically changing minerals such as calcium and magnesium so that they no longer attach to surfaces and create build-up.

Is Added Sodium Bad for You?

If you have a water softener that uses salt, it will add sodium to your water. The amount of sodium added depends on how hard your water is. Sodium in large amounts can be unhealthy, but luckily the amount added by water softeners, even for very hard water, is incredibly small. If you are concerned about the amount of sodium that’s healthy for you, or if you have a sodium restricted diet, contact your doctor before using a water softener. You can also consider using a salt-free system instead.

Where Else Can You Get Healthy Minerals?

Whether you have a water softener or a salt-free water conditioner, both will leave your water without the original hard minerals it previously contained. Some people worry that because of this they will have an unhealthy lack of these minerals in their body. However, as mentioned earlier, your body does not get its calcium and magnesium from your water. In water these minerals exist in an inorganic state, and your body cannot even digest them.

Instead of worrying about these minerals in water, look at your diet to make sure that you’re getting a healthy amount of them. For example, digestible calcium is found in dairy products like milk. Magnesium is present in broccoli and many other vegetables. As long as you have a healthy diet with a variety of foods, you’ll get the minerals that you need. If you’re concerned about the amount of calcium and magnesium you’re consuming, talk to your doctor about a diet that’s right for you.

If you would like more information about how water softeners and conditioners work, contact Clear Water of San Marcos, located in San Marcos, TX.

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Whole-House UV Systems

Whole-house UV systems are treatments used to disinfect water in your house. These systems utilize ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light rids your water of microorganisms and is simple to use. They require very little maintenance, most of which can easily be done without having to call a professional. Whole-house UV systems do not require any chemicals and use very little energy, so they are environmentally friendly. Keep reading to find out if this type of system could be right for you and your household.

Do You Need a Whole-House UV System?

Whole-house UV systems help countless residences all around the United States. These systems give people access to water that’s fresh, clean, and healthy. They’re known as POE (Point-Of-Entry) systems. Water softening on its own isn’t always a great option for homes. If you get your drinking water from a well, you may be a good candidate for a whole-house UV system. That’s because private wells frequently have significant degrees of metals. They often have substantial amounts of contaminants of all varieties for that matter. These things have the ability to harm the purity of your drinking water. Because of that, they may even be able to harm your health. Water softeners can minimize or eliminate the hardness of water. However, they cannot do away with microbiologic contaminants that are so common inside of private wells.

The Advantages of Whole-House UV Systems

There are quite a few noteworthy advantages that are connected to whole-house UV systems. These systems don’t call for a substantial amount of maintenance. They don’t negatively affect the flavor of your drinking water. They don’t influence its smell, either. Whole-house UV systems are a piece of cake to install. Drains aren’t necessary for installation purposes. These systems don’t squander precious water in any way and are environmentally friendly. Whole-house UV systems enable people to consume water that feels fresh and pleasant. They enable people to bathe in water that’s just as enjoyable and reliable. These things can lead to all sorts of benefits. Whole-house UV systems can even do wonders for people who wish to reap the rewards of hair that feels luxurious and silky. It can even help peoples’ complexions. If you want your skin to feel smooth and youthful, a whole-house UV system may do the trick.

Clean and fresh water is beyond important in modern society. All people have the right to water that is both safe and dependable. If you’re interested in more information about whole-house UV systems, or other water treatment options, contact Clear Water of San Marcos, located in San Marcos, TX.

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Uses of Rain Collector Systems

A rain collector is a great way to get access to a lot of water without having to tap into community sources, and as long as you are not in a recharge zone, the water you use does not affect the water supply levels. A rain collector is generally not recommended to be used for a supply of drinking water, however rain collectors can and should be used if there is truly no other clean water available. First we will be going over the ways to ensure that the water you are collecting from the rain is safe (methods to filter it and actions that can cause it to become contaminated), and second, we will be going over the safer uses of rainwater that are applicable to most, and various info about efficiency related to amount, pathogens, risks, and recharge zones. Though it isn’t required for all uses, the environmental and fiscal benefits multiply when combined with measures to conserve water, remove dangerous bacteria, and filter with equipment that does not remove the much-needed minerals from the water.

Selecting Equipment for Collecting

Storage — Those looking to save some money on lawn care may opt for a simple wooden barrel, while those needing large volumes may require the use of piping that runs between multiple barrels or containers.

Collection — The most basic is simply a barrel with a screen that catches a small area. The roof is commonly used, and a diverter can allow you to not start collecting rain until it has rained enough that all dirt is washed away. Uncommon enough to not warrant great detail, some use large funnels or food grade plastic pieces as a cleaner alternative to roofs.

Best Uses and Situations for Rain Collection

The best uses for unfiltered non-potable water include activities such as watering your garden plants (but still avoid watering lawns when in a drought), and hosing down dirty cars, parts of your home, etc.

The best uses for filtered potable water can be numerous, assuming you are using proper equipment (speak with an expert to be safe). The ones that need fuller filtration will be marked as such, and those that can be used safely with a more basic filtration system will be marked as well.

If you can adjust the pipelines, you can use this water to do laundry and run the toilet (this requires only basic filtration).

Showering and sink water is not recommended for usage without running proper tests, but is a possibility. Similarly, drinking water is generally saved for emergencies but remains a possibility (these activities would require full filtration).

Safety, Hazards, Filtering, and Equipment

Safety — Rain itself is evaporated water, which doesn’t carry any bacteria with it. But that does not mean that what you end up with in the barrel is totally safe. Especially if you do not use a screen, or let it run off your roof before collecting it. As well, you need to make sure that it isn’t exposed to direct sunlight and open air, as that will create the perfect breeding ground for algae, bugs, and bacteria.

Filtering Equipment — What you need will depend greatly on what you use it for, how often it is used, and the collection equipment used. You may need something to make the water drinking quality, something to remove pathogens, or something to remove toxins (while retaining beneficial minerals).

We hope this helps you with any efforts to create a rain collector, big or small. Please contact Clear Water of San Marcos located in San Marcos, TX if you have any further questions or are interested in making your own rain collector.

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Ongoing Expenses of Water Softeners

As a homeowner, I’m sure all of you have faced the struggle with water softeners. People tell you how important it is to have one and you feel obliged to follow through by purchasing a water softener because you think you have to, and people keep telling you it’ll “pay for itself” in time. But let’s take a look at some of the costs that go with some common water softeners.

“But I Thought It Was a One-Time Buy”

Though technically this may be true, the fact of the matter is that there’s a lot more to be said than just the initial price tag. You have to consider that in order to maintain the system there are two main things that you’re going to constantly need: consumable salt and consistent unit service. Now, maybe that’s not a big deal for you personally, but keep in mind that every seemingly little thing does indefinitely add up over time and nobody needs any extra stress in their day-to-day life. According to Industry Standard, the average family of four will need to obtain a forty-pound bag of salt each month. That’s typically around $25 dollars each month added onto all other expenses. That’s an extra three hundred dollars every single year.

Servicing isn’t so bad because it only needs to be checked once every one to two years. However, that check has to be done by a professional and we all know how costly it is to get anything looked over by a professional. This is especially painful to your pocketbook if you bought a cheaper water softener, because, though they seem to be more affordable in the beginning, just like any other low priced option the quality is usually poorer. This means that your water softener will weaken sooner and will need to be checked far more often than it would if you had purchased a more expensive and better quality version.

“Okay, So What Do I Do Then?”

Glad you asked. One alternative you might consider could be purchasing a salt-free water softener instead of the typical salt based water softener. A salt-free water softener is less expensive and because it works by changing the form of the minerals, unlike salt-based water softeners, it gives the water a much slicker feel, which is commonly ideal for many people looking for an alternative to constantly buying bottled water.

In the end the choice is up to you, but keep in mind that in addition to the upfront costs of salt-based water softeners the ongoing costs make them more expensive overall than salt-free water softeners. If you’re interested in discussing if a salt-free water softener is the right choice for you, or if you’re interested in having one installed, contact Clear Water of San Marcos for more information.

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Water Softeners vs. Salt-Free Water Conditioners

To soften or to condition? Is there even a difference? When you apply conditioner to hair, it certainly comes out softer, but does the same thing apply to water?

At Clear Water of San Marcos, the technology we offer as a solution for hard water is salt-free water conditioners. But we don’t want you to get this confused with water softeners, which use an entirely different process to produce different results. This article hopes to clear up some confusion and explain the difference between these two types of hard water treatment so that you can make an informed decision as to which product is best for you.

Misconception

First, let’s get a few misconceptions out of the way. If you’ve been on the market for water treatment options, then you’ve most likely come across the term “salt-free water softener” at least once. This term can be pretty misleading, as most salt-free water treatment appliances are technically not actual water softeners, but simply conditioners.

While both water softeners and salt-free conditioners can reduce the apparent hardness of water, soft water must have less than 1 grain of hardness per gallon (GPG) in order to actually be considered “soft”. Water softeners produce this result, but salt-free conditioners don’t. Thus, a true “salt-free water softener” doesn’t actually exist. Don’t be mislead by these claims!

What Water Softeners Do

If “soft” water must have less than 1 GPG, then a true water softener must actually remove the minerals such as calcium and magnesium that make water “hard”. This can be achieved through ion exchange with salt, reverse osmosis, deionization, or distillation. All of these processes result in water that’s been stripped of any suspended mineral that might cause apparent hardness.

What Water Conditioners Do

Salt-free conditioners, on the other hand, developed as an alternative to water softeners that use salt. Rather than removing the hard minerals, these appliances instead strip the minerals of their ability to form scale. The effects are very similar, but the water retains its minerals and no salt is involved in the process.

Benefits of Each

While both technologies achieve similar results, they each have their own benefits. Traditional softeners are most effective at improving soap lather laundry color quality, removing dishwasher spots, and making water feel slick in the shower. Salt-free conditioners, on the other hand, are more efficient, lower maintenance, and produce no waste by-products like softeners do. They can both be equally as efficient in eliminating scaling due to hard water.

Which one is right for you? As a consumer, it’s up to you to determine which technology better fits your needs. We’ve given you the facts; the choice is yours. If you live in the San Marcos area and salt-free water conditioners are best for you, give us a call and we can help you find the right hard water solution.

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What Exactly is Hard Water?

We've talked a lot and you probably have heard a lot about hard water and the benefits of soft water in your home, but what exactly is hard water? You know that hard water refers to the minerals in unfiltered water, but what are those minerals and what exactly do those do?

Water is a great solvent and picks up impurities very easily. Pure water is often called the universal solvent. As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution. The two most common minerals dissolved in water that are considered to make it "hard" are calcium and magnesium. The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.

It is easy to detect hard water because it interferes with almost every cleaning task both household and hygiene related. It affects laundering and dish-washing as well as bathing. It causes stiff clothes, dull hair, and reduced performance in appliances.

If you are on a municipal water system, the water supplier can tell you the hardness level of the water they deliver. If you receive your water from a private supplier, you can have the water tested for hardness. Most water testing laboratories charge for a hardness test. Similarly, most companies that sell water treatment equipment and services will perform water hardness tests for a fee.

Water hardness is measured using a pH scale which measures the hydrogen-ion concentration in the liquid. Water with a low pH is more acidic while water with a higher pH is harder or more alkaline, meaning it is able to neutralize acids.

It is actually thought that hard drinking water may provide some health benefits. Those who do not get enough minerals in their regular diets can receive the extra calcium and magnesium in their tap water. For those who do get the required minerals through their meals, this is not necessary. Other minerals and substances found in hard water can actually be detrimental to health.

The major problem with hard water is its affect in industrial settings. Just like in the home where hard water can build up in tubes, valves, and pipes, in appliances, the minerals can cause costly breakdowns in boilers, cooling towers, and other equipment that handles water.

In the end, for the average person the major ailment of hard water is its effect on household cleaning and chores. Since the calcium and magnesium in hard water build upon each other and deposit themselves in pipes and on the body, it can make appliances and washing less effective. Not only this, but it can cause appliances to break down much more quickly than they should.

So to save money and improve the performance of your household appliances, think about installing a water softening system in your own home. For more questions about what a water softening system can do for you or to get a quote, contact a representative at Clear Water San Marcos today.