Water Filter vs Softener: Which is best?

People are more concerned about water issues today than ever before. With many new water-treatment technologies available, we have a lot of choices on how to manage the water that comes into our homes. Two of the most prevalent technologies are water filtration systems and water softeners. While both systems treat household water, they have different jobs and are not interchangeable.

The technicians at Atlantic Coast Water Clinic of South Florida often are asked questions like, “If I have a water softener, do I also need a water filtration system?” and “I have a water filter – do I need to add a water softener?” Each situation is different, based on the quality of water coming into the home and your personal and lifestyle preferences. Below is an overview of what to expect from water softeners and whole-house filtration systems. Our water experts are always available to help you understand more about each type of system.

What water softeners do

Water softeners remove hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals give water its “hardness.” They also are responsible for the spots and deposits on dishes, cookware and sink fixtures.

Benefits of a water softening system

• Prevent scale buildup inside the hot water heater, allowing water to heat faster
• Less cleaning of ugly spots on dishes
• Eliminate limescale deposits on faucets
• Skin that’s not itchy and dry after bathing
• Softer clothes with less discoloration after washing

What water filters do

Whole-house water filtration systems work to remove contaminants from your drinking water and other water inside your home. Most systems employ several filtering stages, including absorption filters and reverse-osmosis filters.

Benefits of a water filtration system

• Remove harmful chemicals, pathogens, metals and other contaminants
• Better-tasting water through the removal of chlorine, hydrogen sulfate and other materials that cause water to taste odd
• Longer life for certain appliances by removing sediments and maintaining proper pH levels
• Reduce your family’s risk of disease and infection by thoroughly cleaning the water they use and consume

Be informed before purchasing a new water system

Before we recommend either a water softener or a whole-house water filtration system, we want to understand what’s happening with your water. A proper water test will give us – and you – the answers.

By having your water tested, you’ll get a pretty good picture of what’s in it. You may be having issues with bad-tasting drinking water, spots all over your dishes, buildups on your faucets, stiff clothes coming out of the dryer and other common water-caused problems. With a water test, you’ll know exactly why the problems are happening.

Following an analysis of your water, we can help you determine the best strategies for treating it. In many cases, only one of the water technologies we’ve discussed here will be necessary. In other cases, you’ll want a water softener system and a filter.

Your local water experts are standing by

Wherever you live in the South Florida area, including Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Hobe Sound and other communities, Atlantic Coast Water Clinic is standing by to help. We know exactly what it will take to bring you the most delicious, cleanest and safest water possible.

Speak with a water expert today at (772) 283-4767 or reach out through our handy contact form.