You must have noticed water spots and marks around sinks and showers. Hard water can indeed lead to a lot of problems around the house!
Be it your soap, which does not lather well or malfunctioning dishwashers and washing machines, the main reason behind these concerns is hard water. It can lead to major scale buildup, which can ultimately block pipes or stop machines from working.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and I have been facing this problem for a long time now. And that is when my neighbor stepped in and told me about the best salt-free water softeners.
I found them to be a great replacement for the regular softeners in terms of durability and maintenance. Plus, these are easy to handle and do not require you to add loads of sodium to the water.
Read on to know all about them!
Top 5 Salt-Free Water Softeners
1. Yarna ‎CWD24
One of my top recommendations is the Yarna ‎CWD24, which is known for its brilliant and patented water descaler system. It is easy to operate and will preserve all the essential minerals in the water, which are beneficial for the body.
Product Highlights
First of all, this product is designed to treat the water of the entire house. It uses electric pulses generated by the electronic unit and managed by a computer chip. The Ultra Flat Impulse Bands are placed around the pipes, which transfer the pulse that, in turn, will break down the crystals and prevent limescale from building up on the walls.
Moving on, the installation process is pretty simple, and you should be able to do it easily. All you need is a pipe with a maximum diameter of one inch and ten inches of free space. The descaler system does not need any tools for installation, and it should just take 15 minutes to complete the job. And the best part is that it is completely maintenance-free.
Furthermore, you get a 365-day money-back guarantee, so you can safely try the product out for an entire year.
What’s There To Like About It?
I have recently found how harmful limescale can be as it has the potential of breaking appliances. But the descaler system stops this from happening, making sure that the devices last for long. In fact, I have noticed a significant improvement in the durability of pipes and devices, thanks to this product.
Moreover, I was able to use it for all kinds of pipes, including copper, iron, PVC, plastic, stainless steel, PE-x, and compound pipes.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
If water droplets are left to dry on taps, then you might be able to see water marks form on the surface. While the product does prevent scaling up to some level, it does not remove all the minerals. Hence, please keep wiping taps often to keep them shining.
Pros and Cons of Yarna ‎CWD24
Pros
Cons
- HOW IT WORKS: Yarna CWD24 is a Patented alternative water softner for homes that treats water with electric pulses generated within the electronic unit and controlled by a micro-chip! These pulses are transmitted via our Ultra Flat Impulse Bands which breakdown crystals that would otherwise buildup into limescale, which can break appliances.
- WHO BENEFITS FROM YARNA: Our customers report cleaner pipes and faucets, lower costs for descaling and heating, and better overall water quality using our whole house water softener system alternative. Depending on the current condition of your plumbing, it may take up to three months to observe a significant improvement
- EASY INSTALLATION: All you need is access to a minimum of 10" of free pipe space with a maximum pipe diameter of 1". Yarna whole house water descaler is completely DIY with no need for any tools or specialized help. Our whole house water descaler works with any type of piping up to 1" thick
2. Aquasana ‎EQ-1000-AST
If you are looking for an efficient system that provides great-tasting water even if you drink directly from the tap, then the Aquasana ‎EQ-1000-AST will be an excellent choice. You will love the hoard of benefits that it brings with itself.
Product Highlights
This device sports a high-performance filter system along with a carbon & KDF filtration and salt-free conditioner. These are all geared towards eliminating scale and providing you with the maximum level of filtration. However, it does not remove total dissolved solids, also known as TDS.
Meanwhile, the product is very cost-efficient, and it can run for ten years or for one million gallons. Hence, you can easily use it to purify water without worrying about spending too much.
This option is also easy to maintain and needs no backflushing or draining. All you need to do is replace the pre and post-filters once in a while. I will recommend doing this once every two months for the best results.
Further, talking about installation, you will be receiving an install kit along with all the needed components. That means there will be a conditioner tank, filter tank, brass fittings, pre-filters, post filters, along with shut-off valves and bend support.
What’s There To Like About It?
As the water quality has degraded a lot over time, I am often scared about what my family is consuming. But this water softener alternative ensures that 97% of the chlorine is removed. Pesticides, mercury, lead, and VOCs are also taken care of and removed all at once.
Furthermore, if you take steam showers, then this can help in bettering the air quality so that you can breathe freely and safely.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
While you will receive all the parts needed for installation, the process can be pretty difficult. If you do not have prior knowledge with plumbing or handling such systems, then professional services will need to be called for installation. While this is not really a drawback, you may have to spend a few bucks more.
Pros and Cons of Aquasana ‎EQ-1000-AST
Pros
Cons
- Clean, Great Tasting Water From Every Tap In Your Home - Activated carbon is effective at reducing organic chemicals including pesticides & herbicides while allowing for a fast and reliable flow rate with no noticeable change in water pressure.
- High-Performance Well Filter System - Salt-free conditioner, carbon & KDF filtration engineered to maximize filtration and reduce scale while leaving healthy minerals in your water. This system will NOT reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Cost Efficient & Long Lasting - Clean water for less than $0.01 a gallon - Save twice as much compared to other brands on purified water for 500,000 gallons or 5 years
3. AO Smith Salt-Free Water Descaler
The AO Smith Salt-Free Water Descaler is an incredible addition to city and well water systems. It has the capacity to descale water no matter where you live as no electricity is required for the process. Read on to know more about it!
Product Highlights
To begin with, this system will work for a household of up to four people. It will work well and can be used for bathing, showering, cooking as well as drinking. You will always be getting the essential minerals like sulfur and iron, and the system will not be affected by scaling.
Moving on, the effects are long-lasting and cost-effective, and you can enjoy the effects for up to six years or 600,000 gallons. It also comes with a six-year warranty, which will provide you with enough peace of mind.
Additionally, you will not have to spend any time cleaning or removing salt bags. This is a chemical and salt-free system that makes it easy to handle. Install it, and you can safely forget about it in the long run.
What’s There To Like About It?
My family has been using tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and showering after installing this device. There is a significant decrease in hair fall, and I have seen that the soap lathers better.
What’s more, my dishwashers are finally able to clean dishes completely, and there are fewer spots on the shower curtain. Even the water tastes better and can be easily consumed. Plus, it consumes no electricity, making it a cost-effective process.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only thing that I did not like about this product is that the warranty does not cover malfunctioning valves. In case they malfunction, the entire product will need to be replaced. So, please check the pack on arrival and get it exchanged immediately if there is any problem.
Pros and Cons of AO Smith Salt-Free Water Descaler
Pros
Cons
- Salt-Free Scale Prevention – The A. O. Smith Descaler reduces scale build up in pipes and plumbing using a salt-free & chemical-free system but does not soften water or remove minerals that cause hardness. No cleaning, backwashing, salt-bags, or electricity required.
- Effective Solution for Moderate Hardness – Ideal for use when incoming water supply has a hardness under 15 grains per gallon, alkalinity under 250 mg/L, pH under 8.3, and less than 0.3 ppm of iron.
- Works For All Your Water Needs – System works effectively on water for use in drinking, cooking, showering, and bathing. Perfect for households of 4 or more people. System will not reduce TDS, sulfur, or iron.
4. Watts Premier OFPSYS Whole House OneFlow Plus
If you want your appliances to last longer and prevent scale buildup, the Watts Premier OFPSYS Whole House OneFlow Plus will surely do a good job. One can look forward to extending the life spans of plumbing systems and appliances.
Product Highlights
You will finally be able to consume great-tasting water as the radial flow carbon block filter is built into the system. This has a high capacity to reduce odors, unpalatable taste, chlorine, and other contaminants that can affect water.
Plus, it is known to be good for the environment as compared to the traditional softeners. That is because salt is not being used, and waste water is not being generated. Hence, there is no wastage, which makes it a safe process. That is not all; the product needs no electricity, regeneration, or backwashing, making it a much more convenient process.
Meanwhile, the installation process is easy to take on, and the device can be attached to the floor or mounted on a wall. You will be able to do it yourself without needing any additional help.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was finally able to have water that tastes great without any compromise on essential minerals. There is a cartridge inside the machine that works for up to 250,000 gallons, and a replacement filter cartridge is easily available on the market.
You will also get a performance warranty of two years, while the OneFlow (R) cartridge system comes with a warranty of a year. Hence, there is nothing to worry about, and you can safely use it.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One thing that you need to remember while purchasing this product is that you will still be able to see water marks and spots. This happens because of silica, which is present in the water. And since silica does not lead to a lot of buildups, this unit is not geared towards reducing it.
Pros and Cons of Watts Premier OFPSYS Whole House OneFlow Plus
Pros
Cons
- ONEFLOW PLUS SCALE PREVENTION SYSTEM: The Watts Premier OneFlow Plus Salt-Free Scale Prevention and Water Filtration System provides chemical-free scale reduction and protection. It converts hard minerals into soft particles, preventing build up inside pipes and does not add or remove anything from water, allowing useful minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium to remain.
- HIGHLY EFFECTIVE: Rated to be the most effective with regard to scale prevention technology, this system includes one scale reduction cartridge good for up to 250,000 gallons or 3 years and one high-capacity 20-Micron carbon block water filter that removes chlorine taste and odor while reducing sediment and is good for up to 50,000 gallons - leading to great-tasting water at every tap in your household.
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: This 10" x 18" x 10" (D x H x W) compact system is easily installed to the floor or wall using the included mounting bracket; simply connect the system to the main water supply before the water heater and avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures. Virtually maintenance-free, it also includes a pressure relief valve and multi-function tool for easy cartridge replacements.
5. Hardness NG3 Water Filter
One of my final suggestions for fresh and clean water is the Hardness NG3 Water Filter. You can get access to the best quality water, which tastes and smells nice. Plus, I was very concerned with hair fall, but this has proved to be beneficial.
Product Highlights
This water conditioner works well in changing the structure of molecules. The water then does not lead to limescale buildup while keeping all the necessary minerals in place.
Another great feature is that there is no monthly maintenance required. Hence, you will not have to open the entire system to take the filter out and remove the dirt from it. Instead, there is an in-line water conditioner with a valve at the bottom.
Every month, just turn the valve and let the water run for around 30 seconds. All the dirt will be cleared off, and the filtering system will be back to its full capacity.
Moreover, you will notice fewer spots in the toilet bowl, tiles, and dishes as the water is cleaner and does not lead to limescale buildup anywhere. In fact, the water will feel slippery, and you should have better hair and softer skin after using this filter.
What’s There To Like About It?
I know how it can be difficult to handle bulky water filters, which may often be expensive. However, this product is light on the pocket, and it comes with a space-saving design. Equipped with a maximum flow rate of 30 gallons per minute, it serves to be a beneficial device and can be attached anywhere.
Plus, the cartridge is replaceable, so you can change the filter and cartridge every six months without having to change the machine.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
If the installation is being done without professional help, you might need some plumbing tape to get the job done. These tapes prevent leakage of water while keeping the device wrapped around the pipe and in place. Now, this will not be provided with the pack, but you can purchase the tapes from a local store.
Pros and Cons of Hardness NG3 Water Filter
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
You will have to know how a salt-free water softener system functions and how much water can be treated with it regularly before purchasing. Now I have already told you about the most important part, which includes the top products.
So, I can now move on to the factors that you need to know about before purchasing the system. Read on to know all about them.
1. Installation
Saltwater softeners are usually very difficult to install and need professional services for the job. However, these salt-free water softeners and descalers are generally easy to install. Check the pack in the beginning to see if all the tools and parts needed for installation are provided.
Once that is done, read the instruction manual to know how to attach the device to a pipe. If your pipeline is easily accessible, then doing it by yourself is the best idea. That way, you will not have to spend anything extra.
However, if you do face any difficulty, then it is best to contact customer care to see if they can help you with the process. Otherwise, call up professional services to get the job done.
Ideally, it should not take you more than 15 minutes to set up. If you are opting for electromagnetic systems, then no plumbing will be required, and you might just have to wrap some wires around a pipe.
However, if you are choosing a full filtration system that involves the entire water supply of the house, the main water supply pipe needs to have the device attached to it. But the process should not be complicated if you can spot the pipe easily.
2. Size
What is the kind of water usage that you are looking at? This can be easily determined, keeping in mind the number of people staying in the house. An average individual uses up to 75 gallons of water per day.
You can just multiply it by the number of family members in the house. Then use this data to understand the capacity of the water softeners that are needed. In case you have any queries, call up customer care, who should be able to help you out.
3. Type Of Water
What is the type of water that you get in the area? If you receive hard water, or there are too many minerals in it, then you will need a softener with a higher capacity. Also, the water flow rate needs to be measured, and it should meet the requirements of the house.
To measure the water hardness, you can try using a water hardness test kit, which can be used at home to test the water. You will not need to call up professional services; instead, opt for the DIY route.
4. Electricity
There are some products that will need electricity to function while others will not need any and will function with the help of water pressure. Now, I will recommend those products that work with the help of water pressure as that would not increase the overall energy consumption of the house.
Hence, you will not see rising electricity bills every month. Plus, it saves you from the complication of calling up professional services and installing the device. But if money is not a big factor, then electrical devices may also be a good choice. They last longer and work well for a larger water flow rate.
5. Replacement Of Filters
Some products have filters or cartridges inside them that can be replaced. The time period will vary with different options and can range from two months to a year or more. Now, replaceable filters are a good option as you will not have to change the entire product after every few years.
But there are multiple options even when it comes to replaceable filters. You would want to choose one where the filter can at least be used for six months before it needs to be changed. That will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, these systems break down the crystals but do not remove iron in the process. So, you will still find iron in the water, but this will not at all be harmful to you.
Most of these water filtration systems will not need to be cleaned at intervals. You will be getting a filter inside, which will store all the dirt.
Just keep checking the machine once in a while to see if there is any debris stuck inside. You can then take out the filter and replace it with a new one and that will do the job. It should be easy to get hold of replacement filters and the job will only take a few minutes.
If you have installed one in place, you will notice that there is less buildup on the sides of faucets or in the shower tap. Soap should start lathering better, and you will need a very less amount of it for bathing. Also, the skin and hair should start feeling softer and smoother.
My Final Recommendations
I have finally reached the end of this guide about the best salt-free water softeners, and it is time for a quick recap of my favorites. The Yarna ‎CWD24 offers a patented descaler system and is undoubtedly my topmost choice. On the other hand, the Aquasana ‎EQ-1000-AST will allow you to drink water from the tap itself.Â
But if you are living in a town with wells, the AO Smith Salt-Free Water Descaler can be a brilliant choice. It offers equal benefits for both the city and well water. Just remember to check the flow rate and the capacity before purchasing, and you should be able to make the right choice.Â
And I will now leave you to make an informed purchase . Take care and goodbye!