water softener alternatives...

[skipdup]

I've used the salt based softener in the past and it worked. But like the "idea" of a saltless conditioner - if they work. Supposedly, they don't "soften" the water, but make it soft-like. ???

Anyway, anyone know anything about them?
I'm thinking about this... Pelican Water Technologies - Pelican NaturSoft Salt Free Water Softener/Conditioners
or this... Salt Free Water Conditioners - Go Saltless - GreenWave

Thanks,
Skip

[red-beard]

I've reviewed these a bit.

There are no independent tests, only testimonials. That sets off my BS alarm.

There are some magnetic based industrial water treatment systems to prevent SCALE from forming in some boilers. These do not soften water. I doubt that these residential system produce the magnetic forces needed to prevent scale. But none of these systems soften water.

[cstreit]

New softeners are very efficient and no maintenance, don't sweat it.

I had 4-5 bags of salt once per quarter with 4 ppl in the house. No big deal and GREAT water.

[Scuba Steve]

What they said. Don't fall for the scam.

[porsche4life]

I love the softener at my parents house... Wish my landlord would put one in here...

I've actually done the water softening process small scale in the chemistry lab using a charged column... It is VERY efficient.

[Mark Henry]

I'm on a well and was going to buy a softener last week, I went to the most reputable dealer around (Norm's Cash and Carry in Peterborough, ON) and he wouldn't sell me one without a sample. He phoned me the other day and told me I had a bit of iron, but not much. Told me it would be a luxury item and really I only needed one if I was too lazy to clean the toilet every 3 months. He then told me I should bottle it and sell it for a buck a bottle.
I'm not going to buy one now, but he has my future business.

[skipdup]

Thanks guys.
After I posted I think I'd half decided to go with a salt system - with maybe a chlorine filter (maybe).
You guys have solidified that decision.
Thanks!!!

[Rusty Heap]

Is it wrong when I read this that I thought you meant Stool Softener?

Saw an ad for that during dinner time the other night.......that's just wrong, bad timing for sure. Corn, natures way of the gift that keeps on giving 12 hours later......

[red-beard]

Be careful with RO (reverse osmosis) water. It is demineralized. Drinking that can leech calcium from your bones.

Run a separate line for drinking water, and put a double or triple filter on it. Run the rest as soft water.