How to know if salt-free conditioning is right for your home

To meet the growing demands and diversity of customers, C and J Water is now adding salt-free water conditioning technology to our broad range of water treatment solutions. Salt-free water conditioning systems help reduce hard water scale buildup in pipes and appliances, providing a maintenance-friendly alternative for certain homes.  Before deciding on what system is best for you, it is important to know what a salt-free conditioning system is, what it will and won’t do for your home and family.

Will a salt-free system reduce hard water buildup?

Yes, it will. The salt-free methods of addressing hard water are very different than traditional water softening. Salt-free systems change the physical properties of hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium). Those minerals stay in the water, but they do not build up on surfaces, which protects pipes and appliances. 

For an in-depth look at the differences, read – Salt-Based Water Softeners vs Salt-Free Water Softeners 

Will a salt-free system soften my water?

No, it will not. Water softeners will remove hardness minerals, making the water softer. Because those minerals are removed, you and your family will sense a smooth feeling in the shower, and soap will lather better. Those minerals will also no longer dry out your skin.

What kinds of salt-free systems are there?

We offer two types of salt-free water conditioning*: 

• Polyphosphate Conditioning: Polyphosphates are a naturally safe, food-grade mineral that binds to hardness calcium and magnesium minerals to prevent them from sticking to your pipes, water heater, and appliances.
• Scale Reduction Upflow Filter (SRU): This filter is designed to maximize contact time with the scale control media. The media is referred to as TAC (Template-Assisted Crystallization). It converts dissolved hardness minerals into microscopic crystals that don’t stick to surfaces. Water flows up through the filter, lifting and expanding the media bed for better performance.

*Important: Salt-free systems should always be paired with a dechlorinator. Chlorine in your water can damage the media inside these systems and cause them to fail much sooner than expected.

Is salt-free conditioning right for you?

While these systems can reduce scaling and buildup, they do not remove calcium and magnesium from the water. This means that dishes and shower doors may still have water spots, and soap may not lather as effectively as with softened water. There are some situations where a salt-free water conditioning system may be the right option for your home. Does your home fit any of these situations?

• No power outlet access: Salt-free systems don’t require electricity, making them ideal for spaces without easy access to an outlet.
• No available drain: Standard softeners need a drain for the regeneration cycle, but salt-free systems don’t. This is helpful when installing in unusual locations.
• Difficult access for salt bags: If carrying salt bags to a softener is inconvenient or impossible, a salt-free system removes that issue.
• Less water use: As there is no regeneration cycle, this is a popular option for homes and businesses in regions with tight water restrictions.

Still not sure?

C and J Water has the experience needed to help you get the system that best fits your family’s needs. We are happy to help with a free water analysis and advice. We offer a Free Water Analysis. It shows what minerals are in your water and how to best address them. Contact us today if you have any other questions or to get on the schedule!