San Antonio water softener companies will all tell you the same thing – that the water in central Texas is hard. Many homeowners don’t realize the difference soft water can make until they install a water softener.

Occasionally, you will still find someone who has reservations about using a water softener in their home. The unfortunate part is that many of the reasons people hesitate are rooted in misconceptions about water softener technology. Let’s explore some common myths that surround the world of water filtration and softeners. If you still have additional questions, contact a local water softener dealer who will be happy to explain the technology in thorough detail.

Myth #1: Water Softeners Make Your Water Salty

Salt is an integral part of your water softener system and plays a vital role in the process. Resin beads are what actually remove the unwanted minerals from the water in your home, but they need to be clean to continue to work. Salt is used in your water softener to create a brine that cleans the resin beads. And while your sodium levels may increase slightly, your water should remain well within the healthy range.

Myth #2: A Water Softener Purifies

People sometimes falsely believe that a water softener system will completely purify their water. A water softener plays a very specific role, and that is to remove hard minerals from your water. And while its function is extremely beneficial, it doesn’t go so far as to purify the water. If you want your water filtered or purified in addition to softened, additional systems can work in conjunction with a water softener to deliver those results. A water professional can guide you through the options you have to enhance your water softener with additional water treatment solutions.

Myth #3: Softened Water Leaves a Film on Your Skin

Softened water does feel different in the shower. Some people report feeling a film on their skin after they have a water softener installed. But what is actually happening is that the hard water minerals are absent from soft water, so no hard water is building up on your skin. The sensation is actually a sign that you are exceptionally clean and your body is using its natural oils to soften your hair, skin, and nails.

Myth #4: Softening Water Removes Essential Minerals

Water softeners work by swapping pesky minerals in your water with sodium ions, but those minerals aren’t essential. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals that make water hard. While these minerals are beneficial for you, you don’t absorb them in your drinking water the same way you do if they are in your food. The best way to get those minerals is through eating a healthy diet, where you should get all the necessary minerals.

Myth #5: Water Softeners Are Only for Well Water

Well water is notorious for being hard and almost always benefits from the help of a water softener. But that doesn’t mean water softeners are made exclusively for well water. The perks of having an in-home water softener extend to homeowners regardless of where they source their water. Regardless of whether your home is on a well or the city water supply, you can enjoy the reduced limescale build-up and the benefits to your hair and skin.

Myth #6: You Can’t use a Water Softener With a Septic Tank

The main concern with septic tanks is how the salt reacts with the bacteria your septic system relies on to break things down. However, through time and research, we have learned that having a water softener is actually beneficial to the bacteria in your septic tank. Proper amounts of sodium can help the healthy bacteria grow, allowing your septic system to optimize performance.

Myth #7: Water Softeners Are Unaffordable

There is a common misconception that having a water softener is an unattainable luxury. And while installing a water softener in your home will give you a luxurious experience, it’s not because it’s outrageously expensive. While home water treatment of any kind does require an initial investment, it may be more affordable than you think. In addition, over the system’s lifespan, you will save money on your energy bills and extend the life of your appliances. Those cost savings could add up to more than the initial investment in the system. Talk to your Austin water softener installer for a quote on a water softener install.

Myth #8: Softened Water Is Acidic

People have become increasingly aware of the implications of the pH levels of the water they drink and have become curious about the pH of softened water. The process of softening water does change the pH levels because of the sodium that is used in the process. Your soft water may have a slightly lower pH, but the difference is usually negligible and nowhere near a concerning level of acidity.

Installing a whole-home water softener is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner. Not only can soft water help improve the health and feel of your skin, but it may also extend the life of many of the systems your home relies on. A water expert in your local area will be more than happy to address any concerns you might have and explain all you have to gain by making the investment.

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Some people hesitate to use water softeners due to misconceptions about the technology. In this infographic, we’ll explore common myths about water filtration and softeners.

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