What should I look for when buying water softeners: salt-based vs salt-free?

Test your water hardness first. Under 7 GPG may not need treatment at all. Salt-based is the only option that truly softens water. If on sodium-restricted diet, use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride in a salt-based system.

What are common mistakes when buying water softeners: salt-based vs salt-free?

Expecting salt-free to deliver the same results as salt-based. It conditions, not softens. Installing salt-free on very hard water (15+ GPG). The conditioning effect is minimal at high hardness. Choosing salt-based without a drain connection for regeneration discharge.

Water Softeners: Salt-Based vs Salt-Free

Overview

Hard water causes scale buildup, reduces soap efficiency, spots fixtures, and shortens appliance life. Salt-based softeners remove hardness minerals through ion exchange. Salt-free conditioners do not remove minerals but alter them to reduce scale formation. The difference matters.

What to Know

Salt-Based Softeners

Ion exchange replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium. Actually removes hardness -- water tests soft after treatment. Eliminates scale, improves soap efficiency, protects appliances. Requires salt refills (40-80 lbs/month), drain for regeneration, and electricity. $800-2500 installed.

Salt-Free Conditioners

Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) or other media converts dissolved minerals into microscopic crystals that do not stick to surfaces. Does NOT remove minerals -- water still tests hard. Reduces scale formation but does not eliminate it. No salt, no drain, no electricity. $500-1500. Less effective on very hard water (above 15 GPG).

Which to Choose

Salt-based for: hard water above 10 GPG, existing scale problems, wanting truly soft water (better soap lathering, softer skin and hair). Salt-free for: mild hardness (under 10 GPG), sodium-restricted diets, no drain available, wanting reduced scale without the maintenance.

Comparison

Salt-based: removes minerals, truly soft water, requires salt and drain, $800-2500

Salt-free: conditions minerals, reduces scale, no salt or drain, $500-1500, less effective on very hard water

Buying Tips

Test your water hardness first. Under 7 GPG may not need treatment at all.
Salt-based is the only option that truly softens water.
If on sodium-restricted diet, use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride in a salt-based system.
Demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) saves salt and water vs timer-based.

Common Mistakes

Expecting salt-free to deliver the same results as salt-based. It conditions, not softens.
Installing salt-free on very hard water (15+ GPG). The conditioning effect is minimal at high hardness.
Choosing salt-based without a drain connection for regeneration discharge.
Buying a cheap big-box softener with proprietary parts that are expensive to replace.

Bottom Line

Salt-based for hard water above 10 GPG and truly soft water. Salt-free for mild hardness and reduced scale without maintenance. Test your hardness first -- some homes do not need either.