What’s the Difference Between Water Softener and Filtration Systems?
Water softener systems and water filtration systems aren’t interchangeable. They are two different types of water treatment systems that are designed to solve common problems you may have with your water supply.
Water Softener Systems
Hard water has high amounts of calcium and magnesium. It is common in cities and in places with warm climates, like Florida, where there is soil with a high mineral content. There are many down sides of having hard water. The biggest problems with it are that it leaves behind deposits that can clog pipes and stains dishes, tiles, sinks and pools.
Signs you have hard water:
- Dry hair and skin after showering
- Stiff laundry and rusty looking white clothing after washing
- Mineral spots on silverware, dishes and glasses
- White residue on bath tiles, faucets and your pool’s liner
Water softener systems are designed to treat hard water by removing or neutralizing these minerals. The water softener system that Tri Florida Water offers softens water through an ion exchange that replaces magnesium and calcium with potassium and salt. The system is connected to your water supply at the source so that all the water that comes out of your faucets is softer. With this system, you will never have to add extra water softener to your dishwasher or washing machine.
Benefits of a water softener systems:
- Softer hair and skin
- Better tasting water
- Spot free silverware, dishes and glasses
- Cleaner, brighter clothes
- Longer life for water-based appliances like coffee makers, washing machines, and dishwashers
Water Filtration Systems
Household water can contain many different contaminates from trace amounts of pesticides to bacteria and toxic heavy metals like lead. Even though water quality in the United States is regulated, our regulations allow for low levels of chemicals, toxins and bacteria that can still do harm. Even harmless contaminates can give your water an unpleasant taste or smell. Contaminated water is a problem in cities and rural areas.
Signs your water could benefit from a filtration system:
- Water with an unpleasant odor
- Water or ice with a bitter or foul aftertaste
The purpose of a water filtration system is to remove sediment, contaminates, fine particles and other impurities from water to make it cleaner, safer and better tasting. Tri Florida Water offers a filtration system that has a two-step process that thoroughly filters all your household water at the point where it enters your home. The first step in the filtration systems acts like a sieve capturing dirt, sediment and other particles. The second step in the system is a carbon filter that removes chemicals like arsenic, lead and chlorine along with other impurities.
Benefits of a water filtration systems:
- Better tasting water
- Odorless water
- Safer water for drinking and bathing
What type of water system do you need?
Should you get a water softener system or water filtration system? That depends on the type of water that you have. If you have your water tested and it is free of contaminates but it is hard, a water softening system is the best option. If your water is not hard but it has an unpleasant taste, bad odor or high levels of contaminates, a water filtration system is the best option. You do not have to choose between them if you have hard water that also needs a filter. Tri Florida Water’s water filtration system can be combined with a water softening system. Give us a call to find out more!