We’re often asked exactly what the difference is between hard and soft water – and why it matters. In this post we’ll de-mystify the subject…

What’s the difference between hard water and soft water?

Hard water is water that has percolated through rocks like chalk, limestone and gypsum on its way to our tap and has picked up minerals on the way. If those minerals happen to be magnesium and calcium then the water is classed as ‘hard’ water. Over 13 million households in the UK have got hard water which causes a build up of limescale deposits in pipes, boilers and kettles and also stops soap from lathering up.

Soft water has a low mineral content.  Rain water, for example is naturally soft and when it finds rocks like granite which aren’t very porous it flows from the granite into our rivers and streams and as it doesn’t collect many mineral deposits on the way it remains soft.

The water in your area is really dependent on what sort of rock you have locally.

What is softened water?

Softened water is where the mineral deposits like magnesium and calcium are removed from the water.  This process is done using a process known as ‘ion-exchange’. The ‘hardness ions’ are collected by tiny resin beads which contain sodium or potassium. The magnesium and calcium are taken out of the water and replaced with the sodium or potassium, leaving you with lovely soft water.

What are the benefits of soft water?

The simple answer is that soft water provides considerable cost savings in several different household areas.  It can significantly extend the life of your water using appliances, make your heating system work more efficiently and keep appliance maintenance costs down. It should enable you to use less soap, shampoo and other products as you will find that these products with lather more quickly, it can give you softer hair and skin (and help minimise dry skin conditions such as eczema). Water softeners benefit a household in many ways.

Why should we choose Compass to provide our water softener?

Compass have been installing water softeners in Reading and the Thames Valley for over 20 years. We have over 3,000 satisfied customers and pride ourselves on our professionalism, courtesy and quality of service. All water softener installations are carried out by Martin Perrin, the owner of Compass Water Softeners, and come with up to a 10-year parts guarantee.

For advice on how soft water can help you, your family and your home, as well as saving you money, contact us today on 01189 410 869 or email martin@compasswatersofteners.co.uk – we’ll arrange a FREE, no-obligation demo in your own home, with no hard sell.