Why is HydroCare Better Than Salt and Chemical Water Softeners?
You may have heard of, or even tried, salt-based water softeners. While HydroCare is a solution to limescale, it is important to note that it is distinctly different than salt and chemical water softener systems.
Water softener systems remove the minerals that classify water as “hard,” replacing them with sodium. This method presents both environmental and health issues.
Environmental Issues
The treatment of hard water with salt requires backwashes, which, if not desalinated before reentering the water supply, can harm plant life and agriculture. Many states are proposing legislation to ban these salt systems entirely because of the environmental impact and the expense of desalination. In fact, California has already passed legislation that allows communities to ban salt-based softener systems . Salt-based water softeners also waste up to 25 gallons of water each time the system is “charged.”
Health Issues
Hard water is not a health hazard. In fact, according to the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, hard drinking water contributes towards the human dietary needs of calcium and magnesium. Salt-based water softening systems remove these essential minerals and replace them with salt, which can be a health concern to many.
Technology Comparison
| HydroCare | Salt-Based Water Softeners | |
|---|---|---|
| Limescale | Prevents future buildup; Breaks up existing buildup | While preventing future buildup, does not treat existing buildup |
| Minerals | Retains natural level of healthy minerals in water | Removes healthy minerals |
| Salt | No increase in salt | Increases salt content in water, making it potentially dangerous for those on low-sodium diets |
| Corrosion | Removal of existing limescale reduces corrosion | Salt increases corrosion, which leads to hot water appliance failure |
| Maintenance | Maintenance-free | Frequent flushes and adjustments needed; Salt bags must be frequently purchased and replenished |
| Water Usage | No water wasted | Flushes waste water, approximately 10-15 million gallons per year |
| Environment | Environmentally friendly | Salt from flushes must be treated to prevent damaging plant life, which is of high cost to municipalities |
| Installation | Easily clips on pipe and plugs in; No complicated installation or extra space required | Requires special plumbing, electric and lots of space |
| Cost | Low-cost with no additional expenses | High initial investment plus regular maintenance |
