Why install a water softener?

A water softener is a device that is installed to filter minerals such as calcium and magnesium, responsible for the water hardness. In theory, these devices are designed to protect our household appliances - washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters - from the damaging effects of limescale. But what is the reality? Do we really need to soften all the water in the house, including the water we drink every day?

From "miracle solution" to "regretted purchase", water softener divides. Some of you may already have taken the plunge, but can't really see the difference, or worse, wonder whether it was worth it.

What is hard water and how do you measure it?

If a water softener is supposed to combat hard water and replace it with a softened waterThe first concept we need to agree on is : "what is hard water?

Hard" water is simply mineral-rich waterThese minerals, although essential to health, are often responsible for the formation of limescale. Although these minerals are essential for good health, they are often responsible for the formation of limescale, which can damage your household appliances or dry out your skin after a shower. Water hardness is measured in French degrees (°F)Knowing the hardness of your water is the first step towards choosing the most appropriate anti-scale solution.

To find out more about water hardness, how it is measured and its impact, read our full article : Water hardness: What is hard water and how do you measure it at home?

Calcium: an essential mineral, much more than just limestone

Now, to understand the real impact of a water softener, let's take a quick diversions into the world of chemistry.calcium ionThis dissolved component of limescale is much more than just an enemy of your household appliances. In fact, it plays a crucial role in our bodiesIn particular, it helps to transmit nerve signals between the brain and muscles.

Present in mineral water, milk, cheese and many other foods, calcium is an essential element in the body. essential to our health. So why deprive yourself of the calcium in tap water?

Contrary to certain beliefs, the calcium in tap water does not cause kidney stones. These rumours are unfounded, as our bodies naturally eliminate any excess calcium. Far from being an undesirable element, calcium is essential for 'drinking' water and contributes to our health.

Read also : Calcium / calcium ion in drinking water, the whole truth!

The water softener, the salt machine

However, the real problem lies in another mineral: salt. Unlike calcium, our bodies have difficulty getting rid of excess sodium when it is consumed in large quantities. And that's where water softeners come in: by filtering calcium, they replace it with salt - Yes, the same sodium chloride as in your salt shaker, stored in the appliance's salt container.

The disadvantages of water softeners: a significant impact on health and the environment

On the environment

The environmental impacts of water softeners are cause for concern. Ion exchange resins, which are necessary for the operation of these devices, discharge salt-laden wastewater This pollutes groundwater and affects aquatic ecosystems. This salt pollutionThis, combined with the extra water used to maintain the resins, means that softeners are not very environmentally friendly.

On health

As well as polluting, the maintenance of softeners consumes a considerable amount of water. If resins are not properly maintained, they can become sources of bacterial pollutiona bit like a carafe filter which was not changed in time.

Drinking softened water is not without risk. The salt added by water softeners, as a replacement for natural minerals, can contribute to excessive sodium consumption, which is not without consequences for your health, particularly for people suffering fromhypertension or cardiovascular diseases. Drinking sodium-enriched water every day? A far from ideal solution.

What about household appliances?

And what about the promises made by salespeople that these devices will extend the life of your equipment? household appliances ?

Before signing, ask them for a study to prove their point: removing calcium makes the water more acidic, and theThe addition of salt makes it highly corrosive to metals. In fact, good old vinegar or citric acid are still an effective and economical way of descaling your appliances from time to time, without the environmental impact of water softeners. A scaled kettle? Two spoonfuls of citric acid and you're done! Easier than restoring metal corroded by water scoured and salted by a water softener.

In short, what you gain in terms of protection against limescale, you lose in terms of health and ecology. Before succumbing to the siren song of the water softener, it's essential to consider all the impacts. After all, what we thought was a miracle solution could well be a source of greater problemsfor you and for the planet.

Alternatives to water softeners: more environmentally-friendly anti-scale solutions

If the idea of reducing limescale in your water appeals to you, but you're reluctant to install a water softener because of its impact on health and the environment (not to mention its prices of between 500 and 3000 euros!), rest assured: there are alternatives much gentler solutions for treating hard water, and just as effective. These solutions offer protection against limescale without turning your water into a sodium cocktail, or polluting the water table. So let's take a look at salt-free water softeners available on the market.

CO2 injection: an innovative solution

Among the most promising options, CO2 injection is an innovative method that neutralises limescale by modifying the pH of the waterThis prevents limescale deposits without altering the mineral composition of the water. Result: a fresh water for your household appliancesbut still rich in calcium, which is good for your health.

Sialex rings: a non-contact thermodynamic solution

Our partner Ethic Process distributes Sialex ringswhich act differently. Their action is contact-free thanks to a thermodynamic process. They keep the calcium in liquid form, preventing the formation of encrusting limescale, and even cleaning the limescale that has built up in your pipes and water heaters over the years.

Magnetic or electronic anti-scale systems

Other systems, such as magnetic or electronic anti-tamper devices, modify the structure of limestone crystals using magnetic or electric fields. This process prevents limescale from adhering to surfaces without removing it completely, thus preserving the nutritional qualities of the water. These devices use no salt or chemicals, and require little or no maintenance.

ODOUCE: LAVIE's ionic anti-scale solution

ODOUCE is one of the most effective salt-free solutions, salt-free softenerODOUCE is a revolutionary ionic anti-scale system. Unlike magnetic methods or CO2 injection, ODOUCE uses patented galvanic polarisation technology which transforms limestone into a non-sticky powder.

This powder, called aragonitewill not adhere to surfaces, protecting your household appliances while preserving essential trace elements in water, such as calcium and magnesium. And unlike electronic systems, ODOUCE does not require a power supply to operate.

Combined with simple installation, this makes it a more practical and economical solution in the long term, with less risk of breakdown or service interruption.

Protecting your health, your appliances and the environment

By opting for these alternatives, you are choosing to protect your health, your household appliances and, above all, our environment. Every gesture counts, and there are solutions to combat limescale without compromising the quality of your water or the planet. Before giving in to traditional solutions, think green, think sustainable.

In conclusion, if you can avoid it, don't use a water softener - nature will thank you for it.

Behind the promise of soft, limescale-free water are hidden behind less glamorous realities that fans of water softeners often fail to mention. While these devices remove calcium and magnesium, they don't just make the water more 'pleasant' for your household appliances: they also transform it into water enriched with sodium, a mineral our bodies could do without.

Whatever the case, we're confident that thanks to the advice in this article, you now know enough to make a more informed choice. Be aware that the cure may be worse than the disease.

Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.

Article written on 08/06/2020 and updated on 24/09/2024