Softening
Salt-free conditioner vs water softener
A salt-based softener removes calcium and magnesium. A salt-free conditioner does not. It changes the minerals’ form so they are less likely to stick, and they still come out in your water.
| Salt-based softener | Salt-free conditioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes calcium and magnesium | Yes | No |
| Water tests as soft | Yes | No |
| Needs salt and a drain | Yes | No |
| Installed range | $1,200 to $3,800 | $1,500 to $4,500 |
If you are quoted a salt-free system, ask what it was tested against. DVGW W512 and IAPMO/ANSI Z601 are the two scale-reduction standards to look for. A hardness test after install will still read hard.
Reverse osmosis also removes these minerals, but it is normally used at one faucet for drinking water.
Sources: HomeGuide, TapWaterData.
These are published ranges and general guidance, not quotes. In the Bay Area, Soft Patagonian offers free water tests.
Common questions
Does a salt-free water softener remove hardness?
No. A salt-free conditioner changes how calcium and magnesium behave, but the minerals stay in the water and come out of the tap.
Which one removes calcium and magnesium?
A salt-based ion-exchange softener removes them from the water for the whole house.