Water softeners

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

Sort of beauty related as my skin is getting annoyed.

We have VERY hard water.

We are going to start looking into the different softener options, my DH wants a 'scaleban' type of softener, I was thinking filter and salt.

We would have what ever unit professional installed (a whole house unit)

Any recommendations or tips?

This is one area neither DH or I have had any experience in.

TIA

JamicaJammer · ‎01-14-2013

I'm on an EXTREMELY irony well. I just have Aqua Systems tank and salt kind. It's a whole house unit. Never heard of 'scaleban'.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

Do your homework. I knew nothing about water softeners until I sold my house. I knew I had hard water, but that was it. I sold my house to the company I work for and they wouldn't buy it unless I put in a water softener. I called a friend who knew about these things. He gave me a name and number. $1800 later I had a new water softener. When I moved into my new house, the builder told me I needed a water softener. I contacted a local company and had one installed for $900. Granted I moved to an area with a lower cost of living, but I must have bought the Cadillac of softener first time around. I read in a Sunday flier I could have had one from Sears installed for $400. Ask the neighbors what they have and where they got it. Visit local companies and comparison shop. My former house killed my washing machine because of the hard water. No issues now that I have a softener.

TootyJane · ‎03-14-2010

Here in San Diego we have extremely hard water. My parents built the house I grew up in and they had a water softening system built into the home. Culligan made a monthly stop to switch out the tank. The house my dh and I own is set up for a water softener. However, at $75 per month it is not something we can really afford at this time. However I have been thinking of buying one of those water-softening shower head units. Culligan has one that is sold at Target (online only) that has received some good reviews. Anyone have one and what are your thoughts?

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

On 9/22/2014 TootyJane said: Here in San Diego we have extremely hard water. My parents built the house I grew up in and they had a water softening system built into the home. Culligan made a monthly stop to switch out the tank. The house my dh and I own is set up for a water softener. However, at $75 per month it is not something we can really afford at this time. However I have been thinking of buying one of those water-softening shower head units. Culligan has one that is sold at Target (online only) that has received some good reviews. Anyone have one and what are your thoughts?

We have the shower head units and found we are replacing the cartridges at least 4-6 times a year per unit. Each replacement cartridge is about $30 if you purchase is bulk.

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

We have been asking neighbors (we live in a brand new neighborhood) there is HUGE variety of options and features out there. Prices range from $500 (without installation) to several thousands!

wismiss · ‎03-10-2010

We have a Culligan water softening unit that we purchased probably 20 years ago, and, knock on wood, it is still working and does a wonderful job. We purchased the unit, Culligan installed it, and the only expense we now have is the softener salt. We wanted a tap without softened water for drinking and cooking, so the spray unit was removed and a special faucet was plumbed in. So our sink has two faucets. In addition, we have a whole house filtering system as the water comes into the house and before it goes to the water softener or the special kitchen sink faucet.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” St.Teresa of Calcutta

marim3 · ‎12-09-2011

We had a Sears water softener installed in our newly built home 20 years ago, which we replaced a number of years later. After watching a Dr. Oz episode on the dangers of unfiltered water in showering, cooking (including boiling) drinking etc. I wanted to make a healthy change, so after a little research we purchased a Pelican UV filtration system, So.......disappointed. Although the water tastes better, we still use our water cooler. But the main problem is the white film this it leaves on all of the surfaces. This was a very expensive investment that we regret terribly. When I called the company of course I was sold another (expensive) component to the system- good money after bad. Bottom line as soon as this system (it is huge) breaks down- back to Sears $400ish it is. Sorry so long, but I hope that helps.

Oh and btw I don't watch Dr, Oz anymore- lol

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

After a lot of research for a water softener system that doesn't use salt we settled on the Pelican system. This is for our newly renovated cottage. Our well water is rather good, its artesian water and only contains a trace of any iron. It may sound weird to others but I really, really didn't want any softener that used salt. I gave up all sodium 33 years ago and really didn't want to be drinking and bathing in sodium. We have had our Pelican system working for several months now and we love it. I don't get any white film on anything. But maybe the above posters water has a lot more iron. Maybe her system wasn't adapted specifically to her well? We had to send a sample of our water to Pelican for them to choose the correct system for our water type. I don't envy anyone looking for a water softener system. Its a very costly mistake if you do pick out the wrong one. Good luck in your search.

"Pure Michigan"

moonstone dunes · ‎11-06-2011

On 9/24/2014 ID2 said:
After a lot of research for a water softener system that doesn't use salt we settled on the Pelican system. This is for our newly renovated cottage. Our well water is rather good, its artesian water and only contains a trace of any iron. It may sound weird to others but I really, really didn't want any softener that used salt. I gave up all sodium 33 years ago and really didn't want to be drinking and bathing in sodium. We have had our Pelican system working for several months now and we love it. I don't get any white film on anything. But maybe the above posters water has a lot more iron. Maybe her system wasn't adapted specifically to her well? We had to send a sample of our water to Pelican for them to choose the correct system for our water type. I don't envy anyone looking for a water softener system. Its a very costly mistake if you do pick out the wrong one. Good luck in your search.

Does your Pelican system filter out minerals and lime scale? We have well water, veru acidic pH and very high in minerals but we cannot go with a sodium-based filtration system due to health concerns (HBP) I have to used distilled water to rinse my hair and my clothing looks faded and old very quickly.