Soft water has numerous benefits to both your body and hair, as well as your household appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Before we get into these benefits, let’s look at the soft water process.
Water naturally accumulates the ions calcium and magnesium as it travels over rocks and soil. This is what we call hardness causing ions and depending on how much the water accumulates, you will end up with a variation of water hardness. This is measured in ppm (parts per million).
Hard water that flows out your tap in England is more beneficial for drinking purposes, but causes problems with limescale build up and drying out your hair and skin.
Soft Water Process
For this reason, we can use Water Softening Resin to take away the ions that contribute to water hardness. These polymer beads are placed within a water softening unit, where hard water flows over the beads. A process called ion exchange takes place which is when the hardness causing minerals (calcium & magnesium) are swapped out for harmless ions, usually sodium. The hardness causing ions stick to the beads, whilst the output water that leaves the water softening tank is soft.
Is soft water safe to drink?
If you’re wondering if this soft water is drinkable then yes, it is generally fine to drink for the majority of people. However, it’s important to note that those that are placed on a low sodium diet should avoid it due to the added salt content. For those that aren’t, soft water is still drinkable, but regular drinking water should be hard water as it still contains the essential minerals calcium and magnesium. The first is important for strengthening bones and aiding muscles and nerves, whilst the latter is important for functions like nerve function, heart rhythm etc.
Properties of soft water
We can characterise soft water by its texture which is far more for favourable for the skin – it will have a smoother feel to it and lets soap run off your body, so you don’t get the soap residue left behind.
In terms of its chemical build up, it will have very low calcium and magnesium minerals whilst having a higher sodium content (these are added during the ion exchange process that uses water softening resin)
Soft water household benefits
First of all, it’s worth mentioning the financial benefits when you switch over to soft water.
Thermal conductivity can perform much better thanks to softened water. This basically means your heating system will not be using as much power as they don’t have to fight through the crust of limescale to deliver heat. The end result? Appliances don’t use up as much energy, thereby reducing your energy bill.
The longevity of your household appliances like dishwashers and washing machine is boosted too, as scale is prevented from forming within the pipes, so less wear and tear for your expensive kitchen essentials.
Soft water benefits on skin & hair
For your skin:
- Skin feels more moisturised as hardness minerals no longer strip away your skin’s natural oils. Therefore, those suffering with skin conditions like eczema can benefit from switching to softer water.
- Soap lathers better on the skin and rinses away without leaving residue, which can otherwise irritate skin. (You also end up spending less money on products as usage requirements is less!)
- Pores are less clogged
For your hair:
- Removal of calcium and magnesium means no more dull film left behind from hard minerals, so you end up with healthier hair with less damage
- Less frizz and less breakage – no stiff hair
- Better lathering of products means you require less to get results
- Scalp health is improved (less flakiness and dryness)
Overall, if you’re serious about wanting gentle water for your families skin and hair, then a water softener is a worthwhile investment. Not only for these advantages, but the maintenance of your household appliances and saving money on expensive repairs or new replacements entirely. You can purchase the water softening resin required on our products page. ResinTech CG8 resin is a perfect choice for both residential softening, as well as industrial.
FAQs
What is soft water?
Water without the hardness causing ions (calcium and magnesium – or very low amounts)
Does my area have hard water?
Generally speaking, the South East of England has hard water, as well as the capital London.
Which areas in the UK have soft water?
The areas which have softer water in the UK are places like the North East and North Western areas.
How do I get soft water for my home?
You will need to use water softening resin within a water softener unit.
Is soft water drinkable?
It’s generally fine for most of the population, but those on a low sodium diet should avoid it. You should otherwise drink hard water regularly instead as it contains the essential minerals still.