The no salt water softener is often touted as being a "greener" alternative to conventional salt-based water softeners. However, some critics say that the benefits of no salt systems are overstated at best, and an all out scam at worst. So is the saltless water system the next best thing...or the next best dud?

As some individuals become aware of the adverse effects of excessive sodium in the diet, a no salt water system becomes an attractive alternative.   For instance, someone who is restricting their amount of sodium intake may be interested in a technology that does not add salt to drinking water.  Even though salt based softeners add a minimal amount of sodium in the water, the tiniest amount can still be significant with anyone prone to high blood pressure and/or hypertension.

No salt water softeners also attract the environmentally conscious individual.  It's no question that large amounts of salt dumped into the ecosystem can ultimately cause damage to the environment.  In fact, some studies found that one single-family household can deposit roughly 500 pounds of salt into the ground per year.   Needless to say, the high levels of sodium may potentially have long-term negative effects on soil, vegetation and wildlife.  Some jurisdictions within the states have already partially banned the sale of regenerative water softeners, while others are considering "greener" alternatives for drinking and irrigation water preservation.

Someone looking to buy a saltless softener may also be attracted to the cost effectiveness.  Truthfully, a salt free water softener unit is more expensive than that of a salt softener.  However, the long-term proves to be the most cost effective since little to no electricity is used to power no salt water softeners.  One can also save money by cutting maintenance and salt replacement expenses.

Critics tend to call the no salt system a scam, partly because of the dubious claims of the manufacturers of these devices. As a matter of fact, a no salt water softener is not a softener at all. These systems are not capable of removing minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which is necessary to truly "soften" water.

A more accurate description of a no salt water softener would be a "descaler" or "water conditioner". The saltless system works by magnetic charge, changing the physical properties of the minerals. The magnetic system creates ionic charges that actually keep the minerals in a suspended state, preventing them from being deposited in pipes, faucets, and household appliances such as a washing machine or dishwasher. The problem is that lime scale can still build up, especially anywhere water is stagnant. This means that a water heater would have to be constantly cleared of scale since a saltless softener won't be able to prevent the mineral deposits.

Salt-free softeners are not actually "softeners" at all. In fact, these systems are better known as "descalers" or "water conditioners", since they don't actually remove the dissolved minerals necessary to "soften" the water. These saltless systems work by changing the physical properties of minerals. A magnetic system is used to create ionic charges that keep them in a suspended state. This prevents the minerals from being deposited on pipes, faucets, and household appliances that use water. However, scales can still form anywhere water is stagnant, such as a hot water heater. Because of the ionic charge technology, salt-free systems are also known as magnetic water softeners.

Some independent studies have shown that salt free water softeners may not be as effective as a traditional water softener. When both salt-based and salt-free softeners were tested in clinical trials, it was found that the salt free water softener had very little to no effect on the chemical and physical composition of water. It was also shown that salt free systems could not reduce mineral formations within water pipes.

Even though saltless water softeners are not actually softeners at all, there is no question that water conditioning has some validity and may prove to be beneficial for consumers concerned with salt. Whether or not it is worth buying depends on the needs of the consumer. The following points should be considered before investing in a salt free water softener:

• saltless systems are not efficient at preventing scale
• you will not get the same "slick" feeling of water that traditional softeners provide
• a saltless system is especially inefficient for those with extremely hard water; it is not recommended for water levels above 75 grains per gallon
• neither salt or saltless water softeners are efficient at reducing harmful chemicals, tastes, or odors

However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective greener technology that will reduce the need of salt, a no salt-water system is definitely worth considering.