For those concerned about the health effects of sodium from a traditional water softener, a salt-free water softener may prove to be a viable alternative.  As a "greener" technology, salt free water softeners have no negative impact on the environment, uses less energy than salt-based systems, and is much more cost effective.   Read on to discover how saltless softeners work and how they differ from conventional salt water softeners.

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.

Salt-free water softeners tend to appeal to individuals especially concerned with the health risks of excessive sodium intake.  Relatively speaking, salt water softeners add very little sodium to drinking water.  However, these amounts may be significant for anyone prone to hypertension and/or high blood pressure and should be avoided.

Saltless water softeners prove to be of some environmental benefit as well.  High levels of sodium may have long-term adverse effects on soil, vegetation and wildlife.  In fact some 34 states have partially banned the sale of regenerative water softeners, and more areas are looking toward finding better alternatives to preserve ground water for drinking and irrigation purposes.  Salt-free water softeners may be an alternative since the do not negatively impact water and land ecosystems.

Generally saltless water systems a good for the health of individuals as well as the environment.  However, they are not recommended for hard water levels above 75 grains per gallon.

Another benefit of a salt-free softener is its cost effectiveness compared to a traditional softener.  Since no electricity is required to power the majority of saltless systems, consumer save money on the electric bill.  Individuals also save money by cutting the expenses of maintenance and the salt replacement necessary for the upkeep of a traditional system.

Salt-base water softeners work by ion exchange, replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. Traditional water softeners also

• create a slimey or slippery feeling when bathing. You may also feel as if soap is not fully rinsed off.
• prevents scale build-up by removal of hard minerals
• may cause corrosion to the pipes and water heater coils due to salt
• create more lather so less soap is needed when bathing.

No-salt water softeners are designed to prevent minerals from adhering to pipes. A no-salt water softener system

• does not add chemicals to the water
• has a natural spring water feeling, opposed to a slippery or mushy feeling
• does not necessarily prevent scale build-up
• also creates more lather so less soap is needed.