My dad lives in phoenix and the water is extremely hard. he uses a
whole house softener, and used to soften the pool water too. didnt
soften water for irrigation.

he has a reverse osmosis filter on cold supplies used for drinking.
regular softeners add a little salt and he has high blood pressure.
reverse o removes the salt.

being from hard water country showering wiith soft water leaves me
feeling slimey, but I guess you get used to it