On Tue, 13 Jul 2004 05:24:27 GMT, Wayne wrote:

"Martin Hirsch" wrote in
news:M%hIc.34965$oh.8826@lakeread05:

Hi

I have been researching water softeners and was able to find many
benefits but no real negatives other than initial cost,
installation,or maintenance.

Any information good/bad would be helpful. Thanks.




You'll get many opinions on this. Here's mine...

When we moved to central AZ where the water is very hard, we bought a new
home which had a water softener installed. The entire water system
within the house was fed from the softener, the only exceptions being the
outdoor taps. From this experience we determined that we really didn't
like the feel or taste of soft water. It wasn't a matter of getting used
to it, as we spent nearly five years in that house.

We are currently in a rental with no softener and I'm glad.

Having said that, when we build another home I will specify a water
softener to feed a separate water heater that provides hot water only to
the dishwasher and to the clothes washer, as well as a cold water line to
the clothes washer. We do not like or want softened water both bathing,
cooking, or drinking. I will also specify an RO unit to feed a tap at
the kitchen sink and to the icemaker in the freezer.

The benefits of soft water for dishwashering and clothes washing are
amazing. Our comfort level for any other purpose is -0-.

Many people, including myself, much prefer the clean you get on
yourself with softened water as well as the cleaner tub, shower or
sink. When my water heater was drained after several years use with
no draining, the water was almost completely clear and crud free.
Toilets work much better than ones supplied by hard water.