Water Softener: Magnets vs. Salt

Water softeners diminish the problems caused by hard water.

Water softeners are used to convert hard water into softer water for a variety of household applications. There are several methods of softening water, but the most popular remains ion exchange, which has proven its effectiveness in systems of many sizes. The usefulness of magnetic water softeners is much more dubious, but these devices may be better in select situations.

Water Softeners

Hard water can be very damaging to homes. In the laundry, it can stain pale cloth. In tanks, pipes and pools it can cause the buildup of scale, a limestone deposit that creates numerous plumbing problems. Water hardness is determined by mineral ions present in the water--some areas have many more of these particles than others, making them more susceptible to hard water problems. Water softeners solve this problem by affecting the minerals themselves.

Magnet Versions

Magnetic versions of water softeners are simple: they are very powerful magnets, often standard magnets but sometimes electromagnets as well. They come in bands or brackets that are fastened around pipes leading to certain places, like pools or sinks. The goal of the magnets is to increase the bonding field of silica in the water, bonding mineral ions to particles in the water itself instead of other surfaces and rendering hard water inert.

Ion Exchangers

Ion exchangers use a solution made of either potassium or, more often, salt. This salt is mixed with water into a brine solution, and the exchanger uses its ions and an electrical current to replace the mineral ions in the water with sodium ions instead. The sodium does not harm any household material, and as long as the brine is maintained, the exchanger can work once or twice a day to soften all the water necessary.

Efficacy

Magnetic water softeners are subject to frequent debate, and reports on their effectiveness vary drastically. There is no scientific evidence that these water softeners can actually soften water, but there are many testimonies of users that they are effective. Their ability appears to be hit or miss, working in some areas but not others, and the effects are not reliable. Ion exchangers, on the other hand, work consistently with proven efficacy.

Drinkability

Ion exchangers replace mineral ions with sodium, and this can sometimes cause problems with water that is intended to be drunk or used in cooking. Some people may be able to taste the sodium present, especially in very hard water. This can make it difficult to drink. Magnetic water treatment, when it works, does not change the taste of the water.

References

• Askthebuilder: Traditional Water Softeners vs. Magnetic Water Softeners
• All Water Purification: Water Softener Consumer Reports
• APS Water: How do you Select a Water Softener?