Can RO systems soften water? What is the difference between a water softener and a reverse osmosis system? What are the specific benefits of these two water purification systems? Don't worry. We will help you. Next, find all the information about water softeners and RO systems in the ITEHIL blog.
What is soft water and hard water?
Soft water refers to water that contains no or less soluble calcium and magnesium compounds. Among natural water, rainwater and snow water are soft water. Distilled water is a common type.
Hard water refers to water that contains more soluble calcium and magnesium compounds.
Difference between water softener and reverse osmosis system
Water softener
Water softener is a water purification device that uses ion exchange technology to replace hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium ions in water with soluble sodium ions to reduce the hardness of water and prevent scale formation in pipes and equipment. Water softeners usually use ion exchange resin as a filter medium, which can reduce the content of calcium and magnesium ions in water, thereby achieving the purpose of softening water.
Reverse osmosis
A reverse osmosis system is a water purification device that uses reverse osmosis membrane filtration technology to remove harmful substances such as microorganisms, impurities, heavy metals, etc. in water to prepare high-purity water. Reverse osmosis is an efficient water treatment technology that can remove most of the soluble ions, organic matter, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other harmful substances in water, and has a good water purification effect. Reverse osmosis equipment usually uses multiple filtration methods such as reverse osmosis membrane, pre-filter, activated carbon filter, etc., which can effectively remove impurities in water and prepare high-purity water.
Recommended Reading: How Does Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Work?
Summary of differences
Different working principles. The water softener uses ion exchange technology to remove calcium, magnesium, and other ions in the water, which affects the formation of scale; reverse osmosis uses reverse osmosis membrane filtration technology to completely remove impurities in the water, including microorganisms, heavy metals, and other substances.
Different water purification effects. The water softener mainly solves the problem of hard water, removes calcium, magnesium, and other ions in the water, and reduces the formation of scale; reverse osmosis can completely remove impurities in the water and prepare high-purity water.
What are the benefits of water softeners and reverse osmosis water filters?
Using a water softener you can get the following benefits:
Increase the life of the equipment
The calcium and magnesium ions in hard water tend to leave deposits in the equipment, which can reduce the efficiency of the equipment and even cause damage to the equipment. Using soft water can prevent the formation of these deposits, thereby extending the life of the equipment.
Reduce cleaning time and cost
Due to the slight salt deposition in hard water, hard lumps form grayish-white spots on surfaces such as showers, bathtubs, and kitchenware. These marks are difficult to scrape off and increase cleaning time and cost. Using a water softener can solve this problem.
Improve skin health
Soft water does not cause dryness of skin and hair, as if making the water milder. The calcium and magnesium ions in hard water are easily deposited in the pores and hair, which hinders the breathing of the skin and makes the skin drier and stinging.
Reduce scale formation
When the calcium and magnesium ions in the water reach a certain concentration, scale will form. Scale can accumulate in various equipment, causing problems such as leaks. By using a water softener, the formation of scale can be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the equipment.
Using an RO water filtration system will give you the following benefits:
High filtration efficiency: Reverse osmosis water filters can filter out fine particles, heavy metals, fungicides, and other substances harmful to the human body and odors, making the water purer and therefore healthier to use.
No electricity required: Reverse osmosis water filters do not require additional electricity supply, and can be purified with only tap water pressure, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
No secondary pollution: No chemicals are used in the whole process, and no secondary pollution will be generated, which is environmentally friendly.
Fresh and delicious water: The filtered water is tasteless, odorless, and colorless.
Soft water: Reverse osmosis removes sodium ions that cause hard water problems.
Recommended Reading: How Does Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System Help Purify Drinking Water?
Does a reverse osmosis system soften water?
RO systems can soften water. However, constantly filtering hard water may wear out the water filter faster. Using an RO water system wastes a lot of water, so if solving the water hardness problem is your top priority, buying a water softener is a more economical solution.
Do I need to buy both a water softener and a reverse osmosis system?
This depends on your needs and preferences.
Whether it is a water softener or a reverse osmosis water filtration system, both water filters are environmentally friendly, and a water softener can increase the life of the equipment. An RO reverse osmosis water filtration system can save hundreds of dollars in bottled water costs.
Buy RO water filter and enjoy clean and healthy water. ITEHIL water filter is a carefully used and safest filtration step, PP cotton + activated carbon filtration, and reverse osmosis filtration. At the same time, it adopts a portable design. No matter where you go, you can use it anytime, anywhere. It can filter water quality in different environments and provide significant help for drinking water health.
