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How Do I Choose the Best Soft Water Filter?
When people talk about the difference between hard and soft water, they normally are referring to the number of minerals that are in water. In most cases, hard water is defined as water that has a greater number of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, in it, while soft water generally has only sodium. To choose the best soft water filter, your first step should be to learn about the different water treatment systems available on the market and which kinds of features they offer, as well as factors such as cost and quality. A good way to perform research about which soft water filter is best is to read resources that are not sponsored by individual companies or retailers and which might concentrate on issues such as health and environmental friendliness.
Proponents of soft water believe that it is a much better option for cleaning since it is less likely to leave marks or discoloring, effects that some people attribute to cleaning with hard water. Many people also believe that by using a soft water filter, it is possible to rid drinking water of potentially harmful chemicals, such as chlorine. It is important to keep in mind, however, that some health experts do not recommend soft water filters to people who are on diets that require low sodium intake. A soft water filter might lead to increased levels of sodium in water.
When shopping for the best soft water filter, it is a good idea to consider how much certain models cost versus which kinds of features they offer. It is common for soft water filters to offer different hardness levels. To determine the value level of a soft water filter, it can be helpful to determine how much money a filter can help you to save in cleaning products, as well as in bottles of drinking water. You can also determine how much your health might benefit from using a particular water filter.
It can be difficult sometimes to determine which facts to believe, especially when reading information on retailer websites. You should make sure that you are backing up information by reading websites, periodicals, and other resources that do not promote specific brands. Look for resources that are sponsored by ecological agencies or organizations.
You might also find that filters have specific uses. For example, it might be possible to find a soft water filter that promises to remove all rust from water, while another filter might remove all chlorine. There are also soft water filters that specialize in improving taste and odor of water.
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![Soft water filters can lead to increased levels of sodium in drinking water.]()
By: HyrmaSoft water filters can lead to increased levels of sodium in drinking water.
Discussion Comments
@indigomoth - I would use a water filter as well if they weren't so annoying to maintain. The really expensive ones seem to work on in the background without any problems, but the one I could afford seemed to get backed up every second time I used it.
I guess it really comes down to what you prefer. The water in my area isn't really that bad, and I get filtered water at work, so it doesn't seem like it's worth it to invest in an expensive water filter.
@pleonasm - I don't have any particular objection to what they put in public water supplies. I know we've come a long way from the dark ages when you couldn't trust that the water wasn't going to kill you with each sip.
But, I just don't like the taste of chlorinated water. I grew up living on spring water, which we pumped from a spring in our own back yard. There was nothing so delicious, particularly on a hot day, since the water from underground was always cool. It really makes a difference to the taste of anything you use it in, and I'd rather my kids got a chance to experience that.
Using a filter isn't a perfect solution, but it's better than the tap water we'd have to put up with if we didn't use it. I make sure they brush their teeth regularly, so I don't think it's a problem. And this way they are more likely to drink as much water as they need to, rather than substituting things like sodas and fruit drinks which aren't nearly as good for you.
Remember if you are removing all the chemicals from your drinking water that you need to take extra care of your teeth. Often fluoride is included in urban drinking water supplies to help people with their teeth by providing a much needed mineral.
It's been in there for so many years, most people take it for granted, although there is a small minority who believe fluoride is harmful and object to it being added to our water without the option of taking it out.
There have been quite a few studies that show that adding fluoride to public water has no harmful effects and has in fact reduced tooth decay in the general public.
At any rate, whether you believe this or not, you should still make sure you take extra care of your teeth if you've decided to filter your water.
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