Question 1

Why install a water softener?

Accepted Answer

A water softener mainly reduces water hardness, i.e. the amount of calcium and magnesium responsible for limescale formation.
Softened water can in particular:
• limit scale build-up in pipes and installations;
• help extend the lifespan of water-using equipment;
• limit limescale deposits on heating elements;
• reduce white marks on taps, shower screens, sanitary ware and dishes;
• reduce the need for anti-scale products and maintenance;
• provide a more pleasant feeling on skin and hair;
• improve everyday comfort in the home.

Question 2

How does a water softener work?

Accepted Answer

1 — Hard water enters the softener : Water from the mains contains calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for water hardness and limescale formation.
2 — The resin performs the ion exchange : The water flows through an ion-exchange resin. The resin mainly captures calcium and magnesium ions and exchanges them for sodium ions.
3 — Softened water is distributed : After treatment, the softened water flows back into the home's installation and supplies the various water points.
4 — The resin regenerates automatically : When the resin becomes saturated, the unit carries out a regeneration using a brine prepared with the salt in the tank. The resin then regains its exchange capacity.

Question 3

Is your water hard? How can you tell?

Accepted Answer

Water is described as "hard" or limescale-forming when it contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium.
Water hardness can be checked:
• with your water supplier;
• using a hardness test kit;
• or during an analysis carried out before installing a softener.
Hardness is usually expressed in French degrees (°f).
You don't know the hardness of your water? AquaDouce can advise you.
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Question 4

Is installing a water softener worth it?

Accepted Answer

Whether a softener is worthwhile depends in particular on the hardness of your water, your consumption and the limescale problems in your home.
When the water is hard, a softener can be particularly useful to limit scale build-up on equipment and reduce regular descaling work.
It can notably protect hot-water installations, taps, sanitary ware and various household appliances.
AquaDouce can size the solution based on water hardness, the number of occupants and the household's consumption.

Question 5

Why choose a salt-based softener rather than an alternative anti-scale system?

Accepted Answer

A true resin softener works by ion exchange: it directly reduces the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for hardness.
Many so-called "anti-scale" or "anti-limescale" systems work differently. They may seek to change the way limescale forms or deposits, without necessarily reducing water hardness.
• Softener: acts on water hardness.
• Anti-scale system: mainly aims to limit deposits or their adhesion.
The effectiveness of alternative systems depends on the technology used and the conditions of use.

Question 6

What is softener regeneration?

Accepted Answer

Over time, the resin becomes loaded with calcium and magnesium and needs to be regenerated.
The softener then uses a brine prepared with the salt in its tank. This process allows the resin to regain its exchange capacity.
On a modern unit, regeneration is automatic.
The frequency mainly depends on:
• water consumption;
• water hardness;
• the capacity of the unit;
• its settings.
Volume-based (metered) systems can trigger regeneration according to the volume of water actually treated, to optimise operation.

Question 7

Does salt need to be added regularly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A resin softener using brine regeneration requires regenerating salt.
How often you refill depends on water consumption, hardness, the model and its settings.
It is generally not necessary to add salt every week: simply check the level of the tank periodically and top it up when needed.

Question 8

What water hardness should be set after the softener?

Accepted Answer

A correctly set softener does not necessarily have to produce water at 0 °f.
The setting must be adapted to the installation and to the applicable recommendations.
AquaDouce sets and sizes the installation to strike a balance between limescale reduction, comfort of use and protection of the installation.

Question 9

What is the difference between a Simplex and a Duplex softener?

Accepted Answer

Simplex: a single resin tank handles the water treatment. During certain regeneration phases, softening may be temporarily unavailable depending on the configuration of the installation.
Duplex: two tanks ensure continuity of service: while one tank regenerates, the other can continue treating the water.
The Duplex is particularly suitable for high consumption or professional installations requiring continuous availability.

Question 10

Do alternative anti-scale systems remove limescale from the water?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily.
Unlike an ion-exchange softener, many anti-scale systems do not remove calcium and magnesium from the water.
They rather seek to limit the formation or the adhesion of scale deposits.
The result and effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the technology used, the water quality and the installation conditions.

Question 11

Which softener should I choose for my home?

Accepted Answer

Sizing should not be based solely on the price or the size of the unit.
You should in particular take into account:
• water hardness;
• the number of occupants;
• water consumption;
• the required flow rate;
• the available space;
• the characteristics of the installation.
AquaDouce can recommend the right model after analysing these different elements.
Find the softener suited to my home

Frequently asked questions about water softeners