Modern water softening systems for industry and private homes

Water softening primarily means removing limescale and other substances. These become visible in your home as limescale deposits. Depending on where you live or the location of an industrial plant, the water is either soft (low in calcium) or hard. So-called hard water contains higher concentrations of calcium and magnesium. This is completely harmless to health and even beneficial. However, a high concentration of these two substances, as well as others, has some disadvantages. Unsightly residues form on bathroom fixtures and other surfaces. Therefore, you need to regularly clean these white spots from affected areas. While various limescale removers are available, the problem doesn't end with just the visual impact.

What is the difference between a water softener and a descaling system?

A water softener and a descaling system are essentially the same thing: they reduce water hardness by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions, thus preventing limescale buildup. Typical water softeners use special resin and require regular regeneration with salt. A limescale protection system, on the other hand, alters the crystal structure of the calcium in the water to prevent it from depositing in pipes or appliances, without removing the minerals themselves. Such systems often use physical methods, such as magnetic or electrical processes, the effectiveness of which is frequently debated.

Why is a water softener useful?

Limescale builds up in pipes and appliances, shortening their lifespan. Washing machines are particularly affected in private households. If you don't treat them with special products or citric acid, they can be damaged. In the kitchen, kettles, coffee machines, and other appliances also become clogged with limescale. A water softener not only prevents these unsightly deposits but also saves on detergents, dishwashing liquids, and limescale removers. It also reduces maintenance and reduces energy costs. The latter is especially relevant for water heaters, which run longer with a layer of limescale. This means they consume more energy before the water reaches the desired temperature.

Which is the best water softener?

The best systems, of course, come from Alfiltra ;-) But all joking aside! What really matters? First and foremost, it's about ensuring you, the customer, are free of limescale buildup. Our systems utilize a reliable ion exchange process that effectively reduces water hardness and prevents limescale deposits. We place great emphasis on user-friendliness, efficiency, and durable materials. Our water softeners are easy to maintain and feature efficient salt regeneration, ensuring trouble-free operation. Choosing the right system depends on the size of your household, the water hardness, and your desired level of maintenance. Alfiltra stands for high-quality, reliable solutions that provide clean, soft water.

How does our water softening system with ion exchange work?

In the technical section, mathematical background information is essential. However, you can conveniently find details, calculations, and quantities of required tools in our support section. The ion exchange process is also known as the neutral exchange process. In this process , calcium and magnesium ions (which cause limescale) are exchanged for sodium ions . The pH value remains unchanged, and the water naturally does not taste salty afterward.

What are "capacity" and "regeneration"?

How much softened water should the system produce at a given water hardness level? This is determined by the capacity , which depends heavily on the size of the house. It is calculated as a factor of water hardness (in °dH or mmol/l) and water volume (in m³).

Formula: Water volume = Capacity/Water hardness

The formula indicates how much water the water softener supplies before regeneration . Regeneration refers to the process of "charging" the system with salt, during which it is rinsed and cleaned. The salt water absorbs the calcium and magnesium ions previously removed from the water. Simultaneously, it releases sodium ions, which are later exchanged with the calcium and magnesium from the incoming drinking water. Before proceeding further, the entire system is rinsed once more with fresh water.

Where does the water containing the extracted calcium and other substances end up? The filtered substances are simply and safely discharged into the wastewater .

What are the costs associated with operating the water softening system?

Besides the electricity required to operate the water softener, you only need salt on a regular basis. This amounts to approximately one 25 kg bag per person per year in a typical household. Salt is an inexpensive commodity, and a bag costs around €10 in stores or in our shop. We also recommend annual maintenance of the system. You can view a sample calculation here. If you have any questions about maintenance, selection, and installation, we are happy to provide you with detailed advice.