What does water hardness mean?

Table of Contents

• Water hardness ranges
• Hard water / Soft water
• Reduce water hardness

Water hardness indicates the amount of hardness-causing minerals, namely calcium and magnesium, present in the water. The higher the water hardness, the higher the concentration of these minerals. High water hardness is referred to as "hard water," while low water hardness is called " soft water ." In Germany, water hardness is usually expressed in degrees of German hardness (°dH). Alternatively, it can be expressed in parts per million (ppm).

Water hardness ranges

According to the Detergents Act, water hardness is divided into three water hardness ranges.

• Soft water hardness range: Water hardness below 8.4° dH
• Medium hardness range: Water hardness between 8.4° dH and 14.6° dH
• Hard water range: Water hardness above 14.6° dH

Hard water / Soft water

In the home, high water hardness, or hard water, is noticeable through the build-up of limescale everywhere, especially in areas where hot water is used. As a result, limescale deposits in the bathroom and in many kitchen appliances need to be removed. For example, the kettle and coffee machine need to be descaled regularly. In the shower, the shower walls and shower head need to be cleaned of limescale.

Hard water increases washing costs. The minerals that cause hardness react with the surfactants in the detergent to form soap scum. These soaps reduce the washing power. To compensate for this reduced cleaning power, more detergent must be used with hard water than with soft water. Consequently, detergent costs rise.

Reduce water hardness

Water softening reduces the water hardness throughout the entire household. This is recommended for water hardness levels above 8.4° dH. Installing a water softening system reduces the water hardness to a desired level, typically a residual hardness of 3-4° dH.

In our shop you will find the right water softening system for all applications.