Hard Water Vs Soft Water

No matter where you live in the UK, you will probably have heard water being referred to as either “hard” or “soft”. If you’re confused about what these terms mean, PureSalt are here to help. In this article, we will delve deep into the differences between hard water vs soft water, so you can understand and identify what type of water you have in your household.

Differences Between Hard Water & Soft Water

Differences in Mineral Composition

The difference between hard water vs soft water is the mineral makeup and composition. Both soft water and hard water contain magnesium and calcium mineral deposits, but the concentration determines the water hardness level.

Hard water has a naturally higher mineral content of magnesium and calcium carbonates (CaCO3) than soft water. If the water has more than 100 mineral parts per million (ppm), then it is officially classified as hard water.

Naturally soft water has less than 100 mineral ppm, however water softened with a water softener will mean that these mineral deposits will be removed and you can enjoy softened water even in a hard water area. A water softener uses salt to replace the magnesium and calcium ions with sodium ions.

What Causes Hard & Soft Water?

Did you know that rainwater is naturally soft? Therefore, you find soft water where rainfall has collected in the basin of rivers formed of non-porous or impervious rock with low calcium content like granite.

Hard water is created when rainfall passes through rocks with high calcium content like chalk, and limestone. The water dissolves some of the minerals which then enter the water and affect the mineral content. This means that your location has a huge impact on your water hardness levels.

Signs of Hard Water vs Soft Water

Due to the differences in mineral composition, there will be signs throughout your home if you have naturally hard water.

Signs of Hard Water

• Less lather when washing hair, skin, dishes and clothes
• There will be a build-up of limescale both in places you can and can’t see throughout your home. Limescale clogs pipes, appliances and even your boiler which prevents them working as effectively or efficiently, meaning they have to replaced or repaired more often.
• Lower water pressure
• Whites become dingy and may feel less clean
• White spots are left on silverware, glasses, taps and shower screens
• Limescale build-up on surfaces around the home meaning harsher chemicals and more elbow grease

How to Get Soft Water

When living in a hard water area, a water softener can solve the signs of hard water into your home. Pair this with high quality water softener salt and a reliable salt supplier, then you have a consistent stream of soft water for your washing machine, dishwasher, bathroom and boiler.

As one of the UK’s leading national salt distributors, PureSalt’s focus is on supplying quality salt products every time for your water softener. With multi-bag discounts and safe and speedy delivery, you can rely on us. Shop today or get in touch to discuss your requirements.