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The primary difference between a water softener and a water filter lies in what they remove from the water. A water softener is designed to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. In contrast, a water filter has a broader effect, removing various contaminants above a certain size, which can include bacteria and other impurities.

To decide which you need, consider your goal. If you want to eliminate hard minerals, choose a softener. If you want to remove a wide range of contaminants, a filter is the better option. Filters are also generally less expensive to install. Depending on your water supply, you may need to install both for comprehensive treatment.

Hard water doesn’t hurt, but it might feel more abrasive, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s also about how your skin feels after bathing. You might feel as though you have a sticky film over your body because you do—it’s all that soapy residue left behind because the hard water can’t rinse it off completely.

You can use a commercial water repellent treatment for glass on your shower doors to prevent water spots. Take care to only apply the product to glass. Letting air circulate also helps prevent water spots, as water is less likely to remain on the glass for a long time with good air circulation. Run your vent fan, open a window, and leave the shower door open for about half an hour after using the shower.

Most of the U.S. has hard water, especially across portions of the West and Midwest. The areas with the hardest water include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, North and South Dakota, Ohio, and New York. You’ll find soft water in parts of New England, the Southeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.