Hard water isn’t necessarily bad for you. In some ways, it’s good for you. If you’re deficient in magnesium or calcium, hard water can give you a mineral boost that you wouldn’t get with soft water. However, this is where the benefits of hard water pretty much stop. Hard water can cause many minor inconveniences and lead to costly, premature replacements of your water-using appliances.
If your ‘do isn’t doing what you want it to do despite using good hair care products, hard water might be to blame. Since hard water can’t rinse soap off as well as soft water can, your hair might grow limp because of the shampoo and conditioner residue that’s left behind. If you color your hair, you might see it fade more quickly or even turn a different shade as the dye reacts with the minerals in the water. You might also experience an itchy scalp, thanks to the dryness that comes from bathing in the hard water.
The most effective way to fix hard water in your shower is by installing a whole-home water softening system. This system treats water as it enters your home, removing the minerals that cause hardness before they can reach your shower or any other fixtures. While this is the most comprehensive solution, other methods are often temporary fixes. For a more affordable and shower-specific option, you can install a water-softening showerhead or a shower filter. However, these filters are generally less effective and may not remove all the contaminants that lead to limescale and hard water stains. By implementing a water softening solution, you can expect a reduction in mineral deposits and enjoy the benefits of cleaner-feeling hair and skin.
It’s not a good idea to oversize your water softener. Doing so will mean the tank doesn’t get full, which can lead to channeling. This leads to a large portion of the resin beads not being utilized and the beads at the bottom of the tank being overused. Over time, this will reduce the efficiency of your system, not to mention that the upfront cost of an oversized softener is unnecessarily high. If you have a timed regeneration cycle rather than a demand-based one, you’ll also spend far more on replacing salt than you need to.
You can decide whether you need a water softener or water filter based on how your bathing or laundry experience is. If you notice issues like limescale buildup, dry skin, or stains on dishes—all telltale signs of hard water—you'd likely benefit from a water softener. However, if your main concern is over chemicals or bacteria in your tap water filter, and not just comfort, a filter is a better option.
The Tyler, MN homeowners’ guide to water softener services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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