Die Vor- und Nachteile einer Enthärtungsanlage

In many regions of Germany there is a high calcium content in the water, which is why the water hardness is in the "hard" range (>14°dH). Hard water leads to limescale deposits in pipes, water fittings and kitchen appliances.

Hard water is caused, among other things, by acid rain, which dissolves calcareous rock and thus introduces calcium into the groundwater. In addition to calcium, other alkaline earth metals such as magnesium and beryllium also contribute to the hard water and are recorded as the total hardness in °dH.

To reduce the water hardness, softening systems are often installed on the domestic water inlet pipe or table filters are used. These devices are based on the principle of ion exchange and use exchange resins to soften the water. Calcium and magnesium ions are mainly removed from the water and exchanged for sodium ions. In another variant of the exchange resins, instead of sodium ions, H⁺ ions can also be released into the water, as is mainly the case with table filters.

Advantages of a softening system

Disadvantages of a softening system

No limescale deposits in pipes, on water fittings or in kitchen appliances.
With soft water, detergent consumption can be reduced.
Hair and skin feel softer and silkier.
Reduction in heating costs due to less limescale deposits in the heating system.
One-time investment in exchange resins, since these can be regenerated with salt tablets.

Concentration of vital minerals and salts, such as calcium and magnesium, is greatly reduced.
Change in water taste.
Increases the sodium content in the water, which can have a problematic effect on the development of the intestinal flora, especially for infants, or can lead to high blood pressure in adults.
Exchange resins in the H⁺ form lower the pH value. Water that is too acidic is bad for your teeth and can also cause heartburn.
Soft water has a slightly oxidizing effect and can therefore attack the pipes, which is why additional silicates and phosphates are often dosed to protect against corrosion after softening.
Regeneration results in high salt consumption.
The use of exchange resins and sodium chloride for regeneration is not sustainable and chemical-free.
Since the exchange resin does not have to be changed, it can quickly become contaminated.
The regeneration requires an additional waste water connection and uses a lot of water

Conclusion

Water that has been softened by a softening system should not be used as a source of drinking water. The low calcium and magnesium content, but on the other hand possibly high sodium content, are rather counterproductive in drinking water.

Nevertheless, a water treatment system is basically a sensible investment. Hytecon's HYPRO WATER reliably removes really unhealthy water components such as

Viruses and bacteria
Hormones and drug residues
Microplastic particles
Pesticides
Heavy metals,

but at the same time preserves the natural mineralization of the water.

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