An Extensive Guide For Buying The Best Water Softener For Apartment

It is common knowledge that hard water leaves stains on almost all surfaces because it is full of minerals, including calcium and magnesium, and heavy metals. It causes untold damage to plumbing systems and household appliances.

Moreover, hard water harms the skin, clothes, dishes, etc., by leaving a film of soap even after many rinses. Strong evidence shows that hard water makes your skin sticky and your hair dry.

It is also becoming increasingly common to invest in a water softener and have it installed in homes. Many have a whole-house water softening system installed. But, in the case of a small to mid-sized apartment, space may be a constraint.

Fortunately, water softeners are also designed to fight hard water problems regardless of the amount of space available. That makes it easy to review the new water softener models in the market that are suitable for small condos or apartments.   

According to studies, hard water affects around 85% of people in the United States. Most of them have found the answer in water softening systems.

It is a good thing that water softeners are not restricted to property owners. Water filtering or softening solutions are available to those that are relocating to different locations and are renting apartments, or looking for smaller units that are budget-friendly.

Can you have a water softener in the apartment?

You can have a water softener in your apartment, even if it is a rental. There is no reason why you should put up with hard water and all its effects just because you are in a rented space and may not be there for long.

For instance, you may have just moved into a new apartment because you like the community and the view. You realize that the water tastes different, and your clothes are losing their shine only after you move in. You probably notice that your skin is itching, and your hair is losing its sheen. All of these effects are caused by hard water. So, you decide to buy a water softener.

There are many types of water softeners, and some of them don’t need a permanent connection. These point of use (POU) systems are different from the point of entry (POE) systems. 

The POE water softeners are installed at the point of entry where the water enters your home. They are more commonly known as the whole house water treatment systems. Generally, homeowners opt for whole-house water softeners because it is a more permanent solution for the hard water in the area.  

The POU water softeners, on the other hand, are connected directly at the place where water is being used, i.e., showers or faucets. They are just as effective as the point of entry systems in removing impurities and softening the water.

The POU water softeners are smaller and more compact units and can be easily used in mobile homes, condominiums, and small apartments by installing them at the source of a single water connection. 

There are also portable water softeners if you are living in a mobile home like an RV or boat. They ensure that your water quality remains good as they have features such as quick regeneration, are compact in design, have handles to carry them around, full flow heads, and are high-efficiency and low-maintenance water softeners. 

Which is the best water softener for apartment in 2021?

The best water softener for apartments in 2021 is the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener. This double standard softener produces twice the gallons compared to the other standard models. It is also the largest compact RV softener on the market.

Built for any RV/ Marine model owner, this 16,000-grain unit is a perfect fit and supplies approximately 40% more soft water than any other unit on the market. It simply regenerates with two boxes of common table salt in less than 30 minutes. It also provides the home with soft water of up to 1600 gallons or up to 40 days. 

Why you should trust us?

Our review of the water softeners in the market is based on in-depth research into the products and extensive testing. The water softeners we have picked are those that provide the greatest value for money.

Below, we have listed the six best water softeners for apartments along with their pros and cons so it is easier for you to decide on the one you need. 

How to choose the right size water softener for apartment?

While the size of the water softener may not be a consideration if you are looking to install one in your home, it will be a factor when space is limited. Water softeners have a grain capacity, i.e., the maximum grains of hardness that the water softener can remove before regeneration.

Some portable water softeners have a basic regeneration cycle that requires you to add salt to the brine tank to start the regeneration process manually. The newer models start the process automatically. 

When you are making a choice of the right size of water softener for your apartment, you need to use the below formula:

• Multiply the number of people using the water by 70, which is the number of gallons of water per day.
• Multiply the answer by the water hardness grains per gallon, which is the grains per day.
• Divide the number into the softener capacity.

Ideally, the water softener should be sized to ensure that it does not regenerate more often than every three days and does not run for more than 14 days before regenerating. 

Apartments and condos have limited space and that is where the point of use water softeners can be handy. They are smaller by nature and you won’t need to find large spaces to have them installed. All you need is the unit to treat or soften the water that you are using for specific purposes.

4 Things You Must Keep In Mind before Choosing the Water Softener

Choosing a water softener can be daunting. It doesn’t have to be. Once you know the type of water softener you need, you can choose the right one depending on the current water quality in your home.

Choosing a water softener can be daunting. It doesn’t have to be. Once you know the type of water softener you need, you can choose the right one depending on the current water quality in your home.

Get high-quality components with a metered style valve

Water softeners that come with quality components and metered valves work efficiently and last longer. The upfront cost may be a bit higher, but they have fewer operating costs and can last longer without the need to replace parts or waste too much salt and water.

Meter-styled valves help you program different levels of hardness depending on the number of people using water. The unit can adjust the regenerating times automatically.

Get the right size of water softener

Water softeners are not all of the same sizes. Their size will depend on the flow rate and water hardness in your home. If the water softener is too small, it will reduce the lifespan of the unit and parts costing you much more in the long run. An efficient water softener is one that will be the exact size for the space.

Get your water tested

Knowing the type of water treatment is essential to choosing the water softener system. You may need a water filtration system, too. These decisions depend on the water quality.

For those using city water:

A copy of the water analysis report for the city will help. If you find that the water is hard and also contains other impurities, you may need a water filtration or drinking system to add to the water softener system. 

For those using water from a well:

The well water may contain contaminants that need to be monitored. A thorough analysis of well water every six months is good to ensure that the water is safe for your family. Water from a well can be tested for nitrates, arsenic, and other contaminants.

Compare pricing and quality

Naturally, you will have to keep your budget in mind. Water softeners can be an investment, and you will want them to last long. What may seem like a good bargain may not last long, and you’ll end up spending more money on repairs and replacement parts. 

When comparing brands and prices, a water softener with a good warranty, high-quality resin beads that won’t need replacing often, and a metered valve are all good factors. 

List of 6 Best Water Softener For Apartments

Most water softeners allow you to set the length of the regeneration cycle. However, the default regeneration cycles take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. It is a practical time frame for most households.

If the regeneration cycle is too short, it could result in ineffective resin beads, and if the cycle is too long, it will increase the time you go without soft water.

Water Softener vs. Water Descaler for Apartment. Which one suits you?

It is always uncomfortable to deal with the effects of hard water. Hardwater damages laundry, the tiles in the bathroom develop stains, and there is soap scum in your dishes. Unfortunately, water hardness is not the only problem, as you may find other contaminants in the water that can be harmful o your health.

That’s why there are two types of filtration systems, water descaler, and water softener. Both are effective in solving water issues. It will help to understand the difference before choosing between a water descaler and a water softener. 

Hard water causes build-up on your surfaces and damages household appliances. It also contains calcium and magnesium, and other minerals, including heavy metals. There are different levels of hard water, depending on the area that you live in. You can find out the water hardness by using a test kit or calling the local municipality. 

The big difference between a water softener and a descaler is that a water softener will remove all the hardness in your water, which means the GPG count will be zero. On the other hand, a water descaler will prevent all the secondary effects from contaminants in the hard water. The descaler is smaller and can be placed in almost all locations.

A water softener needs two tanks and is either placed at the point of entry or point of use. One tank has resin beads, and the other is a brine tank. With ion exchange, the water softener changes the chemical composition of the water. The incoming water supply enters the tank containing the resin beads, where the sodium replaces the calcium and magnesium.

Essentially, the water enters the tank with the resin beads that are already charged with sodium ions. Then, the resin beads trap the calcium and magnesium minerals and replace them with sodium, after which the brine tank cleans the water through a process of regeneration. To charge the resin beds with sodium, the brine tank needs to be filled with salt or potassium chloride.

Water softeners are most effective when regularly maintained, but a descaler requires minimal upkeep. An effective water softener can improve the taste of water, reduce the amount of water needed for a good lather, and remove the soap scum from sticking to surfaces and kitchen utensils.

When is it better to use a water softener?   

In some specific situations, only a water softener will work if your water hardness is between 25 and 30 GPG. This is classified as very hard water. Continued use of such water can harm your health. It can also cause damage to pipes and appliances. When this happens, the best option is to use a water softener. 

Water Descalers, also called water conditioners, do not remove the minerals in the hard water. Their main purpose is to prevent the build-up of scale deposits caused by calcium and magnesium minerals and remove the contaminants.

Water descalers use several types of technologies, for instance, magnets placed in the pipes or using a low voltage current. A low voltage current creates crystals, and such a templed crystallization helps avoid scaling. The installation and maintenance of water descalers are less expensive.  

When is it better to use a water descaler?   

A water descaler is an ideal choice if you want to be eco-friendly and save water. It is also more budget-friendly. Knowing all the differences between a water softener and a descaler and the quality of water in the apartment or home will make it easier to make a choice between the two. 

How to deal with hard water if you live in apartments [Follow these expert tips]

There are different ways in which you can handle the hard water in your apartment. Some of them are listed below and can help you deal with varying levels of hard water.

1. Boiling the hard water 

Hard water that mostly contains calcium bicarbonate is also called temporary hard water. If you boil the water, the high temperature precipitates the dissolved minerals from the water. By removing the calcium content, the water becomes softer. 

Boiling is a quick way, and it is also cheaper to boil the water you consume. It is essential to remember that boiling only addresses temporary hardness. 

2. Use cleaning acid or solutions to remove the soap scum 

The hard water’s calcium, magnesium, and other minerals react with soap’s chemical contents, leaving behind soap scum. The soap scum is also known as lime soap, and it causes a white build-up on all surfaces. It accumulates in sinks, bathrooms, drains, and shower doors, etc. 

The positively charged calcium atoms cause soap scum as these atoms prevent soap molecules from dissolving completely. The undissolved soap molecules attach themselves to surfaces. You can use a cleaning solution to counter the positive calcium atoms in hard water. 

3. Use Washing Soda to do Laundry 

Washing soda is one of the best solutions to treat hard water for laundry purposes. It’s a type of chemical that contains carbonic acid salt (sodium carbonate). It can soften both temporary and permanent hard water. The washing soda can get rid of the dissolved calcium and magnesium in hard water. By removing these mineral ions from the water, hard water becomes softened. 

4. Distilled White Vinegar can Remove Hard Water Stains 

Calcium is alkaline and has a pH level of more than 7. On the other hand, white distilled vinegar is very acidic, as it has a pH level of about 2.5. So, vinegar can help neutralize the calcium content in hard water. But, it is essential to know that you can’t add too much vinegar to drinking water, and it is most effective for cleaning purposes. You can also use vinegar to soak fixtures that have a limescale build-up for around an hour or spray vinegar on household appliances to remove all the spots left by soap and hard water. 

5. Use a Magnetic Water Conditioner

Some water conditioners use a magnetic field to condition the water, although they can’t be used to soften water. Homes with moderately hard water can still find magnetic water conditioners effective.

The unit is connected to the main water supply, and the magnetic field can change the properties of the contaminants in the water, i.e., the mineral ions get separated from each other, ensuring that they don’t stick together and cause limescale build-up. These minerals don’t get removed, but they will get drained out of the water. 

6. Install a Faucet Water Softener

A point of use water softener in the faucet is the most optimum way to soften the water. Installations costs will remain low if you choose to install one under the sink or onto a faucet. 

The two types of water softeners are Sodium or Potassium Chloride.

Salt-based Water Softeners

Salt-based water softeners are generally more common. They come in different sizes. Sodium or potassium chloride are crystalline substances, and as such, are the main elements in a water softener. Salt-based water softeners rely on a process called ion exchange. The crystalline solution holds and suspends a medium such as resin to soften the water.

The exchange of ions is almost immediate even as the water flows through the softener, and this helps swap the mineral ions with the chloride ions. The minerals that make the water hard get trapped in the softener’s chamber resulting in softened water. You will see an immediate change in the quality of water as your skin reacts favorably to softened water. The same is true of household appliances, too.

Salt-Free Water Softeners

You can also use saltless water softeners that will convert the mineral ions into very tiny crystals. This results in the crystalized minerals staying suspended in the water. Although the hard water continues to retain the magnesium and calcium content, the mineral ions won’t attach themselves to surfaces. This reduces the risk of scale build-up on your fixtures and plumbing pipes. Salt-free softeners don’t use salt; instead, they turn calcium ions into nanocrystals. 

The Verdict

It is clear that water softeners are the ideal solutions for homes and apartments as they ensure softened water supply for bathing, washing kitchen utensils, laundry, and consumption. While all other measures may help reduce hard water contents, the choice of investing in a good water softener may be well worth it in the long term, not just for your family’s health but also for your home. 

Conclusion

Here, we have given you all the reasons why water softeners are perfectly usable in apartments and mobile homes. We have also given you an in-depth review of select water softeners with their pros and cons for you to choose from. With the many portable and compact softeners available in the market, it is only a matter of buying the one that is best suited for your needs.