A look at how they work and the benefits

Many of us are only too aware of the problems associated with hard water, which is one of the most common water problems. Whether it’s unsightly stains in the bathroom, scale build-up inside appliances, or dry skin, the problems can be irritating and costly.

Fortunately, there are ways you can stop such problems. To overcome hard water problems, you can choose between a water descaler and a water softener. As both devices work differently, we've compiled a comparison guide to help you decide which is best for your needs.

What is a water descaler?

A water descaler is one of the devices you can use to prevent the problems of hard water. It is a small device connected to your main water inlet. The device is then connected to the main water pipe using wire coils.

A water descaler does not alter or change the water in any way. No chemicals are added to the water, and nothing is removed from the water. Instead, a water descaler seeks to disturb the behaviour of mineral ions.

Affecting the form of mineral ions prevents them from solidifying, preventing any scale build-up or deposits. Instead of minerals, such as calcium carbonate, forming to create thick solid deposits, the particles remain suspended in water.

How do water descalers work?

Work descalers work using an electromagnetic field. The coils of wire that are wrapped around your water pipe from the device emit a time-variant magnetic field. This magnetic field is passed through any inflowing water.

The calcium and magnesium ions are reformed as water flows through the electromagnetic field. The signal emitted from the water descaler is harmless to humans but is sufficiently tailored for optimal effect.

The device is powered by electricity from a main power supply. Most electronic water descalers use very little power to operate. Once installed, the device can be left to work without further operation or maintenance.

What are the benefits of water descalers?

Choosing a water descaler over a water softener can provide several benefits. Firstly, healthy calcium and magnesium minerals remain in the water. During the descaling process, no chemicals are added to the water.

Water descaler devices also require minimal setup and no maintenance or operation after that. Over time, they can help reduce existing scale deposits and build-ups. Also, the chemical composition of water remains unchanged.

Many of the common hard water problems can be mitigated using a water descaler. Limescale deposits do not form on water outlets and surfaces, pipes do not become clogged and affect your water pressure, and household appliances benefit from increased efficiency and a longer lifespan.

What are the drawbacks of water descalers?

However, there are some drawbacks to choosing a water descaler over a water softener. Firstly, the effects of hard water on skin and hair, such as eczema, may still be problematic, as minerals remain in the water. A water descaler also doesn’t soften water, meaning water doesn’t become ‘soft’.

As hard water minerals are left in the water, the soft and slick feel of soft water is not present. Also, the high mineral content could still cause hard water stains or marks. Water descalers are best suited for areas with slightly or moderately hard water levels.

What are water softeners?

Another method to reduce the problems associated with hard water is a water softener. Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water. Unlike a water descaler, water is treated so it becomes soft.

Unlike water descalers, a water softener is a much larger device. Depending on the type of water softener, the device can be a tank or box. The softener is connected to the main water supply so all water can filter through.

Water softeners are filled with resin beads that help remove hard water minerals. A compartment holds salt, which is used to cleanse the resin beads after the softening process.

How do water softeners work?

Water descalers use an electromagnetic field, unlike water softeners, which use ion exchange. The ion exchange process replaces the hard water minerals with a different mineral, such as sodium or potassium.

As the tank is connected to the main water supply, all water is filtered through the softener before being available for use. Once the ion process has taken place, water flows back into your main water supply and is ready for use.

The resin beads need to be regularly washed (or regenerated) to allow the ion exchange process to take place. Salt and water are used to flush the resin beads to cleanse them of built-up hard water ions. During this time, the water supply is hard. The time of regeneration varies but can take time.

What are the benefits of water softeners?

The most significant benefit of a water softener over a water descaler is that it softens your water. For that reason, water softeners are suited for areas with very hard water supplies. Water is softened, and washing with soap and other detergents is easier.

A water softener also prevents the build-up of scale deposits inside pipes, appliances, and heating systems. Softened water also prevents unsightly water stains or marks around water outlets, such as taps, and on glass, such as drinking glasses.

What are the drawbacks of water softeners?

However, there are some drawbacks to water softeners that you should also consider. The water-softening process can sometimes leave a salty or metallic taste. The regeneration process also requires repurchasing salt or sodium, which can cost between £8 and £25 per bag.

Resin beads regularly require washing or regenerating to work effectively. The water used for the regeneration process ends up as wastewater. Compared to a water descaler, the operating costs are also higher; both power and water bills will increase.

Another drawback is that water softeners are less environmentally friendly than water descalers. That’s because water descalers use more power. Also, the salt used during the regeneration process can harm some wildlife.

The final verdict

Each individual's choice between a water softener and a water descaler will depend on their needs and what they want to achieve from such a device. Those suffering from skin conditions may benefit most from a water softener.

Alternatively, a water descaler would be a much more practical choice for those who want to retain the healthy minerals in hard water but prevent scale build-up, particularly if they want a low-hassle and easy-to-set-up solution.

You should also consider the long-term running costs of the devices. If you are looking for a cost-effective method to cut your expenses, a water descaler may be the best choice. However, if you want soft water, you’ll need to spend more each month operating the device.

The levels of hard water may also be a deciding factor. Areas with high hard water levels (anything over 200 milligrams per litre of hardness) would benefit better from a water softener. Areas with slightly or moderately hard water (between 60 and 200 mg/L) may find a water descaler sufficient.

We hope that our guide to water softeners and water descalers will help you make a decision. Remember that different makes and models offer various features that could affect your choice. Narrowing down between a descaler or a softener, though, can help streamline your search for a better and less problematic water supply!