What are the filters for hard water and how to choose the right model

Filters designed for hard water have appeared on store shelves relatively recently, but over the past few years they have gained great popularity among the population. Water filters purify and soften water, which makes it suitable for use not only for domestic but also for food purposes. Hard water is a characteristic feature of artesian wells, therefore, not only apartment residents, but also owners of suburban private houses are faced with the problem.

Purpose and scope

The demand for “softeners” is due to the fact that hard water contributes to the development of diseases of the digestive system, kidneys and joints, and also negatively affects the performance and wear of household appliances. In addition, it leads to disruptions in the operation of sewage and water supply lines. Using filters, it is possible to eliminate excess salts in the composition and protect pipes, plumbing and household appliances from calcium deposits. The installation of a hard water purification filter on a pipe prevents the negative destructive effect of a liquid with a high concentration of alkaline salts.

This phenomenon also forces households to use detergents, including washing powder, in large quantities. Mitigation will reduce the consumption of household chemicals, which will favorably affect the costs.

Hard tap water negatively affects the condition of the skin, especially in people prone to dryness and the development of allergies.

Types, device and principle of operation

There are several types of filters designed for hard water. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, design and use features.

• A filter jug ​​is the simplest type of device. Visually, it resembles an ordinary teapot or carafe with a lid, inside equipped with plastic parts. Scope: for clarification of small volumes of water and its use in food. Features: low productivity and cost.
• The main variety is perhaps the most common in everyday life. She is characterized by the shape of an elongated tube, inside which is placed a cartridge with ionized resin. Upon contact of a substance with water, the latter, entering a chemical reaction, converts calcium ions into sodium ions. Trunk models are more productive than jugs.
• The best filter for hard water, according to experts, is flowing; it belongs to high-class equipment. The design consists of several cylinders, each of which is equipped with a special cartridge with a special resin. High performance.
• Regenerative equipment is a subspecies of the flowing variety. Only the main working segment is a special cylinder that produces bulk resin. Upon contact with the salt, the resin regenerates. To implement this process, the filter is equipped with special mechanisms.
• Membrane filters are designed to perform common tasks in the treatment of tap water. But they also do an excellent job of mitigation.
• Magnetic filters visually resemble thickened water pipes. With a certain sequence, magnets are installed on the surface of the walls that can soften water by changing its structure.
• The principle of operation of electromagnetic equipment is identical to the previous one. Only during operation should the unit be connected to the mains.

It is also worth more familiarizing yourself with the principle of operation of devices. Two methods are used to remove salt impurities, the effectiveness of which has been repeatedly proven in the laboratory:

• Reverse osmosis is common in apartments. Purification can be carried out in two ways: using pressure, which forces the active movement of water molecules, or additional equipment with a semipermeable membrane, which only water molecules pass through.
• Ion exchange. This method of cleaning is considered more common, it is based on the work of pitcher filters, large home installations and some model lines of cleaning installations under the sink. A cleansing agent is a special resin saturated with sodium ions. During operation, the resin must be regenerated or changed. It is ion-exchange filters that are preferred when purifying an artesian source.

These principles of action are based on a larger number of filtering devices.

Key selection criteria

Knowing the principles of operation and device design, you can find the most suitable model in a particular case. When choosing a filter for hard water, it is recommended to rely on the following criteria:

• Why a filter is needed: for use in food and drink, to protect household appliances, soften bathing water, or for everything at the same time.
• Pricing policy, because not everyone can afford to buy expensive sewage treatment plants for the home.
• The amount of water used. Based on this parameter, you can choose a model with the appropriate performance.
• A substance that is used to purify and soften water. Different models use polyphosphates, magnets, or resin.
• Easy installation, maintenance and repair.

Also, before buying, you need to additionally familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of certain models, study user reviews.

Rating of the best filters

Choosing filters for hard water is not an easy task, especially if you are faced with the task for the first time. The range of equipment is huge, but experts single out the most popular models on the Russian market:

• Barrier filters to soften pitcher-type water effectively remove harmful impurities. The manufacturer released a special series for such a liquid. Smart, Extra and Eco models are distinguished - the funnel volume is about 1 liter. The cost is from 350 rubles. The resource of the cleaning cartridge is not more than 500 liters. The advantage of the device is that it can be installed anywhere, low cost, there are no restrictions on the shelf life.
• Equipment for hard liquids "Aquaphor" has one unique feature - the system keeps track of territorial affiliation. The cleaning system effectively removes bacteriological impurities, organics and chemical compounds. The devices are easy to use and have a compact size. The cost ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 rubles.
• The three-stage filter "Geyser ZIVZH" is equipped with a special filtering material - aragon. It is able to retain chemical impurities and compounds of organics, chlorine. It additionally provides bacterization, but retains beneficial substances for humans. The duration of the device is approximately 1 year, the cost ranges from 2,000 - 2,500 rubles.

You can buy filters in household appliances stores, as well as in ordinary supermarkets.

Customer reviews

Before purchasing a filter for purifying hard water, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself not only with the design features, but also study the reviews about it.

Andrey, Moscow. In our capital, the quality of tap water leaves much to be desired. We made the decision to install a cleaning filter.We began to actively study information about the types, effectiveness and maintenance. Reviews about the magnetic filter to soften water are usually good, so we decided to give preference to it. The cost, of course, is not acceptable for everyone, we paid more than 6 thousand rubles for the system. We have been using it for more than a year now, there are no complaints, the quality of the water suits.

Marina, Astrakhan. Six months ago, we mounted a Geyser flow type filter under the sink. From personal experience we were convinced of how useful this thing is. The water is very different after the filter, more pleasant to the touch, good taste. Ceased to use softening detergents. Now, after drying, the washed laundry does not become a hard cake, everything is soft and without additional household chemicals.

Dmitry, Rostov-on-Don. Recently acquired a Barrier filter from the Bio line. First impressions are extremely positive, so I recommend it to everyone.

The quality of tap water is poor. To prevent the development of diseases and the failure of household appliances, it is recommended to install cleaning filters at home.