saltless water softner (recommendation, appliances, work, house)

[steph3kids]

We have hard water in our house.
I know it is bad for pipes,appliances etc..
More than anything it is rough on our skin, my little one is scratching like crazy.
I don't really want to use the water softner w/salt, too much trouble.
I have seen on-line some water softner that require no salt.
anyone has tried it? just want to know if it really works.
Any recommendation appreciated.

Thanks

Stephanie