[crazy_bd]

Does anyone have a salt-free and how does it work for you?

I don't mean any magnetic kind of softener. I read about the type that has a ceramic media that causes the calcium and magnesium to form stable crystals, that will not scale or dissolve easily. Supposedly completely maintenance free for 5 years.

Pros and cons?

[Andy CWS]

Originally Posted by crazy_bd

Does anyone have a salt-free and how does it work for you?

I don't mean any magnetic kind of softener. I read about the type that has a ceramic media that causes the calcium and magnesium to form stable crystals, that will not scale or dissolve easily. Supposedly completely maintenance free for 5 years.

Pros and cons?

Only cons unless you are the salesman. Absolute junk and for once and for all they are NOT SOFTENERS. You see, you too, have fallen to the marketing of calling them a softener (even you calling the magnets softeners).

They are almost always sold ON-LINE as a remote protection from dissatisfied customers seeking refunds. If you can get the seller into a meaningful communication, they respond by saying you didn't read the fine print and no refund is coming. I have never heard of one customer (outside paid testimonials from the company) that is happy when used as a softener replacement.

[crazy_bd]

Well - excuse my choice of words. About me falling for it, going for a second opinion in the forum hardly counts as me falling for their marketing.

I wish you could give me the details on why this method isn't working. I understand it's not a softener per se, since it doesn't remove any calcium or magnesium. It claims to turn the calcium and magnesium into stable crystals, which won't scale or dissolve. I guess, based on your experience, that this is untrue?

[SportyandMisty]

Take a look at: The BunkHouse: Water pseudoscience gallery.

http://www.chem1.com

http://www.chem1.com/CQ/ASfaq.html

[Andy CWS]

[quote=crazy_bd;15288748]Well - excuse my choice of words. About me falling for it, going for a second opinion in the forum hardly counts as me falling for their marketing.
No problem, but that's what marketing is chefly about...putting concepts into you thinking, which manifests into the words: "salt-free water softeners". In that light, their marketing was successful.

As with all water treatmetn systems: it is designed to solve a problem. Do you have aproblem with thick scale build up on the interior of your plumbing? have you removed pipes for inspection? Are there other motivations that might steer you toward this 'technology'?

I wish you could give me the details on why this method isn't working. I understand it's not a softener per se, since it doesn't remove any calcium or magnesium. It claims to turn the calcium and magnesium into stable crystals, which won't scale or dissolve. I guess, based on your experience, that this is untrue?
Dissolve? I think it is already dissolved.

"Anit-scale" devices were developed for industrial purposes where the advantages--and cost--of softening water was not primary. Instead, avoiding scale build up on cooling towers, impellers, motors/pumps, etc., become extremely costly causing shutdowns and repair/replacemnt of parts.

This works primarily where water is running constantly or sits for extended times (not mixing with air or drying out) unlike dishwashers, toilets, washing machines, icemakers, and so on. Wherever the water rests/evaporates, scale will build up since the minerals are still there.

Transferring this technology to residential use has not had nearly the effect or cost savings value.

My experience is primarily removing the units from customers who, like so many, believed they were getting something too good (to be true). I see scale build up and soap scum on showers, sinks and other appliances; laundry has soap in remaining in it; and, iron, forget removing any iron from the water.

In summary, a major disappointment. I'll go back with my statement that these are sold on line so you can't go into a dealer's office and slam your fist on their counter demanding your money back.

Furthermore, there are no certifications from any respectful organization clearly stating that these do as advertised. Buyer takes all risks.

[crazy_bd]

Thanks!