Water Softener Vs Reverse Osmosis
Most homeowners and business owners looking to improve the quality of water get confused and indecisive. In the cases of our clients, most people get divided between two popular options, water softeners and reverse osmosis systems. At WaterMart, if we get new clients who have never heard of any of these systems. We explain water softener vs reverse osmosis like this.
Water softener chemically filters the water. It “softens” and improves water for general household use. However, Reverse osmosis filters water mechanically. Instead of “softening” water, it gets rid of all harmful contaminants through pressure.
All they have in common is that both are tailored to address specific water concerns.
But they operate on entirely different principles. Understanding each system’s working is important if you are looking into water treatments. Read on in detail to explore their benefits and drawbacks. Then, decide which system is right for your needs.
Water Softener vs Reverse Osmosis: Key Differences Explained
The most common questions regarding RO vs water softener and the differences between these systems are how these water filtering systems work and whether they can work together. The difference between water softener and reverse osmosis is in functionality. A water softener primarily targets hard water issues. It helps reduce scaling in appliances and plumbing. In contrast, reverse osmosis systems focus on purifying water by filtering out harmful contaminants. It makes the water safe for drinking. See how they work along with their pros and cons.
Water Softener System
We recommend using a water softener to address “hardness” (a combination of Calcium & Magnesium salts) in water. Everyone needs this system as hard water affects about 85% of households in Canada. This can cause issues like disgusting scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and dishwashers.
By using filters, this system removes hardness-causing minerals through ion exchange. During this process, sodium ions replace calcium and magnesium for clean water. For more details, explore our comprehensive guide to water softeners.
Advantages
- Extends the lifespan of water-using appliances like dishwashers and heaters.
- Helps soap and detergent work better. It reduces usage by up to 75%.
- Leaves skin feeling softer and hair smoother after washing.
- Prevents water spots on dishes and glassware.
- Saves money on cleaning supplies and energy costs.
- Improves the taste of prepared food and beverages.
- Reduces the need for frequent appliance repairs and maintenance.
See here for more about the benefits of soft water.
Limitations
- Softened water is not ideal for drinking.
- It doesn’t reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
- Requires regular maintenance and periodic regeneration using salt.
- Environmental concerns exist around the disposal of salt-laden brine from regeneration.
Reverse Osmosis System
A reverse osmosis system provides thorough water purification. It uses multiple filters and a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants (like chemicals, dissolved solids, and even some heavy metals). Does ro remove sodium? Is the major concern of many. Yes, it removes sodium from the water, a good news for high blood pressure patients.
Unlike water softeners, RO systems are typically installed at specific points. Most of our clients get it installed in the kitchen sink, due to their focus on drinking and cooking water quality. For further insights, check out the guide on reverse osmosis systems.
Advantages
- Produces clean, safe, and better-tasting water for drinking.
- Removes up to 90% of dissolved pollutants. (filters out metals and arsenic, copper, radioactive contaminants, pesticides, and others)
- The compact design fits easily under sinks or in small spaces.
- An environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water.
- Requires minimal maintenance with occasional filter replacements.
- Suitable for homes with high TDS water or poor water taste.
Check out more about the benefits of reverse osmosis systems.
Limitations
- Not ideal for treating very hard water without pre-softening. Hard water wears out the membrane faster.
- Can waste a significant amount of water during the filtration process.
- Limited to point-of-use applications, not suitable for whole-home filtration alone.
- Higher upfront cost compared to some other water treatment systems.
Comparison Table For Water Softener Vs Reverse Osmosis
After having learned the difference between water softener and reverse osmosis, let’s have a quick look at the scope of the duo. To make a quick decision, take a glance at this table to understand the reverse osmosis water filter vs. water softener.
| Feature | Water Softener | RO System |
| Purpose | Reduces water hardness | Purifies water by removing contaminants |
| Installation | Whole-house or point-of-entry systems | Point-of-use or whole-house systems |
| Maintenance annually | Salt replenishment, cleaning tanks | Filter and membrane replacement |
| Effectiveness | Softens water but doesn’t purify or reduce TDS | Purifies but doesn’t soften water |
| Ideal use case | For protecting plumbing and appliances | For better-tasting water without impurities and odor |
| Main benefits | Soft skin and hairs | Healthy crystal clear water |
Cost Differences Between RO System And Water Softener System
Cost is a main factor when buying any type of water treatment system for your whole house or even for specific parts. Both systems are cost-effective and have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. But there are costs involved to upkeep them through these years.
Look at the following prices to get an idea of your water treatment needs and budget.
| Average Costs | Water softener | RO system |
| Purchase Cost | $600 to $4000 | $300 to $6,000 |
| Installation cost | $500 – $3,500 depending on size and point of installation (POU or POE) | $200 – $1,000 for under-sink systems; higher for whole-house setups |
| Rental costs | $25 – $50 per month | $20 to $50 per month |
| Maintenance Costs | $25-$250 annually for filters and cleaning | More than $400 annually |
| Costly factors | Purchase of salt and repair of resin tank | Replacement of pre-filters, post-filters, and membranes over time |
Should I Have Both An RO System And a Water Softener System?
Have a hard time deciding? Then, get the best of both filters by combining a reverse osmosis (RO) system and a water softener system. Take it from us at WaterMart, it’s a practical solution for many homes and businesses. Here’s why:
Solution: Check and replace your filters regularly. The carbon filter should be changed every 6-12 months.
1. Protect Your RO System
One of the cons of only an RO system is that hard water wears out the RO membranes quickly. This leads to extra maintenance costs due to frequent replacements. By using a whole-house water softener, you get pre-treated water which extends the life of RO filters.
2. Treat All Your Water
Water softeners address hard water throughout your home. This can prevent scale buildup in appliances, plumbing, and fixtures. But it may cause the water to smell funny. That’s where using RO systems comes in. It can further purify water for drinking and cooking.
3. Reduce Long-Term Costs
Both of these systems alone save money and medical costs. If you combine both of these then it can reduce costs long term in various factors. Softened water can help keep appliances efficient, saving money on energy bills. Additionally, the RO systems completely eliminate the need for bottled water.
Practical advice from us is to install a water softener for whole-house water treatment and an RO system under your sink for drinking and cooking needs.
Ready To Get Rid Of Hard And Smelly Water? Book An Appointment Today
At Watermart, we can help you decide whether your home or business needs a whole-house reverse osmosis system or a water softener. Our team provides expert installation services for all our products.
We start with free water testing to identify what your water needs. Then, we recommend advanced water systems that incorporate the latest technology, like the iGen® valve.
Final Thoughts
In summary, understanding your specific water needs is essential. A water softener can prevent scaling and extend the life of your appliances. Whereas a reverse osmosis system provides purified water ideal for drinking and cooking. For many households and businesses, a combination of both systems offers the best solution.
By testing your water quality and requirements, you can choose the best system tailored to your specific needs. Reach out to WaterMart for a free water test today!
FAQs
You should install the RO system after the water softener if your water is hard. The softener removes minerals like calcium and magnesium. This extends the lifespan of the RO membrane.
Yes, pairing a water softener with an RO system improves its efficiency. Softened water keeps the system clean and working well for longer.
Water softener filters need replacing every 3–12 months, depending on the system. RO systems just require maintenance once a year.
Yes, professional installation is recommended. It prevents plumbing mistakes, avoids voiding the warranty, and ensures safe handling of any electrical work.
