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Hard Savings on Soft Water

Choose a Water Softener That Will Pay for Itself

NEWBURY, OH -- After adding up all the savings that a water softener can generate, many consumers conclude they can't afford to be without soft water in their homes. Soft water can make a real difference where it counts most - in your pocketbook. Consider how soft water could start saving you money today:

Lower energy costs. According to the Water Quality Research Council at New Mexico State University, water heaters work nearly 30% more efficiently when operated on soft water.

Fewer repair bills. Without exception, all water-using appliances work more efficiently and require fewer repairs with soft water. Even leading appliance manufacturers, such as Maytag, recommend using soft water for optimum performance of their products. Plumbing lasts longer, too, without the lime scale buildup caused by hard water.

Less money for cleaners and detergents. Since soaps and detergents work more efficiently in soft water, you'll only need one-fourth to one-half of the recommended amount. And you'll be able to obtain the same optimum results using shorter wash cycles and cooler water.

Smaller clothing allowance. Clothes last longer and look better when washed with soft water. According to a study conducted at Purdue University, the life of clothing and household textiles was prolonged up to 15% when washed in conditioned water. When detergents mix with hard water, they form lime curd deposits which can cause yellowing or graying of clothes. As the deposits accumulate, they contribute to fabric stiffening and matting.

Fewer lotions and conditioners. Hard water can dry skin and hair because the minerals combine with the soap to form a sticky residue that's difficult to rinse away. With soft water this film doesn't form, so hair and skin are smoother and healthier looking.

With soft water on the job, you'll not only realize a savings in terms of dollars, but also in the form of another valuable asset -- your time. That's because sinks, faucets, fixtures and toilets can be cleaned more quickly and less frequently with soft water. An Ohio State University study demonstrated that soft water reduces the amount of time for weekly household cleaning from four hours to two hours and 21 minutes -- a savings of more than 10 eight-hour working days per year.

Keep in mind, however, that the amount of time and money saved depends on the type of conditioner purchased. What seems like a bargain initially isn't always the best value over the long term.

Some consumers are tempted by the lower prices of magnetic scale reducers. Since these do not actually soften water, they do not enhance cleaning action or have any positive effects on skin or hair. They are designed to keep calcium ions from sticking to the inside of pipes or water heaters. According to leading consumer rating publications, however, these magnetic descalers are not effective at reducing calcium and lime curd deposits unlike conventional softeners that work via ion exchange.

But there are differences even among traditional softeners. For maximum savings, look for systems that make efficient use of salt and water. This is largely determined by the system's method of regeneration (cleaning itself). Demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) systems actually meter water usage and only regenerate on demand, as opposed to units with timers that regenerate at preset intervals and can use nearly twice as much salt and water.

Kinetico Incorporated markets non-electric DIR systems, which are not subject to power outages or timer malfunctions. Another Kinetico advantage is the twin resin tank design, which allows the system to switch from tank to tank as they exhaust to provide an uninterrupted flow of soft water 24 hours a day (something that single-tank systems can't claim). In order to further reduce salt and water usage, as well as allow the system to clean itself more effectively, the Kinetico units use soft water during the regeneration process.

To assist consumers with their water quality questions, Kinetico has established a consumer hotline. Call 1-800-944-WATER (9283) to speak with a water expert or to request the FREE Consumer's Guide to Better Water. Or visit Kinetico's site on the World Wide Web at http://www.kinetico.com for more information about water.