What Is the Difference Between a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

Posted by Discount Filters on December 25th, 2019

While water filters and water softeners do have some similar duties, they are very different in how they work. The most common source for water in municipal systems is underground water, which has a higher percentage of minerals compared to surface water. A higher mineral count is a significant factor in making water “hard.” Knowing the difference between the purpose of a water filter and a water softener can help you decide which is right for you. 

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener technically filters water, but it only filters out minerals that cause hardness and scale. They often use salt and ion-exchange resins to remove calcium and magnesium from the water. These ions are replaced with sodium ions. Because of this, salt-based water softeners need to be refilled with salt regularly. Non-salt-based systems don’t require the same maintenance but can be damaged by trace amounts of oil. Magnetic systems are cheaper than the other two types of softeners but do not work for metals dissolved in the water. 

What Is a Water Filter?

While you might have a whole-house filter, it’s more likely you have a Whirlpool, GE, LG, or Samsung refrigerator water filter, among other common brands. A water filtration system uses media beds to remove contaminants. This could include mesh and charcoal, using oxidation, micro-filtration, catalytic conversion, ion exchange, and adsorption. This removes metals such as copper, iron, and arsenic, as well as chemicals like pesticides or hormones, and sediment. They don’t require nearly the maintenance a water softener does but can initially be more expensive to install. 

Can I Use Both?

It's possible to use both a water softener and a local water filter, such as a Kenmore, Bosch, Frigidaire, or Samsung fridge filter, like a Da29-00003g filter. Having both as whole-house systems would be redundant, however. If you have a water filter, you do not need a water softener. If you have a water softener and want additional filtration for drinking water, you only need it in your fridge or at the taps you regularly drink from. 

Which Is Right for Me?

Using a water softener or water filter depends on what problem you are addressing. If limescale is building up on showerheads and faucets, a water softener should help. If the water tastes terrible from the tap, or there is bacterial or chlorine contamination, use a water filter. There may also be budget concerns, as water filters can cost more—but they will also filter more. 

About Discount Filters

Discount Filters, founded and staffed by homeowners, is familiar with the challenge of finding and installing filters in your home. A trusted and respected name in the industry, DiscountFilters.com offers a variety of different filters for your refrigerator, water system, HVAC system, and more, including furnace filters such as the 12x12x1 filter. As their name implies, Discount Filters prices their products 40%-70% lower than retail by cutting out the middleman, saving you time and money. With their easy and intuitive filter finder tool, you can quickly find the filter you need, like the Samsung Aqua Pure Plus filteror Discount Filters’ own U.S.A.-made ClearChoice and AIRx filters. They also offer 100% free domestic shipping and free returns. 

Browse Discount Filters’ wide filter selection for all of your home filtration needs at Discountfilters.com

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