What are Alternatives to Using Ion Exchange Units?
Water softening additives can be reduced by using detergents that include water softening chemicals in their formulation. Some types of chemicals can be added to hard water to reduce the negative effect from calcium and magnesium. Chemical treatment for household water softening is recommended for low levels of hardness. There are two forms of water softening additives: precipitating and non-precipitating. • Precipitating water softening additives (Sal Soda, Borax) combine with calcium and magnesium to form solid particles. These particles settle out with particles of dirt during washing. Washing machine action keeps the solid particles in suspension. The water becomes cloudy and solid particles may cling to fabrics. • Non-precipitating water softening additives (Calgon, blu white) combine with calcium and magnesium to form compounds that stay in solution. Use of non-precipitating additives causes a negative environmental effect due to high phosphate content.
