Decoding the Need for Water Softeners in a World with Soft Rain

Mark Alpers
August 31, 2023

Ever wondered why, when rainwater is naturally soft, we still deal with hard water in our homes? It’s a puzzling thought, right?

When rain graces the Earth, it’s crystal clear and soft. But as it journeys through the ground, mixing with soil and rock, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium. Voilà, that pristine rainwater now becomes what we call “hard water.”

The Reality of Hard Water Across the Globe

Places like the US and UK, among others, are no strangers to this scenario. The impact? Limescale build-ups on appliances, ineffective cleaning, and let’s not even start with the unsightly white marks on faucets.

What's with Hard and Soft Water?

Rain is naturally soft. Yet, its interaction with chalk or limestone when it seeps through the Earth’s layers is what turns it hard. This intriguing water cycle – from evaporation to rainfall, then journeying through grounds, and back to evaporation – is nature’s marvel. In essence:

– Hard Water: Has minerals like magnesium, calcium, or iron. Think of those white limescale deposits on your kettle.

– Soft Water: Lacks these minerals. Pure, clean, and kind to your appliances.

The Hard Truth About Hard Water

While hard water might serve as mineral-rich drinking water, it comes with its share of woes. Those telltale signs – white spots, reduced foam with soap, and even the odd smell! Over time, these minerals build up, posing a risk to your plumbing and appliances.

The Water Softening Enigma: The Hits and Misses

For those in the know, the Fleck 5600SXT has long held the title of the ‘go-to’ digital water softening system. A champion for small to medium households grappling with the hard water menace.

But, let’s unravel this a bit.

Why the Hype Around Fleck 5600SXT?

You’re probably thinking, “What makes it so special?” It’s salt-based, a powerhouse in softening hard water. Easy setup and reliability? Check. An automation feature that makes maintenance almost nonexistent? Absolutely. And the cherry on top – it’s budget-friendly. A household of 1-4 people can comfortably rely on it for a consistent supply of soft water.

But Wait, There’s a Catch…

In a 2020 update, the initial endorsement took a detour. Why? The Fleck, while a wizard at softening, wears no crown in filtering. If contaminants haunted your water before, they’ll linger still. That affordable price tag? It might lose its charm once you factor in the additional cost and installation of a separate filtration system.

Is There Another Way?

Enter systems like Aquasana. These are the silent heroes that not only soften but also purify your water. They tackle hard water, bacteria, viruses, chlorine – the works – without requiring salt. And while the upfront cost might have you raising an eyebrow, consider the comprehensive benefits, ease of installation, and reduced maintenance. It might just be the unsung hero in the water softening saga.

A Balanced Perspective

When it comes down to it, choices hinge on specific needs and priorities. The Fleck 5600SXT stands as a formidable opponent against hard water. Yet, if the call for pure, contaminant-free water echoes louder, an integrated system like Aquasana might just steal the spotlight.

Making the Choice

In the dance between cost and quality, every step, every choice, brings us closer to the sweet spot of balance. It’s not just about soft water, but the purity and safety that dances in every drop. Your move!


Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Does NOT require electricity.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
- Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.	- Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty.

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