Hard water is safe to drink, but its effects are often felt on skin and hair. The excess minerals in 9.2 GPG water react with soaps to form a residue, often called soap scum. This film can leave your skin feeling dry and can clog pores. For those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, this constant residue can exacerbate irritation and discomfort.
For hard water like Ironville's, a salt-free water conditioner is an excellent, low-maintenance option to prevent scale buildup without removing beneficial minerals. If you also want the slick, 'soapy' feel of soft water and maximum detergent savings, a traditional whole-house water softener is the better choice. Treating your water could deliver an estimated $99 per year in savings from reduced energy and soap usage. While the payback period for a full softener is longer at 15.2 years, a salt-free system is less expensive and effectively protects your home's most expensive assets: your pipes and water heater.