Daily Effects on Skin and Hair
While Crystal's water is safe to drink, its high mineral content creates daily quality-of-life issues. The minerals react with soap to form a residue, often called soap scum. This leads to:
- Persistently dry skin and potential flare-ups of conditions like eczema.
- Hair that feels dull, limp, and difficult to manage.
- A constant film on shower doors and fixtures.
This soap scum residue on the skin can clog pores and cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
The Right Water Filtration System for Crystal
Given the 'very hard' rating of 11.7 GPG, addressing the issue at the source with a whole-house system is the most cost-effective strategy.
- Salt-Free Water Conditioner: A highly effective, modern solution for preventing scale buildup in your pipes and appliances without the use of salt or wasting water.
- Traditional Water Softener: Uses ion exchange to completely remove hardness minerals. This is the best choice if you want the slick, smooth feel of soft water and zero scale.
Is it a good investment? A professionally installed water softener costs around $1,500. With calculated annual savings of $126 from lower energy bills with Northern States Power Co and reduced soap usage, the system pays for itself in approximately 11.9 years while actively protecting your more expensive appliances from day one.