Whole home Water softner systems

[R1Geezer]

Right I know sweet FA about this so I'm looking for pros and cons of the various systems. Any suggestions advice recommendations etc. Thanks

[R1Geezer]

are these "scalewatcher" things any good?

[Clanad]

Not sure about the "scalewatcher" thingy, but here in the western U.S. we have exceptionally hard water. Soap doesn't "suds" and iron rings are left at the bottom of the toilet. We use the automatic salt type "whole home" type and it's worked well for years. It takes about three 40 pound bags of salt a month, but you get used to the schedule... just like any other maintenance job.
Nice thing is, it has a by-pass valve that one moves if you're going to use the water system for, say washing the car or watering the lawn. Saves the softened water until you move it back again.
Realitively inexpensic=ve to install... as I remember ours was about $500 (US).
Only other chore with it is to clean the resin bin once every couple of months. simple... just as a premixed chemical and run it thorugh a recycle...
You'll hear horror stories about added salt to the water... high blood pressure, etc. but a little education reveals any risks are minimal and one can elect to use potassium chloride rather than the salt pellets... somewhat more expensive but not much...

[gingejbee]

Clanad; over here, you are advised NOT to consume water from a domestic softener. Reason 1: increased sodium ion concentration (particularly unsuitable for babies and those on a low-salt diet) Reason 2: dubious bacteriological quality - the ion-exchange resins support bacteriological growth and there are other reasons,too.

[masma]

We had one in our last house, water was VERY hard and the softener made it so soft. You're likely to save money on soaps, shampoo's, washing up liquid etc. However... we had a seperate tap for drinking and cooking.

[R1Geezer]

was it an electronic one or a salt job masma?

Can anyone tell me if the electronic ones are effective, eg "scalewatcher"??

[masma]

We had to fill it with salt and test the water once a month.

[scotman]

I have no direct experience but the ones that use salt are most common and will soften water. Salt consumption will vary according to how hard the water is and how much you use.
If you are serious you can arrange plumbing so that only water that is involved in washing is softened. Leave toilets, garden, drinking and cooking alone.