The Differences Between Water Softener and Water Filter System, Descaler, Conditioner

　　Water softeners replace dissolved calcium and magnesium ions, the main contributors to water hardness, with sodium ions from sodium chloride (table salt) or potassium ions from potassium chloride. These systems are intended to neutralize the water’s hardness, thereby improving its quality for drinking and laundry purposes. This method is distinct from that of a water filtering system, which mainly removes bacteria (under specific conditions), suspended particles such as sand or sediment, and certain chemicals, depending on the filter medium. Nevertheless, most filters fail to remove the dissolved solids that cause water hardness. The primary objective of water filters is to trap bacteria or solids that could promote bacterial growth in the water supply. While sophisticated pressure filtration systems that employ nanofiltration or reverse osmosis can eliminate salts and reduce hardness, descalers work to prevent the accumulation of dissolved solids in pipes and on fixtures without removing them. The term "conditioner" is often vaguely used and linked to lime scale prevention, though the efficacy of water conditioners in combating hardness issues remains unverified scientifically. Clearly, these three systems serve different and specific functions.