Water softener - help!

[stanleytheflamingo]

We are doing a renovation and we are putting in a long-wanted water softener (we’re in London and the water is awful, limescale etc - I’m originally from a country with lovely water and have never got used to the hard water!). The contractor has suggested a salt free water softener (Aquatiere EAU2 Pureau Whole House Filter & No Salt Water Softener + Drinking). I’m hesitant to get a salt free system as I’ve read they aren’t as good - but I have no experience with water softeners in general). Can anyone advise on this?? Or recommend a water softener? Thank you!

I’m be got a normal old Harvey one that was installed 3 years ago that uses block salt.
I would never be without one now. I would also be sceptical of a salt free one too - is this guy affiliated to that brand? Maybe he gets a bonus for selling them.

We have had a Harveys block salt water softener for about 12y. Makes a MASSIVE difference - I wouldn't be without one in a hard water area now.

But if you are used to naturally soft water, be warned: it is not the same. It is almost as good for your skin and your housekeeping, but it tastes just the same as the hard water.

IIRC the main advantage of a block salt softener over a non-salt one is that the salt one is unpowered and with no (or minimal) moving parts. This makes it more reliable, cheaper to run and simpler to maintain.

Our plumber (not the one fitting softener) said that the non salt ones don't really do much. We also have Harvey's with separate drinking tap with filtered water and have noticed a big difference.

Thank you! This is all really helpful - am going to insist on a salt based system

Dealing with hard water can be quite a challenge, especially when you're used to softer water from your home country. While I don't have specific experience with the Aquatiere EAU2 Bureau system, it's understandable that you have reservations about salt-free water softeners.
If you're open to exploring alternatives, you might want to consider a well water iron filter. They can effectively address issues like limescale and hard water.
When choosing a water softener or filter, reading user reviews and seeking recommendations from others who have faced similar water quality challenges can be incredibly helpful. Ultimately, it's about finding a solution that suits your needs and preferences.

Hi Stanley, It all depends on your personal preferences and what works best for your specific situation. Both blocks and tablets can be effective in softening water. Recently, I also purchased water softener pellets from Canadasalt Group, which are of fine quality. I suggest you give them a try.

Plus one for the Harvey. It is metered, so only applies salt based on the water used, not on a timed basis as some are.

I'm in the south east, with a Ecowater eVolution compact 200, it's been excellent. (quite interesting company history)
It's smart, so reminds you via email / app when it's getting low on salt, also alerts you to "excessive water use" if you leave a tap on, which has happened once.

Costs around £90 a year in salt.
We drink the softened water via a fridge filter and it tastes fine.

I have no experience with saltless systems, but I don't like the idea of having to replace the filter at £135 a pop.

How much was the unit please @Dbank ? The salt seems a lot cheaper than the Harvey blocks.

Around £1,200 as I recall.