Limetron vs water softener

[90sDad]

Does anyone have any experience of the limetron devices? We’ve just had one fitted on recommendation from our plumber as part of a new boiler/cyclinder replacement/relocation. He advised against a water softener as the salt (even though relatively low levels) can actually damage the internals of boilers/cylinders. The limetron was £300 inc fitting. Not expecting 100% limescale elimination based on product reviews. We’ve noticed the water tastes different, especially when boiled, presumably because of the reduction in lime: supposedly better taste but I’m not sure. We are not using a water filter currently

many older plumbers think that the salt, which a water softener uses to regenerate the ion-exchange granules, enters the tapwater. It doesn't.

For drinking water, many people like a filter and purification cartridge which removes traces of chemicals from the water. It does not use salt and the cartridge has to be replaced at intervals when it is exhausted. If I was concerned about water taste, I think I'd get one of those on a small drinking water dispensing tap (only).

You might like to read the BSI test report on softened water.

I believe limetron is what's called a water conditioner. It does not remove or reduce the hardness minerals in the water, and it does not soften the water. It is probably said to reduce scale in the boiler heat exchanger.

sorry, I forgot the link for the test report

www.ukwta.org/assets/NewFolder/BSi-Corrosion-Report-12.12.12.pdf

My interest is that I live in a hard-water area and I use an ion-exchange water softener. Having had one, I would not be without it. My boiler has not corroded. I am perfectly happy to use the soft water for cooking vegetables, making tea and coffee etc, which I think tastes better without limescale.