Water hardness refers to the total amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts in water, a value that can vary significantly depending on the area and region.
Water hardness is measured in French degrees (°f), German degrees (dH), milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter of water (mg/l), or parts per million (ppm).
The traditionally used unit of measurement is French degrees. Reference values for each area can be verified on the water supply website, municipal site, or search engines.
Special test kits also allow for measuring water hardness directly from one’s home tap autonomously.
Soft waters have a hardness below 15°f; moderately hard waters have hardness between 16 and 30°f; waters over 30°f are considered hard.
For example, rainwater is soft (max 1°f).
Factors other than the presence of calcium and magnesium also influence hardness levels; for example, pH levels can have an impact: when acidic (below neutrality), it tends to result in water with little to no limestone and low mineral content, while alkaline water (above neutrality) is hard and thus rich in minerals.
In the presence of hard water, it’s necessary to take action
Very high hardness endangers your appliances, can alter the taste and smell of your food, clogs pipes, reduces the efficiency of washing machines, dishwashers, and kettles, stains surfaces, and dulls skin and hair.
The solution to all hardness problems is the installation of an ion exchange softener, which turns hard water into softened water through an exchange between sodium ions, fixed on the resins, and calcium and magnesium ions in the water.
Once the cycle is complete, to restore the resins’ efficiency, it’s essential to recharge them with sodium chloride (salt).
The softener restores energy efficiency, enhances the cleaning power of appliances, allows for a 50% savings on cleaning detergents, and protects your appliances.
Additionally, softened water provides a slippery effect on the body with immediately noticeable benefits for the skin (which appears healthier and more radiant) and hair (softer to the touch and without frizz).
With very little soap, shampoo, or shower gel, you’ll achieve rich and soft foam, and your body will enjoy this pleasant sensation of relaxation.
On our website, you’ll find a wide range of equipment for every need, from small homes to large communities.
