Water Softener vs Water Filter: How Do They Differ?

When aiming to enhance the health and taste of your water, you might come across recommendations for both water filters and water softeners. Although they sound similar, they serve distinct purposes. Knowing the differences can help you determine which option suits your needs best. If you already own a water softener and are considering a water filter, understanding their functions can guide your decision.

Here's a comprehensive guide to water filters and water softeners, covering their roles and whether you need one or both for your home.

What is a Water Filter? Water Filter vs Softener

A water filter or filtration system is designed to remove contaminants and dissolved solids from the water you drink, shower with, and cook with. By improving the taste and smell of your water, it also plays a crucial role in making your water safer by reducing or eliminating harmful substances such as:

• Metals: Lead, arsenic, copper, etc.
• Chemicals: Chlorine and chloramine
• Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and cysts
• Pesticides and Herbicides: Including fungicides
• Sediment and Particulates: Microplastics, PFOA/PFOS, and VOCs

Water filters come in various types, including whole house, under-sink, countertop, and shower filters. They employ different methods to reduce contaminants, ensuring safer and better-tasting water.

What is a Water Softener? Water Softener vs Water Filter

Water softeners are designed to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard water. They operate using a process called ion exchange, where small beads called "ion exchange resin" attract and hold these hard minerals. As water flows through the softener's tank, the minerals cling to the beads, resulting in softer water. Some water softeners also include filters that clean the beads, preparing them to capture more minerals.

Benefits of water softeners include:

• Reducing bathtub rings and soap scum buildup
• Preventing skin irritation
• Preventing clogged pipes
• Enhancing the effectiveness of soap when washing dishes and clothes

Do You Need Both a Water Filter and a Water Softener?

If you have very hard water, a salt-based water softener or an alternative solution is necessary. For less hard water, a salt-free water conditioner might be a better, low-maintenance option that retains healthy minerals in your water.

A common misconception is that water softened by a water softener is also clean and safe to drink. However, water softeners do not filter out contaminants. They only remove calcium and magnesium to address hard water. To ensure your water is free from harmful substances like chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and cysts, you need a water filter in addition to a water softener.

Which is Better: A Water Softener or a Water Filter?

If your main concern is reducing harmful contaminants, a water filter is the better choice. A quality whole house water filter can significantly reduce substances like chlorine, chloramines, and VOCs. Even if you don't opt for a whole house system, under-sink or countertop filters can provide clean water at specific locations in your home.

For hard water issues, a reverse osmosis (RO) system can reduce contaminants and dissolved solids that cause hardness. However, RO filters may wear out faster with hard water and produce wastewater, making a water softener a more efficient solution for this problem.

Browse Our Water Softener and Water Filter Options

Using a water softener or conditioner doesn't guarantee safe drinking water. While these systems address hard water and scale buildup, they do not filter out contaminants. To ensure your water is clean and safe, you need a water filter. You can use both a water softener and a water filter together or choose a system that performs both functions. If you're unsure where to start, check out our guide on how to choose a water filter.