STEP 4
Conditioning vs. Softening (Hard Water)
If hard water is affecting your home, you'll typically choose between traditional salt-based softening and salt-free conditioning.
Salt-based systems remove minerals from water. Salt-free systems prevent scale buildup without removing minerals. The right choice depends on whether mineral removal, maintenance level, environmental impact, or sodium content matters most in your home.
Most homeowners seeking comprehensive protection choose whole house. If you're still deciding, see how whole house filtration compares to under-sink and pitcher filters in real-world use.