This is a brief comparison of water softener vs water conditioner vs electronic water descaler to help you have an overview of the differences and the similarities between these hard water treatment systems.
| Water Softener | Water Conditioner | Electronic Descaler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Components | Dual tank or single tank. Resin bed & brine tanks. Control vale & timer. | Dual tank or single tank. Media cartridge & housing. | No tank. Electronic device with electrical coils. |
| Installation | At the point of entry A certain space is required Power outlet is required Drain is required Water softener loop is suggested Profesional plumber or handyman required | At the point of entry A certain space is required No power outlet and drain is required | At anywhere Power outlet is required No drain is required |
| Treatment process | Ion exchange Salt and electricity are required Back wash is required | Alter the chemical structure of the minerals in water No salt or electricity are required No back wash | Alter the way minerals in water behave Electricity is required No salt consuming No back wash |
| Minerals removal | Remove the minerals & add salt to the water | No minerals removed & no salt added | No minerals removed & no salt added |
| Contaminants removal | No contaminants removal | No contaminants removal | No contaminants removal |
| Result water | Softened water Lack of menerals | Not softened water Remain the minerals | Not softened water Remain the minerals |
| Problem solved | Prevent limescale deposit Prevent stain on fixtures and water heater. Laundry detegent saving. | Prevent limescale deposit Prevent stain on fixtures and water heater | Prevent limescale deposit Prevent stain on fixtures and water heater |
| Price & Cost | Price range: 500$ - 650$ Salt and electricity consuming | Price range: 250$-1700$ No salt of electricity consuming | Price range: 150$-450$ Electricity consuming |