6 Ways to Remove Calcium (Water Hardness) from Well Water
1. Salt-Based Water Softener
A salt-based water softener removes hardness from well water with the help of a softening salt. Salt-based water softeners follow ion-exchange process to remove calcium and magnesium from well water.
Pros
- Safe to drink (except for sodium-free diet people)
- Automatic operation
- Great for whole-house use
Cons
- Needs regular maintenance
- Salt storage and replacement
- Wastes water
Recommended Water Softener: SpringWell’s Salt-Based Water Softener
SpringWell’s Salt-based water softener is the best softener on the market. The system can handle high hardness levels in water and make water fit for daily use. It is a costly machine, but it is worth it. The unit is easy to install with a lifetime warranty.
SpringWell’s salt-based water softener comes in 3 different variants with the option to select 11, 13, and 20 GPM units. SpringWell uses a high-end Bluetooth control head to manage the system.
2. Electric Water Softeners (Salt-Free Water Softeners)
Electric water softeners or water conditioners change the way how hard water interacts with different surfaces. They do not remove or add anything in water. Salt-free water softeners don’t remove calcium but makes hard water safe for your home. Salt-free softeners are available for appliance-use and whole house.
Pros
- No maintenance
- Best for individual appliances
Cons
- Small working capacity
- Costly
Recommended Salt-Free Water Softener: SpringWell FutureSoft® Salt-Free Water Softener
The salt-free water softener can handle high levels of hardness in water and make water soft for your entire home. The unit doesn’t need periodic maintenance, brine discharge, or salt replacement.
The system has an easy DIY installation, a lifetime warranty, a Bluetooth control head, and a sediment filter.
3. Magnetic Water Softener
A magnetic water softener alters the behavior of water with the help of magnetic rays. The calcium and magnesium don’t stick to surfaces and the water gets soft.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Best for appliances and small families
Cons
- Small working capacity
- Costly
4. Reverse Osmosis Filtration System – Best for Drinking Water
Calcium and magnesium in drinking water are healthy but excess can be bad. RO systems improve drinking water quality by removing up to 99% contaminants from drinking water. RO systems come in under sink and countertop styles.
SpringWell’s RO system is a top-rated unit with 100% reliability. It can remove all contaminants from well water and make your water pure and healthy for drinking. It has a 75 gallons/day filtration capacity and comes with a pressurized tank for water storage. The unit consists of a sediment filter, 2 carbon filters, and one RO membrane.
Pros
- Effortless working
- Purified water; safe and healthy for drinking
Cons
- Needs regular maintenance
- Wastes water
5. Shower Heads with Water Softeners – Best for People with Sensitive Skin
Shower heads can also remove calcium from well water. These are recommended for people with sensitive skin. Shower water filters also remove chlorine smell & taste and enhance water pH.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Quick solution
Cons
- Short-term measure
6. Boiling
Boiling the water forms calcium crystals that you can remove after filtering water or letting it sit for some time.
Pros
- No tools needed
- Water is safe to drink except for the flat taste
Cons
- Uses time and energy
- Very small output
- Can be a hazard if not managed properly
Impacts of Hard Water (Calcium)
- Dry skin and hair
- Soap scum on your hands
- Reduced water pressure in your home
- Poor lather formation with soaps and shampoos
- Stained laundry
- Stained and weak crockery
- Dirty and stained plumbing fixtures
- Frequent plumbing maintenance
- High water bills (only for city water users)
How to Remove Hard Water (Calcium) Stains?
- A mixture of vinegar and baking soda sprayed over the stains
- Commercial hard water stains removal sprays
How can I test for Calcium in Well Water?
Hard water demonstrates itself through its signs. However, you can test for calcium’s concentration by a home testing kit or a lab.
Can you drink water rich in calcium (hard water)?
Yes. There is no harm in drinking hard water unless you are on a calcium/magnesium controlled diet.
Final Words – What’s the Best Solution?
A salt-based water softener is the best solution to remove hardness from water. However, before buying a salt-based water softener, check the state laws as some states don’t allow the use of water softeners without a proper discharge management system.
