ᐅ Combining a Water Softener with Mineral Addition

The water in our newly purchased house is very hard. A water softening system was recommended to us by many sources. The technician who came advised the Grünberg SD 18, the smallest model. Another option to protect the pipes would be to add minerals. However, that would cost an additional thousand. Since the pipes are already 36 years old and likely won’t last another 30 years, we are wondering if this really makes sense. What do others in the forum think? Thank you very much for your answers! Yours, HOLWÜRMCHEN

We had a water softening system from BWT installed to protect the water-using appliances and fittings. Our water has a hardness of 26 dH from a local cooperative source. We do not add minerals, as I don’t think it is necessary.

Experience:
Positive: The water-using appliances and fittings show no lime scale buildup, as intended.
Negative: The water tastes better as plain drinking water without softening. Therefore, we sometimes collect drinking water from the one faucet we installed before the softener for larger outdoor water needs.

Not necessary – as usual, a matter of personal preference. I have become so accustomed to the taste of softened water that I no longer enjoy many mineral waters.

We also no longer add anything.

If the pipes have already been in use for 36 years without a water softening system, then they are likely to have significant scale buildup inside and are protected against corrosion. The most important thing now is not to over-soften the water; a hardness level of 10-12° (degrees) is sufficient. It is also important to monitor the pH value to ensure that the existing scale is not completely dissolved, which could lead to corrosion. The minerals in the water are responsible for maintaining the pH value. However, these minerals are not necessary for drinking pleasure.