Will a Water Softener Remove Chlorine? The Surprising Answer
Many homeowners invest in water softeners to tackle hard water issues like scale buildup and soap scum. But does a water softener also remove chlorine? The short answer is: not effectively. While a water softener might slightly reduce chlorine levels, it's not designed for this purpose and won't provide significant chlorine removal. Let's delve deeper into why.
How Water Softeners Work
Water softeners primarily use ion exchange to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause water hardness. They contain resin beads that exchange sodium ions for the hardness minerals, essentially softening the water. This process doesn't directly target chlorine molecules.
What Removes Chlorine from Water?
To effectively remove chlorine, you need a different type of water filtration system. Several options exist, each with its own pros and cons:
-
Activated Carbon Filters: These filters are highly effective at removing chlorine and other organic contaminants. They work by adsorbing chlorine molecules onto their porous carbon surface. This is the most common and effective method for chlorine removal.
-
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities, including chlorine. They are very effective at removing a wide range of contaminants but are more expensive and produce wastewater.
-
Distillation: Boiling water and collecting the condensed steam removes almost all impurities, including chlorine. This method is effective but energy-intensive.
Why Doesn't My Water Softener Remove Chlorine Smell?
This is a common question. Even if your water softener doesn't significantly reduce chlorine levels, you might notice a lessened chlorine smell. This is often due to the softening process itself changing the water's pH and overall mineral composition, subtly affecting the perception of chlorine odor. However, this is not the same as actual chlorine removal.
What About Chloramine?
Chloramine, another common water disinfectant, is even more challenging to remove than chlorine. While activated carbon filters can remove some chloramine, it often requires a higher-quality, larger carbon filter or a different filtration method altogether for complete removal. Water softeners are completely ineffective against chloramine.
Can I use a water softener AND a chlorine filter?
Absolutely! Many homeowners use a water softener in conjunction with a separate chlorine filter (often a carbon filter) to address both hard water and chlorine concerns. This provides the best solution for complete water purification. Installing them in series (softener first, then carbon filter) is generally recommended.
Should I get a water softener if I'm concerned about chlorine?
If your primary concern is chlorine removal, a water softener is not the solution. Invest in an activated carbon filter or another chlorine-specific filtration system. If you have both hard water and chlorine concerns, a combination system is the best option. Consider consulting a water treatment professional to determine the best solution for your specific water quality and needs.
This comprehensive guide should clarify the relationship between water softeners and chlorine removal. Remember to consider your individual water quality and needs when choosing a water filtration system.
