Reverse Osmosis vs Water Softener | The Difference & Implication

The choice between Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Water Softener can be very confusing to most people.

Content show

Both serve the same purpose of removing the impurities from your water. However, their approach is different. Each has its benefits and drawbacks that are appropriate for certain conditions.

The Difference

A Reverse Osmosis system is made up of a series of water filters. As water goes through the RO filter, the harmful toxins and minerals are removed. The end result is clean, drinkable water that can be used for purposes like drinking or cooking.

A Water Softener, on the other hand, is made up of salt pellets. As the water passes through the Softener, it is exposed to resin beads that replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions. This allows you to have softened water in your home, but it doesn’t remove any harmful toxins that may be present.

The Implication

Although a Reverse Osmosis system is much more expensive, it does provide a number of benefits. The most notable of these is that it will remove all impurities from your water, whereas a Water Softener will not.

With the cost of both Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis systems dropping every year, the decision between which one to purchase is becoming much less clear.

Most experts are now recommending that people choose either a Reverse Osmosis system or water softener for their primary purification system. If you choose a Reverse Osmosis system, they recommend choosing a Water Softener for your washing machine and dishwasher. This will provide you with the benefits of both systems without the added costs of installation.

For most home owners, choosing a Reverse Osmosis system is the best choice. It provides your family with the cleanest water available, and it will remove all impurities from your drinking water.

Key Points:

Water Softener only works on washing machines and dishwashers
Reverse Osmosis is the best option for drinking water purification
Water Softener is good for washing machines and dishes
Reverse Osmosis is the best option for drinking water purification
Water Softeners are great at softening water
Reverse Osmosis is the best option for drinking water purification
A Water Softener will soften your water while a Reverse Osmosis system will purify it for drinking
A Water Softener acts as a pre-filter to a Reverse Osmosis System, but it does not purify your water
Reverse Osmosis is the best option for drinking water purification

Conclusion

Now that you know the difference between a water softener and a reverse osmosis system, which would be best for you?

If you live in an area where you have extremely hard water, then a reverse osmosis system would be the best choice for you. A reverse osmosis system can remove up to 99% of the total dissolved solids from your water, which is very hard water.

On the other hand, if you have a household of people with hard water, then the best choice for you would be a water softener. A water softener can remove up to 15 grains of hardness and can be regenerated and reused.

With both systems, your water will taste much better than the tap water that you are used to.

5/5 - (1 vote)

Neil Wood

A curious business owner who rarely depends on online reviews & opinions. I only trust products & services that I’ve tried myself – and keep the records in my articles.

Please note: CharlieTrotters.com is reader supported. This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.