Hard Water and Scale: Filter, Conditioner or Softener?

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium that cause spotting and scale, which can block appliances and shorten their life. Puretec explains that scale conditioning cartridges reduce the effects of scale but do not remove the minerals, and suit low to moderate hardness; a water softener stops the hardness minerals entering your home and suits all hardness levels, especially high hardness.

Signs of hard water

Puretec lists the most noticeable signs as spotting on glassware and shower screens, but notes the more damaging effects are on appliances that heat water, such as dishwashers, washing machines and hot water systems, which can become blocked. Hard water can also affect pipework and fixtures, makes it harder for soap and detergent to lather, and Puretec notes it can have drying effects on skin and hair.

Scale conditioner or water softener?

Puretec’s comparison:

*Puretec’s figures, with adequate pre-filtration.

Whole-house filtration with scale reduction

Puretec’s FilterWall™ F4 and F6 add a third stage that reduces hard-to-remove scale build-up, alongside chlorine and sediment reduction. Puretec’s selection guide matches models to hardness:

• FilterWall F5 – low hardness (under 80 ppm), 20″, larger homes.
• FilterWall F6 – high hardness (80–140 ppm), 20″, larger homes.
• FilterWall F3 / F4 – 10″ models for small to medium homes; F3 for low hardness, F4 for medium-high hardness.

Softrol™ water softeners

Puretec states all Softrol systems are WaterMark approved and certified to reduce scaling and spotting. The SOL-E3 series uses a volumetric E3 valve, so if no water is used it won’t backwash; when it does, it calculates the timing from water use and quality. The SOL30-E3 is a 30 Lpm model and the SOL40-E3 a 40 Lpm model, both with 25 mm connections. Puretec recommends pairing any softener with a whole-house filter such as the WH2, which also protects the softener resin from chlorine.

Not sure how hard your water is? Puretec’s Water Analysis Test Kit includes total hardness.

Installation: connection to your water supply must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician.

Recommended products

• Puretec SOL30-E3 water softener – volumetric softener that only backwashes when needed, 30 Lpm.
• Puretec SOL40-E3 water softener – the 40 Lpm volumetric model for higher demand.
• Puretec FilterWall F6 – 3-stage whole-house filter with scale reduction for high hardness (80–140 ppm).
• Puretec FilterWall F4 – 10″ 3-stage filter with scale reduction for small to medium homes.
• Puretec ScaleProtect-MP2 – 20″ scale prevention cartridge that retains calcium and magnesium.
• Puretec WH2-55 – whole-house pre-filter Puretec recommends pairing with a softener.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a water softener or a scale filter?

Puretec suggests scale conditioning cartridges for low to moderate hardness, and a water softener for all hardness levels, especially high hardness, because a softener removes the minerals rather than just reducing their effects.

Will a carbon filter remove hardness?

No. Carbon targets chlorine, taste and odour. Puretec’s FilterWall F4 and F6 add a dedicated scale-reduction stage, and Softrol softeners remove calcium and magnesium.

How long does a scale conditioning cartridge last?

In Puretec’s comparison, conditioner media lasts around 12 months and softener media around 10 years, both with adequate pre-filtration.

What counts as hard water?

Puretec’s FilterWall guide treats under 80 ppm as low hardness and 80 to 140 ppm as high hardness. A water test confirms your level.

Related guides: Chlorine taste and smell, Under-sink vs whole-house filters, Which water filter do I need?.

Questions? Call or text 0447 203 775 or email [email protected] and we will help you choose.