Hard water

Water hardness map in Poland

The attached map of water hardness in Poland gives an image of the distribution of water hardness in our country. It shows that water hardness varies greatly from region to region.

For example, water in northern and central Poland is usually harder than in the south of the country. Wielkopolska and Mazowsze are regions that suffer from high water hardness. On the other hand, in mountainous regions, such as Podhale or the Sudety Mountains, the water is usually soft.

The water hardness map in Poland is crucial for the correct selection of a water softener. In regions with high water hardness, water softeners are essential to protect water and sanitation systems.

However, water softeners are not needed in every home. Therefore, before you decide to buy, check the water hardness map in Poland to see if the water in your region is hard enough to require softening.

Water hardness in Poland varies from region to region. Thanks to the map of water hardness in Poland, we can see in which areas water softeners are necessary and in which they are not. Remember that proper water softening is crucial to protect your appliances and improve your living comfort.

Hard water reduces the efficiency of heating devices

Scale is a serious problem that affects the energy efficiency of central heating systems. Its formation is due to the hardness of the water, which leads to the deposition of minerals such as limestone inside pipes, radiators and boilers. As mentioned, scale is up to 20 times a poorer conductor of heat than steel, which makes thermal barriers impede heat exchange and force the system to work with higher energy consumption.

Even a thin layer of 3 mm thick deposits can lead to energy losses of up to 30%, which translates into increased heating bills and a greater burden on the environment. Long-term operation of boiler scale can lead to premature wear of the components of the heating system, as well as contribute to their failure.

Hard water dries the skin

Washing in hard water can have a negative impact on the health and appearance of our skin, especially in people with oily and acne-prone skin. The presence of magnesium and calcium salts in hard water makes it difficult to effectively clean the skin and can lead to irritation.

When washing in hard water, minerals form insoluble deposits on the skin that can clog pores and promote blemishes. Hard water also tends to disrupt the skin's natural lipid barrier, causing dryness and loss of elasticity. Dry skin, in turn, can react with increased sebum production, which leads to the deterioration of oily and acne skin. For people with sensitive skin, hard water can additionally cause irritation and redness, as well as contribute to the aggravation of the symptoms of diseases such as atopic dermatitis or rosacea.

The sediment that precipitates when water is heated destroys boilers

The scale that accumulates on the heating elements and inside the boiler makes it difficult for the thermostat to work properly, which results in incorrect operation of the device. Due to the weakened thermal conductivity of the stone, the boiler must run more often and for longer to maintain the desired water temperature, which leads to higher energy consumption and increased running costs.

In addition, a calcified boiler is able to store less water, which can lead to insufficient hot water supply in the household. As a result, users may experience interruptions in the supply of hot water or are forced to save on its consumption. In the case of central heating systems, sudden scale chips can lead to serious failures. Scale that falls off the heating elements and travels through the system can cause the water to overheat and even clog the pipes.

Limescale causes heat energy losses

Limescale leads to significant losses of thermal energy in heating systems, which negatively affects energy efficiency and operating costs. Hard water causes scale to form on heating elements such as radiators, pipes and stoves. Limescale is about 20 times a poorer conductor of heat than steel, which means more energy is needed to heat the same amount of water.

Local underheating or overheating, resulting from uneven heat conduction through the scale, may lead to failure of the heating system. Underheated areas of the heating system can cause discomfort in rooms and even increase the risk of mold and moisture growth. In turn, overheated areas can cause damage to pipes, valves and even entire heating devices, which can lead to costly repairs and replacements.

Forget about scrubbing the shower

Using soft water eliminates the problem of water stains, stains, mineral deposits or soap residue, which makes it easier to keep rooms such as the bathroom clean. The use of soft water makes the white coating on the glass in the shower cabin rare, which translates into less need to clean them. As a result, you save time and effort that previously had to be spent on removing deposits and stains.

Using soft water also means you don't have to invest in a variety of chemicals that were previously necessary to remove hard-to-remove stains or deposits. Therefore, soft water saves money that can be used for other purposes, and also helps to reduce the use of chemicals, which has a positive impact on the environment.

Forget limescale and deposits in coffee and tea

Water containing high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions interacts with various food ingredients, creating undesirable chemical reactions that affect the final culinary result. When hard water is used to brew tea, calcium ions interact with the polyphenols in the tea leaves to form characteristic deposits. As a result, an oily coating appears on the surface of the drink, which spoils its aesthetic value and negatively affects the taste and aroma intensity.

Similar effects can also be seen in the preparation of coffee, where hard water can reduce the extraction of flavor from the beans, as well as lead to limescale in coffee machines. Hard water can also affect the taste and texture of cooked food, as the minerals in the water can react with various food ingredients, changing their texture and organoleptic properties.

Take care of household appliances

Hard water contributes to the rapid formation of scale in household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, kettles and coffee machines. Scaling can lead to blockages, overheating and damage to the heating elements, resulting in a shorter life of these devices. The higher the degree of water hardness, the greater the risk of scale problems and the shorter the life of household appliances. Therefore, the use of soft water, i.e. water with a low content of calcium and magnesium ions, is definitely beneficial for household appliances.

The use of soft water contributes to better operation of equipment, extending its life and reducing the risk of failure. In addition, soft water makes detergents more effective, allowing you to use less detergent, which translates into financial savings and a lower environmental impact.

Soft water supports skin regeneration

Washing in hard water can have negative consequences for the skin, because it violates its water-lipid barrier. Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium ions, disturbs the balance of the skin, which leads to dryness, roughness and irritation. People with sensitive or allergy-prone skin may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of hard water on the skin.

Soft water, with a reduced content of calcium and magnesium ions, helps to rebuild the natural protective layer of the skin. Maintaining the proper functioning of the water-lipid barrier is crucial for the health and elasticity of the skin. Soft water allows you to maintain proper hydration, minimizing the risk of irritation and the feeling of tightness after washing.

Rest instead of cleaning the bathroom

Cleaning up stains and deposits in the bathroom can be tiring and time-consuming. Fighting these dirt can become a daily, Sisyphean job. It is therefore worth striving for soft water that will reduce these inconveniences and devote free time to rest. Soft water not only makes it easier to keep the bathroom clean, but also allows you to truly relax while taking a shower. Thanks to it, the skin becomes more elastic, soft and nourished. Forget about the feeling of tightness, irritation or dryness that can be the result of using hard water.

A bath in soft water allows you to fully relax, giving you a sense of relaxation and comfort. It is a perfect way to regenerate after a hard day, while gently cleansing the skin. Caring for the skin becomes easier when, instead of fighting deposits and stains, we can enjoy soft, moisturized and nourished skin.

Save on heating

Heating costs constitute a significant part of the expenses related to the maintenance of a single-family house. Improving the efficiency of heating boilers by softening the water can bring savings of up to 30% per year, which is a significant impact on the household budget. Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium salts, which deposit on the heating elements, forming scale. This stone leads to a decrease in thermal conductivity and energy loss during the heating process.

The use of water softeners, whether at the design stage of the heating system or later as part of an upgrade, can help avoid this problem. Thanks to this, thermal energy will be used more efficiently, which will contribute to savings both in terms of fuel consumption and the frequency of necessary repairs and maintenance of heating systems.