While both the filter jug and the water softener are designed to improve the quality of water in our home, they work on completely different principles and have different applications. To understand why a filter jug cannot replace a water softener, we need to take a closer look at their functions and how they work.
The filter jug is a compact and easily accessible device that is commonly used in homes to purify drinking water. It works on the principle of filtration, thanks to which it removes impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals or pesticides, improving the taste and smell of water. In fact, a filter jug can soften water, but only on a very small scale. This is due to the fact that the filter jugs contain a mixture of ion-exchange resin and carbon bed, which soften the water and improve its taste.
Large-scale water softening - water softeners
Water softeners, on the other hand, are large units that are fitted to the central part of a home's water supply system to supply soft water to all taps. Their main task is to remove minerals that create water hardness, such as calcium and magnesium, which significantly improves the quality of water used in our home for various purposes - from washing and cooking to laundry.
Water softeners use an ion exchange process that replaces calcium and magnesium ions, which cause water hardness, with sodium ions, which do not cause limescale. This makes them more effective at providing soft water throughout your home. There are also softeners on the market with a mixture of ion exchange resin and carbon bed, which provide water of a quality comparable to water from a filter jug.
Filter jug vs water softener - a practical comparison
Although filter jugs and water softeners are designed to improve water quality, they differ in terms of scale of operation and running costs. Filter jugs are cheaper, but have a limited range - they only soften the water that we fill directly. Water softeners, on the other hand, work on all the water in your home, but require a larger initial investment.
Changing the filter cartridge in the jug is necessary every few weeks, which generates additional costs, but it is a relatively simple process that you can do yourself. Water softeners, on the other hand, require regular salt dosing, but less frequent replacement of parts, which can be more complicated and require the help of specialists.
In conclusion, a filter jug and a water softener are different devices that have different uses. A filter jug is a great solution for improving the quality of drinking water, but if you want soft water throughout your home, a water softener will be a better choice. Let us remember, however, that both of these devices can coexist in one household, providing us with the comfort of using high-quality water.
