Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause problems in our daily lives, such as leaving spots on dishes, making our hair feel dry, and clogging up our pipes. Water scale removal and prevention are important for managing the effects of hard water.

So, what is water scaling? It is the buildup of mineral deposits on surfaces such as pipes, faucets, and water-heater elements. Understanding where those deposits form helps explain the purpose of descaling water systems.

What is a Water Descaler?

Descaling is the process of removing mineral buildup from pipes and equipment. But what is a water descaler, and how does an electronic model work? An electronic water descaler utilizes technology to influence how minerals crystallize, making them less likely to stick to surfaces.

ScaleBlaster uses an externally mounted coil and a time-varying electronic signal to help prevent new limescale buildup. It also helps existing deposits gradually break down over time, depending on the application and water usage. This approach to descaling water systems leaves calcium and magnesium in the water.

The Benefits of Using an Electronic Water Descaler

An electronic descaling system is a salt-free water softener alternative for managing scale, rather than removing hardness minerals. Unlike salt-based water softeners, ScaleBlaster does not require ongoing routine maintenance, such as adding salt or flushing the system. This makes it more convenient by avoiding the need for recurring salt purchases.

Additionally, ScaleBlaster does not require any chemicals or salt to operate. Its salt-free operation avoids brine discharge, and it does not remove beneficial minerals from the water. These features do not make it a drinking-water purifier.

The ScaleBlaster electronic water descaler was first introduced to the market 30+ years ago. Thousands of homeowners and commercial operations trust ScaleBlaster to handle their hard water scale issues. Explore a home water conditioning system to find an option for your household.

Commercial and industrial models are available by contacting the commercial/industrial ScaleBlaster dealer nearest to you or by e-mailing sales@scaleblaster.com. We invite you to give it a try today!

How Do Descalers Differ From Water Softeners?

A traditional salt-based water softener removes calcium and magnesium through ion exchange, replacing them with sodium or potassium. It reduces measured hardness and requires periodic regeneration of its resin. That process uses water and produces a waste stream.

What an electronic water descaler such as ScaleBlaster does is leave hardness minerals in place and instead helps control their tendency to form deposits. The water remains hard, so you should not expect the same soap lather or soft-water feel. Our ScaleBlaster vs water softener comparison explains the differences in operation and upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hard Water Harm Me?

Hardness itself is generally not a health concern. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but their presence does not prove that water is free of contaminants. If you are concerned about drinking-water quality, review your utility’s water-quality report or have private well water tested.

What Are the Risks of Using Water Softeners?

Sodium-based softeners add sodium to drinking water, which may matter if you follow a sodium-restricted diet. They also discharge salt in regeneration wastewater and need proper maintenance. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends discussing softened drinking water with a doctor if you have high blood pressure.

Is Descaled Water Safe to Drink?

To understand this question, you need to know what a water descaler is. Water treated with ScaleBlaster can be safe to drink when the incoming supply already meets drinking-water standards. Electronic descaling does not add salt or treatment chemicals, but it also does not remove contaminants or disinfect water. Descaling water systems should never replace treatment needed to make an unsafe supply drinkable.