The best water softener pitchers include multiple types of filtering media beyond typical activated carbon. To actual remove the chemicals that make water hard these pitchers need to have ion exchange resins. Our favorite pitcher brands that do this include ZeroWater and Lake Industries.
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Top Pick
Our top pick for the very best water softener pitcher will be the new ZeroWater ZP-010, 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher. This amazing new device is designed to give you soft, clean, and clear water within a very short amount of time. If you are tired of second rate pitchers that don’t do the job, this is the one to invest in.
The Zero Water model is made of durable plastic with total dimensions of 12.25 x 6 x 11.63 inches. It can hold up to 2.3 liters of clear, softened water. You should note that the present unit employs 5 separate stages of filtration. The intention is to give you a lifetime supply of fresh, clean, and tasty water with no additives.
You should also take heed of the fact that this unit does not only employ the standard mode of carbon filtering. It also makes full use of Ion Exchange Technology. This is an exciting and innovative method that has been developed by experts. The purpose of this invention is to quickly and effectively reduce contaminants to an extra level.
Runner Up
Another excellent model for you to consider buying will be the new Lake Industries7000 Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher. This model has many of the same features as our top choice but with a few extras that you may like even better. Its total dimensions are 10.5 x 4.25 x 10 inches with a weight of 11.2 pounds.
The Lake Industries model features a special 7 stage filter cartridge. This cartridge consists of the following stages: Ion Exchange Resin, Tourmaline, Mineral Balls, and Carbon. These stages come together in order to purify your water by getting rid of such impurities as chlorine, odor causing bacteria, lead, and other heavy metals.
This exciting and innovatively designed new pitcher will very easily fit into any type of modern refrigerator. The lid is easy to fill so that you can load up the reservoir without ever having to remove the cover. The unit comes with an easy pouring spout so that you can get all of the sparkling clean water you need with no mess or spills.
Best High End Model
If you have the money to go for a high end water softening model, your best bet may be the brand new ZeroWater 23 Cup Pitcher Bundle-4 Pack Ion Exchange Water Dispenser. This is a model that has all of the features of the models listed above but with a few new twists that will justify its slightly higher price tag.
The unit features a special 23 cup water filtering pitcher. This gives it the ability to produce clean, fresh tasting water in a matter of mere moments. The filter is fully BPA-free. The model comes with a free water quality meter. This will give you the ability to test the water that it produces so that you will never be in doubt.
You should also note that the present unit makes use of a 5 stage water filtration process. It also uses Ion Exchange Technology as a means of filtering out common contaminating agents. The unit has been tested by industry experts in order to yield results of the highest possible quality, such as removing 99.6 percent of impurities.
What Is Temporary Hardness And How Do You Get Rid Of It?
Temporary hardness is a condition is most commonly caused by a higher than normal concentration of calcium and magnesium carbonates. This is a condition that can most easily be removed by boiling the water. As the water heats up, the calcium and magnesium that has caused the hardness can be separated and removed from the water.
There are a number of filters that you can use to get rid of temporarily hard water. The best type will usually be carbon. The reaction of magnesium and calcium to a carbon water softening filter will be quick and very efficient. You will usually be able to scoop out the impurities as they harden and then separate them from the water.
What Is Permanent Hardness And How Do You Get Rid Of It?
Permanent hardness can set in when there is entirely too much magnesium and calcium in the water. When this occurs, the hardness can’t be removed by boiling. You can tell the presence of permanent hardness when your clothing begins to look stained and feel rough. Drinking water may become gritty and have a very harsh taste as well as smell.
Not all water softeners are able to get rid of permanently hard water. However, there are a few types that can do the job. An ion exchange water softener is the type of unit that is considered most effective in doing so. This is a type of water softener unit that removes the calcium and magnesium by replacing them with salt.
Another common solution is to make use of a polyphosphate feeder. This type of unit releases polyphosphate crystals that will basically surround and then absorb the calcium and magnesium. As the unit flushes itself clean, the polyphosphate crystals will be removed along with the heavy calcium and magnesium compounds they carry.
Can A Brita Filter (Carbon Filter) Remove Temporary Hardness?
Many people swear by the use of Brita carbon filters to remove temporary hardness from their water. It should be said that there is some solid evidence to back up this contention. However, the filters do have a definite shelf life. They will need to be replaced every 2 to 6 months, depending on how often your water becomes hardened.
For this reason, we personally do not feel that Brita carbon filters are as effective in the long run as a water softener unit. But if you do not have the funds to spend on such a unit, this type of filter that fits on to your tap faucet can be a good temporary solution to the pressing issue of water hardness.