Because soft water is so effective at maximizing the efficiency of your water, you will not have to use nearly as much detergent or soap as you would with hard water. Using soft water allows you to save 50-75 percent of your detergents and soaps; or to put it another way, you can go 50-75 percent longer without purchasing detergent or soap again. A bar of soap that lasts for three weeks in hard water will last longer than five weeks. If your laundry detergent lasts you for two months, you’ll be able to go three and a half months before purchasing again.
Also soft water saves you time as you clean. If it takes you thirty minutes to clean your bathroom or kitchen, it will take less time because soft water cleans better than hard water, and leaves little to no mess (in the form of water spots) in the first place! If you were going to pay some one to clean your home, how much would you pay them? That’s how much you’re saving by doing it yourself–and simplifying.
Your water heater and other water using appliances (dishwasher, laundry machine) will last longer in general and will not require as much maintenance. You will also see improved performance (or maintained performance) in your water heater because scale caused by hard water decreases heating efficiency exponentially over time. Because soft water prevents that scale, you’ll maintain efficient heating–saving you money on your energy bills.
Your plumbing will also see the benefits of soft water. All your fixtures and pipes will last longer (extremely hard water can clog a faucet or toilet in as little as five years!). Hard water scale builds up in your pipes and decreases flow rates; so with soft water, you’ll maintain your high flow rates.
Most softeners pay for themselves after five to seven years depending on a range of variables including original price, cost of living in your area, household size, water hardness, and frequency of cleaning. Think of a water softener as an investment. How many investment strategies pay themselves out in five years? Not many.