Salt-Based vs. Salt-Free Water Softeners: Which Is Better?
The real differences between ion exchange softeners and TAC conditioners.
They solve different problems
A salt-based softener (ion exchange) removes calcium and magnesium from water entirely. The result is truly soft water: no scale, better soap lathering, softer skin and hair. A salt-free conditioner (TAC/template assisted crystallization) does not remove minerals. Instead, it crystallizes them so they cannot form scale. The water still contains minerals and still tests as "hard."
When to choose salt-based
Hardness above 180 PPM, when you want soft-feeling water, when you have skin or hair issues from hard water, or when maximum appliance protection matters. See salt-based softener options.
When to choose salt-free
Hardness 60-180 PPM where you mainly want scale prevention, when you prefer zero maintenance (no salt to add), when you want to keep minerals in drinking water, or when drain access is difficult. See salt-free conditioner options.