Comparison: Dropson anti-scale system vs traditional salt softener
There are two types of systems on the market: physical and chemical. A simple comparison between the two technologies shows the advantages of the anti-scale system developed by Dropson (physical) compared to the traditional salt softener (chemical).
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is my installation protected against limescale?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: YES
Both systems are designed to combat limescale: the salt softener is a chemical system that captures calcium ions and releases sodium (by ion exchange resin systems). These sodium particles encourage the corrosion of installations.
The Dropson electronic water softener is an anti-scale system that uses a physical process to prevent limescale formation through the crystallization of calcium and carbon ions by magnetic impacts. These created microcrystals have a non-fouling structure, so they will pass through the installation without adhering and will be evacuated by drains and taps.
2. Does the system remove calcium?
Dropson anti-scale system: NO
Salt softener: YES
Physical systems such as Dropson prevent the formation of calcium carbonate (lime) without removing existing calcium. Dropson physically treats the water and the calcium carbonate becomes non-fouling.
However, chemical systems such as salt softeners remove calcium from water by capturing suspended ions and exchanging them for sodium.
3. Will the system reduce existing limescale deposits in my facility?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: NO
Dropson anti-scale systems have the ability to prevent limescale formation in installations. In addition, with our antiscale system, the lime already incrusted is gradually dissolved. While traditional water softeners will only reduce the amount of lime present in the water.
4. Is the system corrosive and can it damage my installation?
Dropson anti-scale system: NO
Salt softener: YES
Salt softeners exchange the calcium captured for sodium. Sodium is corrosive and can be a medium and long-term hazard to our facilities. Many boiler manufacturers will void the warranty on their products if the user uses a traditional water softener.
The Dropson anti-scale systems do not release sodium, so the installations are protected and fully operational. By dissolving existing lime and preventing limescale from re-entering the facility, mechanisms such as faucets, showers and water outlets will work properly, preventing water production stoppages and breakdowns.
5. Do I have to add salt all the time?
Dropson anti-scale system: NO
Salt softener: YES
Water softeners need a continuous supply of salt because they use a chemical principle to treat water. The Dropson anti-scale systems use a physical process, so they do not need any salt.
6. Will the system increase water consumption?
Dropson anti-scale system: NO
Salt softener: YES
Salt softeners require periodic regeneration of ion exchange resins. They can reject up to 200 litres of water per regeneration. The frequency of regeneration can vary between 4 and 7 times per month.
Dropson anti-scale systems do not require any regeneration, so they reduce water consumption and guarantee optimum performance of the installations.
7. Does it have a high maintenance cost?
Dropson anti-scale system: NO
Salt softener: YES
The annual maintenance cost of a salt softener is high. To the amount of salt used must be added the water wasted in each regeneration of the ion exchange resins.
The Dropson water softener only needs an electrical connection and its energy consumption is very low, comparable to that of a low-energy light bulb. Dropson guarantees a reduction in energy and water consumption in the medium term.
8. Is the water still drinkable and suitable for domestic?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: NO
The salt softener changes the chemical characteristics of the water. Sodium levels increase significantly and exceed the limits allowed by WHO: 200 mg/litre. Therefore, the water treated by salt softeners is not suitable for human consumption and can be very harmful to health.
The Dropson electronic water softener respects the potability of the water without modifying its natural components, preserving all its original properties. Our anti-scale system has a sanitary certification (ACS) approved by the French Ministry of Health. In addition, the treatment cell is made of 316L stainless steel in accordance with food regulations.
9. Is the treated water suitable for irrigation in my garden?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: NO
The Dropson anti-scale system does not modify the chemical characteristics of the water. Sodium levels remain unchanged, in comparison with the salt softener which maintains very high sodium levels. Water treated by the Dropson water softener is particularly suitable for irrigation, while watering with treated water by a traditional salt softener is contraindicated.
The water treated by a Dropson physical system allows a better absorption of nutrients and a better development of the plants.
10. Will the clothes stay softer than before?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: YES
The Dropson anti-scale system prevents the formation of calcium carbonate in tissue fibres. With our electronic decalcifier, your clothes will be softer than before, even with the use of a smaller amount of detergents.
11. Do I have to add salt to my dishwasher?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: NO
In physical treatments, after a strong evaporation of water, such as drying the dishes, the water can leave traces in the form of fine calcium carbonate powder. These prints are easy to clean as they have not crystallized on the dishes. Add a little salt to the dishwasher and the stains will disappear.
This salt content is not to treat the water, is to obtain a better finish for the dishes. Many dishwasher safe 3-in-1 products already contain this amount of salt, so no additional product is required.
12. Will limescale stains be visible on my sink or shower screen?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: NO
To avoid limescale stains with a traditional salt softener, it must be adjusted so that the hardness levels are very low. Achieving and maintaining such low levels causes very high sodium levels and water becomes very corrosive to the installation.
With Dropson limescale protection systems, limescale stains in the form of fine calcium carbonate powder are not crystallised on the elements, so that, despite being visible, they are very easy to clean.
13. Is it the best choice for areas where the water is very hard?
Dropson anti-scale system: YES
Salt softener: NO
With a salt softener, harder the water, greater the calcium/sodium exchange. Water with high sodium levels causes strong corrosion in the installations and generates continuous breakdowns and production stoppages.
The Dropson electronic water softener is a new generation anti-scale system that prevents limescale formation, preventing the deterioration of the installations and reducing the hardness of the water.