My wife is pushing for one of these very expensive home water treatment/filtration systems, but it all feels like a scam to me. No one I know has one, so turning to random strangers on the internet for opinions.
Edit: We’re on city water in a decent area. No well water. It’s more about removing the chlorine and microplastics than anything.
I have heard of some using calcium removal devices for their pipes, called Ion-Exchange Water Softeners
They use beads with an electrical charge, in an attempt to reduce calcium in the water. Meaning less buildup(cleaning) in the shower etc
But you gotta replace these beads every few months or whatever. Its also quite expensive.
Reducing the calcium if you drink it, can affect the taste a bit. Not sure how much or if its good/bad
As for regular “filters” im unsure they do anything.
And dont get anything that talks about water ph levels… that is bullshit
Water softeners use a salt brine to flush out the ions off the resin beads. The resin beads do eventually wear out but should be good for 5+ years in most residential applications. The softener salt does have to be topped up frequently though. Softeners are not particularly exoensive to keep operating.