Understanding Your Water Quality
What are Dissolved Solids?
Dissolved Solids are natural dissolved substances in your water, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as salts and metals. The minerals are the "Hard" part of "Hard Water." In San Antonio, our water is naturally hard due to the limestone from the Edward's Aquifer.
How it relates to your softener: A water softener does significantly lower the total dissolved solids (measured in grains per gallon) by exchanging hard minerals (Calcium/Magnesium) for sodium ions, then ejecting the minerals and excess sodium. However, To fully physically remove almost all TDS for pure drinking water, we recommend pairing your softener with a Reverse Osmosis system.
Water Softening (Ion Exchange)
A water softener uses resin beads to physically remove calcium and magnesium from your water. Through a process called ion exchange, these minerals are trapped and then flushed out during a regeneration cycle. This is the only way to truly "zero out" water hardness.
Softeners vs. Conditioners
| Feature | Water Softener | Water Conditioner |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Removal | Removes 100% of hardness minerals. | Leaves minerals in (but alters them). |
| Scale Prevention | Eliminates scale buildup entirely. | Reduces scale buildup on surfaces. |
| Maintenance | Requires adding salt. | Virtually maintenance-free. |
The Power of Carbon Filtration
Whole-Home Carbon Tanks
While a softener removes minerals, a **Carbon Tank** acts as a giant chemical sponge for your entire home. It uses high-grade catalytic carbon to remove chemicals, pesticides, and odors before the water ever reaches your faucets.
1. Chlorine Removal
City water is heavily treated with chlorine. A carbon tank removes the "pool smell" and chemical taste from every tap in your house.
2. Protect Your Softener
Chlorine actually eats away at water softener resin. Installing a carbon tank in front of your softener can double the life of your resin beads.
3. Healthier Skin & Lungs
Stop inhaling vaporized chlorine in the shower. Removing chemicals reduces skin irritation and respiratory sensitivity.
4. Remove Volatile Chemicals
Carbon is highly effective at removing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), herbicides, and pesticides.
5. Better Tasting Water
By removing organic contaminants and odors, your water will taste like premium bottled water from every single sink.
6. Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance
A large whole-home tank only needs media replacement every few years and requires no electricity or salt to operate.
Ready for Better Water?
We handle the testing, the installation, and the maintenance of both softeners and carbon systems.
Book Water Test Now