Whole Home Filtration System

Understanding the Differences: Water Softeners vs. Water Filtration Systems

When it comes to elevating the water quality of your home, the two most common solutions are water softeners and water filtration systems. While both improve your water, they serve different purposes and address separate issues. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your specific needs.

What Do Water Softeners Do?

Water softeners are mainly used to soften hard water. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium in high amounts, which can cause problems such as limescale buildup on appliances, faucets and your home’s plumbing. This buildup not only reduces the lifespan of household appliances but also reduces their operational efficiency. Hard water also makes your skin dry and hair dull and impacts how soap lathers, leaving a residue on dishes and washed laundry.

Water softeners soften the water by using ion exchange technology to replace calcium and magnesium ions present in the water with sodium or potassium ions. This softened water feels gentler on the skin and hair and it also extends the lifespan of your water-using appliances.

What Do Water Filtration Systems Do?

Water filtration systems, on the other hand, focus primarily on removing contaminants from your water to make it cleanerer and saferr for consumption. These systems are quite useful for those suffering from water quality issues caused by chlorine, pesticides, lead, bacteria and other harmful substances that can affect the taste, odor and saferty of water.

There are various types of filtration systems available, including activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems and UV purification systems. Each type of filter targets specific impurities. For example, reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing a diverse range of impurities, while activated carbon filters are useful for removing chlorine and other chemicals from water.

Do You Need Both?

While water softeners and water filtration systems solve different issues, they can complement each other. If your home has a hard water supply and you are concerned that hidden impurities might be present in your water, then you can consider installing both kinds of systems to ensure optimal water quality. By installing a water softener you can keep your home’s appliances and plumbing well protected from limescale. On the other hand, installing a water filtration system can ensure that you get high-quality water free of harmful impurities for drinking and cooking purposes.

When to Choose One Over the Other

If you have noticed chalky deposits in your bathroom, faced issues like dry skin and dull hair, or have noticed reduced efficiency in your appliances, then you should consider getting a water softener. However, if your primary concern is cleaner, safer drinking water, then a water filtration system would be better for you. It’s vital to carefully assess your home’s water quality and consult a professional to determine which type of system would be ideal for you or if you would require both types of systems.

Reach out to CGC Water to find the perfect solution for your water needs. Our skilled team can assist you in selecting the best water filtration system in Jacksonville FL based on your specific water needs. 

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What Our Customers Say

I have 1 well servicing 2 households and CGC keeps salt in my softener every month. And keeps me up and running if there are any issues. Highly recommend for plumbing and water quality services.

Highly recommend CGC. Joseph contacted me when he would arrive, explained everything about the Kinetico install and maintenance and cleaned up the area perfectly. He also took care of another problem that was not part of the scheduled service call. Will definitely use them again.

Quick install, very professional. I would highly recommend this company. They have done a lot of work for us, great service...

Shane was prompt and Courteous. A Pleasure to work with. CGC is where we turn for all our water needs.

Retired from retail it's all about customer service..He did an awesome job..thank you!

Dan the service tech was very professional and friendly. All the employees we have had to our home we have had confidence in.

Jordan always takes time to explain each step and make sure I understand options. He answers questions truthfully and helps me prepare for issues that may arise in the future so I can be financially prepared. He is also very skilled at solving issues that arise.

Friendly,& gets the job done quickly,we recommend CGC Always good to know there's help not far away,thank you!!

Thourough and knowledgeable, these people have always done well since the install.

This is the 2nd home CGC has installed a water softener system, neutralizer, and Kinetico RO drinking water. The previous week we met with, Caleb at our home, at 8:15am, a trainee that was not done training, and boss man Jonathan called at 8:20am and had him to leave so Jonathan could answer our call. Jonathan arrived at 9am and we started the CGC visit over for the 2nd time. At this time we committed to purchasing the system. Jonathan scheduled our install for one week later, with an 8-noon install. We were under the impression he would be our installer. Jonathan also serviced our other home a month earlier. August 10th I received a text to confirm our scheduled appointment for Tuesday August 11th, 8-noon. I responded to the text and confirmed the appointment. I arrived on site at 8am, ready for a 8-noon install, no one showed up or call me. At 12:30pm I called to confirm our tech was still coming, and that he was ok. The office couldn’t reach the tech by phone, so at this point no guarantee. After the 2nd call to the CGC office, I was told he was going to be late, arriving at 2;45pm. At this point I felt angry that no one from CGC contacted me to let me know the new tech Caleb was sick and no coming for our installation. Horrible communication from CGC, and not a pleasant experience trying to determine what was going on. Austin arrived at 2:45pm, was a pleasure to work with and did a great job on the installation. At 8:30 pm, he completed the installation, a 12.5 hour day to have CGC to complete their commitment. How would CGC feel if they were treated how I was? Why couldn’t they call me to let me know they were going to be late? What is their protocol when an employee is sick. CGC angered me, leaving me feeling taken advantage of, after taking off from work to oversee the installation that was scheduled a week in advance, and approved the day before. Again, how would you feel if you were treated this way.

Charles did a great job troubleshooting our water softener issue. He was very through. Helped provide options to update the system.

As always Jason professional and helpful. As asset to your company.

Shane is a great asset to the team. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Great customer service and will most definitely recommend him next time I need service from CGC Home Services. Thanks again Shane!

Charles at CGC water treatment was professional and very kind. Thank you for your promptness, honesty & kindness.

We purchased our own reverse osmosis system, and called this company to install it because it seemed like they were knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the person who installed it did not do it correctly and also failed to put the filter inside one of the reverse osmosis membranes. The tank wasn’t filling, we noticed there was an issue when we did the TDS test on it, and our tap water was showing better than the reverse osmosis faucet, which was interesting. My husband ended up going through the steps of installing and realized there were several things that weren’t done correctly. Luckily, my husband fixed it himself however it’s very unfortunate that we had to pay $611 to get this system installed incorrectly. Unfortunately when I called to relay this message to CGC, they just apologized and giggled a little. Not sure why that’s funny, but it’s alright we just know to not refer this business to any friends or family!

Jacksonville’s city punch has a god-sent healer. I had my dude Chris get me set up with the most vital water softener for this old house and let me tell you… my pipes and faucets are spewing out magical softness without the buildup. 12/10 would recommend for your home, new or old… Jacksonville residents need this to increase overall health and reduce maintenance on your home.

Michael was excellent. He explained everything perfectly. He went thru all the products and options.

Elvin was amazing! He quickly diagnosed the issue, fixed it, and then explain to me why things were doing what they were doing. More than anything I like that he explained everything and how it makes sense. Highly recommend!

Great service and knowledgeable technician.

Well, trained technician Anthony Collins Changed out resin … Rebuilt the valve system… Adjusted the water level in the tank and changed our R.O water filters… Very professional and courteous… We now have great soft water!

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