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Ion-exchange water softening technology is well advanced with a variety of softeners offering various features and benefits.

Your local supplier will provide guidance on the most suitable ion-exchange unit for your needs. You may be offered cheaper 'physical' devices which claim to work using magnetic, electrolytic or electronic means. Whilst in some circumstances they may reduce the formation of scale in heating systems, they do not soften the water.

When the British Water, Quality Water Group studied Physical Conditioners, it concluded:

• magnetic, electrolytic or electronic devices ... do not change the chemical composition of the water
• there is no widespread agreement, even among those manufacturing the devices, on how these work
• even when a scale reducer works very well in one home, it may fail to work in other homes, even though the conditions appear to be similar
• that companies selling scale inhibitors should provide an extended-time, money-back guarantee to protect the customer should the device fail to work in their home
• that scale inhibitors only reduce scale formation and, as it has no effect on scum formation, it will not reduce the amount of soaps, shampoos and household cleaning products used.

For this reason, we recommend that you choose an ion-exchange water softener – one that uses salt to remove the hardness. Only an ion-exchange unit can ensure that the hardness is removed.