If you have a water softener, then you may be wondering if it is possible for your water to be too soft.
Water hardness is a measure of how much calcium and magnesium are dissolved in water. Soft water has less than 60 parts per million of hardness in it; the lowest level hardness can be is 0. Some people complain that their water feels slippery, or their soap and shampoo are too sudsy. These are not signs of water that is too soft. It’s usually just people who are not accustomed to the feel of softer water.
In this blog post, we will explore the concept of hard water and answer the question of whether or not it is possible for water to be too soft. We will also provide tips on how to deal with hard water if you are experiencing problems with it in your home.
Hard Water
What is hardness?
Hardness is caused by the presence of two dissolved minerals in water: calcium and magnesium. These minerals can come from a variety of sources, including rocks and soil that leach into groundwater, or they can be added to water through the use of water treatment chemicals.
Hard water is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can cause problems in your home if you are not prepared for it. The most common problem that hard water can cause is the buildup of scale on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Over time, this scale can build up and clog your pipes, or it can prevent your appliances from working properly.
Another problem that hard water can cause is dry skin and hair. This is because the minerals in hard water can strip away natural oils from your skin and hair, leaving them feeling dry and brittle.
The United States Geological Survey defines soft and hard water as follows:
| Water Hardness | Hardness as Calcium Carbonate | Grains per Gallon |
| Soft | 0–60 ppm | 0–3.5 gpg |
| Moderately Hard | 61–120 ppm | 3.56–7 gpg |
| Hard | 120–180 ppm | 7.06–10.51 gpg |
| Very Hard | >181 ppm | 10.57 gpg |
How is hardness removed from water?
The most frequent approach to eliminate hardness from drinking water is to use a water softener, which substitutes calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. For each milligram of hardness eliminated, 0.46 grams of sodium is added to the water. Potassium chloride may be utilized as a substitute for sodium chloride, although potassium chloride is less effective at reducing hardness.
Read my article about water softeners to learn more: Ultimate Guide to Water Softeners: Everything You Need to Know
The Effects of Hard Water
Hard water can cause a variety of problems in your home, as we mentioned earlier. In this section, we will explore some of the most common problems that hard water can cause, and we will provide tips on how to deal with them.
Soap and shampoo usage
Hard water can also cause your soap and shampoo to not work as well, because the minerals in hard water can interact with the ingredients in these products and make them less effective. As a result, you may find that you need to use more soap or shampoo to get the same results that you would normally get with softer water.
Dry skin and hair
Hard water can cause dry skin and hair. Minerals from the water are left behind on your skin and hair after you shower or bathe, and these minerals can strip away natural oils that keep your skin and hair hydrated. As a result, you may find that your skin feels dry and irritated, or that your hair is brittle and difficult to manage.
Scale buildup
One of the most common problems that hard water can cause is the buildup of scale on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Over time, this scale can build up and clog your pipes, or it can prevent your appliances from working properly.
How to Tell if Your Water is Soft
If you recently installed a water softener, you may be wondering if your water is too soft. How can you tell?
Why does soft water feel slick on my skin
People who are accustomed to harder water may feel that the soap isn’t rinsing off their skin when they shower in softer water. In reality, it’s the oils in their skin sliding over water that gives them this slick or silky sensation.
This feeling is often described as “soap residue.” It can also occur when people use too much soap, or a soap that isn’t meant for their skin type.
Some of the signs of “overly soft” water that people report are:
- They never seem to be able to fully rinse soap off their body.
- My skin and/or hair doesn’t feel “squeaky” clean after rinsing.
- Water tastes flat or sweet.
- Soap produces significantly more lather than other bathing soaps, to the point of excessive lathering.
Is something wrong with my water softener?
Some people who are not accustomed to the properties of soft water think that something may be wrong with their water softener. In reality, the water is just different from what they’re used to.
If you’ve recently installed a water softener, or if you’ve moved to an area with softer water, it may take some time for your skin and hair to adjust.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to minimize the effects of hard water on your skin and hair:
- Use less soap or shampoo and focus on cleansing areas that tend to be the dirtiest.
- Rinse your skin and hair thoroughly after showering or bathing to remove any soap residue.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out.
Read my article about the proper settings for your water softener.
What do I do if my water is too soft?
If you think your water is too soft, there are a few things you can do.
- Give it time. It’s very likely that your water isn’t too soft. Many people aren’t used to the feel of soft water. However, after a while, they get used to it and they don’t even notice the difference.
- Install a bypass valve on your water softener. You can raise the hardness of your treated water by mixing in some untreated water. Install a 3-way valve on your water softener and allow some of the raw water to mix with the softened water.
- Use less soap and shampoo. Soft water requires less soap and shampoo to get clean. If you find that there’s too much lather, try using less. You may be surprised at how little you actually need to use.
- Test your water. Measure the hardness of your water and compare the results to your untreated water. If your water is too soft, you can take steps to raise the hardness.
FAQs
Is it better to drink hard or soft water?
There is no clear answer. Some people prefer the taste of hard water, while others prefer water with no flavor at all. Soft water may have a different texture that some people don’t like. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.
How can I tell if my water is too soft?
If you think your water is too soft, you can test it to see how hard it actually is. The power of knowing the hardness of your water can be very reassuring.
What are the benefits of soft water?
Some people prefer the feel of soft water on their skin and hair. Soft water can also help to extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances by preventing scale buildup.
Final Take
So, can water be too soft? The answer is – it depends.
While some people may not be accustomed to the feel of softer water, it is still safe for drinking and all other purposes. In fact, many homeowners find that they don’t need to use as much soap and shampoo when their water is softened, which can save them money in the long run.
If you are having problems with your water softener or notice that your soap and shampoo are not lathering as they should, leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.