It was about a year ago that I posted a question on your site about salt-free water “conditioners.” After providing the results of a water analysis, I purchased the Greenwave unit from you and disconnected my old salt-based softener. Since our water tested ~44 gpg for hardness, I was really skeptical as to whether or not it would really be able to do anything. Well, I am now completely sold! It is not a panacea, but I’ve been quite happy with the job that it does. Here are a few observations from my installation to give others an idea of what they could expect.

First, the pros: My installation included treating water that we use at our barn, which was previously untreated. Within a couple weeks, I noticed that our family milk cow’s teets were not getting as dry and cracking like they have always done. Now I only have to break out the Bag Balm in the really cold weather. Similarly, when our water softener wasn’t working at our house, my wife and daughters would complain about dry skin. This problem doesn’t exist with soft water or with the salt free system.

Perhaps the best experience I had with the salt free system was when I placed a stock tank heater in a stock tank last December. The heater had at least a half an inch of hard, white build-up from previous winters. After it was in the stock tank for about a month, I was adding water to the tank and the scale was flaking right off the heating element.

Okay, now the Cons: The salt free system definitely does NOT produce “soft” water. Personally, I like the ‘slick’ feel from a water softener, and that is missing with the salt-free unit. Also, we found that glasses in the dishwasher would have a white film on them. While this problem can be solved by using the right rinse agent (I find Lemishine works well), I do suspect that there is likely to be more etching over the long term due to the minerals in the water.

One other bit of information for anyone considering one of these units. My unit failed due to a design flaw after ~6 months of use. I was a bit disappointed by the response time of the manufacturer, but I have to give Mark and his team a ton of credit for getting the issue resolved and providing me with an improved design that is working great.

Thanks Mark!

- Mark

A lot depends upon what you want and what is in your water. Do you have a water analysis?

I have moved to a place where the water is very hard. It is taking its tole on our skin and appliances. We have been looking into both the saltless systems and salt water systems. Can you please help me with what will work best. I am so confused on it.

Thank you.

I have never hidden the fact that I am one of the owners of US Water Systems and we do sell the Limeblaster. Several montsh ago we reviewed the operation of the system and the claims made by the manufacturer and decided that we could no longer make those claims in good faith. Therefore, we directed our webmaster to change and delete some parts. After he changed it, I proofed it and OK’ed it. Somehow, it was never uploaded until someone else questioned what it said. It WAS uploaded today and it is dramatically different. Before I contine, why don’t you review what it sayus and then get back with me. I will be glad to answer your questions. Sorry for the mixup.