First, you have to understand why hard water is costing you money. The main reason why hard water costs you money is because hard water produces scale. Scale is mineral deposits left by your water. These are left on plumbing fixtures, bath tub enclosures, in your pipes, in your appliances like your washing machines, water heaters, and dishwashers. Eventually these scale deposits lead to the clogging of plumbing and shortening the life of appliances. Thus, scale deposits not only cut down on the effciency of these appliances, they cost you money, increasing both energy and maintenance bills.

Water softeners eliminate the effects of hard water. They "soften" the water by removing
the calcium and magnesium found there, eliminating these scale deposits, and thus extending the useful life of water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and even small appliances like your coffeemakers, humidifers, etc.

Water softeners have been tested and shown to improve the life of appliances and household plumbing systems by as much as 30%. Appliances and plumbing systems are not cheap repairs, or replacements, so spend a little now, save a lot later. However, in addition to the long term savings, a water softener will decrease your monthly spending as well, allowing you to free up some money to put in your cash reserve.

Where a water softener saves you money:

In the Bathroom: Your soap and shampoo will lather better, and thus you can use 30% less. This means your shampoo and body wash etc. will last 30% longer. Your hair and skin will feel noticeably cleaner, softer, and not as dry, so you will spend less on lotions, etc. to rejuvenate the skin. In addition, you will be able to buy fewer cleaning products as there will be no soap scum or mineral deposits to clean off sinks, showers, tubs and toilets. So, if you spend less on shampoos, soaps, lotions, and cleaning products, you could be saving $50 a year or more.

In the Laundry: Clothes will be softer, cleaner, whiter and brighter. They last longer, and you do not need to use as much laundry soap to wash them. Soft water increases the life of clothing, towels and linens up to 33%. Your washing machine will last longer, and you can cut your detergent amount in half. Thus, you save a lot of money!

In the Kitchen: Dishes will clean up more easily, and be spot free. You can use less dish soap, and less water. Again, big savings, especially if you usually wash things multiple times.

Soft water can save you thousands of dollars, and allow you to put that money into your cash reserve.