Hard Water vs. Soft Water

Have you ever noticed that water tastes different depending on where you are in the country? Perhaps your hair or clothes feel different after washing?

This is due to the varying hardness of water. Our guide to hard and soft water will explore the differences between both types, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Hard water contains high concentrations of essential minerals that are recommended as part of our diet. 

• Some research suggests that hard water can help protect your heart and bones due to its mineral composition. 

Cons:

• Its high mineral composition can result in a build-up of limescale deposits in pipes, which can cause issues with plumbing and household appliances.

• Hard water may leave behind a milky residue on shower screens and cause soap scum, making it an ineffective cleaning agent.

• Hard water typically isn’t good for your hair and skin. It can dry it out, even aggravating eczema in some cases. The minerals in hard water can also change the pH balance of your skin, weakening it as a barrier against harmful bacteria. 

Pros:

• One of the key benefits of soft water is that it’s much better for your hair and skin, and soap will lather better with soft water than with hard water. 

• Soft water prevents showerheads from becoming clogged up with limescale, allowing for a smoother showering experience and reducing the need for plumbing repairs. 

Cons:

• While sodium is necessary as part of a balanced diet, too much can lead to cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure.

• The lower mineral content of soft water means it picks up other minerals, so contaminants like lead can get pulled in from older water pipes. Therefore, it is generally advised not to drink soft water.

You can usually tell if you have hard or soft water by inspecting the taps and shower enclosure in your bathroom. If you notice a build-up of limescale, this means that you likely have hard water. Soft water is generally more slippery than hard water as it does not leave any residue, so look out for this tell-tale sign. 

Various websites allow you to check the water hardness in your area by postcode. Visit your water supplier’s website for up-to-date information on water quality.

You can treat hard water by installing a filter on your mains water supply to remove excess minerals. This helps prevent limescale build-up in your pipes and appliances. 

In addition, Mira Clearscale™ technology features across our full electric shower range. This innovative technology keeps the heating tank at a consistent temperature, helping to reduce limescale in your shower.

Hard water isn’t typically considered a health concern. In fact, due to the high mineral content and low sodium level, it is better to drink hard water than soft water. However, hard water may cause skin irritation or dryness for some people.

There are no known adverse health effects associated with drinking hard water, and it can actually be good for you. For example, some research suggests that hard water can be beneficial for your heart and bones.

In the UK, water hardness is measured by the concentration of minerals like calcium carbonate. The measurement is given in parts per million (ppm) or Clark degrees (˚Clark). Depending on the concentration of minerals in the water, it is classified on the hardness scale as:

• Soft

• Moderately soft

• Slightly hard

• Moderately hard

• Hard

• Very hard

If you live in an area with hard water, discover how to descale your showerhead to prevent blockages, prolong your shower’s life and maintain its performance. Explore our range of mixer showers and accessories to find the latest designs from Mira and upgrade your bathroom today.