Many homeowners around Melbourne, FL have water softeners installed to treat hard water. This is a great way to protect pipes against the mineral buildup and damage caused by hard water. Installing a water softener can also protect your skin, hair, and clothes against the harsh effects of hard water. However, the strange phenomenon of slimy water causes some homeowners to wonder if their water is still okay. It can be strange to suddenly realize that water feels “slippery.” Yes, your new water softener could be the cause.
Here’s Why Your Water Feels Slimy
Saltwater-based water softeners use ions to soften water. These ions also happen to increase the bond between soap and skin while you’re lathering up. The big difference you’re noticing with soft water is caused by the fact that soap used to bond with water when your water was hard. It’s now forming a stronger bond with your skin than with the water. This creates that slimy, slick sensation you’re feeling as you rinse off. The absence of tiny mineral grains in your water can also feel strange at first!
As you rinse, your new soft water gives you a much more thorough rinse compared to before. This applies when using both soap and shampoo. That’s another reason why you may actually feel like your hair is slimier and slicker when you’re showering with softer water. While the sensation may feel slightly unpleasant at first, there’s good news about that slimy feeling.
The Benefits of “Slimy” Soft Water
The ion exchange that helps to produce soft water can actually leave you with softer, healthier skin and hair. That thorough rinse you’re getting stops soaps and shampoos from leaving residue behind. Remember the dry, scaly feeling your skin always had back when you had untreated hard water? That’s now a thing of the past. The residue-eliminating rinsing that comes with soft water can help to protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier to boost health and hydration. You also don’t have to worry about hard water leaving your skin dry by stripping it of its natural oils.
So-called slimy water may also save you money. The efficient rinsing produced by soft water means you’ll need much less soap and shampoo to get clean. In fact, you’ll notice that your products lather easily with just a small amount now. Over time, using less soap and shampoo to get the same results can lead to substantial savings for your household.
What to Do If You Don’t Like the Feeling of Slimy Water
You might still be bothered by your slimy water after finding out that it’s safe. Some people are simply more sensitive to different sensations. There are some things you can do to reduce the sliminess of softened water.
The first is to reduce the amount of soap, shampoo, or body wash you’re using. Go down to just a dollop to see if this takes care of the problem. Some people also find that switching to organic or handmade soaps eliminates the problem. Generally, soaps that contain artificial scents and chemicals tend to accentuate the sliminess of softened water. Natural soaps that contain fewer ingredients with no additives can help to reduce sliminess. If you still feel bothered after cutting down the amount of shower products you’re using, you could consider changing your water softener.
You don’t need to stop using a water softener completely if you’re bothered by slimy water. Generally, saltwater water softeners are the only water softeners that produce a slimy feeling. Consider switching to a non-salt softener to enjoy the benefits of softened water without the sensory concerns.
Salt-free water softeners work by neutralizing the minerals in water using template-assisted crystallization instead of ion exchange. As water passes through the softener, heavy minerals attach to polymeric beads that cause them to turn into crystals. These crystals are incapable of binding as they channel through the water. Even people who aren’t bothered by slimy water sometimes prefer salt-free water softeners because they don’t want to add salt to their water for health reasons. Salt-free softeners are also easy to maintain. However, you should know about the following downsides if you’re thinking about making a switch to a salt-free water softener:
- The initial cost can be higher compared to saltwater water softeners.
- If your home has very hard water, a salt-free softener may not be as effective.
- If you have a large household with heavy water usage, most salt-free softeners won’t be able to keep up.
Is Slimy Water Safe?
Absolutely! Softened water simply allows you to feel the slickness of water without the heft of minerals and debris buildup on your skin. While it can take a while to get accustomed to mineral-free water, most people soon learn to love the feeling. If you have any concerns about the performance of your water softener, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Melbourne, FL is here to help! Whether you’re worried about water quality or want to learn about alternatives for upgrading your water softener, we’re ready to answer the call. Reach out today!