If you’re looking to remove calcium and lime (limescale) from your water, you’re likely dealing with hard water. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which cause limescale buildup on appliances, fixtures, and pipes. Removing these minerals can improve water quality, extend the lifespan of appliances, and make cleaning easier.
Here are the best water filters to remove calcium and lime from your water:
1. Water Softener (Ion Exchange System)
Overview:
A water softener is the most effective solution for removing calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that cause hard water and limescale. These systems use ion exchange technology to swap calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, effectively softening the water.
Key Features:
- Ion exchange resin: Removes calcium and magnesium by replacing them with sodium or potassium.
- Salt-based softening: Requires salt (sodium chloride) or potassium chloride to regenerate the resin.
- Whole-house system: Installed at the main water entry point to soften all the water in the house.
Pros:
- Highly effective at removing calcium and magnesium, preventing limescale buildup.
- Extends the life of appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
- Provides softer water that feels better on skin and hair.
Cons:
- Requires maintenance: Periodic addition of salt is needed to regenerate the system.
- Does not filter out contaminants: It only softens the water; if you need filtration, an additional filter may be required.
- Produces wastewater during the regeneration process.
Top Products:
- Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener: Highly rated, efficient, and popular for whole-house water softening.
- Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener: Effective and affordable for medium to large homes.
2. Template-Assisted Crystallization (TAC) System
Overview:
A TAC water conditioner is a salt-free alternative to traditional water softeners. Instead of removing calcium and magnesium, TAC systems convert these minerals into crystals that can’t stick to surfaces, effectively preventing limescale buildup without removing the minerals from the water.
Key Features:
- Salt-free technology: Conditions water without the use of salt, preventing limescale by crystallizing calcium and magnesium.
- Eco-friendly: No wastewater or salt required.
- Whole-house installation: Typically installed at the main water entry point.
Pros:
- No maintenance or salt refilling required.
- Retains healthy minerals in the water while preventing scaling.
- Eco-friendly: No wastewater and energy-efficient.
Cons:
- Does not remove minerals: It prevents limescale but doesn’t reduce hardness or remove calcium/magnesium.
- Not as effective for people who prefer completely soft water.
Top Products:
- Pelican NaturSoft Salt-Free Water Softener: A popular TAC system that prevents limescale buildup and is eco-friendly.
- Aquasana Salt-Free Water Conditioner: Effective whole-house solution for preventing scale and maintaining healthy minerals.
3. Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
Overview:
A reverse osmosis system is highly effective at removing calcium, magnesium, and a wide range of other contaminants. RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, filtering out up to 99% of dissolved solids, including calcium and lime.
Key Features:
- Multi-stage filtration: Typically includes pre-filters for sediment, carbon filters for chlorine, and an RO membrane for removing dissolved solids.
- Removes a wide range of contaminants: In addition to calcium and lime, it removes heavy metals, fluoride, nitrates, and more.
- Point-of-use system**: Usually installed under the sink for drinking and cooking water.
Pros:
- Removes up to 99% of calcium and other dissolved solids.
- Provides pure drinking water free of many contaminants.
- Versatile: Removes a wide range of impurities beyond just calcium and magnesium.
Cons:
- Wastes water: RO systems produce wastewater as part of the filtration process.
- Requires maintenance: Filter and membrane replacements are needed every 6-12 months.
- Typically used as a point-of-use system, so it doesn’t soften water throughout the house.
Top Products:
- APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System: Well-known for high performance and effective contaminant removal.
- Waterdrop G3 Tankless RO System: Compact, efficient, and offers a fast flow rate for on-demand purified water.
4. Whole-House Sediment and Carbon Filter (with Scale Inhibitor)
Overview:
A whole-house sediment and carbon filter system with a scale inhibitor can help reduce limescale buildup while also filtering out sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants. The scale inhibitor adds a protective layer that prevents calcium and magnesium from forming limescale.
Key Features:
- Sediment and carbon filtration: Removes particles, dirt, chlorine, and chemicals.
- Scale inhibitor: Prevents calcium and magnesium from forming hard limescale.
- Whole-house installation: Installed at the water entry point to treat all household water.
Pros:
- Provides basic filtration while preventing limescale buildup.
- Improves water quality by reducing chlorine and other chemicals.
- Maintenance-free scale prevention.
Cons:
- Not as effective as traditional water softeners or TAC systems for heavy limescale issues.
- Does not remove calcium from the water, only prevents scaling.
Top Products:
- Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter with Salt-Free Softener: A comprehensive system that filters contaminants and prevents scale without salt.
- iSpring WGB32B-PB Whole House Filtration System: Offers three-stage filtration with a scale inhibitor option.
5. Electronic or Magnetic Water Descalers
Overview:
Electronic or magnetic water descalers are devices that use electromagnetic waves or electric pulses to prevent limescale buildup. They don’t remove calcium or magnesium but alter the properties of these minerals to reduce their ability to form scale.
Key Features:
- Electric or magnetic technology: Alters the structure of calcium and magnesium ions to prevent them from sticking to surfaces.
- Whole-house installation: Typically mounted on the incoming water line to treat all water entering the home.
- No chemicals or salt: Provides a maintenance-free solution for reducing limescale.
Pros:
- Maintenance-free: No chemicals, salt, or filter replacements.
- Eco-friendly: Does not waste water or use electricity.
- Prevents limescale buildup on fixtures and appliances.
Cons:
- Does not remove calcium or reduce water hardness.
- Effectiveness varies depending on water composition and system design.
Top Products:
- YARNA Capacitive Electronic Water Descaler: A highly-rated electronic descaler that reduces limescale without salt or chemicals.
- Eddy Electronic Water Descaler: Another effective solution for preventing scale buildup using electromagnetic technology.
Conclusion:
If your goal is to completely remove calcium and lime from your water and eliminate hard water issues, a salt-based water softener is the best solution. For those looking for a salt-free alternative that still prevents limescale, TAC systems or magnetic descalers are excellent options. For a point-of-use solution, a reverse osmosis system will remove calcium and provide pure drinking water, while whole-house filtration systems with scale inhibitors offer combined filtration and limescale prevention.
Recommendations:
- Best for Complete Calcium Removal: Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener.
- Best Salt-Free Option: Pelican NaturSoft Salt-Free Water Softener.
- Best for Drinking Water: APEC Top Tier Reverse Osmosis System.