Does Soft Water Affect the pH Balance of Water?

If you’re considering having a water softener installed at your residence, you might be doing all the research you can to determine the effects it’ll have. You’re probably Googling questions like: Is soft water safe to drink? Is it safe for pets? How does hard vs. soft water affect hair and skin? At Miami Water & Air, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for! In this article, we’re diving into a common topic when it comes to soft water: Does soft water affect the pH balance of water? Let’s first define soft vs. hard water and talk about pH balance before getting into the nitty gritty of the pH of soft water.

Soft vs. Hard Water: What’s the Difference?

“Hard water” refers to water that contains its original metallic minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Most municipal water sources contain hard water, as well as most private wells, if the home does not have a water softener system installed. Hard water is safe to drink, but it can leave unsightly water stains in showers and on dishes, create mineral buildup in pipes, and even dry out your skin and hair.

“Soft water” refers to water that’s had its metallic minerals removed through a home water softener system, resulting in cleaner dishes, showers, and laundry, and producing less buildup in your home’s pipe systems. It’s safe to drink, and most people report that it tastes better than hard water, noting a less “metallic-y” taste since its minerals have been removed.

What Is pH Balance—and Why Does It Matter?

You may have heard the term “pH” as it relates to soil or blood, but water also has varying pH levels. pH refers to the amount of electrically charged particles in your water, indicating how “alkaline” or “acidic” your water is. On the pH scale of 0 to 14, acidic water has a pH lower than 7, neutral water has a pH of 7-8, and alkaline water has a pH of 8 or above.

It’s important to know the pH of your home’s drinking water, even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t actually monitor it (they consider it an aesthetic quality). Regardless, the EPA recommends that your water’s pH fall between 6.5-8.5.

The pH Balance of Soft vs. Hard Water

Most soft water falls between the range of 6-7, while most hard water falls between the range of 7-8. That’s because the minerals in hard water reduce the amount of acid in the water, so when they’re removed, the result is a lower pH level. Removing the minerals from hard water and lowering the pH should still keep your home’s water within the recommended range put forth by the EPA, while providing a slew of other benefits for homeowners, including less maintenance for your shower, cleaner dishware, reduced mineral buildup in pipes, more delicious coffee, fresher laundry, and better-tasting drinking water.

How to Get Soft Water at Your Home

Like the sound of those benefits? Miami Water & Air can help! We’ve been proudly installing water softener systems for Florida homeowners for decades, providing the expert installation and top-tier customer care you expect from a long-standing company. Contact us today to learn more about our water softeners or schedule a free home water test at your residence.