Water Softeners vs. Water Filters: Which Is Right for You?

Alaina Fogle • June 6, 2025

If you’ve been dealing with hard water, strange tastes, or plumbing issues, you’ve probably heard about water softeners and water filters. While these systems can both improve your water, they solve different problems. Choosing the right one depends on what’s really the problem with your water.


Understanding the difference can help protect your health, save you time and money, and prevent a lot of unnecessary frustration down the line. Here's a simple breakdown of how each system works, what problems they solve, and how to figure out which one is the right fit for your home.


What Is a Water Softener?


A water softener is a system that removes minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause what we know as hard water. It works by using a process called ion exchange in which the minerals are swapped out for sodium or potassium. Unlike calcium and magnesium, sodium and potassium don’t cause scale buildup, and the levels added to the water are low enough that they’re generally safe for most people.

Hard water isn’t really dangerous to drink, but over time, it builds up inside pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, which results in clogs, reduced water efficiency, and more frequent repairs. Other signs of hard water are stiff laundry, spots on your dishes, and dry skin and hair after showers.


A water softener helps stop this buildup and keeps your water system running more efficiently. However, it doesn’t remove chemicals, bacteria, or other contaminants that may affect water quality or taste.


What Is a Water Filter?


A water filter removes contaminants from your water, but different filters do different things. Some are designed to reduce chlorine and pesticides while others are great at removing heavy metals like lead, or blocking bacteria and sediment. Common options include carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and UV purifiers.


Filters are a good choice if you're concerned about the safety, smell, or taste of your drinking water. They help remove substances that can affect your health or make your water unpleasant to use. Unlike softeners, filters don’t take out minerals that cause hard water.

If your water smells like chemicals, tastes off, or comes from a source that might be exposed to pollution or bacteria, a filter might be your best bet to tackle the problem.


Key Differences 


Water softeners and water filters are often seen as interchangeable, but they serve different purposes.


A water softener removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. It's the right choice if you're dealing with issues like scale buildup, clogged pipes, stiff laundry, or reduced appliance efficiency. A softener helps prevent scale buildup in your plumbing, water heater, and other appliances that use water. But it won’t improve the taste or remove chemicals, metals, or bacteria.


A water filter is specifically designed to improve the quality of your drinking water. It removes things like chlorine, lead, pesticides, and bacteria. Filters can help with strange tastes, strong odors, and potential health concerns, but on the other hand, won’t fix hard water issues.

Put simply, a softener takes care of your plumbing, and a filter takes care of the water you drink.


Do You Need Both a Water Softener and a Filter?


In many cases, yes.

If your home has hard water and your drinking water tastes or smells off—or if testing shows chemical or biological contaminants—then using both systems together might be the best solution.


Softened water helps extend the life of your appliances, reduce soap scum and buildup, and keep things running smoothly. Filtered water gives you peace of mind every time you turn on the tap or fill a glass. Together, they create a complete water treatment system that improves both function and safety.


Signs You Might Need a Water Softener


  • White spots or film on dishes, sinks, or faucets
  • Soap that doesn’t lather well
  • Buildup in your showerhead or pipes
  • Itchy skin or dull hair after bathing
  • Reduced water pressure over time
  • Your water heater is less efficient or needs frequent repairs


Signs You Might Need a Water Filter


  • Strange taste or odor in your water (chemical, metallic, musty)
  • Rust-colored water or visible sediment
  • Health concerns tied to your water source (well water, aging pipes, nearby agriculture or industry)
    Staining in sinks, tubs, or toilets
  • Concerns about chlorine, lead, or bacteria exposure
  • You want better-tasting water for drinking and cooking


Conclusion


Figuring out whether you need a water softener, a filter, or both can be confusing, especially if you’re not sure what’s in your water to begin with. Each one solves a different problem, and in some cases, you might actually need both. The only way to know for sure is to get your water tested by a professional.


At Fogle Pump & Supply, we’ve been helping homeowners across Eastern Washington find the right water solutions since 1981. Our team can test your water, explain exactly what you're dealing with, and recommend the system that fits your home—not just what’s popular or easy to sell.



Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your water test and get honest answers from the water professionals.


By Alaina Fogle June 6, 2025
Filtered water offers more than just better taste. It’s a practical way to support your health every day by removing substances your body doesn’t need and making hydration easier and more effective. Over time, consistently drinking clean water can help with digestion, skin health, energy levels, and overall wellness. It’s a simple habit that adds up and is one of the easiest ways to take care of yourself without changing your routine. 1. Reduced Exposure to Harmful Substances Even if your water looks clear, it can still carry small amounts of contaminants like chlorine, lead, or pesticide residue. This is more common in homes with older plumbing or in areas near farming or industrial activity. While these substances may not cause immediate issues, they can build up in your body over time. A good water filter can remove or significantly reduce many of these contaminants, depending on which kind you use. For example, carbon filters can reduce chlorine and some pesticides, while reverse osmosis systems can target lead, nitrates, and other heavy metals. Regardless, the result is cleaner water that’s safer to drink every day. 2. Fewer Issues with Digestion and Skin Water that hasn’t been properly filtered can sometimes contain chlorine, bacteria, or other irritants that affect the body in subtle ways. These substances may lead to occasional stomach discomfort or digestive issues, especially if bacteria or parasites are present in the water supply. Chemicals like chlorine can also dry out the skin and cause irritation over time, particularly with repeated exposure. Using filtered water helps reduce these triggers, making it easier on your body both inside and out. 3. Better Hydration and Daily Function Let’s be honest. You're more likely to drink water if it actually tastes good. Filtered water removes the odd aftertastes or chemical smells that can make you want to reach for something else. When your water is clean and fresh, it’s easier to keep up the habit. Staying hydrated plays a big role in how your body functions. It supports energy, focus, digestion, and helps your joints and muscles work the way they should. Good-tasting water takes the effort out of staying hydrated, which makes it easier to support your health all-around. 4. Peace of Mind Filtered water doesn’t just support your physical health. It also gives you one less thing to worry about. When you know your water is clean and free from common contaminants, you can drink it with confidence. That peace of mind matters, especially if you’re caring for young children, older family members, or anyone with health concerns. Clean water becomes part of your routine, and with the proper systems in place, you don’t have to think twice about it. 5. Healthier Cooking and Food Prep It’s easy to forget how often we use water in the kitchen—not just for drinking, but also for boiling pasta, rinsing vegetables, and making coffee or tea. When your water is filtered, everything you prepare with it benefits too. Filtered water can enhance the flavor of food and beverages by removing the underlying chlorine taste or any lingering metallic notes. This is especially helpful for soups, broths, and anything where water plays a key role. It’s a small upgrade that makes a noticeable difference. 6. Fewer Plastic Bottles and a Cleaner Environment Filtered water systems don’t just benefit your body—they’re also better for the planet. When you rely on bottled water, you're contributing to the growing issue of plastic waste. Even if you recycle, most single-use bottles don’t actually get reused, and the environmental cost of producing and transporting them adds up quickly. Installing a home filtration system or using a filtered pitcher can dramatically cut down your use of bottled water. That means fewer trips to the store, less waste in the landfill, and a more sustainable lifestyle overall. 7. Long-Term Investment in Your Health Think of water filtration as a long-term investment in your well-being. While the upfront cost of a filter system may seem like an extra step, it pays off in reduced health risks, fewer disposable bottles, and better performance from your body day after day. Clean water is foundational to your health. And the more consistently you drink it, the more your body benefits over time. 8. Fewer Toxins Means Better Immune Support Your immune system works hard to protect you from illness and infection. But when your body is constantly filtering out extra toxins from unclean water, it adds unnecessary stress to that system. Over time, this can wear your body down and make it harder to stay healthy. By reducing the toxic load from everyday sources like tap water, you're giving your immune system one less thing to deal with. Clean water keeps your internal systems functioning smoothly and helps your body do what it’s naturally designed to do: protect and repair itself. 9. Support for Sensitive Groups Certain people are more sensitive to water quality than others—especially infants, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. In these cases, even low levels of contaminants can have a more noticeable impact on health. Filtered water provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. It’s a small but powerful step you can take to care for vulnerable members of your household and support their overall well-being. Conclusion Drinking filtered water is a simple choice that supports your health in meaningful ways. It helps reduce exposure to harmful substances, makes hydration easier, and takes the guesswork out of your daily routine. 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