Frequently Asked Questions

One of the biggest problems caused by hard water is scale buildup, also called limescale. This white, chalky material forms when dissolved minerals in water go through a chemical reaction that turns them into solid deposits.

Understanding the chemistry behind this process helps explain why hard water causes buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures throughout homes in places like Las Vegas, where water hardness is very high.

Dissolved Minerals in Hard Water

Hard water contains dissolved minerals, mainly:

• Calcium (Ca²⁺)
• Magnesium (Mg²⁺)

In natural water systems, these minerals often exist in the form of calcium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate.

These compounds stay dissolved in water under normal conditions, meaning the water can carry them through plumbing systems without immediately forming deposits.

What Happens When Water Is Heated

When hard water is heated—such as inside a water heater, dishwasher, or coffee maker—a chemical reaction occurs.

Calcium bicarbonate breaks down into three components:

• Calcium carbonate (solid scale)
• Carbon dioxide gas
• Water

The chemical reaction looks like this:

Ca(HCO₃)₂ → CaCO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is the white, solid material that forms limescale deposits.

Why Scale Sticks to Surfaces

Calcium carbonate is not very soluble in water, especially at higher temperatures. When the reaction occurs, the calcium carbonate crystals begin attaching themselves to nearby surfaces such as:

• heating elements
• pipes
• faucet aerators
• dishwashers
• shower heads

Once the first layer forms, additional minerals easily attach to the existing buildup, gradually creating thicker deposits.

Why Heat Accelerates Scale Formation

Heating water speeds up scale formation for two main reasons:

1️⃣ Reduced gas solubility – When water is heated, carbon dioxide escapes more easily. This pushes the chemical reaction toward forming solid calcium carbonate.

2️⃣ Faster precipitation – Higher temperatures make it easier for dissolved minerals to crystallize into solid form.

This is why scale forms fastest in:

• water heaters
• coffee machines
• dishwashers
• tankless water heaters

Why Las Vegas Homes See Heavy Scale

Las Vegas water commonly measures 15–18 grains per gallon, which means there is a high concentration of calcium and magnesium available to form scale.

Over time, this can lead to:

• thick mineral buildup on fixtures
• clogged shower heads
• reduced water heater efficiency
• restricted plumbing pipes

Even a thin layer of scale inside a water heater can significantly reduce heat transfer efficiency.

How Water Softeners Prevent the Reaction

Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium ions before the water enters your plumbing system.

They do this using ion exchange, where hardness minerals are replaced with sodium or potassium ions.

Without calcium and magnesium present, the chemical reaction that produces calcium carbonate cannot occur, which prevents scale from forming in the first place.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Understanding the chemistry behind scale explains why hard water problems are so persistent in regions with high mineral content.

Preventing scale formation can help:

• extend appliance lifespan
• maintain water heater efficiency
• reduce plumbing maintenance
• keep fixtures looking clean

For many homes in Southern Nevada, water treatment systems are one of the most effective ways to manage the long-term effects of hard water chemistry.

If you own a water softener, the type of salt you use matters more than most people realize. Using the wrong salt can reduce efficiency, cause salt bridging, or even shorten the life of your system. Using the right salt keeps your softener running clean, efficient, and problem-free.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common water softener salts—and which one is best for your home.

1. Solar Salt

Best overall choice for most homes

Solar salt is made by evaporating seawater and is available in pellets or crystals. It’s one of the most popular options because it’s affordable and works well in most water softeners.

Pros:

• Widely available
• Budget-friendly
• Works well with most systems

Cons:

• Can contain small amounts of sediment
• May require occasional cleaning of the brine tank

Best for: Homes with standard water hardness and well-maintained systems.

2. Evaporated Salt

Highest purity and best performance

Evaporated salt is mined from underground salt deposits and refined into pellets. It’s the purest form of water softener salt and produces the least residue.

Pros:

• 99.9% pure sodium chloride
• Minimizes buildup and bridging
• Keeps brine tanks cleaner

Cons:

• More expensive than solar salt

Best for: Homeowners who want maximum efficiency, less maintenance, and long-term reliability.

3. Rock Salt

Not recommended for most modern systems

Rock salt is the least refined type of salt and often contains dirt and minerals.

Pros:

• Cheapest option

Cons:

• High levels of impurities
• Causes sludge and buildup
• Can damage your water softener over time

Best for: Older systems only—and even then, it’s usually not worth the risk.

4. Potassium Chloride

Sodium-free alternative

Potassium chloride works like salt but doesn’t add sodium to your water. It’s often chosen for health or environmental reasons.

Pros:

• Sodium-free
• Safe for plants and septic systems

Cons:

• More expensive
• Less effective in very hard water
• Requires higher usage than salt

Best for: Homes on low-sodium diets or with sensitive landscaping.

Pellet vs. Crystal Salt

• Pellets dissolve more evenly and are less likely to cause salt bridging
• Crystals are cheaper but may leave more residue

Pellets are generally the better choice, especially for newer systems.

What Salt Should You Avoid?

Avoid:

• Table salt
• Ice melt products
• Agricultural or industrial salt

These are not designed for water softeners and can cause serious damage.

The Bottom Line

For most homeowners, high-quality evaporated salt pellets are the best option. They cost a little more but keep your system cleaner, last longer, and reduce maintenance issues. If you’re looking for a good balance between performance and price, solar salt pellets are a solid second choice.

If you’re unsure which salt is best for your water conditions, having one of our H2O to GO water professionals test your water can make all the difference.