Lime-containing water is common in many Swiss Single-family houses and Multi-family households an everyday problem. It leaves marks on taps, shower walls and glasses. And even behind the scenes, limescale is responsible for calcified heating elements, inefficient appliances and blocked pipes. The solution? A centrally installed descaling system that uses the ion exchange process to ensure soft water. Is this a superfluous luxury? Not at all. If you want to protect your building services, reduce energy costs and noticeably improve water quality, a professional descaling system is the right choice. Decalcification system not over.
Regardless of whether it's a detached house or apartment building: descaling systems are systems that are installed directly after the house connection to the water pipe.
But be careful: Don't be fooled by seemingly simple alternatives. Time and again, methods such as magnetic or electromagnetic water softeners appear that promise a lot - but deliver little. These devices are supposed to "neutralize" limescale using magnetic fields, which means they do not require salt and are therefore considered maintenance-free. Sounds good? But it's window dressing at the expense of the customer. Magnetic water softeners are controversial and their benefits have not been scientifically proven. Our tip: rely on proven solutions.
The most widespread and at the same time most effective technology is and remains the Ion exchange - the process on which our softening systems are also based. And this is how it works:
The water flows through a resin bed.
Calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions.
These do not cause limescale deposits.
Once the resin is saturated, it is removed by a Salt brine regenerated.
Important to know: The salt gets not in drinking waterbut only serves to purify the resin. In addition, other minerals are retained in the water.
Limescale in water is not only unpleasant to look at and taste, it also attacks pipes, appliances and your wallet. And with noticeable consequences:
Household appliances such as boilers, washing machines and coffee machines become calcified, lose efficiency and have to be replaced sooner.
Water pipes are becoming clogged, which can make costly renovations necessary.
Energy consumption increases due to poorer heat transfer.
Skin and hair become dry, soap residues are more difficult to rinse out.
Cleaning effort rises: Glass, fittings and tiles show streaks and residues.
Soap, shampoo and detergent have to be dosed higher - which is bad for the environment and your wallet.
And last but not least: lime can Taste of high-quality coffee and tea noticeably.
The water hardness in Switzerland is Strong regional differences. The reasons for this are geological differences in the soil and in water treatment.
Examples:
Overall, the water hardness in Switzerland ranges between 5 and 55 °fH. The two common units are:
Conversion: 1 °fH = 0.56 °dH
Our tip: A Softening system is from 20 °fH makes sense - Especially for single-family homes: check the water hardness in your municipality using the official SVGW map (left picture).
A professional decontamination system offers these advantages:
Device protection: Longer service life for boilers, washing machines, coffee machines, etc.
Less cleaning effort: Smooth surfaces stay clean for longer - without aggressive cleaning agents.
Better skin feel: Soft water dries out less, hair remains supple.
Cost savings: Fewer repairs, lower energy consumption and less cleaning agent required.
A good system should:
to the Household size and the daily water consumption fit
with the Ion exchange process work (scientifically verifiable)
Regenerate automatically (brine)
require little maintenance (refilling with salt is usually sufficient)
Correctly adjusted (target value: 8-12 °fH)
Once again: Beware of devices that advertise with magnets or "impulses" - their effect is not scientifically proven.
Not all devices deliver what they promise. Low-priced online offers in particular often lack certificates and meaningful test results.
You can recognize reputable investments:
Proof of the Reduction of water hardness (measured according to SVGW/DVGW standard)
Independent audit reports and certificates
Positive customer reviews and Specialist advice on site
Installation: by plumber directly after the water meter
Costs: CHF 2,500-5,000 (incl. device, installation, commissioning and instruction)
Maintenance: Refill salt, maintenance recommended once a year
Regeneration: is automatic, hygienic and efficient
Tip: Many manufacturers offer Maintenance contracts for worry-free operation.
Yes - if your municipality has hard water (from 20 °fH), you will benefit several times over:
1. less limescale, less hassle
2. longer service life of your devices
3. less cleaning and detergent consumption
4. more comfort in everyday life
Our tip: Check the water hardness in your home. Is it in the upper range? Then investing in a descaling system will quickly pay off - for your health, your home and your budget.
