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LUXURY OR MUST-HAVE?

Do you need a descaling system for a detached house or apartment building in Switzerland?

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. Descaling system not over.

Free Aqua service LTD

Fawa® product finder for descaling systems

Answer a few short questions - we will show you a suitable Fawa® solution as a non-binding recommendation based on your information.

This selection controls the basic line: Fawa® Soft for households, Fawa® Top for buildings and businesses.

Private household: Persons. Apartment building: residential units. Commercial: Occupants as a guide.

No idea? No problem - Order free water test strips .

If so, depending on the load, we recommend Fawa® Pendulum or Fawa® Parallel (multi-column systems with individual design).

Optional guide value in m³ per year. Helps to make the design even more precise in discussions.

The recommendation serves as a guide and does not replace a detailed on-site design.

What is a descaling system for a house / detached house?

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.

Why is limescale in water a problem?

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.

Water hardness in Switzerland - an overview

The water hardness in Switzerland is Strong regional differences. The reasons for this are geological differences in the soil and in water treatment.

Examples:

  • Zurich, Aargau, Basel: Hard water (over 30 °fH)
  • Ticino, Graubünden, parts of Central Switzerland: often rather soft water (below 15 °fH)

Overall, the water hardness in Switzerland ranges between 5 and 55 °fH. The two common units are:

  • French hardness (°fH)
  • German hardness (°dH)

Conversion: 1 °fH = 0.56 °dH

Our tip: A Water 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).

Advantages of a descaling system in the home

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.

What should you look out for when buying?

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.

Comparison of descaling systems (2025)

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 & maintenance - what do you need to know?

  • Installation: by plumber directly after the water meter

  • Commissioning and instruction: by our experienced service technicians
  • 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.

OUR SERVICE FOR YOU

How hard is your water?

Order your free water hardness test strip now to find the ideal solution for soft water and the protection of your household appliances.

Water Softener Fawa® Soft

Water softener for private use.

Water Softener Fawa® Top

Economically soft water for buildings, trade and industry - for protection and a better quality of life.

Water Softener Fawa® Pendant

Economically soft water for trade and industry - for protection and maximum efficiency.

Water Softener Fawa® Parallel

Water softening in large quantities with consistent quality.

Water Softener Fawa® Triplex

Water softener for maximum capacity, maximum safety - triplex technology.

Is a descaling system worthwhile for my home?

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.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Contact

Do you have any further questions or would you like a quote for a descaling system? Please get in touch with us using the contact form, telephone or e-mail. We look forward to hearing from you.

Personal Contact

Tobias, a Swiss – sales consultant of Free Aqua service for the North West of Switzerland, specializing in consulting and sales of water treatment solutions.

Tobias Schweizer

Sales Consultant North-West Switzerland

Roger Di Pierno – sales consultant of Free Aqua service for the regions of Zurich and Eastern Switzerland, an expert in water softening and customer solutions on the spot.

Roger Di Pierno

Sales Consultant Zurich And Eastern Switzerland

Philipp Bieri – sales consultant of Free Aqua service for the regions of Bern, Romandie, specializing in customized solutions for water softening.

Philipp Bieri

Sales Consultant Bern/Romandie