At what water hardness level should water softeners be added?

Water hardness is typically measured in parts per million (ppm) of calcium carbonate. Softening agents are recommended when water hardness levels reach a point where it starts to create problems for household appliances, plumbing, and even skin and hair health.

While water is generally considered "soft" at levels below 60 ppm, levels above this may lead to buildup of minerals in pipes and fixtures. It is often advised to use a water softener when the hardness exceeds 200 ppm to effectively prevent scale buildup and improve the soap and detergent efficiency.

The threshold of 225 ppm suggests a level of hardness at which the adverse effects become increasingly pronounced. Beyond this level, most households will experience significant difficulties, such as reduced sudsing and increased spotting on dishes and glassware. Therefore, adding a water softener at this level is a common recommendation to ensure good maintenance of water-using appliances and to promote better cleaning results.