Learn · 3 min read
Does a water softener remove chlorine?
Short answer: a softener is designed to reduce hardness, not chlorine. Ion exchange swaps calcium and magnesium for sodium. [1] The same publication lists what softening does not remove: bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, silt or sand, lead, nitrate, pesticides and many other organic and inorganic compounds. [1]
What reduces chlorine
Two media are commonly used to reduce chlorine:
- Activated carbon reduces chlorine, chloramines and taste- and odor-causing compounds. [2]
- KDF 55, a copper-zinc media, removes over 99% of free chlorine and reduces soluble heavy metals. [3]
Why this matters when you compare systems
If your goal is less limescale and less chlorine, you need both functions: ion exchange for hardness, plus carbon or KDF for chlorine. Our Whole House system combines KDF 55, catalytic carbon and ion exchange resin in one tank.
In short
- A softener reduces hardness only.
- Carbon and KDF 55 reduce chlorine.
- A combined system does both.
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