We have very hard water, well water, and a water softener on the main line into the house. We would have preferred not to have it on the cold water lines due to the saline content in drinking water but had no choice with the existing system. The salt tank, of course, is just the dumb part of the system sitting there. The best part is the "brains," by Pentair, which cycle on and off only as needed and maintain a constant vigilance over the process. 8 or 9 years, no problems yet.

I've lived in 2 different cities in Texas--both had very hard water. And both times we've purchased a REIONATOR water conditioner for our home (from WaterTech). We get soft water, our water tastes good and we don't have that slimy feeling you sometimes get when you use a softener. The company's been around for 25+ years, too.