Water Filtration or Softening: Which is Right for Your Business?
May 15, 2024

Between rapidly changing federal regulations and the EPA’s proposed crackdown on PFAS levels in industrial processes, fluid treatment and purification will become increasingly important. In fact, a recent study by Precedence Research indicates that demand for water purification alone will sharply increase through 2032.


If you are trying to improve your commercial or industrial systems to stay in compliance, the sheer number of filters and softeners could feel overwhelming. Which is right for each area of your business? In this blog, we’ll introduce the two broad categories of filtration types to help you narrow down your search.


Filtration and Softeners Fulfill Different Core Objectives

While both are centered around water purification, filtration and water softening have different core objectives. 


Softeners reduce hard minerals in pipe systems and improve drinkable water quality, primarily calcium, lime, and magnesium. They are primarily used to extend the life of the system by reducing contaminant buildup.


Filters remove a wide variety of contaminants based on their type and filter materials. More advanced filtration systems even remove chemical compounds, bacteria, and PFAS (forever chemicals). They can be designed to fulfill a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:


  • Removing microbes from consumable fluid supplies
  • Removing waste products for disposal
  • Bringing fluids to industry standards for purity and quality
  • Reducing environmental hazards before water is released into the surrounding area
  • Removing Gulf silt and sediment from water supplies after a hurricane
  • Preventing bacteria, viruses, and other organic microbes from reaching employees and consumers


In short, water softeners protect pipes and machinery from damage caused by buildup. Filters focus on a range of quality, safety, and regulatory goals.


Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Water Softener and a Filter for Your Commercial or Industrial System

Filters and softeners are critical investments to keep fluid quality up to standards. You will likely end up using both throughout your site based on your goals for each system or even segments of that system. 


  • Cost. Softeners focus on removing hard minerals, so they are often a more cost-effective option where you only need to improve drinking water quality or protect systems from hard water buildup.

  • Area Compliance and Regulations. If you are required to keep certain standards in waste disposal, fluid quality, contaminant levels, and other factors, a softener will not be enough to stay in compliance or to protect the end products from contaminants.

  • Goals Within The System. A water softener may be adequate for sections of the system that are strictly for transporting fluids. If the fluid has to meet certain quality, environmental, health, or safety standards, a filter can help you achieve those goals. You will also need to take your planning a step further to determine the best water filtration system to meet these goals.


What is the Most Efficient Way to Choose Between a Softener and a Filtration System?

We personally recommend getting an expert involved. Filtration manufacturers and providers deal with each part, regulation, and local guideline on a daily basis. What might take you time, research, and costly trial and error, an expert specializing in commercial and industrial purification systems can help you quickly find an effective solution.


  1. Decide what you need the purification system to remove so that you have a clear goal. This may require reviewing upcoming regulatory changes and analyzing the cost of necessary updates.

  2. Research your options. Even if you narrow down between the two off the bat, you will still need to research viable types of softeners or filtration systems. Consider things like space needed, energy costs, and repairs and maintenance costs. This will help you ask the right questions, follow the expert’s explanations, and make an informed decision.

  3. Find a reputable provider to discuss your options. Make sure they have a long reputation for quality service and products. Be prepared to discuss the areas you are considering a softener or filter for, along with what each section of the system needs to achieve.


Sparkling Clear Has Been Providing Quality Filtration Solutions Since 1985

We pride ourselves in understanding our customers' needs and providing cost-effective solutions today while adopting the newest technologies and industry standards to meet the needs of tomorrow. Contact us today to take the guesswork out of choosing the right filtration solution.


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The Hidden Link Between Water Quality and Energy Efficiency

By Keith Adams • October 3, 2024
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Self-Cleaning Strainers and How They Work

July 24, 2024
Self-cleaning strainers offer an efficient and continuous way to remove debris and contaminants from fluid systems without the need for manual intervention. In this blog, we’ll discuss what self-cleaning filters are, how they work, and their various benefits in industrial filtration. What Are Self-Cleaning Filters?  Automatic self-cleaning strainers keep industrial process systems free of contaminants and debris as with traditional strainers and filters. What makes self-cleaning strainers unique is how they clean themselves without shutdowns and manual intervention. In most self-cleaning strainer designs, liquid enters the strainer from the bottom, flows upward through a filtering system, and exits as clean fluid. Any debris caught by the filter is pushed to a collection area. When the system detects a buildup of pressure, it opens a flush valve to remove the collected debris. The most common mechanisms you will see in a self-cleaning strainer include: Backwashing . The flow of the liquid is reversed to send a portion back through the filter. This dislodges trapped debris so that it can be directed to the collection area. Mechanical Scraping . Uses blades to physically scrape t he filter surface. Continuous Flushing . A bypass stream continuously dislodges and carries away contaminants while the main fluid passes through the strainer s . Ultrasonic Cleaning . Uses high-frequency vibrations to break apart and dislodge stubborn debris so that it can continue to the collection area. The longer a filter can go without shutdowns for cleaning and repairs, the greater the savings lost production. Benefits of Automatic Self-Cleaning Strainers The advantages of using a self-cleaning strainer are not limited to productivity and reduced downtime. Other benefits include: Consistent performance in flow rate and purity Prevents damage and repairs due to clogs in the filter Protects downstream equipment from damage due to clogs and impurities Is a Self-Cleaning Strainer Right for my Filtration Needs? Every work sight and process is unique, so what works perfectly at one site may not work well at another. This holds true with self-cleaning strainers as well. Before you invest in a self-cleaning strainer, you should discuss your needs with one of SCI’s knowledgeable employees. They will help you navigate factors to consider. This includes factors such as maximum flow rate, pressure, strainer mesh sizing and material compatibility to ensure the strainer will not corrode on contact with the fluid. Let Sparking Clear Help You Find the Best Filtration System For Your process. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We’ve Got You Covered

Why Use Membranes?

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At Sparkling Clear, we understand the importance of using membrane cartridges for filtration. The pore structure of our membrane cartridges ensures extremely high retention efficiency and consistent effluent quality. This capability to capture and retain very small particulates and organisms instills a high degree of confidence that your product will be clean and safe for use. The consistent pore structure of our membranes also allows for straightforward testing, helping both manufacturers and users to understand and communicate the expected performance of the cartridge in various applications. This is why membrane filters are typically employed in scenarios where the removal of submicronic contaminants is crucial. It is important to note that membrane filters are generally used in the final stages of a filtration process. To ensure the longevity and efficiency of the membrane cartridge, it is essential to protect it with prefilters. This protection prevents premature fouling and maximizes the economic value of the system. Applications that Usually Require Membranes: Submicronic particulate removal Removal of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.) Applications requiring sterility (liquid or gas) Endotoxin removal Haze removal (typically caused by high concentrations of particles at or below 0.45 microns) Choose Sparkling Clear for your membrane filtration needs to ensure the highest quality and safety of your products.
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