The 'testing kit' consisted of a small bottle and questionaire. Per the instructions, run the cold water at your faucet for at least one minute, rinse the bottle, then fill it and leave it on your door for pick-up. They also tested dissolved solids, organic particulates, etc.
The company is an independent, not Culligan or other national name. I don't distrust their results, but one should always be a bit leery. I *know* the water is hard, there's build-up on the shower doors, tub surrounds, toilet bowls, etc. The previous owners, although they lived in the house for less than a year, didn't make that much effort to deal with the residue. But is the condition enough to justify a softener? Lots of calcium with a touch of iron and magnesium are the culprits.
I have an appt with the tester-'sales' rep tomorrow morn. What I'm afraid of is that he'll say I need some humongous capacity softener system due to the size of the house -- two full baths both with whirlpool tubs and separate shower in the master, and two half baths. A sprinkler system is already in place, and I imagine there'd be extra expense involved to plumb a softener around it, but I surely don't want to waste softened water on the yard. There also the issue of what to do with the regeneration discharge -- it can't go into the septic system.
I'm not opposed to a softener. I don't much care for VERY soft water (the Hampton Inn in Omaha felt postively SLIMEY!), but getting it down to ~4 grains would certainly be beneficial. I don't mind a reasonable initial cost, but I don't want to get into a high maintenance / constant repairs situation.
