The salt free water softener can use a couple of different methods. One method includes using a crystal structure made up of calcium carbonate that absorbs minerals from the water. As more minerals build up on the crystal structure, it eventually breaks off, and continues to attract minerals as it flows downstream.
Another salt free method is to use a resin plated ceramic surface that creates molecular patterns on it. As water flows past the ceramic surface, the magnesium and calcium that cause the hardness continues to attach itself to the surface. As it grows too large and can no longer stay attached, it will break off and flow down with the flow of the water attracting and sticking to more