What's the best system to soften hard water?

[Scobalob]

Hi Guys,
I've recently moved house within East Anglia where we have very hard water. In my last house I fitted a system that required filling with salt once or twice a month - it seemed to work ok.
My new house hasn't a system fitted and needs one. I've been perusing the latest technological systems that prevents the build up of scale by blasting the water with either radio or audio frequencies...magnetism was also mentioned in another article.
Should I stick with the salt or jump into the 21st century?

[hammerman]

For small amounts of water (boiling kettles etc), you could use a Reverse Osmosis unit http://www.ro-man.com/

They will give you 99.99% pure water but you will need to store the water and for every gallon of pure water produced, 2 gallons go to waste.

[adamhornsby]

you could always use the magnetism system. it doesnt 'soften' the water, but prevents limescale from forming, and its cost effective

[hammerman]

Here's one for drinking etc

http://www.ro-man.com/shop/product_info.php/cP ath/55/products_id/231

[buildersmate]

As Adam says, magnetic (or indeed electrical wires around the pipes) do not soften the water. They somehow change the shape of the calcium-based particles so that they are less likely to stick to the surfaces. This then limits limescale forming.
In my experience they do nothing to prevent kettles furring up, and the only way to get proper soft water (like they have 'up Nooorth') is to invest in the decent water softener unit.

[Scobalob]

Hi Guys,
Thanks very much for taking the time to answer.
Hammerman, Adamhornsby and Buildersmate....I had a look at Ro-man and decided that it wasn't really what I'm looking for - tks Hammmerman.
So, am I right in saying then that if I get one of the newer systems my calcium would be rendered ineffective to a greater extent but the water would 'feel' the same? I'm more concerned with the effects on the hot water tank, washing machine, dishwasher and shower as if, as Buildersmate suggests I will still get furring when the water is heated by the appliance then maybe I'm better off sticking to a salt system. 'm not too bothered about drinking water as I'd probably leave it alone (we've got one of those Brita jug things).
Another added complication - or maybe not - is that I have the one main water isolation with the meter but three shut-off valves within the house so, maybe, I could fit a mixture of systems.
Thanks again, guys, for your input - a great help.

[Simon D.]

If you are going for a salt system I recommend 'Kinetico' self cleaning, no mains power required!http://www.kinetico.co.uk/uk