Hard Water in the UAE: What It Does to Your Skin, Hair and Home

Is hard water ruining your skin, hair and appliances in the UAE? A whole house water softener fixes the problem at the source.

Hard water is common in UAE homes. It is safe to drink. But it leaves dry skin, dull hair, white scale on your taps and extra wear on your water heater. Here is what it really does and how to stop it.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water has a lot of dissolved calcium and magnesium in it. Water picks these minerals up from rock and soil on its way to you. The more minerals, the harder the water.

You can spot hard water by the white crust on taps and shower doors. Soap also lathers badly. Not sure how hard your water is? Ask for a free water consultation and our team will help you check.

Does Hard Water Harm Your Health?

Hard water is safe to drink. Calcium and magnesium are even minerals your body needs.

You may have read that hard water causes kidney stones, stomach problems or heart disease. The evidence for these claims is weak or mixed. The effects we are sure about show up on your skin and hair:

Dry, itchy skin

Minerals mix with soap and leave a thin film. Your skin can feel tight and dry after a shower.

Eczema flare ups

Some studies link hard water with more eczema in people who are already prone to it.

Brittle hair

Mineral buildup leaves hair dull and makes it snap more easily.

Itchy scalp

Shampoo that does not rinse out fully can irritate your scalp.

How Hard Water Damages Your Home

Your home takes a beating too:

• Blocked pipes: Scale builds up inside pipes and slows the water flow.
• Worn out appliances: Water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers work harder and wear out sooner.
• Spotted glasses and dishes: Dishes come out with a cloudy film.
• Higher energy bills: Scale on a water heater makes it use more energy to heat the same water.
• More cleaning: Scum and white spots keep coming back on taps and shower doors.

How to Fix Hard Water

A water softener is best for the whole home

A salt based softener uses ion exchange. It swaps calcium and magnesium for sodium. Every tap, shower and appliance gets soft water. It protects your pipes and heater too.

Reverse osmosis is best for drinking water

An RO purifier removes dissolved minerals, including hardness minerals, at one tap. It is great for drinking, tea and cooking. But it does not protect your pipes, showers or washing machine. It also makes some waste water.

Other methods fall short

Boiling only removes some hardness, and it is not practical for daily use. Magnetic devices do not remove minerals, and the evidence for them is mixed.

The best setup for most homes is simple. Use a softener for the whole house and an RO purifier for drinking water.

Which Aqua Hygiene Products Fit Hard Water?

• Whole House Water Softener: Built for homes with 2 to 4 bathrooms. It uses salt, has a digital control head, and only regenerates when your home needs it.
• Aqua Hygiene 8 Stage RO purifier: Sits under your sink. It has an RO membrane, a UV light, and filters that add healthy minerals back for good taste.

We supply and install in Dubai, Sharjah and across the UAE.

Final Thoughts

Hard water will not make you sick. But it dries out your skin and hair, and it wears down the things you paid for. Fix it once at the source and you will notice the difference every day.

Want help choosing? Talk to the Aqua Hygiene team or call (971) 56 808 5928. We will match the right system to your home and budget.