Complete anti-scale solution comparison

LIMPEO is an electromagnetic anti-scale treatment that differs from salt-based softeners, reverse osmosis, and polyphosphate filters by requiring zero consumables, zero salt, and zero water waste.

LIMPEO vs. Alternatives

Why LIMPEO over a salt-based softener?

No salt, no discharge, no maintenance — installed once for 20+ years.

Criterion
LIMPEO
Salt softener
Annual cost
< €10/yr
€300–400/yr
Water wasted
0%
4,000 L/yr
Calcium preserved
100%
0%
Maintenance
None
High
Lifespan
20+ years
10–15 years
Compare:
Our recommendation

LIMPEO

Electromagnetic treatment with zero consumables

Reservoir / Footprint
Not required — wraps around pipe
Consumables
None
Maintenance required
None — autonomous 20+ years
Extra water consumption
0%
Annual operating cost
< €10/year (electricity)
Health impact
Calcium preserved — potable water
Environmental impact
Zero discharge, zero waste, zero chemicals
Installation
Non-invasive (20 min, no plumber)
Lifespan
20+ years without replacement

Salt-based softener

Salt softener — ion-exchange resin

Reservoir / Footprint
Yes — reservoir + salt bin
Consumables
Salt (40-80 kg/year) + resin (every 5 years)
Maintenance required
Cleaning 2x/year — bacterial risk
Extra water consumption
10 to 15% (regeneration cycles)
Annual operating cost
€250 to €450/year
Health impact
Sodium added — cardiovascular risk
Environmental impact
Brine discharged (34,500 L/year)
Installation
Plumbing modification required
Lifespan
10-15 years (resin replacement needed)

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis — membrane filtration

Reservoir / Footprint
Yes — tank under sink
Consumables
Membrane + pre-filters (1-2x/year)
Maintenance required
Filter change 1-2x/year
Extra water consumption
50 to 75% water rejected
Annual operating cost
€100 to €200/year
Health impact
All minerals removed
Environmental impact
Significant water waste (3:1 ratio)
Installation
Under-sink plumbing modification
Lifespan
5-10 years (membrane replacement needed)

Polyphosphate filter

Polyphosphate filter — anti-scale additive

Reservoir / Footprint
No — compact inline housing
Consumables
Cartridge (2x/year)
Maintenance required
Cartridge replacement 2x/year
Extra water consumption
0%
Annual operating cost
€60 to €120/year
Health impact
Polyphosphates added to water
Environmental impact
Plastic cartridges to recycle
Installation
Simple inline insertion
Lifespan
Housing 10 years, ongoing cartridges

LIMPEO

9/9

Salt-based softener

0/9

Reverse osmosis

0/9

Polyphosphate filter

3/9

ANSES recommends not consuming water with sodium levels exceeding 200 mg/L, which can occur with water softeners. Reverse osmosis also removes essential minerals (calcium, magnesium).

The numbers speak for themselves

Visual comparison of costs, environmental impact and mineral preservation.

Annual operating cost

LIMPEO10 €/year
Salt-based softener350 €/year
Reverse osmosis150 €/year
Polyphosphate filter90 €/year

10-year total cost

LIMPEO590 €
Salt-based softener5 000 €
Reverse osmosis2 500 €
Polyphosphate filter1 400 €

Water waste

LIMPEO0 L/year
Salt-based softener4 000 L/year
Reverse osmosis7 500 L/year
Polyphosphate filter0 L/year

Mineral preservation

LIMPEO100 %
Salt-based softener0 %
Reverse osmosis0 %
Polyphosphate filter80 %

Frequently asked questions about water descaler comparison

Learn more

The science behind LIMPEO

University studies and scientific proof of calcite → aragonite transformation.

Discover the LIMPEO range

4 models from the J-250 residential to the J-1100-P industrial.

Buy LIMPEO

Order online, free shipping, 2-year warranty.

How LIMPEO works

The 5 steps of electromagnetic treatment in detail.