The only way to get "soft" water is with a salt-based water softener.
Don't believe salesman, brochures or websites; demand independant laboratory testing results and certification to support EVERY performance claim.
For an independent forum on various water treatment systems, go to "www.lacsd.org"; under Questions & Answers, click on "More"; click on "Chloride in Santa Clarita"; click on the middle box "Salt-free alternatives"; click on "View All", click on "read reviews".