A water conditioner is a device used to improve the quality of water by altering its chemical composition or physical properties. Unlike water softeners, which primarily remove minerals like calcium and magnesium to reduce hardness, water conditioners typically address a broader range of issues such as scale buildup, corrosion, and disinfection.

One common type of water conditioner utilizes various filtration methods to remove impurities, sediments, and contaminants from the water, resulting in cleaner and safer drinking water. These systems often include activated carbon filters, sediment filters, and sometimes additional filtration media such as reverse osmosis membranes or UV disinfection units to ensure comprehensive water purification.

Another type of water conditioner employs chemical additives or catalytic processes to modify the behavior of minerals and compounds in the water, thereby preventing scale formation, inhibiting corrosion, and improving overall water quality. These systems may utilize polyphosphates, silicates, or other chemical compounds to sequester minerals and prevent them from precipitating and forming scale on surfaces such as pipes, fixtures, and appliances.