Maybe you’re not into salt. That’s cool! There are salt-free water conditioners that use a process called template-assisted crystallization (TAC). They don’t actually remove the minerals, but they change their shape so they can’t stick to things.
This is a fantastic option if you’re on a low-sodium diet or just want a low-maintenance system. No bags of salt to lug around!
Just keep in mind: salt-free systems don’t make water feel as “slippery” as ion exchange does. But your pipes still get the protection they deserve.