Hard water is softened by removing the hardness minerals in the water through a process called ion exchange.
A water softener protects pipes, electrical appliances such as the water heater, dishwasher and washing machine, as well as all the taps in the house from scale!
It makes the bathroom cleaning easier as the water no longer leaves spots!
It is, preferably, placed in a covered area to protect it from the weather and provision for drainage, water and electricity is essential.