Why use the Scalebuster as apposed to a chemical conditioner? Chemical methods are losing popularity since their use adds unwanted pollutants to the water table/ground water. For instance, the use of phosphates has now been banned in the production of washing powders in some major industrialised countries since their use promotes the growth of algae and other oxygen depleting organisms. Without oxygen, lake and rivers stagnate. Even water softeners add to the total sodium present in drinking water where recycling of water is the custom. Chemicals are expensive to dispose of and of course damage the environment. Chemicals can cause health and safety issues.