I had a salt one for several years. I didn't like it. There are softners that don't use salt too.
I am now using this: Electronic Water Descaler | YARNA Store
It doesn't remove the minerals. It crystalizes them so they don't stick to the pipes, faucets, nozzles, etc.
I'm on well water and the hose nozzles would clog up in a week. After going to this I have not seen any scale build up.
There are different models depending on the size of pipe you are using it on. I bought mine through Amazon.