While this may be true (have no knowledge | how does it work w/o salts?), the OEM will immediately void your warranty if you use any sort of homeowner water sof

While this may be true (have no knowledge | how does it work w/o salts?), the OEM will immediately void your warranty if you use any sort of homeowner water softener, per both Rheem and AOS installation manuals. I have both; mine are warranted "platinum|10yrs" — why chance it?