Boise Showers: City Water Hurting Hair Lasers?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

September 25, 2025

The Treasure Valley is booming, and with it, so is the demand for beauty treatments. Laser hair removal, once a luxury, is now commonplace. But are Boise residents unknowingly sabotaging their expensive at-home laser devices with their own tap water? The answer, unfortunately, is likely yes.

Boise’s water, sourced from both groundwater and the Boise River, is notoriously hard. This means it’s packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these minerals aren’t harmful to drink, they can wreak havoc on sensitive electronics, especially those that come into direct contact with water, like the cooling systems in many at-home hair removal lasers.

This article will explore the potential link between Boise’s water and the shortened lifespan or decreased performance of these devices. We’ll provide a practical guide to identifying hard water issues, testing your Boise tap water, and, most importantly, mitigating potential damage to your hair laser devices.

First, let’s understand why hard water is a problem. The dissolved minerals in hard water tend to precipitate out of solution and form scale. This scale can build up inside the cooling systems of laser hair removal devices, reducing their efficiency and potentially causing them to overheat and fail. Think of it like cholesterol clogging an artery, but for your laser.

Chlorine, another common component of municipal water supplies, also contributes to the problem. While chlorine disinfects the water, it can corrode metal components within the device over time. Boise’s water, while meeting EPA standards, often has noticeable chlorine levels, especially during peak usage periods.

So, how do you know if you have a hard water problem in your Boise home? Look for these telltale signs:

• Scale buildup on faucets and showerheads: This is the most obvious indicator. A white, chalky residue is a clear sign of hard water.
• Difficulty lathering soap: Hard water interferes with the ability of soap to lather properly. You might find yourself using more soap than usual.
• Dry skin and hair: The minerals in hard water can leave a residue on your skin and hair, making them feel dry and itchy.
• Spotty dishes: Even after running your dishwasher, you might notice spots and streaks on your dishes.

If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s time to test your water. You have several options:

• DIY Hard Water Test Kits: These kits are readily available at most hardware stores in Boise, like Lowe’s or Home Depot on Franklin Road. They typically involve dipping a test strip into your water and comparing the color change to a chart.
• Professional Water Testing: For a more accurate assessment, consider hiring a professional water testing service. Several companies in Boise offer this service, and they can provide a detailed analysis of your water’s mineral content and pH level.
• Check the City of Boise’s Water Quality Report: The City of Boise publishes an annual water quality report that provides information about the water’s hardness and other parameters. You can usually find this report on the city’s website.

Once you’ve confirmed that you have hard water, it’s time to take action to protect your hair removal laser. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Use Distilled Water: This is the single most important step. Never use tap water in your laser device. Always use distilled water, which is free of minerals and chlorine. You can purchase distilled water at any grocery store in Boise, such as Albertsons or Fred Meyer.
2. Install a Water Softener: A whole-house water softener will remove the minerals from your entire water supply. This is a more expensive option, but it will protect all of your appliances, not just your laser. Several plumbing companies in Boise specialize in water softener installation.
3. Use a Faucet Filter: If a whole-house water softener isn’t feasible, consider installing a faucet filter on the tap you use to fill your laser. These filters can remove some of the minerals and chlorine from the water.
4. Regularly Clean Your Device: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your laser device. This will help to remove any scale buildup that may have formed.
5. Descaling Solutions: Consider using a descaling solution specifically designed for electronics. These solutions can help to dissolve mineral deposits without damaging the device. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

A common mistake developers make is assuming that all water is created equal. They design devices with the assumption that users will use distilled water, but in reality, many people use tap water out of convenience or ignorance. This can lead to premature failure of the device.

Another pitfall is neglecting to properly maintain the device. Regular cleaning and descaling are essential to prevent mineral buildup and corrosion.

Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Imagine a Boise resident, Sarah, purchases an at-home hair removal laser. She uses tap water to fill the device, unaware of the potential damage. Over time, the minerals in the water build up inside the cooling system, causing the device to overheat. Eventually, the laser stops working altogether. Sarah is frustrated and disappointed, and she has to spend more money to replace the device.

This scenario is all too common in Boise and other areas with hard water. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your hair removal laser.

Don’t let Boise’s hard water ruin your beauty routine. Take control of your water quality and protect your valuable electronics. Your skin, your wallet, and your laser will thank you.