Anyone have water softener know how?

[floydpink]

After seeing what Florida's water does to sinks, tubs, and appliances, I am ready to take the plunge into a water softener BEFORE replacing my water heater.

Florida's water is known to be quite colorful, but generally safe to drink due to the limestone it passes through and the chlorination needed to make it drinkable. Women complain it amkes washing tougher and hair not so soft. Me, I don't know.

Anyway, after getting installation prices of about $1,600, I took a trip to Lowes where they have a 40,000 grain one that will be less than half of that with a year of no interest payments.

My question is whether it's worth it to have them run pipes to put it in the garage instead of outside like many of my neighbors have theirs as well as any other considerations.

Thanks.