A pinch of sodium bicarbonte or a dollup of vinegar to prevent hotwater pot calcium deposits

[Ragnusen Ultred]

I have calcium hard well water (18 ppm I think it was tested at long ago) where I don't want to go through the expense of a softening system so I pour fresh Costco bulk glacial vinegar into the pot once every week or so, and let it sit.

I reuse that coffee-pot vinegar which makes it last about a month or even two months (I don't count it - I just replace when it gets murky), which is cheap enough for me that it's a solution I've been using for years.

However, a friend suggested a dollop of vinegar in the pot while heating the water, or, she suggested a pinch of baking soda.

Anyone used those (or other) solutions and found they work out, long term?

[Frank]

The vinegar may work as calcium acetate is more soluble but baking soda is a carbonate and should make no difference.

My calcium in well water was borderline and plumber wanted to treat but I declined. Glad I did as I recently found here that ion exchange flushes cannot go to your septic but must go to a separate field.