You can't filter it out as the calcium is dissolved in the water. The film and crud left behind is calcium that is left over when the water evaporates or that has mixed with soap to create soap "scum".

Water softeners are the least expensive way to remove calcium (and magnesium) and replace it the calcium ions with sodium (from sodium chloride - the salt in water softeners). Sodium has an advantage in that it doesn't leave the massive deposits, those deposits it does leave are easily re-dissolved, and it doesn't react with soaps to form a scum. Of course the sodium isn't good for peole with blood pressure and related health problems through.

I'd advise you invest in a water softener - I got mine from Sears. Modern water softeners shouldn't leave the water tasting odd at all. They are very salt and energy efficient - MUCH better than older ones.

The only other way to remove calcium is through distillation and reverse osmosis. Distillation involves heating water until it evaporates and then convert the steam into calcium-free water - but that leaves messy calcium behind and costs a lot to heat the water. Reverse osmosis uses pressure to drive pure water across a membrane leaving a calcium-rich brine on the other side - think of it as using a really really fine filter, but the equipment is pretty expensive.

Cleaning calcium deposits usually involves use of an acid solution (of differing strengths) to dissolve the calcium. Vinegar, Lime-away, and CLR are common cleaners all work this way.

The other approach is to remove the water from the surfaces, either using a squeegie or wiping with a towel. This has worked very well for me in the past, though eventually you'll need to apply a cleaner to get the calcium deposits you've missed. Just keep a "wiping towel" handy and use it everytime the surface gets wet.

The problem with cleaning and surface water removal is that it still doesn't stop the calcium from building up in and corroding pipes. In the long run the water softener is really the best and cheapest solution.

Ken K.