What Does Grain on Water Softeners Mean? 

The number of grains per gallon is a measurement used to determine the hardness of water. The higher the amount, the more softener is needed. One grain is equivalent to 1/7000 of a pound of dissolved calcium and magnesium. However, the actual measurement can be a bit more complicated. 

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There are two ways to measure the quantity of hard minerals in a gallon of water. The first is by using a test kit. You can also check the quality report of your local water supplier. Aside from the measurement, you may also find out whether your city has a water treatment plant. If so, you can order a test kit from the supplier. Once you have the results, you can calculate the number of grains per gallon. 

The next step is to multiply the quantity of dissolved minerals by your average daily water consumption. For example, a family of three uses 225 gallons of water a day. Multiplying the total number of dissolved solids by the average daily water consumption gives you the number of grains per gallon. This information can be used to program your softener to operate at maximum efficiency. 

Another way to figure out the grain size is by considering the number of people in your household. For instance, a family of four may require a more capable water softener. Also, keep in mind that water hardness varies from place to place. In fact, the softest water in your area might be adjacent to the driest. 

The most common water softener has a capacity of 32,000 grains. This is usually sufficient for a family of four. But if you have a larger family, you’ll need more grains. 

Water softeners can use up to 2,000 pounds of salt annually. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need a bigger softener. Oversized water softeners are ineffective and can cause a variety of problems. Besides, they don’t capture the minerals in hard water. They may even damage the resin bed, making the softener ineffective. 

Using a grain calculator can help you determine which water softener is right for you. It can also help you size the system according to your needs. Just be sure to get one with a reputable company. When calculating the amount of softener you need, consider how much water you’ll need to soften and how often you plan to run it. Buying a high-efficiency softener with a large grain capacity is also the smart choice. 

Finally, there are many different sizing charts and calculators out there. You can choose the best based on the type of water you have in your city, your daily water usage, and the number of people in your home. Many of these calculators assume that the water softener will have a maximum capacity of grains. While this isn’t a perfect assumption, it’s a good start. 

If you’re still not sure what the grains on water softeners are all about, you can get a free water test kit from HomeWater 101. With this tool, you can test your water’s hardness and compare it to that of your city’s.