What Kind of Salt Is Used in Water Softeners?
The type of salt that is used in water softeners depends on several factors. Its purity will influence the quality of softened water. For example, a low-purity salt may cause the entire system to work inefficiently. Another factor is the amount of insoluble material in the salt. If the salt contains high amounts of insoluble materials, it will not dissolve properly in the water.
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Sodium chloride is the most common compound used in water softeners. However, potassium chloride is a better alternative. It removes calcium and magnesium ions from the water. This makes it the best choice for homes with high amounts of sodium. Besides, it is cheaper than sodium chloride.
There are several other types of salt that you can use. These include block salt, table salt, evaporated salt, and solar salt. The type of salt that you choose depends on your household’s needs, your budget, and the brand of water softener that you have. But there are two salts that are usually recommended by manufacturers.
The first is block salt. This salt is cheap and easy to use, but it is also very susceptible to clogging. It is better to purchase bigger bags. This will help to minimize bridging, which is the formation of a layer of hardened salt at the top of the brine tank.
If you want to be able to use the salt in your water softener for a longer time, you should choose evaporated salt. This salt has a much higher purity level than other salts, which will help the entire system to operate more efficiently. It can help to avoid unnecessary repairs and maintenance.
Besides, the pure salt will leave less residue in the brine basin. It can also prevent bridging, so your storage tank will not have to be cleaned more often. In addition, it is more likely that you can use the salt as a replacement for table salt.
If you have a large family or a high amount of water use, it might be worth investing in a pellet form of salt. The pellet is larger, so it will not clog or get stuck as easily. The downside is that this salt will become more expensive. It can also become hard and mushed, so it is advisable to clean it after use.
Rock salt is the least processed form of salt. It is extracted from underground salt concentrates. It is then crushed to smaller pieces. It has a high calcium sulfite content. This can make it a poor option for water softeners, especially if you have pets or children in your home. It can also be contaminated with other impurities, such as dust. It is not as effective as other salts and should be used as a last resort.
When buying salt for your water softener, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some brands have extra additives and cleaners. You can also try to buy it from a trusted seller. This will help to ensure that you are purchasing the highest quality product.