Which Salt is Used in Water Softeners? 

When it comes to a water softener, you have several choices of salt. There are solar and evaporated salts, and there are also salt pellets that can be placed in your brine tank. It’s up to you which one works best for your needs.

(Looking for a “water filtration system home“? Contact us Today!)

Depending on which salt you choose, your water softener may last longer than others. Evaporated salt is typically the purest, but it can be a bit more expensive than other forms of salt. 

What is the best salt for a water softener?

Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium from hard water. This is done by passing water through a bed of spherical resin beads that are charged with sodium ions. 

Ion exchange is a natural, environmentally friendly way to treat hard water and keep it from causing damage to your plumbing and other home appliances. It’s also gentle on your skin and can help prevent staining and odor from coming through the tap. 

The ion-exchange process involves swapping the mineral ions in hard water for sodium or potassium ions in the resin beads. The sodium ions replace the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water to create soft water that doesn’t cause damage or build up to your plumbing or appliances. 

What’s the difference between sodium chloride and potassium chloride?

Sodium chloride is the most common type of salt used in water softeners. It is cheaper, more efficient, and easier to find than potassium chloride. However, if you are trying to follow a low-sodium diet or you have a medical condition that requires you to limit your salt intake, potassium chloride might be a better choice for you. 

How often do you need to top up your salt?

Ideally, you’ll add salt six to eight times a year to your brine tank, which is part of your water softener. You should never let your salt level drop below halfway full because that’s when it can start to block the ion exchange process. 

You should also check your brine tank at least once a month to make sure that there’s enough salt in there for the ion-exchange process to work effectively. If there’s not enough salt in the system, it won’t be able to replace the calcium and magnesium ions in your water to soften it properly. 

Do I need to buy a different kind of salt when it runs out?

The best way to avoid buying more than you need for your water softener is to always check the brine tank before dumping out the old salt. This will ensure that you’re only adding enough salt to your system for the ion-exchange process. 

When you’re buying salt, you’ll want to ensure that it has the correct purity information on it. Some types of salt can contain impurities like rust, metals, and dust, which can get into your water if it’s not treated correctly. 

If you have a health concern, or if you’re concerned about the amount of sodium in your drinking water, consider purchasing a reverse osmosis system instead. These systems are designed to remove sodium from your drinking water, making it safe for those with health conditions or dietary restrictions that restrict their sodium intake.