Everything You Need to Know About Water Softener Salt

Why is salt used?

A salt-based water softener works through ion exchange. As water passes through the resin, the ions responsible for limescale formation (calcium and magnesium) are captured by the resin. The resin exchanges these ions for the sodium ions present on it.

When the resin is completely depleted of sodium ions, it is time for regeneration. The salt pellets in the tank dissolve in water, and this solution then passes through the resin. The sodium ions are exchanged for magnesium and calcium ions. The water is then discharged directly into the drain, and the water softener starts a new cycle.

Make sure to replenish the salt in your water softener regularly. The salt level in the tank should be similar to the water level.

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Water softener salt composition

The salt used in water softeners is refined salt, different from table salt. This type of salt is used because it must be extremely pure.

There are 3 purity criteria:

-Microbiological: No germs must be present on the salt

-Physical: To prevent insoluble substances from fouling the resin

-Chemical: The presence of other chemical substances would be harmful to the water softener.

The impact of using salt

First, using salt adds sodium to the water. The water therefore contains more salt, but does not taste salty, since that taste comes from sodium chloride. However, the sodium in softened water is absorbed by your body when you drink it.

Published on
Water Softeners

Everything You Need to Know About Water Softener Salt

Why is salt used?

Water softener salt composition

The impact of using salt

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