We’ve all heard it before; salt pellets or salt crystals? Many people are unsure of which is better for their water softening needs. Some outlets say salt pellets work best, and others say that salt crystals work best. Which one is really the best for your home? Keep reading to find out.
The Hardness of the Water Makes a Big Difference
The hardness of the water in your home makes a significant difference in how much salt you need and how often you’ll have to clean your brine tank. For example, in an area with medium-to-hard water, salt pellets will take up less space in your tank than crystals. You can use fewer pellets and still generate enough salt per cycle to keep it working correctly.
But there is one drawback: if you use less salt, which means more cycles, that creates a higher risk of clogging and other problems in your softener system. To avoid this, add a maintenance dose of salt every few months with crystals or tablets (which helps prevent clogs) and clean out the tank every three months to avoid buildup.
Crystals Routinely Leave a Salt Brine Behind
As we know, water softeners work by replacing hard minerals with salt. Brine refers to a mix of water and salt. To make this brine solution, you put a bunch of water and salt in a container together and mix it up until they make friends—then you add more salt because they’re still not getting along as well as you’d like. After going through this process multiple times, your water softener is ready for action.
Pellets Are Less Bulky
Pellets are the way to go for those seeking a more compact and easier-to-store solution. Pellets contain a denser salt concentration, so they make less mess and don’t leave as much salt brine behind when they dissolve. The pellets break down into smaller crystals that take up less space in your water softener tank—and, in addition, leave room for more clean water that has gone through the softening process.
Pellets Are Less Messy
Pelletized salts tend to be easier to handle and store than crystal salts (which often appear as irregularly shaped shards). You’re less likely to spill pellets while scooping them or pouring them out of their containers. And if you do happen to drop some on the floor during cleaning, they’re easier to pick up than their crystalline counterparts. Pellets make for an infinitely more user-friendly alternative in terms of ease and convenience when cleaning.
Pellets Are Easier to Store
Because they’re often produced in the same size and shape, salt pellets will flow more smoothly than salt crystals out of a bag or container. Salt crystals are more likely to clump together, making it harder to pour evenly into a measuring spoon or cup.
Pellets Are More Efficient Than Crystals
The pellets are definitely superior when it comes to salt pellets vs. salt crystals. Although they’re pricier than their crystal counterparts, they can be used as-is without further processing. On the other hand, salt crystals need to be ground down into a fine powder before adding to your softener.
Conclusion
Although they’re more expensive upfront, salt pellets save you money in the long run because they come pre-ground and ready for use. You don’t have to worry about using a lot of water or leaving residue in your softener tank when refilling it. When you’re looking for water softener companies in Austin TX, be sure to contact Austin Water Solutions!
