When it comes to maintaining your water softener system, the choice between pellets and crystals is a common dilemma homeowners face. This decision is crucial, as the correct type of salt not only ensures your water softener’s efficiency but also affects the longevity of your device.
In general, if you are looking for water softener salt, you have two options. You can either go with pellets or crystals. While salt pellets might be better for certain water softening systems, salt crystals might be better for other water softener systems. It is important to think carefully about the benefits of each option before you decide which one is best for your water softener.
Now, we will go through why you need water softener pellets or crystals, what they are, their benefits, and how to decide between the two. We will also offer tips on saving money on water softener salt and why DROP should be your go-to source for top-tier water softeners.
Why Do You Need Water Softener Salt Pellets or Crystals?
Water softeners are devices that remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply. These minerals, though not harmful to health, can create various problems in your home, such as scale build-up in pipes and appliances, poor soap lathering, and stiff, dingy laundry. The use of water softener salt, in the form of pellets or crystals, is crucial in this hardness removal process.
The type of salt you use can affect the performance and maintenance of your water softener. Sodium chloride is a common option for the salt tank, but there are other options available.
Pellets and crystals differ in their solubility, purity, and ability to prevent salt bridging (a hard crust that forms in the brine tank), each offering unique benefits. Your choice between the two will depend on factors such as your water softener model, the hardness level of your water, and personal preference.
Finally, understanding the different types of water softener salt and their implications can help you make an informed decision. This knowledge can lead to improved performance of your water softener, extended appliance lifespan, and better water quality in your home.
Your Brine Tank: What Are Water Softener Pellets?
Water softener pellets are compacted forms of evaporated salt. During production, water is evaporated from a salt solution until only the salt remains. This salt is then formed into round, compact pellets. Pellets are commonly used in households due to their high purity and minimal residue, which makes them less likely to cause maintenance issues in your softener.
As they dissolve slowly, water softener pellets can efficiently soften water over a longer period. This makes them an excellent choice for larger households or places with higher water hardness levels. Also, due to their larger size and compact nature, pellets are less likely to form bridges or mushing in your softener’s brine tank.
However, water softener pellets tend to be more expensive than crystals. They are also less suitable for older, gravity-fed water softeners, which may struggle to dissolve the larger pellets effectively.
What Are Water Softener Crystals?
Water softener crystals, or solar salt, are another form of water softener salt. These crystals are obtained through the natural evaporation of seawater or brine in large, outdoor ponds. The sun and wind gradually evaporate the water, leaving behind salt crystals.
These crystals can vary in size, with some being quite large. Like pellets, they’re often used in water softening, but they tend to dissolve faster due to their smaller size and less compact structure. This makes them a good choice for gravity-fed or smaller water softeners.
On the other hand, crystals can be less pure than pellets, although different brands provide different purity levels. This can result in more insoluble residue, leading to increased maintenance for your water softener system.
The Benefits of Water Softener Pellets
Water softener pellets offer several advantages. Their high purity level ensures fewer insoluble minerals, reducing the likelihood of salt bridging and mushing in the brine tank. This means less maintenance for your water softener, saving you time and potentially costly repairs.
Additionally, due to their compact and slow-dissolving nature, pellets provide efficient water softening over a longer period. This is particularly beneficial for larger households or homes with higher water hardness levels, where the demand for soft water is greater.
Lastly, the consistency in size and shape of pellets makes them easy to handle and less messy when adding salt, a feature that many homeowners appreciate when it comes time to refill their brine tank.
The Benefits of Water Softener Crystals
Water softener crystals, on the other hand, have their unique set of benefits. They tend to be less expensive than pellets, making them a more economical choice for homeowners. The cost savings can add up over time, especially for homes that use a significant amount of water softener salt, but may be offset by the increased maintenance needs.
Additionally, their smaller size and quicker dissolving rate make them a suitable option for older, gravity-fed water softeners, which might struggle to dissolve larger pellets.
How Do You Know Whether To Use Water Softener Pellets or Crystals?
Choosing between water softener pellets and crystals ultimately depends on your specific circ*mstances. Start by considering your water softener model. Older, gravity-fed models might work better with crystals due to their faster dissolve rate, while newer models might benefit from the efficiency and minimal maintenance offered by pellets.
Next, consider the hardness of your water. If your water is particularly hard, pellets might be a better choice due to their slow-dissolving, long-lasting nature. If your water is moderately hard, crystals might be sufficient.
Lastly, consider factors like cost, maintenance preferences, and household size. Pellets, while more expensive, can offer less maintenance and better efficiency for larger households. Crystals, being more affordable, can be an economical choice for smaller homes or those with lower water hardness.
How To Save Money on Water Softener Salt
There are a few strategies you can employ to save money on water softener salt. First, monitor your water usage and adjust the frequency of regeneration (the process of recharging the resin beads with sodium ions) accordingly. The more efficiently your system regenerates, the less salt you will use. By default DROP Smart Water Softeners are set to “On Demand” regeneration, meaning they only regenerate after a certain amount of water has been used.
Second, consider investing in a high-efficiency water softener. These models are designed to use less salt and water during regeneration, saving you money in the long run.
Lastly, buying your salt in bulk can often result in cost savings. Just ensure to store the salt properly to prevent it from clumping or becoming contaminated.
Rely on DROP for the Top Water Softeners
When it comes to water softening, choosing the right equipment is as important as selecting the correct type of salt. DROP offers a range of high-quality water softeners designed to provide you with soft, high-quality water while ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal maintenance.
Each of our softeners is built with smart technology that adjusts to your water usage, saving you money on both water and softener salt. Plus, with DROP’s efficient water filters, you can enjoy cleaner, safer water in every faucet of your home. With the right natural salt crystals or pellet salt, you can get the most out of your water softener and enjoy clean, soft water every day in your home.
Check out the entire line of DROP products on our online shop and choose the best solution for your water needs. Trust DROP to provide the best water treatment solutions for your home, and enjoy the benefits of soft, high-quality water today.
