Does it matter which water softener salt I use? (2024)

Does it matter which water softener salt I use?

The salt you choose for your water softener is an important decision that impacts your softener's performance and longevity. Selecting a lower-quality salt could cause costly problems and negatively impact your water quality. Remember: Cheaper is not necessarily better regarding water softener salt.

Does it matter what kind of water softener salt you use?

The higher the purity of your salt (we prefer 99.9% pure salt), the less water-insoluble matter, which means less chance of “bridging”, “mushing”, or insoluble buildup in the bottom of the tank that will need to be cleaned out later.

How do I know what salt to use in my water softener?

The Bottom Line

For the vast majority of households and businesses that use a water softening system, the best salts you can buy are sodium chloride evaporated pellets. Although they are a bit more costly than solar and rock salt, they pay for themselves by preventing expensive and unnecessary repairs.

Can you put the wrong salt in a water softener?

It's a common question, and the answer is no: table salt should not be used in water softening systems. The crystals from table salt are too small and using table salt will make the inside of your brine tank mushy and cause damage to your water softening system.

Can you mix and match water softener salt?

In general, all types of loose water softening salt work well together and there is no particular harm caused by mixing different types. However, there may be instances where some types of salt will be preferable to others depending on the specific softener design.

Is water softener salt all the same?

There are several different types of salt available for your softening system. These include sodium chloride (table salt) and potassium chloride (a common substitute for table salt). Potassium chloride can be more expensive and less efficient so sodium chloride in either tablet or block form is often recommended.

Is some water softener salt better than others?

When considering the best salt for water softeners, pellets or crystals, salt pellets are dissolved without residue so there is no clogging or bridging. This means less maintenance, but also contributes more to the price. Salt crystals are more affordable but are mostly recommended for 2-part systems.

Should I use pellets or crystals?

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.

What is the best salt to put in water?

Yes, salt indeed contains essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The best types of salt to boost your water's electrolyte content are sea salt and Himalayan pink salt, as they are less processed than regular table salt.

How many bags of salt do I need to fill a water softener?

For a properly sized water softener system, the industry standard for an average family of four, (with a water hardness level of 7-10 grains per gallon) will use approximately 10lbs of salt each week or one 40lbs bag of salt each month.

How long can a water softener go without salt?

On the other hand, if you do not use that much water, you may be able to go closer to 12 weeks before you need to refill the salt in your brine tank. If you have questions, you should get in the habit of manually checking your water softener tank from time to time.

How do I know if my brine tank is clogged?

Over time, an accumulation of these minerals and salt from your brine solution can clog the water line that runs through the tank of your water softener. A tell-tale sign that your water softener might be clogged is if the softness of your water changes considerably.

Is it better to use pellets or crystals in my water softener?

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.

Can you put too much salt in a water softener tank?

Adding too much salt to your water quality softener can cause salt “bridging,” or a buildup and solidification of regenerant. This buildup can prevent your system from regenerating properly.

What's the difference between blue and yellow water softener salt?

Solar Crystals are in the blue bag, Pellets are in the yellow bag, and rust / iron fighting comes in the green bag.

How long does it take for water softener to work after adding salt?

The salt helps to soften the water and gives it a cleaner taste. Even though your water supply will be soft within less than two hours, it will take longer to see the build-up in your plumbing start to diminish. It could take a few weeks before you can see the difference.

Can you drink water softened?

You can drink softened water, but it's important to check the hardness level beforehand. If it's below 400 ppm, then it's safe to drink. If it's above 400 ppm, then you will need to place a reverse osmosis filter to get rid of the sodium levels.

How long should a bag of softener salt last?

While the average family will go through a 40 lb bag about once a month or so, your amount will vary. Another factor to consider is how often your water softener regenerates; if it's nightly, then the average family may go through a 40lb bag every 10 to 14 days.

Do I need salt in my dishwasher if I have a water softener?

You won't need to use dishwasher salt with softened water and you could save on dishwasher detergent and rinse aid. Without limescale to block things up, you may well cut maintenance and repair costs too. After you've fitted your water softener, set the dishwasher water hardness to 0.

What is the best water softener for well water?

Aquasure Harmony Water Softener with Fine Mesh Resin for Iron Removal. This is the best softener for well water since it's designed to capture iron, which is commonly found in wells.

Do newer water softeners use less salt?

Older models may be less efficient and require more salt, while newer smart water softeners have technology that makes them more efficient, as well as monitors for easy salt-level tracking.

What are the disadvantages of pellets?

The drawback to pellets is that you have to keep in mind that you are forcing ingredients through a pellet die under pressure, and you have to make the pellet stick together. This requires some level of sacrifice on the part of nutrition.

Can you switch from salt crystals to pellets?

Water softener salt crystals, pellets, and cubes can be used interchangeably in most water softeners. Be sure to consult your water softener owner's manual to determine if a certain type of salt is recommended for your system.

How often should a water softener regenerate?

It is generally agreed upon that regular regenerations are the best, because they keep the resin bed active. This should be every two to three days, although highly efficient softeners may generate every day or even multiple times a day.

Which is better solar salt or pellets?

Solar salt is as effective at regenerating a water softener as pellets and is a lower price alternative. It is not as clean as pellets and does require more frequent cleanings of your day brine tank due to the sediment left behind.