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SOFT WATER BASICS
Hardness
Excess amounts of calcium and magnesium in water produce
hardness. A water softener removes the majority of calcium
and magnesium to produce softened water.
Hardness is measured in terms of grains. (This grain
weight is derived from the average weight of a dry grain of
wheat.) When your water is tested the grain hardness is
calculated and expressed as grains per gallon (gpg). This
calculation, as well as the number of people in your household
will help determine what type and size of water softener will
most efficiently soften your water.
Your water softener contains an ion exchange
media (sometimes called resin) which removes the hardness
from water as it flows through the softener tank. Eventually so
much hardness collects on the exchange media that the soft-
ener can no longer soften water. At this point it is considered
"exhausted". Regeneration is now necessary.
Regeneration
To regenerate the exchange media, it must be rinsed with a
brine (salt) solution. This removes the hardness from the ex-
change media and replaces it with sodium. The exchange media
is then ready to remove hardness from water. The hardness
minerals and excess brine solution are rinsed down the drain.
During the regeneration cycle the softener is also
backwashed. This reversing of the normal flow of water serves
to remove sediment which may have accumulated during the
softening process due to the filtering action of the exchange
media. Backwashing also loosens and fluffs up the bed of
exchange media to insure that during regeneration the brine
solution will come into contact with all the media.
Figure 1
Maintenance of Your Softener
Salt:
Salt to a softener is what gasoline is to a car. Not only must a softener have salt, but it should be the proper type to insure
efficient recharging of the unit. Ask your dealer what type of salt may best suit your needs. Always have an adequate supply of salt on
hand. Check the salt level of your salt keeper periodically. Fill the tank approximately three-fourths full, with a minimum of 12” of salt.
Cleaning Salt Keeper:
Salt keeper may require periodic cleaning. Inspect the salt keeper at least once a year for buildup of
insoluble materials. It is recommended to periodically clean the salt keeper no matter what kind of salt you are using. See page 9,
miscellaneous #2 for details on cleaning.
REMEMBER:
Salt is the fuel to run your water softener. Buy the
best clean salt available.
1. Do I still use the same amount of soap in the dishwasher and clothes washer and showers now that I have a water softener?
No,
the Water Quality Association states soft water can save up to 55% on detergent use. Start with using half the amount of detergent
previously used, this can be adjusted up or down based on preference. Soft water helps fabrics last longer, because hardness minerals
combined with soap can make fabric fibers brittle.
2. What is the health impact of drinking soft water?
The sodium added to water by a softening is a non-issue most of the time, even for
people on a sodium-restricted diet. One could soften up to 75 grains per gallon water with sodium chloride and still be well within the US
Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines for a “Low Sodium” beverage. People on a sodium-restricted diet should consult their physician.
3. Should I use soft water for my plants?
Some plants may be sensitive to even minute amounts of sodium. Suggest using hard water for
watering plants, often a kitchen cold faucet is plumbed for hard water or the outside faucets are usually plumbed for hard water. If not, you
can place your softener on bypass and fill water containers at the closest sink. Water from a reverse osmosis system can always be used
to water plants.
4. Will water spots disappear now that I have soft water?
Water spots caused by hardness scale will disappear with a functioning water
softener. However, other natural minerals dissolved in the water may cause spotting in high enough concentrations. These mineral spots
will be much easier to wipe away compared to hardness spotting.
5. Will soft water cause my water or ice cubes to look or taste different?
Most people can tell the difference in taste between hard and
soft water, it is a personal preference. Ice cubes will appear the same, they may look cloudy due to air in water or dissolved minerals, and
this will not change because they are made with softened water. A reverse osmosis drinking water system will provide clearer ice cubes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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