What is water softener salt?

Typically, water softener salt is made of sodium chloride or potassium chloride. It is used in water softeners to help remove minerals from your water, transforming your hard water to soft water.

These hard water minerals are removed when water passes through resin beads in the water softener tank. Salt is used to periodically recharge these resin beads so that they can continue to remove hard water minerals.

Removing these minerals prevents build-up of scale on the inside of pipes, fixtures, and hot water heaters. Water softener salt also helps lengthen the life of some appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. As a result, water softener salt reduces and can prevent mineral spots on your dishes and glassware.

The other benefit of water softener salt is that it reduces soap films and buildup in sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. After using Water Softener Industrial Salt, you have soft, bright towels and clothes, shiny dishes and longer pipe and appliance life, which in the end can save you money.

Water softener salt works in conjunction with a water softener to remove hard water minerals (e.g. calcium and magnesium) from your water. Hard water minerals are removed when the water passes through resin beads in the water softener tank. Water softener salt is used to periodically recharge the resin beads so that they can continue to remove these minerals.

Why should I soften my water?

You should consider softening the water in your home if you live in an area with hard water (water with high levels of calcium and magnesium).

There are many benefits to softening your water, including preserving the efficiency of your water heater and household appliances, lowering your utility bill, decreasing mineral build-up in pipes, and decreasing crust build-up and stains in faucets, showerheads, and bathtubs.

Soft water also makes soaps and detergents more effective because they will lather better, so you can count on less leftover residue from soap on your skin, clothes, and in your hair if you soften your water.

Table salt is not recommended for water softeners. The reason for this is that table salt is made of much smaller crystals than normal water softener salts. These factors make it more susceptible to mushing inside of the salt tank.

How do I fill my salt tank?

First, locate the tank that holds the water softener salt.

The tank might be integrated into the water softener or it might be a separate tank off to the side. Open the lid and check the salt level.

To maintain consistently soft water, keep your salt tank at least half-full at all times, but do not overfill. The level of the salt should remain above the water level.