What Is Water Softener Salt?
Water softener salt consists primarily of sodium chloride. Hard water contains minerals and calcium which can have adverse effects on your appliances. The salt in water softeners replaces these hard minerals with sodium ions. This process is referred to as ion exchange.
Types Of Water Softener Salts
Here are the most frequently used forms of water softener salt.
1. Pellets
Pellets are comprised of 99.8% pure sodium chloride. Using the purest salt possible helps keep the softening equipment operating effectively. Salt crystals are placed into a press to create a pellet shape. These are designed to dissolve slowly and reduce the chances of bridging, which is when salt forms a solid layer, blocking water from flowing freely in your softener's salt tank.
2. Pellets With Iron Reduction
This type of water softener salt has specially formulated pellets that remove iron from the water. It’s beneficial for homes that use well water, as it contains higher levels of iron, which can damage home appliances.
3. Solar Crystals
Solar crystals are considered the most natural option. These are made by evaporating seawater. Unlike other forms of water-softener salt — particularly pellets — solar crystals undergo minimal artificial processing. This makes them appealing to those who prefer more natural products. Despite their minimal processing, solar crystals are still effective as water softeners.
What Is Potassium Chloride?
Potassium chloride works the same way that sodium chloride does in water but it’s more environmentally friendly. Potassium chloride softens water by adding potassium chloride ions. This process removes hard minerals from the water via ion exchange. This softener comes in two types: pellets and solar crystals. Pellets dissolve quickly while solar crystals dissolve slowly due to the larger size of the crystals.
Water Softener Salt vs. Potassium Chloride: How to Choose the Right One
There are several factors that you need to consider when choosing between potassium chloride and sodium chloride water softener.
Cost
Sodium chloride is a commonly used water softener salt and it’s also very affordable. Potassium chloride solution is typically more expensive than sodium chloride.
Usage Amount
You need to use much more potassium chloride than sodium chloride water softener for the same amount of water. However, sodium chloride is often more effective at softening water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions users have about water softeners.
1. Is Water Softener Salt Similar to Ordinary Salt?
Water softener salt is different from table salt even though they’re both forms of sodium chloride. Water softener salt is typically purer and may contain additives specific to water treatment, which means it’s not for human consumption. Water softener salt often comes in larger crystals or pellets. It undergoes a different type of processing to ensure it’s suitable for water-softening systems.
2. How Do I Know I Need Water Softener Salt?
If your water feels "hard" or leaves a residue on your dishes, you’ll know that you need water softener salt. You may also see scale buildup in kettles, coffee makers or other appliances that use water. These are common indicators of hard water that requires softening.
3. What Happens If You Don’t Use Salt or Potassium Chloride for a Water Softener?
If you do not use salt or potassium chloride as a water softener, it can lead to hard-mineral buildup in your water. It can also damage your pipes and plumbing appliances.
4. Can I Use Any Kind of Salt in a Water Softener?
No, it is essential to use salt that is specially designed for water softeners. Other types of salt can contain impurities and are less effective.
5. How Much Water Softener Salt Do I Need Each Month?
The amount of salt required varies depending on the amount of water used and the hardness of the water. A typical home uses one or two bags each month. When deciding between water softener vs. potassium chloride, you should consider health, environment and cost.