Water Softener Sizing Chart
Softeners are classified based on grain capacity. It shows how many minerals that cause hardness can be removed. Water softeners remove the minerals causing hardness from the tap water all day long. They eventually need to drain all the minerals that they have collected.
The process of draining out those minerals is known as a regeneration cycle. A larger number indicates that more hardness is treated between regenerations.
You can refer to this water softener sizing chart for typical household sizes:
How to Determine the Appropriate Water Softener Grain Size?
Knowing the water hardness level will help determine which water softener you need. Follow these steps to choose the correct softener:
1. Test the Hardness Level of Water
It is recommended that you buy a test kit or contact your municipal water company to get the recommended grains per gallon hardness level.
2. Calculate Amount of Water Required
Determine the amount of water required for the household per day. Multiply the number of gallons used by the hardness grains for the total grains to remove.
3. Select a Suitable Water Softener
Opt for a softener with a capacity greater than 25 percent of the daily water needed during maximum use. This prevents frequent regenerations.
What Grain Water Softener Do I Need?
A few factors determine what grain water softener you will need. To get an idea of what will be your recommended water softener grain size, determine these:
1. Number of People
A larger household uses more water, so a larger grain size is needed. On the other hand, a family of just 1–3 people will require minimal-sized water-softened grain.
2. Water Hardness
The water hardness level determines the degree of softening power needed. If the water hardness concentration is higher, a larger grain size is needed.
3. Additional Water Usage
Activities such as washing clothes and utensils require much water, raising the capacity requirements. Additionally, if the water is used for other purposes, such as washing cars, yards, watering plants, etc., the amount of water used is driven up exponentially, which results in the need for a larger grain size.
To estimate the right size, use the chart and the steps described in this guide. A well-designed system with the correct softener grain size will properly treat the water all day long.
Opt for a size greater than your estimates to account for more water needed in the future. It’s always better to go for an oversized one than an undersized one.
How Do I Know What Grain Water Softener I Need?
To identify the correct water softener grain, you’ll take into account a few considerations.
1. Water Hardness
Use a water testing kit to determine the water hardness. Then, refer to the water softener sizing guide table above to determine the right grain size for the water softener.
Your water supplier might already have a recommended water softener grain rating. You can refer to them as well.
2. Daily Use Estimate
Include the number of household members and determine the average daily water consumption. Factor the results and refer to the chart above for a correct estimation. For example, a household of only 2 people may need a grain size of 16,000 to 32,000 grains, whereas a large family needs 48,000 to 64,000.
3. Frequency of Regeneration
Consider whether you want regeneration to take place daily, every two to three days or less. A larger grain size is recommended if you need more frequent regenerations. If you’re a household of two but need multiple regeneration cycles frequently, opt for a larger grain size ranging from 32,000 to 48,000.
4. Add Buffer
Always select a system with a minimum rating of 25% water usage in the home’s peak time.
For example, if you’re using 10–15 gallons of water at the peak time, it’s better to stick to the upper limit of the recommended grain size. This will ensure that your system is working efficiently.
5. Usage Check
Determine if the softener can meet the average and peak demand before it requires recharging. Correctly estimating this will ensure the softener's long life. This step will, however, require some trial and error before settling on the correct choice. If you have a rough estimation of your peak and average water use, you can refer to the water softener’s manual, as it’ll have all the details regarding its usage.
Determining the right size for your softener involves making a few guesses about the nature and consumption of water in your home. It is better to overestimate capacity than to design a system that is too small. A quality softener with the right capacity will effectively remove the hardness required under heavy usage.