Several homes and businesses across the UK are affected by hard water. Many chose to install a water softener to protect against the damaging effects of these minerals. A water softener removes minerals such as calcium and magnesium, often called limescale, from hard water through a process called ion exchange.
The Role of Salt in Water Softening
Water softener salt is used to regenerate the resin inside a water softener system. Water softeners have tanks containing resin (sometimes referred to as media) which is negatively charged, whereas, hard water minerals are positively charged, meaning the calcium and magnesium particles are attracted to the resin, removing them from the water.
However, over time all the charged particles within the resin will be used up, and you need to regenerate the resin by removing the calcium and magnesium particles.
Salt is not added directly to the water that goes through your plumbing but is used to create a brine that washes through the resin. Salt is made from sodium chloride – the sodium molecules are positively charged and during regeneration replace the calcium and magnesium molecules from the resin which are then flushed from the system. This leaves the resin recharged and continuing to soften the water.
Once your water softener is fitted, you must add salt regularly, if not, this regeneration process cannot happen, and you will see hard water symptoms return to your home.
Where Does the Sodium Go?
The sodium (not salt) is in your softened water. It is a naturally occurring element and is found in bread, milk and of course table salt. In most instances, you do not need to worry about this, but this can be a concern to those on a medically prescribed low sodium diet. It is worth checking with your water softener installer if you are concerned about this for your options such as installing a hard water drinking tap.
What Is a Water Conditioner and Why Doesn’t It Use Salt?
Some people chose to fit a water conditioner instead of a water softener. These are a saltless system and unlike a water softener, a water conditioner does not remove the hard water minerals in your water, but supposedly “changes” the behaviour of these minerals.
Because they do not remove the minerals, there is no need for salt as there is no ion exchange process. There are several ways that these machines suggest they can reduce the effects of hard water but there is little evidence that these protect your plumbing.
Choose PureSalt for Reliable Water Softener Salt
Here at PureSalt, we offer a variety of water softener salt from your home and business. Available from bags to full pallets, and bulk deliveries for large commercial needs. We deliver across the UK at competitive prices.
Get in touch with our expert team to discuss your salt requirements for your home and business.
Written by PureSalt
PureSalt is the trading name for KindWater’s dedicated salt business. We are a leading national salt distributor, supplying thousands of tonnes of salt each year to businesses and homes.