Types of Water Softener

by Pearl Water Water treatment products

The term “hard water” basically refers to water that contains high levels of hard water minerals such as minerals magnesium or calcium. Water softeners are systems designed to reduce the amount and effects of hard water minerals in your water. In this article you will know about the different types of water softeners and how can they protect your plumbing pipes and improve the life of water appliances.

What is Water Hardness?

• Rainwater is soft when it falls from the sky, as it flows into the atmosphere it will absorb minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals. Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, resulting in rings in bathtub rings, spots on glasses and dishes, and dull clothes.

• In addition, hard water can leave scaling and mineral build-up in coffee makers, plumbing pipes, ceramic tiles, and water heaters. This can reduce the flow of water, shorten the lifespan of water appliances, and damage to plumbing and fixtures.

• Use a water testing kit to check your water’s hardness level.

What Size of Water Softener Do I Need?

• The best way to determine the size of the water softener for your house is to calculate the average water usage your house uses in a day. You can determine the total water need by multiplying the number of people in your house by the average water usage per day. Usually, per person need 150 litres of water per day.

• For example, for a house of five people, multiply the average value by 5.

i.e. 150X5= 750 litres. So, look for water softeners that can provide at least 2000 liters of water daily so that you don’t have to wait for getting soft water.

How does Water Softener Work?

A hard water softener works by filtering hard water through a mineral tank. This tank contains a bed of resin beads having a negative electrical charge. The negative charge of the resin attracts the positive charge of hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium and leaving them on the beads and removing them from the hard water.

Types:-

Ion Exchange Water Softeners

In the various types of water softener systems, The most common water softener is working on the ion exchange principle.

• Ion exchange water softeners use the method of exchanging ions in a water supply. It usually changes sodium ions for the ions of magnesium, calcium, iron, and other hard minerals.

• It requires regulatory refills of water softener salt. This water softener adds little amounts of sodium to drinking water, they may not be good for people trying to reduce the salt in their diet.

Dual-Tank Water Softeners

• These are very similar to ion-exchange models that contain two resin tanks so that one mineral tank is always available for use while the other is in the regeneration cycle, ensuring that you can access soft water at any time of day or night.

• This option tends to be expensive but may be good for large households and homes with high water usage. It takes up more space as compared to single-tank water softeners.

• Salt-Free Water Softeners

• Salt-free water softeners use a potassium-chloride salt instead of sodium. Potassium is considered more environments friendly but also more expensive than sodium. Those who are concerned about their sodium intake may prefer salt-free water softeners.

• Control system can recharge the machine at a set time of day and is considered to be most effective if you consistently use the same amount of water every day.

The Pearl Water whole-house water softener installation services professionals are licensed, insured, and have a long experience in the water treatment field. Learn more about the water softener at Pearl Water website and see how it can make a difference in smoothly working of water appliances.