What You Need To Know About Water Softener Salt
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When it comes to salt-based water softening, the water softener system is in no doubt the undisputed star of the show. We are so focused with the performance of the unit that oftentimes we don’t give much credit to water softener salt and the role it plays to complete the entire softening process. And so in this entry, we are going to share some of the much needed information about water softener salts so you will end up buying the right saline solution for your softening device. Enjoy!
Table of Contents:There Are Actually Different Types Of Water Softener Salt…ROCK SALTOur Top Pick: Morton White Crystal (Coarse) Rock SaltEVAPORATED SALTOur Top Pick: System Saver II by MortonSEA SALTOur Top Pick: Morton All Natural Solar Salt Crystals (Extra Coarse)Another Top Pick: Morton Rust Remover Salt PelletsOther Non-Sodium Based Water Softener “Salts”POTASSIUM WATER SOFTENER SALTOur Top Pick: Morton Potassium Chloride Softener PelletsHYDROGEN PEROXIDEConclusion
There Are Actually Different Types Of Water Softener Salt…
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Although not a common knowledge to most people, there are actually various types of softener salt to work perfectly with a specific salt-based water softener model. So in this section, we will get to know more about this topic so you’ll be able to find the ideal product to enhance your system’s water softening capability:
ROCK SALT
This type of salt is usually derived through underground mining process as rock salt is formed through many years of soil erosion. And since lots of minerals are also found over and under the ground, these elements are also expected to mix in the salt as they turn into salt crystals over a period of time. Despite its unrefined state, rock salt is still considered as an excellent choice for softening hard water especially if you’re using Fleck.
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But is it reliable in softening water? Given the fact that there are traces of minerals in each salt crystal, we can safely say that it is dependable in treating hard water. After all, salt manufacturers still continue to produce water softener salt even to this day. The only downside of choosing this type of salt is you’ll have to clean the brine tank more frequently as these minerals are usually left behind every time the device undergo the regeneration process.
Our Top Pick: Morton White Crystal (Coarse) Rock Salt
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- The product is made by Morton which is one of the most reliable water softener salt brands in the industry.
- Commercial grade salt specifically made for water softening
- No additional special features
- Available in 40lbs. bags
- Hygienically packed
EVAPORATED SALT
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Basically, this is the purest kind of salt that you can use for water softening. The process of producing evaporated is done by mixing raw salt with water to dilute the crystals into the liquid. The brine is then filtered to remove any trace of minerals and then heating the water until it is reduced back into salt crystals. The resulting product is one hundred percent pure salt which can be used for cooking, cleaning, and even water softening.
Our Top Pick: System Saver II by Morton
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- Made from the finest variety of evaporated salt
- Also made by Morton, a leading water softener salt manufacturer
- Also includes cleaning agents to prevent dirt and minerals from accumulating in the tank
- Extends the life of your water softener unit
- Available in 20lbs., 40lbs., and 60lbs. bags
- Hygienically packed
SEA SALT
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As the name suggest, this type of salt comes from the sea. The process of “harvesting” sea salt is usually done by collecting sea water and placing it in an open area (kind of like rice paddies) to be exposed under the sun. That’s why it’s also called as ‘Solar Salt’.
The heat of the sun allows the moisture to evaporate, leaving only salt crystals which are then collected in baskets to be distributed to market areas for different use.
Trivia: Sea salt actually has the highest solubility rate among the 3. In short, it can dissolve faster than other salt varieties. Hence, it is also seen as an effective product for producing soft water.
Our Top Pick: Morton All Natural Solar Salt Crystals (Extra Coarse)
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- Purest kind of solar softener salt product from Morton
- Kiln dried to ensure 99.8 percent salinity rate
- Highly effective but not recommended for water softeners already experiencing salt bridge issues.
- Available in 20lbs., 40lbs., and 60lbs. bags
- Hygienically packed
Another Top Pick: Morton Rust Remover Salt Pellets
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- High quality purity pellets
- Can remove iron and rust 15 times more effective than conventional water softener salt
- Eliminates rust stains and bad taste in water
- Available in 40lbs. bags
- Hygienically packed
Other Non-Sodium Based Water Softener “Salts”
As the use of salt-based water softeners became more and more popular to the masses, the issue of increased sodium intake was also brought into attention by many users. So for those who are suffering from heart related illnesses or simply want to live a healthy life, here are some of the alternative products you can actually use to soften water:
POTASSIUM WATER SOFTENER SALT
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Technically, it is not a sodium based variety of salt. But the purpose of this product is similar to that of a typical softener salt. The use of potassium ‘salt’ became a mainstream trend in the 1980’s when certain studies cited the negative effects of water softeners to our health. According to results, salt-based devices supposedly “add” salt into the water therefore changing the consistency of the liquid and make it soft. This idea did not sit well with health conscious individuals, so salt manufacturers for water softeners thought of an alternative to maintain the demand on their products.
Potassium is a great alternative for treating hard water since it is a much needed nutrient to keep our body healthy. And since then, the use of potassium softeners are considered as a potent alternative to traditional water softener salt.
Our Top Pick: Morton Potassium Chloride Softener Pellets
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- Effectively softens water w/o “adding” salt
- Discharge of sodium levels in the device is significantly decreased
- Eco-friendly as waste water has no trace of salt
- Ideal for health conscious people
- Available in 40lbs. bags
- Hygienically packed
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
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We choose to mention this item since the use of this product for water softeners is becoming a common practice. This chemical compound is known for its disinfecting properties. But using hydrogen peroxide alone CANNOT produce soft water as it can only eliminate germs and bacteria. Hence, you still have to use a water softener salt product and mix it with hydrogen peroxide to make it work.
Conclusion
Did you find this article helpful? What type of water softener salt are you going to use from now on? Please let us know by making a comment below.