There are several factors to consider when buying salt for a water softener.
Generally, the higher the purity of the salt, the more value you’ll get for your money.
Higher purity salt will use up less salt while softening water, and will waste less in the brine tank.
Buying a higher-quality salt for your water softener will also help ensure that it works properly. Listed below are some tips on selecting salt for a water softener.
Evaporated salt is the most effective salt for a water softening system. It comes in pellets and is more expensive than rock salt. The main reason for this is that it is the purest salt available, and the salt won’t contribute to the buildup of insoluble matter in the resin tank. Evaporated salt is also best for water softening systems that use a Kinetico evaporator.
Using the right amount of salt for your water softener is vital to ensure proper operation. While it is important to add the right amount of salt to the system, you should also keep in mind that you can mix salt types with different brands. In general, most salts can be mixed. Nonetheless, certain salts are incompatible with the softener. To be sure, check the user’s manual to see which salt brands are recommended for your softener.
Another important factor when purchasing salt for a water softener is the temperature of the water. Salt that’s too hot can shorten the life of the sacrificial anode rod. That’s why sodium chloride is recommended for softening water. Sodium chloride is cheaper and more available, but potassium chloride is more difficult to find. However, potassium chloride still offers the same water softening benefits as sodium chloride.