Whirlpool Pro Series Cleancoolwater.com

Best softening & iron
★★★★★

Best simple softener
★★★★☆

Best no-salt descaler
★★★★

The SpringWell WS-SS1 is designed to remove hard water minerals, iron stains, and sulfur smells – it’s a powerful and reliable well water softener system.

Whirpool’s WHES40E offers well owners simple, effective salt-based softening with the added benefit of moderate iron removal.

Salt-free softeners like this SpringWell FutureSoft descale plumbing systems without stripping mineral well water of its taste and health benefits.

SpringWell Well Water Filter for Iron, Sulfur, and Manganese

Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter System For Home Pro 10 Year 1,000,000 Gallon

SpringWell ULTRA Combo Filter and Softener

Best overall
★★★★★

Best under $1500
★★★★☆

Best protection
★★★★★

The high-flow SpringWell Well Filter removes iron stains, sulfur odors, and metallic tastes using a cartridgeless air-injection system.

Popular for a decade, the Aquasana 600k Rhino combines baseline filtration with hard mineral descaling for a great price.

The SpringWell Ultra was the only system in our review to remove all common contaminants without sacrificing water flow rate.

What’s the Best Water Softener for Well Water of 2023?

Best for powerful softening & iron removal: SpringWell WS-SS1. This system combines an ion-exchange softener with an air injection filter to remove the most common well water hard minerals and metals: calcium, iron, magnesium, and sulfur.

Best for simple, effective softening: Whirlpool WHES40E. For under $750, this single tank salt-based softener from Whirlpool offers the best mix of performance, simplicity, and value – including iron removal.

Best for salt-free scale removal: SpringWell FutureSoft. To reduce scale stains and buildups without stripping minerals from well water, the FutureSoft® reformats water without adding salt or other chemicals.

well water scaling from hard water

Best Water Softener for Well Water: Results Explained

As groundwater moves through bedrock, it accumulates dissolved earth metals and minerals. This is known as hard water, and is usually caused by calcium, magnesium, or iron contamination.

Hard minerals aren’t a health risk. But they cause frustrating issues – scale stains on fixtures and cloudy glassware, dry skin and hair, and reduced detergent performance.

Hard well water can also dramatically reduce the lifespan of appliances and plumbing systems, due to mineral clogging and corrosion.

Salt pellets for well water softener

Ion-exchange water softeners need periodic salt refills

To fix these issues, well water softeners need a high grain capacity, good flow rate, and reliable manufacturing.

Because hard minerals often appear alongside iron, most well owners will also need a system that can remove iron contamination.

(If you notice orange or brown stains on sinks, bathtubs, or toilets, an iron filter is for you).

So what’s the best water softener for well water? Based on these requirements, we think the SpringWell WS-SS1 offers the best set of features for domestic well owners.

It uses a salt-based softener to remove up to 80,000 hardness grains per cycle (at the largest size) and contains an air injection filter that oxidizes and removes dissolved iron and sulfur.

iron in well water causing brown stain in sink

Iron in well water creates noticeable stains

Iron contamination and hard well water go hand-in-hand. But if a well doesn’t have serious iron issues, we think the Whirlpool WHES40E offers a great mix of performance and value for money.

It handles 40,000 grains per cycle, has over 1000 top scoring reviews, and can auto-regulate how much salt it uses.

What if I don’t want to demineralize my water? Well owners with less severe clogging or staining issues often want to fix hard water problems without removing minerals or needing to add salt.

To do this, salt-free water conditioners contain catalyst points that reformat (crystalize) hard mineral ions so they no longer bind to surfaces.

We think the SpringWell FutureSoft is the best salt-free softener for well water. Like the WS-SS1, it’s similarly reliable, long-lasting, and effectively reduces scale build-ups.

Other Important Water Softener Features

  • Water softening technology. We recommend salt-based systems for wells with moderate-to-high levels of hard water. Water conditioners or descalers are great for those with lower water hardness.
  • Water softener capacity. We recommend a minimum 30,000 grain capacity for mid-size homes with moderate water hardness levels. This should give sufficient time between regeneration cycles.
  • Water softener flow rate. We recommend a minimum of 6 GPM for well water softeners in mid-size homes.
  • Water softener regeneration type. We recommend metered water softeners over those without a use sensors. Meters help save on salt refills and provide unlimited soft water, even with unpredictable water usage habits.

💡 Want more buying guide? Jump to how to choose the best well water softener


Top 7 Water Softeners for Well Water of 2023

SpringWell WS-SS1
  • Targets: Hard minerals, Iron

  • Flow rate: 11 GPM
  • Capacity: 32,000 grains

  • Price: $3124

  • Rating: ★★★★★

Best well water softener for
hard water and iron

SpringWell WS-SS1

The SpringWell WS-SS series is the most targeted water treatment system for well water that we know of. It’s designed to remove the four most common hard mineral and metal contaminants found in US well water: iron, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium. The WS-SS uses a traditional ion-exchange softener with ample capacity for most homes (plus, a larger option is available) and has a metered regeneration system that can be programmed using a Bluetooth-compatible tank head.

The filter component of the SpringWell system, which we rated as the best filter for well water, is able to remove 8 PPM of sulfur, 7 PPM of iron, and 1 PPM of manganese using an air-injection filter that regenerates alongside the softener brine tank. This means there’s no need for replacement cartridges!

We recommend the SpringWell WS-SS1 Iron Filter & Salt-Based Softener for:
  • Targeting the 4 most common well water/hard water contaminants
  • Mid-size homes (1-3 bathrooms)
  • Iron stains and discoloration
  • Unpleasant sulfur smells
  • Peace of mind thanks to heavy-duty tanks and a lifetime warranty. Checking softener status, water usage, and regeneration cycles from your phone.
  • 5% off SpringWell when shopping direct with the code CLEAN5
Is the SpringWell WS-SS1 the right water softener for my well water?

For wells with chemical or microbiological pollutants, more extensive treatment methods than the WS-SS1 should be used.

If your well water suffers from hardness and iron contamination, but is in otherwise good condition, we think the WS-SS1 is the best softening system you can buy.

Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener
  • Targets: Hard minerals, Iron

  • Flow rate: 8.5 GPM
  • Capacity: 40,000 grains

  • Price: $709

  • Rating: ★★★★☆

Best well water softener under $750

Whirlpool WHES40E

Those looking for a simple, traditional solution for hard well water should be happy with the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000-Grain Softener. It combines a brine tank and water softening system into a single, compact tank that helps to save floor space alongside money. The Whirlpool even includes metered regeneration to help reduce salt, plus iron filtering, all for under 750 dollars.

The drawbacks? Reviews suggest the metering system in the WHES40E isn’t as efficient as more premium options, meaning you’re likely to use more salt. The all-plastic design also carries a greater risk of deterioration over time compared to composite or metal tanks. This can be a particular issue for those living in cold or hot climates – or if you’re planning to install your softener system in an outbuilding.

We recommend the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener for:
  • Efficient softening and basic filtering at a great price
  • Well water with low-to-moderate hardness and no health risks
Is the WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener right for my well water?

This Whirpool softener uses a traditional ion-exchange method to remove hard minerals from well water, which is generally considered the best method of well water with medium-high hardness levels.

Inside a single housing, the Whirlpool’s brine tank feeds through to a resin bed, where hard mineral ions are attracted to sodium and potassium ions, swapping places. The result is soft water that feels great on the skin and won’t cause staining, scale, or clogging inside heaters and laundry machines.

Thanks to a built-in microprocessor, the Whirlpool will also automatically manage regeneration (usually a premium feature) washing the resin bed and replenishing salt levels. Reviews suggest this significantly boosts efficiency.

  • Targets: Mineral scale

  • Flow rate: 12 GPM
  • Max salinity: 81 GPG

  • Price: $1529

  • Rating: ★★★★☆

Best salt-free well water softener

SpringWell FutureSoft

Salt-free water conditioners like SpringWell’s FutureSoft® FS4 don’t demineralize water. Instead, they crystalize dissolved calcium and magnesium so that they can no longer bind to surfaces and cause stains or scale. The result is mineral drinking water from your well that retains its great taste and health benefits, without annoying calcification build-ups.

The FutureSoft® conditioner uses SpringWell’s Template Assisted Crystallization technology to descale pipes and appliances without salt, regeneration periods, or replacement parts, providing the ultimate in maintenance-free softening. When using any crystallization water conditioner, it’s important to properly filter well water before it enters the device, to prevent other contaminants like iron from clogging the TAC media.

We recommend the SpringWell FutureSoft for:
  • Targeting scale without affecting the mineral composition of well water
  • Water conditioning without regeneration/offline periods
Is the SpringWell FutureSoft right for my well water?

The SpringWell FutureSoft is rated for use on well water with hardness levels up to 81 GPG (or a maximum salinity of 35000 PPM, whichever is higher). However, salt-free water softeners are generally only recommended for well water with low-to-medium hardness.

This is because salt-free systems target scale only. At high levels, hard minerals can cause aesthetic issues and other water quality concerns that also require treatment.

Like other salt-free devices, the SpringWell FutureSoft won’t iron or other metals from well water. In fact, feeding iron-contaminated water into a salt-free softener is likely to reduce its performance.

  • Targets: Hard minerals

  • Flow rate: 11 GPM
  • Capacity: 32,000 grains

  • Price: $556

  • Rating: ★★★☆☆

Best well water softener on a budget

Tier1 Everyday Series

Because they’re designed to remove high amounts of hard minerals, whole-house water softeners for well water tend to be expensive. But cost doesn’t need to prevent well owners from enjoying the benefits of calcium and magnesium-free water.

For around 500 dollars, the Tier1 Everyday Series provides several premium softener features, including a digital metered regeneration system, a 32,000-grain capacity, and an adequate flow rate for the majority of wells and homes.

We don’t think the Tier1 can’t use salt as efficiently as more expensive systems, and it doesn’t offer additional filtering or bypass features. However, those looking for a reliable softener on a budget won’t go far wrong with this system.

  • Targets: Hard minerals

  • Flow rate: 13 GPM
  • Capacity: 64,000 grains

  • Price: $1935

  • Rating: ★★★☆☆

Best well water softener for
large homes

Pentair Softening System

Pentair is known for making quiet, reliable water softening systems that keep running year after year. This traditional salt-based softener runs at 13 GPM, enough for homes with 7-8 bathrooms, and includes a programmable regeneration system to help you make the most of its large, 64,000 grain cycle capacity.

The Pentair Softener series use singular, rotary disc seal to reduce the chance of leaks or maintenance issues, while its chlorine-resistant resin helps protect the softener after a well has been shock-chlorinated.

Eddy water conditioner
  • Targets: Mineral scale

  • Flow rate: Unlimited
  • Capacity: Unlimited

  • Price: $199

  • Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Best electronic descaler for well water

Eddy Water Descaler

Electric descalers are a budget and installation-friendly way of conditioning water, with this product from Eddy being a favorite on Amazon. Descalers wrap around the water pipe and reformat the water inside so that minerals no longer create scale. That means no need for large tanks or tampering with plumbing (great for rental properties). The Eddy works on both metal and plastic piping and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water SimplySoft Filtration System
  • Targets: Mineral scale

  • Flow rate: 7 GPM
  • Capacity: 6 years

  • Price: $1669

  • Rating: ★★★☆☆

Best filter system with descaler add-on

Aquasana Rhino

Aquasana’s ever-flexible Rhino filtration system is a great option for those looking to pair effective descaling with one of the most well-reviewed whole-house water filters online.

This version of the brand’s flagship system includes a 20″ sediment filter to remove small undissolved particles (rust, silt, dirt), a carbon filter that handles common chemical and metal well water contaminants (VOCs, pesticides, lead) and a 6-year/600,000-gallon water conditioner, which clears your pipes and appliances of scale and provides soft water without removing beneficial minerals.

  • Targets: Hard minerals

  • Flow rate: 15 GPM
  • Capacity: 64,000 grains

  • Price: $899

  • Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Other popular well water softeners:

Aquasure Harmony Series

As the most popular large-capacity water softener on Amazon, the Aquasure Harmony can treat up to 64,000 grains of hardness per cycle, as well as remove minor amounts of iron. This softener comes with a pre-filled resin tank, a fiberglass-lined leakproof tank, and a 5-year warranty. As a metered system, users can pick from a range of washing and regeneration cycles, including a double backwash option that’s handy for annual deep cleaning.

Fleck Iron Filter
  • Targets: Hard minerals, Iron

  • Flow rate: 16 GPM
  • Capacity: 64,000 grains

  • Price: $798

  • Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Other popular well water softeners:

Fleck AFW Filters Iron Pro 2

The Fleck AFW Iron Pro 2 is another popular option with well owners who experience iron contamination alongside hard water. It’s able to handle 4 PPM of iron and 6 PPM of manganese, as well as softening water using an ion-exchange resin tank that contains a special iron-resistant mesh. Reviewers of the Fleck AFW system report high flow rates and an impressive ability to reduce iron stains on bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

How to Choose a Water Softener for Well Water

Because it spends long periods underground, domestic well water often contains dissolved minerals and metals—otherwise known as hard water.

Hard water isn’t a health risk, but a high mineral content can problems around the home.

Water hardness creates stains on kitchenware, limescale in your appliances and faucets, and prevents detergents from lathering. It can also dry out skin and lead to buildups of sediment in plumbing and water heaters.

Luckily, the right water softener for well water will solve all of these issues, creating water that feels more pleasurable, is more efficient for laundry, and is easier on pipes and appliances.

The SpringWell Salt-Based Softener in action

4 Key Well Water Softener Features

1. Well water softening technology
You can soften with salt, catalyst points, or electricity. Each method has its benefits.

2. Well water softener grain capacity
Salt-based softeners use regeneration cycles that need to suit your water use habits.

3. Well water softener regeneration type
Many well water softeners contain sensors to help optimize regeneration, for a price.

4. Well water softener flow rate
Pick a water softener with a flow rate that matches your well output.

1. Well water softening technology

Water softeners are categorized as either salt-based systems or water conditioners.

Salt-based systems are the more traditional and popular method of softening water, using an ion exchange process, where hard calcium and magnesium ions in water are replaced with soft sodium ions.

Water conditioners use a number of different methods to reduce scale without actually removing hard minerals from water. Some crystalize the minerals so that they can’t form scale deposits, while others use a magnetic charge to stop them from binding together.

Salt-based softeners

traditional salt-based water softeners are the most popular type of water softener. We recommend them for homes and wells with moderate-to-high levels of hard water, due to their reliability and proven success.

Salt-based, ion exchange water softeners may also be effective and removing iron and manganese, two of the most common well water contaminants, depending upon the specific model.

The downsides of salt-based water softeners include their large size. these water softener systems need dual tanks so that the resin bed can be washed and regenerated. Salt systems also completely remove hard minerals from water, which affects water taste, and negates any potential health benefits.

Magnetic/electric water softeners

A magnetic or electric water softener is a less popular form of salt-free water conditioner that offers a convenient, low-installation way of softening water. These devices are mounted directly onto the mains water pipe and use magnets or electrical charges to change the format of hard mineral ions and prevent them from calcifying into limescale.

Because they attach to pipes, these water softener systems don’t require users to cut into the water line or mess with their plumbing. They’re also often cheaper than other conditioning methods.

Reverse osmosis water softeners

Reverse osmosis systems are often categorized as water filters rather than softeners, thanks to their impressive ability to remove almost all common water contaminants. However, this ability also makes them effective water softeners that can effectively remove hard minerals thanks to their micropore membranes, which remove unwanted substances on a molecular level.

Crystallizing water conditioners

For those who want to reduce scale without adding salt or affecting the taste of water, crystallizing conditioners provide an effective solution. A crystallizing water softener system contains sites that attract and bind hard minerals, where they form crystals.

After forming into crystals, the hard minerals detach from the binding site and return to the water supply, where they’re no longer able to attach to surfaces and form scale.

While a salt-free water softener is likely to cost more than a traditional system, it can run for longer without maintenance and doesn’t require brine tanks or salt refills.

Water softener vector illustration

 

2. Well water softener grain capacity

Water softeners don’t have an unlimited ability to treat water, so it’s important to choose a system with sufficient capacity for your needs.

The capacity of softeners is measured in grains per gallon (GPG), with a single grain equal to approximately 60 mg of hard minerals. Most softeners are able to remove between 24,000 and 80,000 grains per treatment cycle.

The harder water is, the more demand it places on a softener, meaning a higher grain capacity is needed to produce successful results.

Well water capacity considerations

Water softeners used on well water contain the same technology as other devices—but they need a few key features to ensure smooth operation. One of those is a slightly larger capacity.

Because well water is normally much harder than surface water, it’s important to appropriately size your well water softener.

Even if you don’t think you’ll process a large volume of water using your device, well water is still likely to use up more of a softener’s capacity than an equal amount of surface water.

3. Well water softener regeneration type

Salt-based water softeners require a regeneration period, where accumulated hard minerals are washed from the resin tank and replaced with fresh sodium.

Softeners regenerate in two main ways: metered systems and timed systems.

Metered water softeners contain sensors and processors that count the gallons of water passing through a system, then activate the regeneration process. This makes them responsive to water demand.

Timed water softeners operate on a regular schedule, and are usually set to regenerate during low-demand periods such as the early hours of the morning. With a timed system, it’s important to set a regeneration schedule that’s not so long that salt runs out, but not so short that excess salt is wasted.

System control & features

If you’re going to be relying on a water softener, then it’s convenient to use one with a digital metered control head, that can provide up-to-date information about the system status. This will allow you to run diagnostics, set personalized programs, and even control things from a Bluetooth device with some water softeners.

4. Well water softener flow rate

The flow rate of a softener measures how much water it can process at a single time. It’s important to use a softener that matches or exceeds the flow rate of your well and water filtration system so that it doesn’t restrict flow from the rest of your system.

Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). When deciding what GPM you need, think about how many appliances, faucets, and showers are likely to be used at any one time. Most homes can function happily on 6 – 12 GPM.

SpringWell Ultra customer install photo 2 of 2

Water Softeners for Well Water: Frequently Asked Questions

Straightforward answers to some of the most common well water softener questions.

  • What is a water softener?
  • How do water softeners work?
  • What is hard water?
  • What causes of Hard Water?
  • What are the effects of hard water?
  • What are the benefits of a water softener for well water?
  • Is well water hard enough to need a softener?
  • Can you put a water softener on well water?
  • How do I clean my softener brine tank?
  • What type of salt should I use in my softener?
  • How much sodium is ingested from softened Water?

What is a water softener?

A water softener is a home filter system that prevents hard minerals dissolved into the water supply from causing issues inside the home. A water softener is usually fitted where the water supply enters the house so that it can function as a whole-house system for every appliance and outlet. Some softeners remove hard minerals, while others reformat them so that they cannot deposit on surfaces.

Water softeners are popular home appliances across large areas of the US, where hard water is the norm. They help increase the lifespan of kitchen appliances and pipes by reducing the build-up of limescale and mineral deposits. They also help save on monthly costs such as laundry detergent, by producing water that easily lathers and washes.

How do water softeners work?

A traditional ion-exchange water softener works by attracting and replacing the hard mineral ions dissolved in water with oppositely charged soft sodium and/or potassium ions.

After an optional pre-filtering stage (depending upon the water softener) hard water enters the brine/mineral tank. Here, it flows over a resin bed that’s saturated with negatively-charged ions—usually highly pure sodium.

Because hard minerals like claim and magnesium have a positive charge, they’re attracted to the resin bed, and an exchange takes place. The water leaving the brine tank now contains sodium ions and is soft.

Salt-based water softeners also have backwashing and regeneration phases, where the resin bed is washed and refilled with negative ions.

What is hard water?

Hard water is a term used to describe water that contains high levels of certain minerals—primarily magnesium and calcium, as well as iron. When these minerals build up in a water supply they change the way that water feels, tastes, and interacts with surfaces.

While the general public usually judges water hardness by taste, feel, and appearance, while experts measure water hardness using two common metrics: parts per million (PPM) and grains per gallon (GPG).

1 PPM equates to 1 mg of dissolved minerals for every liter of water. 1 grain equates to approximately 60 mg of dissolved minerals per gallon of water. According to the USGS, water is officially hard if it contains over 61 mg of calcium carbonate per liter:

  • Moderately hard water – 61 to 120 mg/L.
  • Hard water – 121 to 180 mg/L.
  • Very hard water – over 180 mg/L.
What causes of Hard Water?

Hard water is usually from a groundwater source, meaning that water has spent long periods underground, often under pressure. Minerals and natural metals dissolve into the water supply during this time. In regions of the country where the surrounding earth is more porous and contains lots of hard minerals, water becomes hard.

Those living in southern and midwestern states are more likely to experience hard water. However, the US is a predominantly hard water country with most homes receiving water with some level of hardness.

What are the effects of hard water?

Inside the home, the effects of hard water aren’t as desirable. As water travels through pipes, appliances, and outlets, minerals can deposit on surfaces, forming unsightly scale and sediment build-up that reduces performance.

When water is heated, this process of sediment depositing can be exacerbated, leading to issues with the heating elements inside electric water heaters.

Hard water also tends to have a less pleasant feel on skin and laundry. When washing clothes or dishes in hard water, detergents have a reduced ability to lather.

What are the benefits of a water softener for well water?

Whether it’s through using a salt-based system or a water conditioner, there are several benefits to softening your water, from improving water quality to increasing the lifespan of your home’s appliances. Here are our favorite benefits of softened water.

Prolonged life of plumbing

When hard water runs through plumbing, heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances, it can leave calcified deposits on heating elements and the inside of pipes. While non-toxic, these buildups of minerals can significantly affect how appliances operate and perform.

A water softener eliminates these mineral build-ups, meaning that you no longer need to clean them out manually, and appliances can function as intended for longer. Water softening systems may also reduce pipe corrosion, keeping water flow at maximum levels.

Lower energy bills

Because water softeners reduce the strain on your home appliances by removing calcium build-ups, they can actually cut costs on your energy bill. This is especially the case for homes with electric water heaters, where hard water forms mineral deposits on the heating elements, meaning that the device is required to expend more energy to heat water.

Other cost-saving benefits of softened water include fewer expenses on soaps and detergents and reduced water consumption.

Improved skin health

While many people prefer the taste of hard water, almost nobody likes how it feels on skin and hair when bathing. Hard minerals reduce soap lather, meaning that you have to use a far greater amount to wash or perform cleaning tasks. This can dry out skin, which, combined with the scratchy feeling of hard water itself, creates less pleasant bathing experience.

Soft water has a more pleasant and moisturizing feel on both skin and hair. It also lathers soaps easily, meaning that you can use less product on your body.

Softer, fresher fabrics

Another negative aspect of water hardness is that calcium and magnesium minerals degrade fabric integrity over time. Repeated laundry cycles in hard water can cause clothing to fade, as well as becoming thinner and rougher. If your well contains iron, it cans also stain light-colored clothing.

Soft water is kinder on both skin and fabrics, keeping your clothes looking newer for longer. You’ll also be able to reduce the amount of detergent you use, which benefits your wardrobe and your wallet.

Is well water hard enough to need a softener?

The short answer: most well water in the US is hard, so you’ll likely benefit from a softener.

More specifically, water with a hardness of over 7 GPG is usually considered hard enough to begin interfering with appliance performance, making a softener a good idea. At this level, hard water can be easily felt, and mineral deposits can usually be observed inside hot water appliances.

When your water has over 7 grains per gallon (GPM) of hardness, it can be considered hard enough for you to look at buying a water softener.

You can easily test the hardness of your well water using a DIY home test kit, available from most hardware stores.

Can you put a water softener on well water?

Yes! A water softening system is an excellent addition to a well water setup, as most private wells produce water with moderate-to-high levels of hard minerals. Using water softeners helps well owners produce a drinking water supply that rivals the best municipal water.

Installing a water softening system can be done in an hour or so with basic DIY knowledge. If you’re looking to install your softener yourself, make sure to check that it comes with instructions and that the warranty isn’t voided if it’s installed by a non-certified person.

How do I clean my softener brine tank?

It’s important to check the salt levels in the brine tank of your softener each month. It shouldn’t drop below around half capacity, and the water should never submerge the salt completely.

While the newest water softeners can often run for over 5 years without any maintenance needed, salt can often harden inside the tank, forming salt bridges that clog the system. If this happens to your water softener, simply use hot water to break up the packed salt, stirring with a clean implement if necessary.

When you notice repeated clogging of visible dirt accumulation, it’s time to clean your brine tank. use soap to wash out the tank, before pouring in bleach diluted at a quarter cup for every 2 gallons.

Let the bleach sit inside the tank for around 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing and running the system.

What type of salt should I use in my softener?

We always recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and using the type of salt listed for your specific water softener. This will help maximize performance and reduce the chances of salt sticking together and clogging the brine tank.

Always try to stick to evaporated salt when refilling your system. It’s true that rock salt is less expensive, but it also contains impurities that can reduce the capacity of your device (only pure sodium ions will exchange with dissolved hard minerals).

How much sodium is ingested from softened Water?

The higher the mineral content of water being processed, the more salt will be contained in the softened water. In general, however, the sodium contained in processed water accounts for under 3% of our daily average sodium intake.

This is such a small amount that it’s unlikely to have any dietary effect. However, those who are following an extreme sodium-restricted diet may want to consider a salt-free water conditioner.

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