Selecting the right water softener for your household is critical. If you have hard water, you’ve seen the damage it’s caused to your plumbing system, appliances, utensils, clothes, skin and hair.
There are various types of soft-water systems available and choosing the right one will depend on a number of factors including area of residence, family size and available space.
Picking the Right Type of Water Softener Utah
The first step to choosing the right water softener Utah is understanding the various types of water softeners available in the market. The most common ones used in a household are the salt-based ion-exchange variety. But what differentiates these units?
Salt-Based: These are the most popular and function by replacing hard minerals in the water with sodium ions. The process of water softening is achieved through two separate tanks. One tank contains beads of resin and the other brine. They use the ion-exchange principle where the machine softens the hard water, by replacing hard minerals like magnesium, calcium and iron with sodium.
Salt-Free: Unlike the salt-based variety, this water softener uses potassium chloride instead of sodium. A salt-free water softener is the best option for people who are cautious about their salt intake. It functions like a descaler by preventing minerals from getting deposited.
Dual Tank: This type is fitted with two resin tanks. This allows for uninterrupted usage as one tank remains in use as the other is regenerating. It is recommended for larger families that consume large quantities of water or for those living in areas with excessively hard water. It’s important to note that dual-tank water softeners occupy more space and may require an additional drain for backwashing. These units are more expensive and may require more investment, but their benefits are numerous.
How To Choose The Right Size Water Softener Utah?
Water softeners come in different sizes, and the size of water softener correlates to its effectiveness. It’s important to note that the issue is not the actual size, but its ability to remove minerals from water effectively without frequent regeneration.
As you shop for one, you will notice that their sizes are quoted by the quantity of hardness grains per gallon each removes per day. Ideally, you should opt for one that works for at least three days without need of a recharge. To determine which one best fits your household; multiply the number of people with 75(estimated gallons of usage per person, per day). Then by the number of people again. This number indicates the hardness minerals your water softener needs to remove per day. For instance;
- Number of family members: 6
- 6*75= 450 gallons
- 450*6=2,700
- Your ideal water softener should remove 2,700 hardness minerals each day.
You should also consider the water softener’s controls and features since they are all different. It’s important to check the regeneration cycle, length of each cycle and the amount of salt and water required for each recharge. It’s also critical that you ensure that your water softener Utah is fully certified.
