There are so many water softeners on the market – about as many as there are pros and cons for investing in one. Doing your own research, knowing your household demands and understanding the benefits of softened water will help you choose the best water softener for your household – whether you choose a traditional water softener system or utilize a soft water delivery service.
What is hard water anyways and what is the big deal?
Hard water is water that is high in dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. Hard water is not really a health risk, but a nuisance because of mineral buildup on fixtures and poor soap and detergent performance. It can cause issues for appliances as well as your dishes, hair and skin! A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium ions that make water hard by replacing them with salt (yes, sodium) via ion exchange.
What Will You Need?
This question is the same for everyone, but the answers vary. When it comes to choosing a water softening system, you’ll want to have your water tested or check with your local water municipality to find out just how hard it is. The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). One grain of hardness is equal to 1/7,000 pounds of rock. One gpg is equal to 17.1 mg/L or 17.1 ppm.
Then, you’ll need to determine how much soft water your home will need. Basically, we recommend that you multiply the number of people in your home by the gallons of water they use each day (80 gallons per person is the average). Multiply that number by the grains of hardness in your water to figure out how many grains need to be removed each day. Now, you can shop for the appropriate size system.
What is the best water softener for your household?
Well, there is a lot to consider when doing your research. Here are some important tips:
- Look for a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-certified water softener with a system monitor. This will indicate when salt is low and ensure you maintain optimum levels for soft water. Of course with a portable exchange tank service, we will exchange the tank for you as part of the services we offer!
- Your water softener will perform more efficiently and cost-effectively when it is regenerating about once every 3 to 10 days. Some systems are on timer regeneration schedules and others have a demand regeneration which is determined by the amount of water used (more efficient use of the salt). With a soft water exchange tank, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of regeneration. Your soft water delivery company will make sure your home has what it needs when it needs it.
- Think about the convenience features you’d like. Some systems offer low salt indicators, high flow valves, touch screens and so on.
- Think about getting a system with a warranty. Water softening systems work really hard and could break down from time to time. Find a system that has parts covered by a warranty you’re happy with.
- Find a company that will help maintain the system; cleaning and servicing your softener will help reduce contaminant or mineral buildup, salt waste and keep it working efficiently.
Here at CalSoft of Santa Maria, we are proud to offer both water softener systems as well as soft water delivery services. When you need soft water, there are so many options to consider. Salt waste is a major concern for most people, as well as other inefficiencies that traditional water softeners may have come with. Our PE tank exchange systems do not use electricity and NO SALT is used or wasted! Service is available on a 7, 14 or 28-day cycle, based upon your needs, your budget, the number of people in the home, and the hardness level of your water.
We tailor everything to YOU. Personalized water softening systems – learn more here!
