I'm Aiden with Upright Water Co. Once you own a softener, the salt aisle can be confusing. Here's the simple version. Always follow your manufacturer's manual first.
The main types
- Evaporated salt pellets. The highest purity, with the least residue left in the brine tank.
- Solar salt crystals. Made by evaporating seawater, with slightly more impurities. Some systems are fine with crystals.
- Rock salt. The cheapest and the least pure. It can leave sediment and mean more tank cleaning.
- Potassium chloride. A sodium-free alternative.
Signs of trouble
- Salt bridge: a hard crust with empty space under it. Break it up gently.
- Mushing: sludge at the bottom of the tank.
- Water feels hard again even though there's salt in the tank.
Tips
- Keep the tank about half full, and don't overfill.
- Stick with one type rather than mixing.
- Check monthly, and more often in summer when you use more water.
Need a softener or a checkup?
See our whole-home softener and carbon system or call (817) 857-8218.