17 Apr. 23

Comparing Salt-Based and Salt-Free Water Softening Systems

A salt-based water softener employs an ion exchange process to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water. As the water flows through the resin tank, calcium ions are swapped with sodium ions, preventing the hard minerals from entering your home’s plumbing.

When the resin beads become saturated with calcium, the system enters a regeneration phase. During this process, brine water is drawn into the water softener, releasing the calcium from the resin beads, which is then flushed down the drain. The system returns to its softening function, reducing the hardness of your water significantly. In San Antonio, where the average hardness is 20 grains per gallon, a salt-based softener can reduce it to 1 grain per gallon or less.