Selecting the right Water Softener

Thinking about purchasing a water softener? There are many choices on the market today making choosing the best softener for you a difficult task. Here are some helpful tips on choosing a water softener that works best for you:

• Determine the hardness of your water.
  This hardness map provided by the USGS shows the general hardness levels across the United States.
  A simple test kit will help you determine the amount of hardness in your area.


• Determine the size of Softener you will need.
  A Water Softener needs to regenerate to clean out the impurities that it collects during the course of softening the water. Ideally you would like to have the softener regenerate once a week to maximize the units efficiency.
  
  The following calculation will help determine the size of softener you will need:

  # of People in Home x 75 x Water Hardness x 7 = Softener Size

  For Example: 4 x 75 x 21 x 7 = 44,100 Grains to soften each week

  
  Water Softeners typically come in the following sizes:
  
•  15,000 Grains
•  24,000 Grains
•  32,000 Grains
•  40,000 Grains
•  46,000 Grains
•  64,000 Grains
•  90,000 Grains
• 120,000 Grains

Using the above example, this household would want to select a 46,000 grain capacity water softener.


• Determine the type of Water Softener


• Mechanical Water Softeners
• Timered Unit
  A Timered unit is one that will regenerate on a set schedule. For example based upon your needs, you may set it to regenerate every two days. Then every two days the unit will regenerate regardless of the amount of water used. While useful in many applications, a timered unit isn't as efficient as possible in all applications.


• Metered Unit
  A Metered unit is one that will regenerate based upon water usage. For example when you go on vacation, the unit won't regenerate at all, but if you have company it may regenerate twice a week instead of the normal once a week cycle. A metered unit will typically save up to 35% on your water and salt consumption compared to a timered unit.


• Magnetic Softeners
  In 1996 Consumer Reports magazine conducted a two year test with magnetic water treatement and two Hot Water heaters. One of the water heaters had magnetically treated water coming into it, while the second water heater had untreated water coming into it. At the end of the two years both units were cut open and measured for hard ward scale and buildup. Both units were found to contain the same amount of texture and scale.
  
  Magnetic water treatment devices consist of one or more permanent magnets affixed either inside or to the outside of the incoming water pipe. The water is exposed to the magnetic field as it flows through the pipe between the magnets. It is s claimed that exposing water to a magnetic field will decrease the water's "effective" hardness. Typical claims include the elimination of scale deposits, lower water-heating bills, extended life of water heaters and household appliances, and more efficient use of soaps and detergents. Thus, it is claimed, magnetic water treatment gives all the benefits of water softened by ion-exchange without the expense and hassle of rock-salt additions.