The water softener is a device that allows you to soften water and remove the ions of hardness. It occupies little space, and works in a fully automatic mode.
Water softener filters work on the almost complete removal the hardness salts (Ca2 + and Mg2 +). Media with cation-exchange resins represented companies “PUROLITE”, “DOW”, “ROHM & HAAS”. The filter uses the mechanisms by which occurs the exchange resin regeneration.
“Heart” of water softener it is a container filled with amber beads – ion exchange resin. This material is used for water treatment in medicine and in pharmaceutical plants – wherever needed to soften water. It has the unique property of “exchange” the harmful hardness ions by plumbing and skins friendly the sodium ions.
Over time the ability of ion exchange is reduced. In order to re-detain hardness salts, ion exchange resin need regeneration (recovery) process. Regeneration is made with regular kitchen salt – the same that we used for preparing food. That it is a source of sodium ions. Regeneration takes about an hour and fully automated, and then the softener is again ready for operation. The estimated lifetime for ion exchange resin is up to 7 years.
Regeneration can be programmed at any time, but usually prescribed regeneration at night when there is no water consumption. The regeneration should make an average of once a week. All what’s required it is periodically added to the brine tank the salt tablets.
How to choose a water softener?
In the market there are so many models of water softeners from different manufacturers. For example, compact, easy-to-use from the famous world leader – it is Ecowater Systems (US), or balloon-type devices with electronic control valve – it is Clack (US). Water softeners differ in performance.
The most popular for installation in apartments and small cottages this is so-called the cabinet water softeners. Their feature is compactness. They have a filter housing and a salt tank combined in one unit. They have an attractive design and haven’t additional equipment (the salt tank is integrated into the body).
Unfortunately, the performance of the cabinet water softener is limited. Therefore, for medium or large family houses, as well as if you are dealing with very hard water, experts recommended choosing a classical decision, which includes a column filled with an ion exchange resin and brine tank. This decision is more bulky, but allows choosing the system performance of water softening and theoretically provides any necessary amount of softened water.