Not all salt types used in water softeners are equal – using the wrong one could lead to clogs and maintenance issues in your system.
Here are a few tips on selecting the appropriate water softener salt. First, consult your manual to identify which kind is recommended for your system.
Morton Clean & Protect
Morton Salt Company is one of the world’s largest salt producers, boasting an excellent reputation among water softener owners. Their Clean and Protect pellets work effectively in most brands of softeners to extend appliance lifespan by eliminating iron deposits that clog up machines while improving the taste of home water supplies. Find Morton Water Softener Salt at your local hardware store or online from reputable vendors.
Other types of salt may not be appropriate for water softeners due to undissolved residue left behind or creating an unwanted “salt bridge” in your brine tank. Rock salt (which resembles small rocks or pebbles) has higher calcium sulfate concentrations and thus is less soluble, making it better suited for driveway use than water-softening applications.
Evaporated salt pellets, made of washed and evaporated salt crystals in the sun, are ideal for most water softeners. Though more expensive than other salt forms, evaporated pellets offer cost-cutting maintenance time and costs by prolonging their life and decreasing grime build-up within their brine tank.
Solar Naturals is another good option, serving as an affordable yet eco-friendly replacement to Morton evaporated salts in water softeners of all models. Made of recycled material and featuring an easy-carrying handle built right in, Solar Naturals makes for an economical solution that may also reduce sodium intake for households looking to limit sodium consumption. Available as 50 lb bags with built-in plastic handles allowing for convenient transport, Solar Naturals may be an ideal choice for families that wish to minimize sodium consumption.
Diamond Crystal Bright & Soft
Diamond Crystal Bright & Soft salt pellets are washed and compressed into pillow-shaped pellets for water softeners. Purer than other salt varieties, Diamond Crystal Bright & Soft reduces salt bridging and grime buildup in brine tanks, making this solution especially ideal for people who limit their sodium consumption, such as those suffering from high blood pressure.
High-purity water softener salt comes in convenient 40-pound bags that are easy to handle, making them suitable for most households that use their softener frequently; larger families may require multiple bags per month.
NSFO certification ensures that this salt is safe for your plumbing system and extends their lives by preventing mineral build-up in appliances, pipes, and fixtures. Furthermore, it’s an affordable solution that works in most households and is readily available in stores.
Block salt is formed from rock material; pellet-sized salt crystals differ by being produced from solar evaporation’s evaporated residue instead. This extraction method is more environmentally friendly as fewer harsh chemicals must be used when cleaning out your brine tank, and it has minimal effects on appliances, pipes, and fixtures.
Rock salt should never be used with your water softener, although it is commonly used to de-ice sidewalks. Rock salt contains impurities that could compromise the performance and lifespan of your softener and its effectiveness at removing iron from your water supply. Instead, opt for high-grade softener salts such as Morton Clean & Protect Rust Defense or Diamond Crystal Bright & Soft to maximize performance and enjoy soft water for years.
Solar Naturals
The ideal water softener salt depends on your water type and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining its cleanliness. Various varieties of salt are available, but we suggest opting for either rock salt or evaporated crystals if you want optimal results. Rock salt, typically mined from underground salt veins, comes in pebble form with high sodium chloride concentration; although effective at deicing roads, it does not always perform as effectively in softeners because it contains minerals like rock shale that may clog and build your system, resulting in buildup and clogs over time.
Evaporated crystals are typically more petite and uniform than rock salt, making them easier to use in your water softener because they are quicker to pour. Furthermore, their higher solubility level reduces the chances of salt bridges. Though more costly than other forms of salts initially, evaporated crystals could save money over time due to reduced maintenance costs.
Diamond Crystal Iron Fighter salt pellets are another great choice if there is iron in your water, providing another option that works in comparison to Morton Clean & Protect Rust Defense by offering an iron removal additive at a more reasonable cost than evaporated crystals. However, note that these pellets do not feature built-in plastic handles like Morton’s Clean & Protect Rust Defense; instead, you will require an individual bucket to scoop them out of their bags.
Diamond Crystal Iron Fighter
Investing in this softening salt could be worth your while if your water softener contains high iron levels. These pellets feature additives to fight the persistent rust stains caused by iron found on clothes, fixtures, sinks, and tubs. Pillow shaped and dissolving quickly in water to help avoid this stain. They’re also more effective at extracting iron from resin beads in your system to reduce mushing, bridging, and rust buildup in brine tanks – perfect for areas with high iron content, such as wells! These pellets make them ideal for living in areas with higher iron content, such as wells containing iron than usual.
Though these options are ideal for those with high iron content in their water, always consult your water softener’s manual before selecting which type of salt to use. Incorrect selection could cause severe clogging or maintenance issues with your system.
Other water-softening salts available at most stores and cost roughly the same include rock salt from natural deposits underground, as it contains large amounts of non-soluble calcium sulfate that could compromise your softener system. It should be noted. However, that block salt requires additional refinement before being put in your softener system.
Evaporated salt is produced by evaporated seawater, giving it a higher purity than other forms. Evaporated salt can be used in water softeners with any hardness level and is less expensive than its counterparts – plus, two-part systems work better using this type of salt! However, its effectiveness might differ in certain hardness situations.
Sodium Chloride Evaporated Pellets
If your household is experiencing tough water, evaporated salt pellets might be the right solution. As the highest-grade water softener salt available, evaporated salt pellets can reduce iron buildup in systems and appliances throughout your home while being less expensive than other softener salts, making this an attractive budget solution.
Water softener salt comes in various forms, from tiny granules like table salt to chunks of block salt. Remember that its shape affects how quickly or slowly it dissipates into your brine tank and when refills will need to occur.
Rock salt is the least refined option and often contains impurities such as rocks or shale that can clog or cause salt bridges in your softener. While using it remains possible, more frequent cleaning of the brine tank and clearing out clogged parts of the system is required in order for you to use this form of salt effectively.
Solar extra coarse salt contains no additives and is available in bulk. Though not as pure as the Morton Clean & Protect option, extra coarse solar salt still removes some iron while working well for most homes. While usually cheaper than evaporated salt, extra coarse solar salt may leave your brine tank with brown rings over time due to dust collecting on its surface; best way to prevent these stains? Refill softener when the brine tank is only 1/4 to 1/2 of salt.
