Maximizing Water Softener Performance: The Impact of High-Quality Softener Salts

If you have a water softener, then you probably wonder why some salts cost more than others. It is not because of premium pricing. There are no “designer water softener salts.” Gucci and Versace are not trying to muscle in on Morton’s market.

In truth, higher-priced softener salts are higher-quality. They help the water softener function more effectively and create less inconvenience for you.

What Is a High-Quality Softener Salt?

The best softener salt for your water softener isn’t necessarily the highest-quality.

If you live where water isn’t especially hard, are trying to keep a low budget, or both, then inexpensive salt crystals or rock salt can both provide serviceable water softener effectiveness. These products aren’t as pure as salt pellets, but they get the job done if you don’t mind doing a little extra work.

At this point, we must point out that groundwater in Minnesota is very hard – especially in Otter Tail and Becker, both counties Ben Holzer Unlimited Water proudly serves.

If you are on a restricted sodium intake diet, then you may want to avoid sodium chloride (SC) salts. Choose potassium chloride (PC) salts instead. PC salts aren’t seen to be as effective as SC, but they’re your only healthy option if you are being treated for high blood pressure. (All of this is assuming you intend to consume your tap water; if you don’t, then you don’t have to worry about SC.)

Salt pellets. These are the highest-quality softener salts. Unlike salt crystals and rock salt, they are a manufactured product. They are formed into special crystals which benefit performance in one huge way. Salt pellets are also the purest: usually higher than 99.5% SC.

Let’s see how all of that is going to make your life better.

The Benefits of High-Quality Softener Salt

• Reduced bridging. “Salt bridging” happens when a hard crust or layer forms inside a water softener’s brine tank. It prevents ion exchange from occurring on the surfaces of the softener’s resin beads. We won’t get into why all of that matters; let it suffice to say that bridging makes a water softener no longer effective at its only purpose. But thanks to their special lab-created crystalline structure, salt pellets cause significantly less bridging than budget-friendlier alternatives.
• Reduced buildup. You’re advised to clean your water softener’s brine tank once annually. Your goal in doing so is to reduce buildup – impurities from dissolved salts that aggregated on the interior of the brine tank. This isn’t an especially fun task, but it can go quicker if you choose salt pellets. Because they are so pure, salt pellets lack many impurities that would ultimately wind up as grimy residue.
• Softer water. The chief benefit of high-quality salts is (as you may have guessed) higher-quality water. Salt pellets promote a higher rate of removal of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions – the minerals that make hard water “hard.” Water will taste better. Dishes will look cleaner. Hair will feel softer. Better yet, softer water helps your appliances run more efficiently: the reason why salt pellets can make your dishwasher, laundry machine and water heater last longer.

For High-Quality Softener Salts, Call Ben Holzer Unlimited Water

If you live or do business in the greater Perham, MN area, then you need a water softener service you can count on. Contact Ben Holzer Unlimited Water today for water softener maintenance, repair and installation, as well as delivery of high-quality water salts. (Pickup available at 42604 State Hwy 108 with appointment.)

And remember: don’t think of it as “spending more money on salt.” Think of it as investing in an enhanced water softening experience.