Gunther Answers: How Does Salt Work in a Water Softener?
Most people know water softeners need salt, but not exactly why. So, how does salt work in a water softener? To answer that, we’ll take a closer look at what makes water hard. Then, we’ll explain the science behind softening, the benefits of a soft water system, and how to select and order the best salt for your water softener.
What Makes Water Hard?
Once it hits the ground, water starts moving. It seeps into the soil, encountering limestone, chalk, and gypsum along the way. Eventually, it reaches the municipal supply, but it's not the same as when it fell.
Water slowly dissolves minerals as it travels. By the end, it looks as expected. However, depending on your location, it may contain high levels of calcium and magnesium that affect its behavior.
People immediately notice that soap and detergents don’t lather, and annoying white scales form on surfaces. But the real problem happens in the places we don’t pay attention to. Over time, hard water creates buildup in pipes and appliances — which grows until they’re blocked or nonfunctional.
The only way to avoid costly repairs is to use the best salt for your water softener — or catch the problem early. Some simple signs include:
Low water pressure
Dingy laundry
Spotty dishes
Scales in sinks, bathtubs and plumbing fixtures
High energy costs
How Does Salt Work in a Water Softener?
There are many methods of treating water, but using a water softener is by far the most popular. The benefits of a soft water system are endless. With little effort and maintenance, these systems reduce mineral content and eliminate the risks of buildup.
But how does salt work in a water softener? When salt meets water, an ion-exchange process begins. The positive ions in “hard” minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, switch places with negative ions in “soft” sodium minerals. By the end, the water-softening system releases water free of excess minerals.
Don’t worry: softened water isn’t the same as salt water. An 8-ounce glass of salt water would contain 8-9 grams of sodium, while softened water contains less than 12.5 milligrams. The Food and Drug Administration categorizes this amount as “very low sodium,” meaning it's perfectly safe to use and consume.
What Are the Benefits of a Soft Water System?
We answered “how does salt work in a water softener,” but you’re probably still wondering why it all matters. The benefits of a soft water system are wide-ranging, including:
Increased appliance lifespan
Reduced energy costs
Better water pressure
Cleaner dishes
Brighter laundry
Softer skin
If you have a system installed and haven’t seen any improvement, then it might be malfunctioning. Visit the Gunther Salt blog for three simple ways to test for hard water.
What Is the Best Salt for Your Water Softener?
The best salt for your water softener depends on your system, budget, and maintenance needs. Finding the right product for your system may require a conversation with our team — but a simple breakdown might help you get started.
Gunther Salt offers three water softening salt products, including:
Louisiana Rock Salt. Rock salt is sourced directly from mines in Louisiana. This option is sold exclusively in bulk, making it the best value for larger facilities, such as industrial customers, water plants, and hospitals.
Utah Solar Salt. Made by evaporating saltwater pools in the sun, Utah solar salt provides a balance of quality and affordability. It’s the best option for customers who want better performance than rock salt without the high cost of evaporated salt. Ultimately, solar salt offers the best bang for your buck.
Evaporated Salts. Evaporated salt is produced through controlled industrial heating. This process creates a premium product with high purity, minimal residue, and little to no maintenance. It’s a popular choice for residential and commercial systems.
Contacting Gunther Salt
We hope this blog answered a few of your questions — from “how does salt work in a water softener” to “what is the best salt for your water softener.” Now that you have a basis of understanding, our team is ready to match you with the best salt for your water softener.
We consider your system specifications, budget requirements, and more before pairing you with the perfect product. From there, we handle the rest — fulfilling your order on time and within budget.
Interested in water softening salts? Get in touch with Gunther Salt now at 314-241-7075 — or request a conversation through our online form.
