1.Ion-exchange water softening technology is well advanced with a variety of softeners offering various features and benefits.
Your local supplier will provide guidance on the most suitable ion-exchange unit for your needs. You may be offered cheaper `physical` devices which claim to work using magnetic, electrolytic or electronic means. Whilst in some circumstances they may reduce the formation of scale in heating systems, they do not soften the water.
Scale inhibitors only reduce scale formation and, as it has no effect on scum formation, it will not reduce the amount of soaps, shampoos and household cleaning products used.
For this reason, we recommend that you choose an ion-exchange water softener – one that uses salt to remove the hardness. Only an ion-exchange unit can ensure that the hardness is removed.
Ion-exchange water softeners work by taking the minerals that cause hardness out of the water. The softener contains millions of tiny resin beads which remove calcium and magnesium as the water passes through. The resin attracts and traps these minerals so that only softened water enters your plumbing system. Periodically, a timer automatically flushes the resin clean with brine to regenerate it.
A domestic ion-exchange water softener is the only process specifically designed to completely remove all hardness from the mains water supply. Water softened in this way will also gradually remove existing scale from pipe work, bathroom fittings and heating elements.
Other electronic and magnetic devices do not remove the hardness from the water. Some may have some effect in reducing or inhibiting hardness scale, but they will not soften the water.
Only with an ion-exchange softener will you enjoy all the benefits of softened water in your home.
2.Salt is used to make brine to flush clean, or `regenerate`, the resin beads.
Always use a high purity salt product specifically designed for use in water softeners. Fine cooking or Table Salt could interfere with the performance of the softener, whilst coarse sea or rock salt may contain impurities.
It is particularly important to use an `ion-exchange` water softener – that is one that uses salt to cleanse the resin which captures the hardness minerals. Devices claiming to use magnetic or electrical forces may be cheaper, but will not remove the hardness.
3.Water Softener Salt is a product that removes ions from water that make water hard. Hard water refers to water with above average mineral content. This typically means calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). Higher amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water make the water less able to dissolve other solutes, such as soap. Hard water can also lead to clogged pipes due to increased Lime scale build-ups. Lime scale build-ups make heating less efficient and produce more wear and tear on pipes and water dependent household machines, such as dishwashers and laundry machines.
