Which water softener salt is best?

Summary

Lawrence from Hydrobooks discusses the importance of using the correct salt for water softeners to avoid damaging the machine and invalidating its warranty. He highlights three types of salt: old-fashioned granular, tablet, and block salt, emphasizing that only pure-grade salts, like Kinetico or Harvey, should be used. Lawrence warns against using sea salt, explaining that it can introduce impurities like sand and oily residues, leading to malfunctions. He provides a practical demonstration and encourages viewers to refer to his website for more detailed information on choosing the right salt for their water softeners.

Takeaways

• 💡 Using the wrong type of salt in a water softener can invalidate its warranty.
• ⚠️ There are three types of salt commonly used: granular salt, tablet salt, and block salt.
• ✅ The recommended type is a pure grade salt, preferably in block format like Kinetico or Harvey salt.
• ❌ Avoid using sea salt, as it contains impurities that can damage the softener.
• 🌊 Sea salt can lead to the formation of sand and oily residues in the softener tank.
• 🧪 Impurities in sea salt may create foam and cause clogging in the softener's system.
• 🔍 Comparison shows that pure salt is typically white, whereas sea salt has discoloration.
• 🛠️ Regular checks and maintenance are essential to ensure the water softener operates effectively.
• 📖 More information can be found on the Hydroworks website under the 'Learning Hub' section.
• ☎️ Customers are encouraged to contact Hydrobooks with any questions regarding salt types for their water softener.

Q & A

Why is it important to use the correct type of salt in a water softener?

Using the wrong type of salt can damage the water softener, invalidate its warranty, and stop it from working effectively.

What are the three main types of salt that can be used in water softeners?

The three main types of salt are granular salt, tablet salt, and block salt. Granular salt is generally not recommended.

Which brands of salt are recommended for use in water softeners?

It is recommended to use pure grade block salts such as Kinetico Salt or Harvey Salt.

What issues can arise from using sea salt in a water softener?

Sea salt can leave impurities and sand at the bottom of the softener tank, creating an oily residue and potentially causing clogging, which leads to malfunction.

How can impurities from sea salt affect the operation of a water softener?

Impurities can form an oily residue on the sides of the tank and cause physical sand to clog the softener, preventing it from functioning properly.

What visual signs indicate that a water softener is using the wrong type of salt?

Signs include discoloration of the salt blocks, visible sand accumulation, and foam or oily residue on the surface of the brine.

What should you do if you notice your water softener has stopped working?

Check the type of salt being used and ensure it is a recommended pure grade salt; consider having the unit serviced if issues persist.

Where can I find more information about choosing the right salt for my water softener?

You can visit the HydroWorks website and navigate to the 'Learning Hub' for a page dedicated to choosing the right salt.

What happens to salt as it dissolves in the water softener?

As the salt dissolves, impurities may settle as sand in the tank, and oily residues can form, both of which can interfere with the softener's operation.

Why is it important to check the quality of imported salts in the UK?

The UK salt market has seen an increase in imports, and some may claim to be suitable for water softeners but could contain impurities that damage the unit.