Salt for Water Softening and Disinfection

Water, as it flows from the tap, cannot always be used untreated in commercial enterprises, healthcare facilities, public institutions, or building technology due to its composition. The most common reason for water treatment before further use is water hardness. Hard water contains a high proportion of calcium and magnesium, which cause limescale deposits. These deposits lead to increased energy and maintenance costs and can even cause significant damage.

While hard water is safe for drinking and poses no risk to humans or animals, it significantly affects user comfort and reduces the lifespan of water-using appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, kettles, heating systems, and boilers.

An efficient and clean water softening process ensures soft water, which is essential in many applications.

How Does Water Softening Work?

Every water softening system contains a bed of ion exchangers filled with sodium ions. As hard water flows through this bed, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water swap places with the sodium ions in the resin. This process removes hardness from the water, making it soft.

Over time, the supply of sodium ions in the ion exchange bed becomes depleted. At this point, it needs to be regenerated using SALTECH or SALTECH PLUS salt tablets to restore its effectiveness.

When Does Water Softening Make Sense?

Water is considered hard when it exceeds 14° dH (degrees of German hardness), while soft water falls below 9° dH. The hardness of water depends on the levels of magnesium and calcium it contains, as well as the geological characteristics of the region it originates from. Areas with crystalline rocks like granite and gneiss tend to have soft water, whereas regions with sandstone and limestone typically have hard water.

If you want to determine the hardness of your tap water, you can either purchase a water test kit from a pharmacy or check with your local municipality or water supplier online.

How Does an Ion Exchanger Work?

The ion exchanger is one of the most established methods for water softening on the market. The polystyrene resin in the ion exchanger – also called exchange resin – attracts calcium and magnesium ions (limescale) from the water and replaces them.

To keep the exchange resin functional, it must be regularly regenerated with a regenerating salt.

For this reason, dual systems are often installed, which automatically switch over during the regeneration process.

Which Salt for the Water Softener?

Do not compromise if you want your water softener to function as efficiently and trouble-free as possible. Always use regenerating salt with the highest purity class. Such regenerating salts meet the required standards if they hold the following certifications: EN 973:2009 Type A, EN 14805:2008 Type 1, EN 16370:2013.

SALTECH PLUS and SALTECH salt tablets contain 99.9% evaporated salt and fully comply with the standards EN 973:2009 Type A, EN 14805:2008 Type 1, EN 16370:2013, and the Biocidal Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012.

Efficient Water Softening Offers Numerous Benefits

Water softening prevents limescale buildup in household appliances, extending the lifespan of washing machines, dishwashers, coffee machines, heating systems, and boilers. Softened water is more efficient in use, reducing the need for salt, water, and electricity.

Additionally, soft water enhances the effectiveness of cleaning and laundry detergents. Using less detergent helps protect the environment.