When water is referred to as 'hard', this means it contains more minerals than ordinary water. These are especially the minerals calcium and magnesium. The degree of hardness to the water increases when more calcium and magnesium dissolve.​

According to the Water Quality Association, hard water contains dissolved minerals above one grain per gallon (GPG), though relative levels of hardness have been established and are as follows:

• Soft - less than 1 GPG

• Slightly hard - 1 to 3.5 GPG

• Moderately hard - 3.5 to 7 GPG

• Hard - 7 to 10.5 GPG

• Very Hard - 10.5 and higher GPG

The presence of hard water in your home results in:

• Limescale build-up around faucets, showerheads, and other surfaces

• Soap scum on shower walls, bathtubs, sinks and other fixtures

• Plumbing and pipe corrosion

• Streaky or spotted dishes

• Stiff, scratchy laundry

• Irritated, dry skin or dull, lifeless hair

• Decreased efficiency of appliances and more frequent breakdowns

• An increase in the amount of soap and detergent needed for cleaning

Water softening utilizes a process called "ion exchange" to remove dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

These minerals can't be trapped by a filter, so a molecular reaction is required. Water softeners have resin beads that hold onto sodium. And as hard water flows through the resin, the sodium is swapped for the hard water minerals. The hard water minerals are trapped inside the softener so they never reach your skin, hair or plumbing fixtures.

For water softening, three types of salt are generally sold:

• Rock salt

• Solar salt

• Evaporated salt

HTU sells solar salt for our customers who purchase our water softeners.

Your water softening system will be installed on a level surface, near where water enters the home. If your home has well water, a drain and power source should also be near the softening system.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when determining the right location for your water softener:

1. An area that won’t be exposed to sun and rain, that could damage the system.

2. Drain proximity, electrical and piping connection requirements – all things that your HTU water technician will help you with during installation.

Yes, to continue operating at peak performance, a water softener needs regular maintenance. Which fortunately doesn’t require a lot of work.

Regular filling of salt in the tank is required. Your HTU technician will orient you during installation on how to maintain the proper salt level.

If your HTU water softener has a pre-filter installed, a quarterly filter replacement is recommended. And don't worry, our team keeps track of these periodic filter replacements and contacts you when it's time for servicing.

Water softeners are usually trouble-free. Especially if salt levels are regularly monitored. HTU can help with scheduled salt delivery service that checks over the unit and saves you from transporting and lifting those heavy bags. But if you prefer to do it yourself, make sure to use quality solar salt. That should lessen another issue — salt bridging in the brine tank.

A salt bridge is a layer of hardened salt crust. If you suddenly lack soft water or your softener stops using salt, you should call us for service. High temperatures, humidity or poor salt quality can create a bridge and prevent the softener's resin beads from regenerating.

In clearing salt bridges, use caution. Improper cleaning can puncture a hole in the wall of your water softener.

The exact size or capacity of the water softener needed in your home depends on your typical household water usage.

Ultimately, selecting the best water softener for your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with us is a quick and easy way to find the correct size for your household. Getting this right is important for ensuring the best water quality and maximum efficiency.