Softening salts are available in crystals, blocks or granules for more efficient regeneration. Using the right kind of salt will increase the efficiency of your water softener and save your appliances and softening system from damage.
Evaporation Salts
Evaporative salts are salts that are created through an evaporative process where water and steam are used to crystallise the salt. The salt crystals are then processed through a drying and screening process and then granulated. Evaporative salts works best if your water is very hard. Evaporated salts improve softener performance over time and prevent softener problems such as salt bridges (salt crusts that form in the brine tank) and insoluble buildup.
Solar, Salt
Solar salts are salts produced by the sun evaporating seawater. Solar salts are generally present as granules or crystals. It is very soluble but if your water is very hard it is better to use evaporated salts as these are more soluble. If your water is moderately hard, and you aren't too concerned about the solubility of the salt, you might have some success with solar salts.
Rock Salt
Rock salts are mined from underground salt deposits. Rock salts are generally in the form of pebbles or small rocks and are seldom processed. If a water softener manufacturer says to use rock salt, it is usually okay.
Salt Block
Block salt is just what it sounds like, blocks. It is a high purity water softening salt of approximately 99.8% purity and approximately 100% water soluble. Block salt should only be used if recommended by your water softener company.
Salt Substitute (Potassium Chloride)
Potassium chloride is a sodium replacement that has no sodium in it. It is 99.9% sodium. Potassium chloride is available in granules and can be used to regenerate softening resins. If you have dietary restrictions or health issues related to sodium intake, you may also want to choose potassium chloride for water softeners as a way to protect your water from added sodium.
