Salt for water softeners: which type should you choose and why is quality important?

Do you have a water softener at home? Then you know how important it is to maintain it properly. An essential part of that is using the right softening salt. But did you know that not all salts are the same? In this blog, we explain why it pays to choose quality salt, what types are available, and how to determine which salt is best suited for your system.

Why is salt needed in a water softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium ions from the tap water. These minerals are responsible for limescale buildup, which can cause long-term damage to appliances such as boilers, washing machines, and coffee machines.

Salt plays a key role in this process: it ensures the regeneration of the resin bed in the water softener. This means that the resin becomes active again to filter out limescale particles from the water. Without salt, your system simply won't work optimally – and limescale buildup can start to accumulate again.

The three types of softening salt: what is the difference?

There are three commonly used types of salt for water softeners. Each has its own production process, properties, and pros and cons.

1. Evaporated salt

Evaporated salt is made by evaporating water from a brine solution. The result is a very pure type of salt, with a NaCl content of approximately 99.9%. Due to its purity, it leaves almost no residue in your system.

Advantages:

• Highest purity
• Minimal deposits
• Ideal for modern water softeners

2. Sea salt

Sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater in large salt ponds. It is a natural product with a slightly lower purity level than evaporated salt, depending on its origin.

Advantages:

• Natural origin
• Environmentally friendly production process
• Suitable for household use

3. Rock salt (Halite)

Rock salt is extracted from underground salt layers through mining. It often contains more impurities, making it less recommended for sensitive appliances.

Advantages:

• Usually cheaper
• Can be used in older or more robust water softeners

Why choose high-quality softening salt?

The quality of the salt you use directly impacts the performance and lifespan of your water softener:

• Less limescale buildup in pipes and appliances
• Longer lifespan of your household appliances
• Less maintenance for your water softener
• More efficient energy consumption (no limescale = less resistance = lower costs)
• Better water quality  especially when used in kitchens or bathrooms

Cheap salt may seem attractive at first, but if it contains too many impurities, it can quickly cause blockages or sludge buildup in your system. This leads to higher costs in the long run.

How to choose the right salt for your water softener?

Here are some practical tips:

1. Check the manual of your device – it often specifies which type of salt is recommended.
2. Avoid powdered salt unless explicitly allowed – it can cause blockages more quickly.
3. Choose tablets or blocks with a high purity level, especially for new devices.
4. Do not use table salt – it contains additives that are harmful to your system..
5. Buy from a reliable supplier to ensure consistent quality.

Conclusion: investing in good salt pays off.

Whether you choose evaporated salt, sea salt, or rock salt: the most important thing is to choose quality. You protect your investment in your water softener, prevent limescale issues, and extend the lifespan of all your household appliances.

At Zoutplus, we offer a carefully selected range of softening salt, tailored to different types of water softeners. Need help with your choice? Feel free to contact us – we're happy to provide personalized advice.