The salt based, ion exchange water softener system is the most commonly used water softening system in Utah. The main drawback of this system has always been the salt that is used, and inconvenience of the cycling every day.
Utah water softener companies have made new improvements to this system. It now uses up to 75% less salt than the old system. This makes the water safer to drink and water plants with. The smaller amount of salt also helps to lengthen the life of appliances and plumbing. You still get the benefit of softer clothes and can use fewer detergents and skin care products.
This system works by using salt or sodium as a positively charged ion working with an exchange medium which gets coated with calcium and magnesium. The free sodium ions are released into the water where the water passing through the softener has its calcium and magnesium removed by this exchange.
Once the medium is coated with these particles, however, it needs to be recharged. This is done by flushing it with a brine solution that will replace the calcium and magnesium with new salt ions. This process has been refined by many Utah water softening companies so that less salt has to be used. Now you don’t have to flush the system everyday and you can still have soft water all the time.
When you are thinking of getting a water softening system, Utah water softener franchise owners will come to your home and test your water. They will give you a free water analysis and estimate on the best system for you.
There are different sizes of systems and different functions each can perform. These systems are non-electric with no resetting needed, and you can get one for a single sink or for the whole house. You can get information on line or from the franchise nearest you. You will want to compare quality, price and maintenance time and costs.
Types of water softening systems range from the ion exchange system described above to a completely salt-free softener. The latter technology removes scale and prevents it from forming or reattaching to pipes and water heaters. It is 100% environmentally friendly and easily dissolves calcium buildup.
Another water softening system includes the reverse osmosis method where fine filters force water molecules through the system but keeps pollutants behind. This system is usually more expensive. Check with local Utah water softener companies to gain more information.