why is salt needed for a water softener?

The salt is used to make brine to flush clean, or 'regenerate', the resin beads.

Always use a high purity salt product specifically designed for use in water softeners. Fine cooking or table salt could interfere with the performance of the softener, whilst coarse sea or rock salt may contain impurities.

It is particularly important to use an 'ion-exchange' water softener - that is one that uses salt to cleanse the resin which captures the hardness minerals. Devices claiming to use magnetic or electrical forces may be cheaper, but will not remove the hardness.

Where can you buy an ion-exchange water softener? In hard water areas, most Builders & Plumbers Merchants and D-I-Y stores should be able to help. Alternatively, you can search on one of the directories below for a dedicated local supplier who may also be able to install the unit.

www.yell.com                 www.thomson-directories.co.uk

But remember - insist on an 'ion-exchange' unit using salt.