Hard water is one of the big problems in the U.S. It has a lot of negative effects on home appliances, plumbing systems, laundry, hair, and skin. To solve these problems, you need to buy the best salt for water softeners. That’s why we are going to discuss about top 10 best water softener salts. We believe our buying guide will help you to select the best salt for your water softening system. Keep reading our reviews and buying guide to pick the best one for the brine tank of your water softener.
Morton Clean and Protect II Salt Pellets
Product Information
- Dimensions: 12X10X18 inches
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Specialty: Cleans the resin properly and improves its efficiency
Morton clean and protect II is a very popular water softener salt by customer reviews. This salt produces by Morton which is one of the leading water softener salt companies. Morton clean and protect II water softener pellets come with a rating of four stars and it is also the number one seller in the water softener category.
It’s a great water softener salt for its ability to prevent mineral build-up in the brine tank. Some water softener salts create mineral build-up in the brine tank of water softener. But it will never happen if you use this clean and protect II water softener salt.
The clean and protect formula plays a versatile role in the water softener. Morton water softener pellet cleans the system properly and helps to resin bead to work more efficiently.
Many people have a problem of low sodium diet. This water softener salt releases the lowest amount of sodium ion in softened water and it’s one third compared to other common water softener salts in the market. So, don’t worry if you have a low sodium diet.
Morton clean and protect II salt pellets don’t change the actual taste of water. That means you will get pure and natural like water from every tap. This water softener salt pellet also helps to make softer skin and hair.
Keep reading our article until you find the best salt for your water softener you like. Before selecting any product please take a look at specific product’s pros and corns.
Pros
- Cleans the resin properly and helps it to work more effectively.
- Prevents mineral build up in brine tank.
- Improves the taste of water.
- Helps to make softer skin and hair.
- Releases lowest amount of sodium ion in softened water.
Corns
- Little bit costly (due to shipment cost).
Morton F124700000g Rust Defense Water Softener Salt
Product Information
- Dimensions: 19X13X4 inches.
- Weight: 40 lbs.
- Specialty: prevents rust stains on clothes and appliances.
This is the second product on our list that comes with better ratings of 4.5 stars. Morton F124700000g is also the pellet form of water softener salt. It’s a 40lbs pack which is easy to transport.
The Morton F124700000g clean and protect plus rust defense water softener salt is great for the water with high iron. This water softener pellet is very effective to prevent rust stains on laundry and other appliances.
The Morton clean and protect with rust defense is easy to carry, open and pour for its special bag features. You can carry this salt bag more comfortably by using its plastic handle.
For a better experience, you can use this best salt for water softener.
Pros
- Helps to prevent rust stains in the kitchen and bathroom.
- It can also prevent scale build-up in plumbing pipes and water heating appliances.
- Good packaging system and easy to carry.
- Very effective for high iron contaminated water.
- Better consumer experiences.
Corns
- Some users claim that the bag is too heavy to carry.
- Price is a little bit higher.
Read related article on good housekeeping water softeners
Morton Pure and Natural Salt for Water Softeners
Product Information
- Dimensions: 12X3.5X25 inches
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Specialty: Releases less sodium in softened water
If you don’t like our previous products for its pellet form, you can read about Morton pure and natural water softener salt. This salt comes in crystal form. These crystals work well and ensure the longevity of your water softening system.
Water softener salt plays an important role in the softening system. These high purified crystals will soften your water effectively and prevent scale build-up in the plumbing system. It will relieve you of many other problems like scale build-up in boiler and water heaters.
The bag contains 40 lbs high purified crystals and you can use it for all salt-based water softener systems. Some water softener salt releases much sodium ion in softened water and it affects the diet system. Your hair and skin also can be effected by hard water. Stay calm, you will never face these problems when you use Morton pure and natural water softener crystals.
These water softener crystals help soaps and detergents to work more efficiently. You can try this pure and natural salt for spot-free and shiny dishes, fixtures, and appliances.
Pros
- High purified sodium chloride.
- Less rust in water bathroom and heating appliances.
- Improve soap and detergent efficiency.
- Softer hair and skin.
Corns
- Some customers claim that the salt is overpriced.
Cargill 7304 Water Softener Salt
Product Information
- Dimensions: 3.8X16X24 inches
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Specialty: This cleaner and purer crystals prevent salt bridge and extend the lifetime of the water softener system.
The Cargill 7304 salt for water softener comes with 4-star ratings from Amazon customer reviews. This water softener salt is more efficient than usual rock salt. It is 40 lbs poly-bagged pack and labeled as solar naturals salt crystals.
This solar natural water softener salt comes in a two-handled plastic bag which is easy to carry and pour into the brine tank. Also, some peoples use it for meat processing for its pure quality.
Pros
- More cleaner and efficient than rock salt.
- Two-handled poly-bagged pack.
- Moisture protective packaging.
- Versatile salt.
Corns
- Some users claim that it’s too pricey.
- Some also reported that it is not as effective as Morton’s salt.
Diamond Crystal Iron Fighter Pellets Bag
Product Information
- Dimensions: 4X16X24 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Specialty: Very effective for high iron contaminated water and prevents rust stains and builds up in plumbing pipe or softening system.
Diamond crystal iron fighter pellets are different from regular type salt. It’s specially designed for fighting against high iron contaminated well water. The additives of these pellets are very effective to clean iron and hard mineral ions from resin beads.
It’s also awesome salt for the water softener to prevent rust stains. Don’t worry about additives. Additives are FDA approved and not harmful to us.
This salt is 100% water-soluble that prevents bridging and other builds up in the brine tank. The diamond iron fighter pellets come in the patented two-handled bag that is easy to lift and carry.
Pros
- 99.6% pure evaporated sodium chloride pellets.
- Designed for high iron contaminated water
- Almost hundred percent water-soluble .
- Containing additives prevent mushing, bridging, and rust build-up in the brine tank.
- FDA approved additives.
- Patented two-handled bag for easy carrying.
Corns
- No NSF certification.
- Although additives are FDA approved many people don’t like it.
Read also the best water softeners to remove iron
Diamond Crystal Water Softener Salt (potassium chloride)
Product Information
- Dimensions: 4.2X16X24 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Specialty: It is potassium chloride crystal salt which is better than conventional sodium chloride salt.
It is potassium chloride made crystals which are environment, health, and appliances friendly alternative salt for water softener. Diamond crystals are also famous for its purity and effectiveness. This water softener crystal prevents scale build-up in pipe and soap scum on skin and hair.
Potassium is better alternative salt for the plants and persons who have a low sodium diet. If you have a garden then you need excess sodium-free water for watering the plants. Potassium is also beneficial for both humans and plants. Potassium chloride is known as higher quality salt.
You can this water softener for any salt-based water softener. Diamond crystal water softener salt is 99.6% pure potassium chloride salt that can remove hardness without compromising taste, health, and environmental issues.
This salt comes in 50% recycled material bag with an easy-grip handle. It is also an NSF certified salt for standard drinking water.
Pros
- 99.1% pure potassium chloride salt.
- Not harmful to animals, plants, and environment.
- Extend the lifetime of the softening system, pipes, and appliances.
- Good for sensitive skin.
- NSF certified.
Corns
- Price is little bit high.
- Many consumers claim that the bag doesn’t last as long as the sodium chloride bag.
Diamond Crystal Bright & Soft Salt Pellets Bag
Product Information
- Dimensions: 20X14X4 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Specialty: It’s 99.8 percent pure and 100% water-soluble. It enhances the efficiency of resin beads and overall water softening ability.
Diamond crystal bright and soft pellet is a versatile salt for water softeners. You can use it in any salt-based water softener. This salt pellet is 99.8% pure which makes it very effective. This salt is very effective to clean the resin beads and performs better in the regeneration period. These salt pellets are specially designed for preventing salt bridge and mush. In this way, it helps to extend the lifetime and softening ability of water softener.
Diamond crystal bright and soft pellet is almost 100 percent water-soluble for the purity of 99.8%. It helps the resin beads to regenerate at a fast rate and improves the ability of removing calcium and magnesium.
This water softening salt helps to keep the laundry, hair, and skin soft and bright. It also keeps the home appliances stain free.
Diamond crystal bright and soft pellets come in a two-handled bag which is easy to lift and pour out.
Pros
- 100 percent water-soluble
- Prevents salt bridge in brine tank
- Environment-friendly packaging
Nature’s Own Potassium Chloride Solution
Product Information
- Dimensions: 6X40X14 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Specialty: Very effective at cleaning water softener resin bed and not harmful for humans and the environment.
Nature’s own potassium chloride solution is a great alternative for the person who has a low sodium diet. Some people also concern about the bad effects of excess sodium in drinking water. They look for products that are not harmful to the health and environment and this water softener salt is for them.
Potassium chloride is considered a healthier option than sodium chloride. Some experts say that, water with excess sodium ion can increase the risk of kidney diseases though there is no strong evidence. But most of the people know that potassium chloride is better than sodium chloride for the environment.
The salt comes in a smart bag and it contains 40 lbs of potassium chloride. It is a healthier alternative but it will increase your cost.
Pros
- Potassium-rich water is better for both human and plants.
- 40 lbs pack which is perfect for most of the family.
- Improves the efficiency of the water softener system.
- Cleans the resin beads properly.
Corns
- Not for everyone because it’s costly
Morton Potassium Chloride Pellets for Water Softeners
Product Information
- Dimensions: Not provided.
- Weight: 40 pounds.
- Specialty: It’s 99% sodium-free water softener salt that improves the efficiency of the water softener system.
This is the fourth product on our list comes from Morton. Morton is the leader in this sector that’s why we listed so many products from Morton. This time it’s alternative potassium chloride which is the best salt for water softeners. Morton potassium chloride pellets are for those who want to enjoy sodium-free drinking water.
First, it discharges 20% less chloride compared to sodium chloride salt and you can regenerate your water softener system by using less water. The Morton potassium chloride pellets are 99% pure that ensure great performance. These pellets also add a sufficient amount of potassium in drinking water and which is an important mineral for both animals and plants.
Morton potassium chloride pellets come in 40 lbs standard bag. It’s better but it cost you much.
Pros
- Cleans the resin bed properly and enhances the softening capacity.
- 99% pure potassium chloride.
- Sodium-free softened water.
- Health and environment friendly.
- Improves the taste of water and better for plants.
Corns
- Little bit costly.
Impresa salt for water Softeners/Dishwasher
Product Information
- Dimensions: 6X4X4 inches
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Specialty: 100 percent pure versatile potassium chloride salt that can be used for dishwashing or water softening.
It is the smallest package in our reviews on the best salt for water softeners. This salt is produced by Impresa which is a San-Francisco based company in the USA. This salt is almost 100 percent pure sodium chloride. There is no caking compound, iodine, or any other additives. You can use this salt for softening water or removing hard water stain from dishes.
This water softener salt comes in 4.4 pounds pack. The Impresa water softener salt is very effective to clean the resin beads properly. It’s also quite capable to clean hard water residue on dishes or appliances. You can enjoy watermark or residue-free cleaning in every wash.
Pros
- Pure and natural sodium chloride salt pellets.
- No additives in the salt.
- Lighter package for convenient use.
- Universally compatible.
- Manufactured in the USA.
Corns
- This water softener salt is not perfect for all types of water softener systems. It’s good as a dishwasher.
Best Salt for Water Softeners: Buying Guide
Now you know about the best salt for water softeners on the market. You can choose from them according to your choice or need but you should know some important information before buying any salt for your water softener. We will describe all factors that you should know. First, take a look at the role of water softener salt in a softening system.
What Does Water Softener Salt Do?
Water softener salt doesn’t remove the hardness of water but it’s must needed element for softening water. Let’s find out in detail-
There are two types of water softeners on the market: i) Salt-free and ii) salt-based. The salt-free water softener system doesn’t use salt, so there is no question about salt. But salt-based water softeners use the ion-exchange method and salt is essential for them. The hardness ions that make water hard- are exchanged for salt ions. A water softener will not soften water without adding salt in its brine tank.
The resin beads in the water softener tank are covered in salt ions. When water flows through the resin beads the hard mineral ions displace the salt ions (sodium or potassium) and take places there. After using a certain amount of water the resin beads need to regenerate themselves. That’s the time the salt plays its role. The salt ions recharge the resin beads. The regeneration system produces wastewater that runs out through the drainage line of water softener.
Types of Water Softener Salt
All types of water softener will not be perfect for your water softener system. That’s the reason you need to understand the differences between them. Let’s know about some main types of water softener salt-
You will find mainly two types of water softener salt on the market that can you use for your water softener.
- Sodium chloride salt
- Potassium chloride salt
Sodium Chloride Salt
Sodium chloride salt comes in three forms on the market – pellets, block, and crystal. It is the most commonly used water softener salt and less expensive than potassium chloride. If you like to use sodium chloride salt for your water softener then you have four options to choose salt between them.
i. Rock Salt
ii. Block Salt
Block salt should not so popular for use in the water softener. If your plumber recommends it, then you should raise the water level of the brine tank to fully submerge the block.
iii. Solar Salt
Solar salt is known as sea salt. Solar salt is the result of seawater evaporation. It’s much more soluble and pure than rock salt but less than evaporated salt (discussed in the next step). The manufacturers collect the dried sea salt and make it usable for water softener. It’s most popular water softener salt and purity level is 99.6 percent.
You will find different types of solar salt on the market – namely pellets, crystal, tablet, etc. Pellets are the most commonly used form of this salt.
iv. Evaporated Softener Salt
You can expect highest purity from it. Evaporate salt is the result of the reduction of raw salt crystals. After the reduction process the salt is dried with heaters to eliminate excess moisture.
Evaporated salt is 100% pure and it’s using for many purposes. We recommend it as the best salt for water softener. This salt is almost hundred percent soluble that prevents bridging, mushing, or unexpected build-up at the bottom of the brine tank.
This salt usually comes in pellet or crystal form and very effective at softening water.
Potassium Chloride Softener Salt
Potassium chloride is an alternative salt for using in brine tank of water softener system. You can use it in the place of sodium chloride salt to regenerate water softeners resin beads. In fact, it is an advanced option and a better choice to soften water. Some people have a fear of sodium chloride intake. Some also have health problems and they want to reduce their daily sodium intake. Potassium chloride is the alternative water softener salt for their water softener.
Potassium chloride is a better choice for many other reasons. Some salts form salt-bridge in a brine tank that harms the softening system and reduces the quality of softened water. If you use potassium chloride salt you will never face these problems. Excess sodium is also harmful to pets and plants. On the other hand, Potassium chloride is useful for both pets and plants.
Some studies show that alternative potassium using in water softener can reduce the negative effects of excess sodium on health.
Salt Crystals Instead of Pellets: Which is better?
When it comes to buying softener salt you may be hesitant to think that which salt will be better for your water softener. To dispel your confusion, we have added the “crystals vs pellets” part in our buying guide of the best salt for water softeners. Keep reading our buying guide to know about crystals and pellets and select the appropriate one for your water softener.
Softener Crystals for Water softeners
Softener crystals are produced through the solar evaporation process. This salt is almost 99.6% pure sodium chloride and you can expect that your salt comes from nature.
Softener crystals are a great choice for those families that has lower-than-average water usage or has more than one water softening system at their home. Using crystals with high water usage can cause salt bridge in the brine tank.
Softener Pellets for Water Softeners
Softener pellets are great for those who need high water usage at home. Salt pellets are very effective to reduce salt bridges and mashing. It is the best choice for high water users or all-in-one tank users.
Some manufacturers use citric acid in the composition of pellets. Citric acid is the cleaning agent and it can protect your softener system, appliances, and plumbing system from mineral build-up.
Best Salt for Water Softeners: Factors to be Considered before Buying
You have a water softener that means not you must need salt for it. First make sure that it is a salt-based water softening system and then buy salt for it. Some people make a mistake when buying salt without considering important factors. To avoid this mistake, here are some factors that you should consider before buying salt for your water softener.
i. Type of Salt
You will find different types of salt on the market but select the best salt for your water softener. You should select the appropriate one from different forms (pellets, crystals, tablets, etc) and compositions (Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or additives). Salt type selection also depends on the quality of water and daily water usage.
For example, High iron contaminated water needs special salt (with additives) that can clean iron properly from resin beads. For high water usage you can buy pellet form of sodium chloride. Crystal form is the perfect salt for small families and low water usage.
ii. Budget
Budget plays a very important role when we buy any product. Actually, it’s the most important factor that we take into consideration even though it’s not good practice. We should refrain from buying substandard products to save money because it can lead to unexpected expenses in the future. Always buy the product that gives the best value for money.
iii. Performance
Here’s the section you should not compromise. If you have a salt-based water softener system then don’t forget to buy the purest salt for it. Evaporated salt is highly purified and most effective at cleaning resin beads.
iv. Taste
Taste is an important issue that should be considered. If you don’t like tad saltier water then you should use potassium chloride salt for softening system. Potassium chloride is less salty than sodium chloride and also good for our health.
v. Health
Health is another important issue when buying salt for water softener. Many people using sodium chloride salt in water softener without any problem. The reaction of sodium is different in person to person. Some people have kidney diseases, some also concern about the negative effects of sodium chloride in water. They want to buy a different product that is effective and not harmful to health. We recommend them to buy alternative potassium chloride salt for softening water.
vi. Environment
We are a part of the environment and we should save it for the next generation. We know that potassium is much better for the environment and every conscious person should use it. Sodium rich water can harm the sewerage system as well as the environment. But, price is the matter here. Potassium chloride is a little bit expensive.
Best Salt for Water Softeners: How to Add Salt in Brine Tank?
Your water softener can regenerate itself but adding salt in the brine tank is your duty. If you forget to add salt in your water softeners brine tank then do it as soon as possible. After that, you should regenerate it manually. To do this you will need two 40-pound bags of salt (depends on the grain size of softening system) for your water softener. You can follow these steps-
- Clean the inner parts of your water softeners brine tank properly. Make sure that there is no build-up or other unexpected materials in the brine tank.
- Add softener salt until the tank is half full. We discourage pouring more than two bags of salt at a time though it depends on the size of the softening system.
- Regenerate your softener system manually. You can do it by holding the regeneration button until it starts the process.
N.B. A salt-based water softener can regenerate itself after using a certain amount (gallons) of water but we should do it manually to ensure proper cleaning of the resin beads.
Brine Tank Maintenance Tips
Buying salt and pouring it into the brine tank is not only duty to enjoy soft water. You have to do some work to get soft water regularly. Here are the tips to keep your softening system fit.
- Check the salt level of the brine tank at least twice a month.
- Always maintain the recommended water level in brine tank.
- We recommend keeping the salt level 3/4 inch above the water surface.
- If the salt level goes down, you run the risk of getting unconditioned water.
- Don’t let fall down the salt level under 0ne-fourth of the brine tank
- Check before adding new salt. Break the large pieces before pouring it into the brine tank.
- If the salt bridge is built, it should be broken down manually.
Brine tank management is so easy and you should do it on a routine base. Keep in mind that regularly checking can solve the maximum problems.
Best salt for Water Softeners: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drink Softened Water?
There is a fear that softened water is harmful for us though it’s not real. It’s true that softened water contains much more sodium ions but not enough to harm us. If you have a low sodium diet and want to reduce sodium intake then you can use alternative potassium chloride salt. Potassium chloride is a very effective salt for water softener and we recommend it as higher grade softening salt. You can enjoy softened water without taking any sodium content.
Can I Use Cooking Salt for My Water Softener?
We don’t recommend to use cooking salt though it’s food-grade salt. Cooking salt is made of crystals and it’s too smaller than regular water softener salt. These smaller crystals can form musing and that’s why we don’t recommend it.
Can I mix different types of Salt in water softener?
Of course, you can use several types of salt at the same time. It’s not possible to find the same salt brand when you buy salt for your water softener. You can mix several types of salt and they will work well without causing any issue. Just use quality products and double-check your system after using mixing salt.
What Is The Best Type of Salt for Water Softeners?
Evaporated salt is the best type of salt to use in a water softener. You can use the crystal or pellet form of this salt in the brine tank. Many experts recommend pellet form though it depends on the softening system.
What Brand of Water Softener Salt is the Best?
Morton is a well-known water softener salt brand for its quality. They produce highly reactive water softener salt. You can buy from them for better quality. You can select appropriate other salts after reading their pros and corns.
What to Do When I Forget to Add Salt?
If you forget to add salt in the brine tank, your softener system will not soften water. Just remember, after removing certain grains of hard minerals, the resin beads need regeneration. In the regeneration process, sodium ions (or potassium ion if you use potassium chloride salt) displace the hard mineral ions and take place around the resin beads.
After completing regeneration the resin beads become fully covered by salt ions (sodium or potassium) and then it can soften water again. So, keep the brine tank half-full always.
Best Salt for Water Softeners: Final Words
Now we are at the end of our review. We hope that you will able to select the best salt for water softeners. The information we have provided will also help you to avoid any unexpected issues about your water softener. Don’t forget to consider the pros and cons of all salt we have reviewed before buying.
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