The most common water softening method is called "ion exchange.” Put simply, this type of softening is a process where calcium and magnesium (the minerals that make water hard) ions are exchanged for sodium ions. This exchange takes place in a "resin bed" made up of a tiny bead-like material. The beads have a negative charge and attract and hold positively charged ions such as sodium.

A water softener simply exchanges hardness ions (calcium and magnesium) with sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange. This exchange takes place within the media (resin) tank. When water flow through the tank it comes in contact with small resin beads that are covered with sodium ions. As the water flows by the sodium ions they are exchanged with hardness ions. Eventually the beads contain nothing but calcium and magnesium and no sodium.

The answer is yes! Not only will the ROpure and QT systems work with your water softener, the filters and membrane will last longer too, and over 95% of the sodium that the water softener is putting into the water will be removed, making the water healthier and much better tasting!

Our standard installation is quick and unobtrusive. Once installed, you can forget about it except for adding salt as required. In most cases our standard domestic installation method is suitable for most households. If there are any difficulties we can advise you about this when we carry out the survey. But rest assured ... we usually have a way to get round any problems.

A water softener removes calcium, magnesium, lime, and iron from supply water. By removing these minerals, you eliminate buildup in pipes, on fixtures, and in your RV water heater.

Aqua Pure(the manufacturer of the head) is sold nationwide. Most Aqua Pure dealers stock parts for them. You can also contact us or Aqua Pure directly at their toll free 800 number. Within the warranty period, defective products should be returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. Our tech support is ready to help you with any problems that you may encounter. (Note: the warranty does not cover labor or freight charges.)

Depends on your water usage and hardness level. In a typical household it will regenerate every 2-7 days.

Water softeners work on the principle of "ion exchange". "Ions" are electircally charged atoms or groups of atoms. Tiny beads of plastic (called resin) inside a water softener mineral tank are surrounded by ions of sodium or potassium which have a weak magnetic attraction to the resin. Calcium and/or magnesium ions (hardness) have a stronger magnetic attraction to the resin than the sodium or potassium.

It all depends on the hardness of the raw water. The following table shows the additional amount of sodium consumed by drinking one quart of softened water.

Normal regeneration time is 2 hours. It normally takes place at night time (2:00AM0 when water usage is at a minimum. For a model S100ME (30,000-grain model) 30 gallons of water & 6 lbs of salt are used per regeneration at factory setting.

No. Generally, water softeners can use either. With potassium chloride, you will use more material than with salt. Is it true that salt kills bacteria? I do not want the level of "good" bacteria in my septic system to be affected. VERY high concentrations of salt can kill some bacteria. However, the concentration of salt that is used in a softener is NEVER high enough to kill bacteria in septic systems.

The electronic controller is programmed to know the water softener’s capacity. It uses the softener capacity, the hardness setting and the water usage from the meter to continuously adjust to the customer’s water using habits. The electronic controller is searching for a water usage pattern and may seem to regenerate more frequently or not enough for the first few weeks of installation.

Water softener systems are not designed to improve the healthfulness of water, but rather to decrease dissolved minerals and reduce scaling of pipes and appliances. These systems typically use sodium charged exchange media that releases small amounts of sodium ions and removes minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Filtration systems are designed to specifically remove harmful contaminants and leave in the natural minerals.

The Workplaces (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (ISBN 0717604136) require your employer to provide an adequate supply.

A great deal of research has been done on this subject. According to The Water Quality Association (WQA), water softener regeneration discharge poses no problems to a septic tank or its related leach field. Studies have shown that discharge (waste) does not interfere with the system drain field soil percolation, and in many cases, can actually improve the percolation especially when fine textured soils are involved.

Installation is usually completed within two to five working days of placing your order. If you have a direct feed system (as used with combination boilers) the soft water will start to flow immediately after the first salt recharge. If your water passes through a cold water storage tank and is heated in a hot water cylinder, the softened water will gradually replace the water already stored in the tanks and the effect will be slightly delayed.