Water Softener Salt Frequently Asked Questions

See below for answers to your general questions pertaining to water softening.

Hard water contains naturally occurring minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are not harmful, they can build up over time in pipes, water heaters, appliances, faucets, and showerheads.

Softening your water can help reduce mineral buildup, improve the efficiency of your water heater and household appliances, lower energy costs, and minimize stains and scale on fixtures and surfaces throughout your home. The result is water that works better for you and helps protect your home investment.

To learn a bit more about hard water, watch this short video with our Principal Scientist, Dr. Scott.

Diamond Crystal® Salt - What is Hard Water?

To learn more about the benefits of soft water, watch this short video with our Principal Scientist, Dr. Scott. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMiPrkA6KJk (0:30)

Water softener salt works with your water softener to remove hard water minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, helping provide the benefits of soft water throughout your home.

Most water softener salt is made from either sodium chloride (salt) or potassium chloride, a sodium-free alternative. During the water softening process, the salt helps recharge the system's resin beads so they can continue removing hard water minerals effectively.

Diamond Crystal® offers a variety of water softener salts, including products made with high-purity sodium chloride and a potassium chloride salt alternative, to help keep your water softener operating efficiently and your home protected from the effects of hard water.

For most households, softened water is generally considered safe to drink. During the water softening process, a small amount of sodium or potassium may enter the water, depending on the type of water softener salt used and whether your drinking water passes through the softener.

For most people, these amounts are minimal. However, if you're monitoring your sodium or potassium intake, consider consulting your healthcare provider or using a potassium chloride salt alternative. Many homes also have a kitchen cold-water line that bypasses the water softener, providing unsoftened water for drinking and cooking.

Water softener salt is not intended for people or animals to eat. Accidental exposure to a small amount may not cause issues, but the product should be stored away from pets.

Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water and monitor for any signs of discomfort. If any amount is consumed and you have concerns, or if a large amount is consumed, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

See below for answers to your questions about types of water softener products.

Both sodium chloride and potassium chloride can effectively regenerate many water softeners when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The main difference is what gets added to softened water in trace amounts:

• Sodium chloride adds a small amount of sodium to softened water.
• Potassium chloride adds a small amount of potassium and is often chosen by those looking to reduce sodium intake.

In many homes, softened water is not used for drinking because the kitchen cold-water line bypasses the water softener. If you have dietary restrictions related to sodium or potassium, consult your healthcare provider to determine which option is best for you.

Diamond Crystal® offers a variety of water softener salts designed to meet different household needs, including Bright & Soft® Salt Pellets, Iron Fighter® Salt Pellets, Solar Naturals® Salt Crystals, and Potassium Chloride Salt Alternative. For most homes, we recommend a high-purity salt product and following your water softener manufacturer's recommendations.

Crystals, pellets, and cubes all soften water effectively. The primary difference is their shape and manufacturing process. Pellets and cubes are compressed into larger pieces, while crystals are naturally formed through evaporation. Most water softeners can use any of these forms, but it's best to consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Yes. In most cases, different types of water softener salt can be mixed and used together without issue. However, some water softener manufacturers may recommend a specific type of salt for optimal performance, so always refer to your owner's manual.

Salt blocks are designed for specific water softener systems and salt tanks. They may be used in other systems if they fit properly and can dissolve effectively. Check your water softener owner's manual to confirm compatibility.

Diamond Crystal® Iron Fighter® Salt Pellets are designed to help remove moderate levels of iron from water and reduce rust stains. However, if your water contains high levels of iron, additional treatment may be needed.

For homes with elevated iron levels, consider using a water softener iron-removal cleaner periodically or installing a dedicated iron filtration system. If rust staining persists, we recommend having your water tested to determine the iron concentration and identify the best treatment solution.

Diamond Crystal® Solar Naturals® Salt Crystals can be used in a saltwater pool, but the crystals dissolve more slowly than pool-specific salt products. For best results, we recommend Diamond Crystal® Splash Ready® Pool Salt, which is specially designed to dissolve quickly and support optimal pool performance.

See below for answers to your questions surrounding how to maintain your water softener.

To keep your water softener performing at its best, check the salt level at least once a month and keep the tank at least half full. When needed, add water softener salt, being careful not to overfill the tank.

The amount of salt your household uses will vary based on water hardness, water usage, and your water softener model. Most households use approximately two 40-pound bags every 1-3 months.

For optimal performance, make sure your water softener is set to the correct water hardness level. You can determine your water hardness with a test strip or by contacting your local water provider.

Routine salt tank cleaning is typically not necessary when using high-purity water softener salt. However, if you notice salt buildup, mushing, or bridging, consult your water softener owner's manual for cleaning and maintenance instructions.

If your salt doesn't appear to be dissolving, there are a few common causes:

• Your water softener may be working efficiently. Newer systems use less salt, so usage may be less noticeable.
• Check your system settings. Make sure your water softener is plugged in and operating according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Look for a salt bridge. A salt bridge is a hard crust of salt that prevents salt from reaching the water. Carefully break it up to restore normal operation.
• Check for salt mush. If salt has formed a soft layer at the bottom of the tank, it may need to be cleaned out.

If you're unsure whether your water softener is working properly, test your water with a hard water test strip or consult your water softener owner's manual.

If your water softener seems to be using more salt than usual, there are a few common reasons:

• Your water hardness setting may be too high. Check that your softener is set to the correct hardness level for your home's water.
• Your household may be using more water. Increased water usage means the softener needs to regenerate more often, which uses more salt.
• You recently switched salt types. Crystals, pellets, and cubes all work effectively, but their different shapes can make it appear that one dissolves faster than another.

If you're concerned about salt usage, consult your water softener owner's manual to verify your settings and system operation.

Salt bridges and salt mush can prevent your water softener from working properly.

• A salt bridge is a hard crust of salt that forms above the water level, preventing salt from reaching the water and dissolving properly. You can usually break it apart carefully by hand or with a small tool.
• Salt mush is a soft layer of partially dissolved salt that collects at the bottom of the tank and can interfere with normal operation. If this occurs, the tank may need to be cleaned according to your water softener manufacturer's instructions.

If you frequently experience salt bridges or salt mush, consider trying a different type of water softener salt, such as crystals, pellets, or cubes, and refer to your owner's manual for maintenance recommendations.

See below for answering to your questions pertaining to related uses of Diamond Crystal^® water softener salt.

Diamond Crystal^® Solar Naturals® Salt Crystals are suitable to use as an ice melter. Please follow directions on the packaging for appropriate use. We do not recommend other water softener products, such as pellets, for use as an ice melter.