The first concern if you own a salt-based water softener is to choose the best water softener salt. The one that not only suits best to the softener but also the water heater, appliances, water pipelines, faucets, laundry, toilets, and washrooms. The taste of the water also depends on the type of water softener salt you use. Also, it will affect your health, your indoor and outdoor plants’ health, and your pet’s health too. So choose wisely.
Best Water Softener Salt of 2021:
While looking for the best type of water softener salt, there are two options for you; sodium chloride or potassium chloride. Sodium chloride based water softener salts are not like table salt. They are manufactured specifically to soften water. It adds a salty taste to the water.
Therefore, it is not the recommended option for people with high blood pressure, kidney, and heart diseases. If you have any of this problem, you can buy potassium chloride instead. It can be a little bit costly than sodium chloride, but the softened water justifies the price. It is 99 percent sodium-free and doesn’t make the water taste salty.
Explore what’s the best water softener salt for your salt-based water softening system below. Keep in mind if the system has a unique requirement regarding salt.
List of Best Water Softener Salts of 2021:
1. Cargill Potassium Chloride Water Softener Salt 100012447
The best-rated water softener salt is a low sodium choice between various water softener salts. Potassium chloride in this salt is 99.1 percent pure. The crystals are low insoluble. So they will not dissolve in your soft water. Also, it will ensure the smooth operations of the water softener. Water supply line, appliances, showers, and dishes will not be salty anymore. See the picture to get an idea of how a pack of it looks like.
Packaging:
High-quality packaging makes it easy to carry and pour into a water softener.
Compatibility:
This best type of water softener salt is suitable for any water softening system. Helps water softener in removing scale buildup. It will improve the efficiency of appliances and the leathering of soap.
Weight:
Item weight is 18.1 kg, while the shipping weight is 18.6 kg.
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2. Morton Rust Defense F124700000g
This best type of water softener salt is specially designed for high iron content. See the picture for how it looks like.
Packaging:
Packaging includes a sturdy plastic handle making it easy to carry, lift, and pour.
Compatibility:
It can remove 15 times more iron than any other water softener salt. It keeps laundry, dishes, appliances, faucets, bathrooms, kitchen, and water pipes free from rust stains. Also, it prevents scale buildup in water heaters and water pipelines.
Weight:
Comes in 40 pounds pack.
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See reviews for all morton water softener salts at a glance here…
3. Morton Potassium Chloride le (Best water softener salt)
Morton reviews this water softener salt as 99 percent sodium-free. The add up of potassium in water helps in the nutrition of humans, plants, and pets too. See the picture to know how the pack looks like.
Compatibility:
The chloride discharge will be 20 percent less than any other sodium chloride water softener salt. It prevents scale buildup from hard water. Improves leather of the soap and makes clothes softer.
Weight:
Comes in the pack of 40 pounds.
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4. Nature’s Own Potassium Solution 38240
These are cubes of potassium that are used to soften the water. It doesn’t add salt into the water.
Compatibility:
The manufacturer guarantees smooth operations of all water softeners with this product. Don’t require a change out very often.
Packaging:
It comes in easy to use highly durable packaging.
Weight:
This product is shipped in a pack of 40 pounds.
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See benefits of having a water softener here…
5. Morton Clean and Protect 1501 water softener salt
It is the best water softener salt to use if you are looking for the old Morton System Saver II. Because the company has updated the name, and the product is still the same. See the picture for how it looks like.
Packaging:
There is an easy-open tab that makes the handling, carrying, and pouring easy.
Compatibility:
Designed to improve efficiency and extend the operational life of water heaters. Also, it prevents mineral buildup in water pipelines, appliances, and faucets.
Weight:
It comes in a pack of 50 pounds.
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6. PRO RUST OUT Water Softener Cleaner
This water softener cleaner has been designed for water supplies that are high in iron content.
Performance:
Whilst doing its job of cleaning the water softener, it also claims to return the softener to its best by improving performance levels. This is great news for people wanting to extend the lifespan of their existing systems.
Ease of use:
Quick and easy to use, the instructions make it clear on what you need to do.
Packaging:
A helpful design with a smart handle, large space to pour out the contents and clear labelling.
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7. Morton U26624S Pure AND Natural Water Softening Crystals
Yet another Morton water softening product makes it onto our list and this one is their Pure and Natural water softening crystals.
Size:
You get a good supply of crystals, coming in a 40lb bag. However, do be aware that is can be heavy and not the easiest to carry.
Features:
As the name suggests, it is a natural product so you don’t need to worry about any harmful contaminants or man-made chemicals finding their way in.
Performance:
Using this Morton water softener will help your soap and detergents to lather better, making your dishes cleaner and helping your skin and hair to feel softer.
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8. Cargill Salt 7304 Water Softener Salt
A slightly different water softening salt from Cargill, as it uses solar salt crystals as opposed to the normal rock salt.
Size:
Another selection that comes in a 40lb bag, so be aware of the weight and required effort to carry/ship it. It does come in a strong bag that protects the crystals inside which is an added bonus.
Performance:
As mentioned above, most water softeners will have rock salt inside but this alternative claims to be more efficient and offer a better clean.
Ease of use:
You can pretty much just start using this straight away as it doesn’t require any channelling or mushing. Furthermore, you can use this for poultry and meat processing if it is needed.
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9. Windsor System Saver II
An affordably and effective water softener salt from Windsor now and its easier to see why this one is a great choice for water softeners.
Performance:
With a purity of 99.7%, it is perfect for those water softeners that deal with hard water. It also helps ensure fast resin regeneration which is a big plus point for anyone who gets frustrated by the regeneration process.
Process:
This salt product uses a formula that cleans resin beads quickly and effectively, improving the performance of water softeners and the subsequent quality of water. There are no harmful chemicals or contaminants in the product either.
Size:
Coming in a 20kg bag, it is an affordable option for most households but can be heavy to carry or ship, so bear that in mind.
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10. Diamond Crystal Iron Fighter Pellets Bag
The final salt product for water softeners is this one from Diamond Crystal and it really does pack a punch.
Perfomance:
It has been designed to work with water supplies that are high in iron, a common problem for city and well water supplies. If you struggle with rust on pipes and faucets then it’s likely you have high iron content in your water.
Features:
This uses salt pellets that contain an additive for extra performance. This will mean your water smells nicer and both your skin and clothes feel softer. Don’t worry about the term additive either, as it is FDA approved.
Design:
The manufacturer has thought about the design too, as the pellets are almost 100% water-soluble and the bag itself is much easier to carry than other products.
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Key Considerations
There are some important factors and key considerations to think about when deciding which salt product is best. You want to get the most efficient and effective solution within your budget and the only way to do this is to analyse each one against your individual requirements.
Hardness Level
The underlying key factor for any purchase that relates to water softeners or water treatment products, is how hard the water supply is.
This is fundamentally about the density levels of calcium and magnesium ions, as these are replaced by sodium ions in the traditional water softening process. If the density is high, then the water softener will use more salt and as a result, you will need to buy more salt, more often.
There are also different types of salt, with purer ones providing better results and more value for money.
Type of water softener
There are different types of water softening system out there on the market right now, whether that is a salt-based water softener, salt-free, magnetic descaler and more. Clearly, if you don’t use a salt-based one then you don’t need to worry about buying replacement salt.
However, if you do have a salt-based water softener system, then you need to check what type of salt it recommends using. The manufacturer may have designed it to work best with evaporated salt, rock salt, pellets or a solution. It also depends on the water hardness levels that you experience, as well as usage.
Budget
The least popular consideration on any shortlist, but possibly the most important one. It is important to remember that a salt-based water softener does require regularly salt replacements and so you need to build this into your budget.
There are some more expensive options such as purer types of salt that will improve performance. Equally, you can get water softener salt products that are designed specifically for water supplies with high iron content.
When it comes to quantity, the larger the amount it is that you buy, then the cheaper price per kg or lb it will be. So it is good to plan ahead and try to save money by bulk buying.
Maintenance
You will find that some water softeners will see an improved performance or require less maintenance as a result of using higher quality salt. Whilst this does rely on you having the budget to pay for the better products, you may find you save time and money in the long run by doing so.
Some types of softener salt can cause a build-up of salt in the brine tank. This can be a pain because it stops the water softener from working as efficiently as it should, as well as meaning you need to manually break up the salt build-up.
Taste
This should be a fairly obvious consideration for anyone purchasing salt for their water softener, but using sodium chlorine means that you are adding salt to the water and may well notice a taste difference. One way to get around this is ensuring you use a good quality product or find ones with positive customer reviews about the taste of the water supply. The type of salt used will also make a difference to the ultimate quality of the water.
Softener Sodium Chloride vs. Softener Potassium Chloride
It may seem like a complicated process, choosing the right type of salt for your water softener. However, we believe when explained properly it is quite simple for you to choose the most effective and suitable for your needs. The first main question to ask is whether to go for sodium chloride, known as salt, or potassium chloride. We’ve compared the two types below:
Sodium Chloride (Salt)
You will find that sodium chloride comes in four traditional ways – crystals, rock salt, block salt and salt pellets. These are the most common types of sodium chloride on the market and we’ve summarised each of those types below:
Salt Crystals
These are created via a process of evaporation, exposing salt, brine and water to the wind which in turn, removes any remaining water. You will notice that these look like larger white chunks of salt. They are not always the best type of salt for busier households with high levels of hard water.
Rock Salt
Another common type of salt, these larger rock and pebble-shaped blocks are possible the cheapest option out there but they don’t dissolve well and can cause residue and a build-up in the resin tank. Rock salt will be stocked by almost every store and might be the best salt for water softeners if you’re concerned about availability.
Block Salt
A less common option and one that isn’t always recommended, unless you’ve spoken with a plumber or the manufacturer. One key point for block salt is to make sure that the water level in the brine tank is high enough to submerge the block salt.
Salt Pellets
Salt pellets will normally be classed as evaporated salt pellets or solar salt pellets and they are both made via evaporation. They are normally the highest level of purity for any type of salt for water softeners but can struggle with some very hard water supplies.
Potassium Chloride
The alternative to the traditional salt for your brine tank. The key point with potassium chloride is that it is almost entirely sodium-free, so perfect for those who don’t wish to add sodium to their diet. Whilst in some circumstances it is the best option, it is also harder to find and will often be more expensive. This means it is likely to not be the best choice for many customers.
Softener Crystals vs. Pellets
You may not have realised the importance of choosing between salt crystals and salt pellets before researching water softeners but it is important to choose the right one. This is primarily based on the type of water softener you have, household usage and quality of water. We explain both types below:
Crystals
These are made via evaporation when salt, brine and water is mixed together and exposed to the wind which draws out all of the water. They are easy to spot by the white crystal texture they turn in to. Softener crystals are often recommended for households who don’t use a lot of water as there is a tendency for a build-up in the brine tank if you use a lot of water.
Pellets
The opposite of crystals, these are designed for those households that have a higher usage level, as well as people that have large all-in-one water softener systems. Most manufacturers also add in certain chemicals or additives to provide added protection to appliances and plumbing. These additives help boost the performance of the water softener.
Brine Tank Maintenance
This is possibly the least fun aspect of water softeners but fortunately, most systems on the market are relatively easy to maintain. It is all about making sure the brine tank is working well and is in the best condition possible. You should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines but we’ve put together some simple tips and tricks that will help you manage your water system:
- Regularly check the brine tank and check the level of salt. This should be done approximately once per month, but more if you live in a high usage household.
- Ideally, you need to make sure that the salt level in the brine tank remains at least 4 inches above the water level but at least 4 inches below the top of the brine tank
- A good rule is to add in salt every time the system regenerates
- Before you add any extra salt to the brine tank, make sure you have loosened up any salt that has crusted over or break up larger pieces
- If you spot bridging, which is salt forming together into a single mass then you need to pour hot water over it and make sure the salt bridging is broken up.
Does my water softener need more salt?
There are some easy signs to tell whether your water softener needs more salt put in it. You may not notice it normally but it’s a good habit to look out for signs, or simply make sure you monitor it and check at least every month if not more.
It is also dependant on how big your water softener is and the size of the brine tank within. If you go through a lot of water and salt, as a result of the type of softener or simply you are a high usage household, you will need to learn to monitor your system regularly. Here are some of the tell-tale signs that you need more salt:
Salt levels are low
The most obvious and the quickest way to check whether you need to replace the salt in your brine tank is to look! If you open the lid and can see that the salt levels have dropped below halfway, or less than 4 inches above the water, then you should add some salt. In an ideal world, make sure that you don’t let your salt levels drop below one quarter if you want it to work efficiently and last a long period of time.
You have an old water softener
If you have an older water softener then it is likely to be less efficient than the newer models that are on the market right now. This a mixture of new systems using newer, more efficient technology that exchanges ions better.
In an ideal world, you should invest in a new water softener when you see the old one losing performance or requiring more frequent top-ups of salt.
You spot bridging in your brine tank
As mentioned a few times in this article, bridging is when salt forms into a single mass and can be a nightmare for brine tanks. If you spot this from happening then you should break it up as it is blocking the water softener from dissolving the salt, in turn creating sodium ions that are used to replace calcium and magnesium ions.
Summary
Thank you for taking the time to read our review on the best salt for water softeners and we hope it has helped to find the right solution for your individual needs. It is always important to understand what options there are and the fundamental factors that you must consider when making a purchasing decision.
Should you require a brand new water softener, as well as salt then explore our other pages now which have some fantastic product reviews and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of salt for water softeners?
Cargill Potassium Chloride is the best water softener salt. It is low on sodium besides other water softener salts. It uses 99.1 percent pure potassium chloride. The crystals do not dissolve in water so they last longer. There will be no frequent salt refills required.
Who makes the best water softener salt?
Morton makes the best water softener salt. It presents you with Morton Rust Defense, Morton Clean and Protect, and Morton Potassium Chloride water softener salts. The first is for high iron, second for average usage, and last one for people who don’t like the taste of salt in water.
What is the best water softener iron removal salt?
If you have high iron content in water, Morton Rust Defense will prove to be the best water softener salt for you. It is able to remove iron up to 15 times more than any other water softener salt. It will also remove rust stains from your kitchen, washroom, plumbing, and appliances.
Can I mix the types of salt?
Yes, the quick answer is if necessary, you can use multiple types of salt in your water softener. It may be the shops have run out or another type is on offer, but do just check what types your system says it can take and stick to those guidelines to minimise the chance of any problems occurring.
How much do I need to spend?
This is a tough one to answer because it very much depends on the type of salt you need to buy and the type of water softener you use. Perhaps you need to buy a potassium chloride softener as opposed to the traditional salt? Likewise, you may simply need rock salt for your softener in which case you can go for the more cost-effective solutions. One top tip is to make sure you buy in bulk wherever possible.
If you are looking for the best water softener, we have got you covered!
So what’s the water softener salt you are going to buy? Share your experience with us. That will also help others in making their decision on the best water softener salt.
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