The main component of water softener salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), but its purity and additives differ significantly from those of edible salt or industrial salt. Here is a detailed breakdown:

1. Core Composition

• High-purity sodium chloride (≥99.5%).

• Impurities (such as heavy metals and insoluble substances) must be removed to prevent clogging the resin bed of the water softener or damaging the equipment.

2. Common Forms and Characteristics

3. Key Additives and Their Functions

• Anti-caking agents (e.g., food-grade sodium ferrocyanide): Prevent salt from clumping in humid environments, ensuring smooth dissolution.

• Citric acid: Helps remove iron ion contamination from the resin, extending its lifespan.

• Specialized additives: Some brands include scale inhibition components to improve water scale prevention.

4. Comparison with Other Salts

5. Selection Criteria

• Prioritize purity: Look for "designed for water softeners" with sodium chloride content ≥99.5%.

• No additives: Avoid salts containing iodine, sulfur, or other chemicals.

• Match the form: Choose pellet or tablet salt according to the softener model (refer to the equipment manual).

Precautions

❌ Do not use edible salt: Iodine and additives can poison and deactivate the resin.
❌ Do not use industrial salt: Impurities and heavy metals can cause permanent damage to the equipment.
✅ Clean the brine tank regularly: Prevent residue buildup; annual cleaning is recommended.

In summary, water softener salt is essentially high-purity sodium chloride. It is processed into specific forms with controlled dissolution rates to ensure safe and efficient regeneration of the water softener resin, making it an indispensable "regenerative blood" for water softening systems.