I. What is the Purpose of Water Softener Salt?

Core Answer: Water softener salt acts as the "regenerant" or "lifeblood" of a water softener. It is used to restore the softening capacity of the softener's core component (the ion exchange resin). It does not directly purify the water itself.

You can understand its workflow like this:

• How a Softener Works: The softener tank is filled with ion exchange resin. This resin acts like a magnet, "adsorbing" the scale-causing calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) from the water.

• Resin Saturation: Once the resin has adsorbed a sufficient amount of calcium and magnesium ions, it becomes saturated and can no longer soften water. At this point, it needs to be "regenerated."

• Role of Softener Salt: Water softener salt (primarily composed of Sodium Chloride, NaCl) is used during this regeneration stage. It dissolves in the brine tank to form a concentrated brine solution. This brine flows through the saturated resin and uses the sodium ions (Na⁺) from the salt to "displace" the adsorbed calcium and magnesium ions from the resin, which are then flushed away as wastewater.

• Resin Function Restored: This process restores the resin's ability to adsorb calcium and magnesium ions, allowing it to continue providing you with soft water.

Simple Analogy: Think of the water softener as a reusable "absorbent sponge" (the resin). After it soaks up a lot of "dirty water" (calcium/magnesium ions), you need to clean it with a "cleaning solution" made from softener salt (the concentrated brine) to wring out the dirty water and restore its absorbency.

Ultimate Goal: Through the regenerative action of softener salt, the water softener can continuously provide you with:

• Scale removal, protecting water heaters, pipes, and faucets.

• An enhanced quality of life—smoother skin, softer hair, and softer clothes.

II. Is Water Softener Salt the Same as Industrial Salt?

Absolutely not! These are two completely different concepts. It is strictly forbidden to use industrial salt in a water softener!

Summary:

• Water Softener Salt is the "dedicated consumable" for softeners—high purity, free from harmful impurities, specifically designed for the safe and efficient regeneration of resin.

• Industrial Salt is an "industrial raw material"—low purity, containing various harmful impurities that act like poison to your water softener.

Please Remember: For the health of your family and the longevity of your water softener, only use salt explicitly labeled "For Water Softeners" on the packaging.