Quick answer
Choose rock salt for low cost, solar salt for mid-range purity, or evaporated salt for the least tank residue. Match the type to your water hardness and budget.
Key takeaways
- Choose rock salt for low cost, solar salt for mid-range purity, or evaporated salt for the least tank residue. Match the type to your water hardness and budget.
- Solar salt comes from evaporated seawater in open ponds.
- Evaporated salt is mined and refined to high purity.
- Keep salt level above the water line in the tank.
Rock Salt
Rock salt is the cheapest option. It often contains more insoluble minerals. Those minerals settle as sediment in the brine tank. You may need to clean the tank more often. Fine for moderately hard water on a tight budget.
Solar Salt
Solar salt comes from evaporated seawater in open ponds. It is purer than rock salt with less sediment. Pellet and crystal forms dissolve steadily. A solid mid-range pick for most household softeners.
Evaporated Salt
Evaporated salt is mined and refined to high purity. It leaves the least residue in the tank and suits very hard water. It costs the most but cuts cleaning cycles and keeps valves cleaner.
Tank Maintenance
Keep salt level above the water line in the tank. Break up bridges if a hard crust forms on top. Use only salt labeled for water softeners. Do not use road de-icer or iodized table salt in the system.
Step-by-Step
- Test water hardness
Use a test kit or utility report. Very hard water benefits from purer evaporated salt.
- Pick salt type
Match rock, solar, or evaporated salt to your budget and how often you want to clean the tank.
- Fill the brine tank
Pour salt to the fill line. Do not overfill. Leave room for brine to form.
- Set regeneration
Program the softener per your manual based on hardness and household size.
- Inspect monthly
Check for salt bridges, low level, or mush at the bottom. Break bridges with a broom handle, not sharp metal.