Water Softener Salt Pellets vs Salt Crystals: Which is better for you?

You have hard water and you are wondering if the salt pellets or crystals that your softener uses will provide a better experience for you. What if there was a way to make your home more eco-friendly? Choosing the right type of water softener pellet or crystal can be confusing because some say that one works better than another.

There’s no point in making a decision that could potentially make your water too soft. This article will introduce what both types of salts do, how they work on tap water differently and why one is better than the other.

Water Softener Salt Pellets

Water softener salt pellets are a recommended choice for use with all-in-one and square or narrow brine tanks. The rounded shape of the pellet means less surface area which prevents clumping, making it a cleaner alternative to standard salt types.

Salt pellets do not dissolve completely; there is a very small amount of the pellet that does not dissolve in water and will settle to the bottom of the brine tank. Over time, this can build up and become a block.

The more expensive water softener salt pellet is used in one-piece tanks, not all-in-one tanks. Because it doesn’t dissolve as fully as other salts, there’s always going to be some leftover sediment at the bottom of your tank–although it won’t be nearly as bad as if you were using regular table salt!

“Silica Crystal” water softener resins are used for high iron removal and can increase the pH of acidic water. If you have one of these systems in your home, we don’t recommend using any products containing phosphate in your area; this includes water softener pellets!

Water Softener Salt Crystals

Salt crystals are a great choice for water softeners because they are very pure and dissolve completely. They also require less processing, which keeps their overall cost down. Additionally, salt pellets often get stuck in valves or settle at the bottom of tanks, but salt crystals will not have this problem. Because they dissolve better, you’ll need to add less salt to your softener each time you refill it. Finally, salt crystals are typically less expensive than pellets.

Why bother about minerals in your tap water?

Minerals in your water can have a big impact on your daily life. Hard water, for example, can cause plumbing issues as well as make cleaning agents less effective. This can lead to yellowing or stained laundry and dishes, among other problems. It’s also hard on the skin, making house cleaning a chore and rinsing residue more challenging.

Dissolved minerals like iron and magnesium can cause even bigger problems by generating scale accumulation in the water pipes. Over time, this can reduce the effectiveness of your taps and appliances- causing damage that could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair.

Water softeners are one way to combat these issues by removing minerals from hard water before it enters your home. softened water is good for the skin and hair, making it easier to get clean! Not to mention, it’ll save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs to your plumbing and appliances.

Why the Right Salt Matters for your Water Treatment

Salt Pellets

Pure sodium chloride crystals are ground down to make salt pellets. Pellets dissolve easily in water and don’t clog, stick together, or leave any residue behind. This means that your water softener won’t need to be fixed as often. This kind is also the most expensive because it goes through more steps to clean it.

Salt pellets are available in pellet form, making them more cost-effective. They also have the added benefit of improving performance for hard water softening systems. The salt pellets are thought to be the purest form of salt and provide a solution for users looking for all-in-one softening devices, or heavy water usage as well as an outstanding solution for those trying to prevent bridging and mushing within the brine tank.

Salt pellets and citric acid-added salt pellets are the best solutions for long-term protection needs. Citric acid is typically added to salt pellet solutions as a longer-term solution because it does not leave any residue in your tank

Salt Crystals

Salt crystals and salt pellets are the same things, but crystal salt is less processed and therefore cheaper. When considering the amount of bags required for a water softener per year, hardening with crystal salt is much more cost-effective. Salt crystals are a type of water softener additive that can be used in homes with a 2-part system in place for water softening. The two tanks and one filter setup are the most common configuration for this, and salt crystals are the best option for this type of system.

Salt crystals are created through the evaporation of water and salt. The mixture is processed into a product, and the end result is these beautiful crystals. They are made up of sodium chloride, brine, and water that has been evaporated by the wind.

What’s the difference between water softener pellets in water softener crystals?

You may be wondering what the difference between water softener pellets and crystals is. Both can be used in water softeners, but they each have their own pros and cons.

Pellets keep the water softener’s brine tank from getting muddy or clogged. Recommended for people who have all-in-one water softening systems to make sure that bridging doesn’t stop water from moving through the tank. It’s also a good idea for people who use a lot of water. If you have a two-part water softening unit, you should use salt crystals. Use if you use less water each month.

When looking at the type of salt used in a water softener, it’s important to take into account the problems that occurred due to using a particular type of salt. For example, if you’ve had trouble with residue building up inside your softener tank, then crystal salts may not be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more effective way to soften your water, then purer pellets may be a better choice than crystal salts.

Is it okay to mix water softener salt crystals with pellets?

It is okay to mix water softener salt crystals with pellets. In fact, the manufacturer recommends it! When you use pellets and crystals together, it prevents the salt from hardening around the resin tank and getting stuck in its current position. This way, your water softener can continue to operate correctly.

How to Choose the Right Type of Water Softener Salt

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right type of water softener salt. The main thing to consider is the hardness of your water- this will determine what type of salt you need. There are also different types of salts designed for specific water softener systems, so it’s important to talk with your installer about what will work best for you.

If you have a lower water usage, you may not need to use the stronger type of salt. Some people prefer to clean their softeners often and others don’t care as much about cleaning them- it’s really up to you! There are many options for water softener salt, but we do not recommend any pellet-based option. Pellet-style salts bind together and create issues with your water softening system. Clear Water Concepts recommends using coarse or crystal salt when you purchase a water softener.

Are salt pellets or salt crystals better for a water softener?

Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it can be hard to decide which is the best option for you. Let’s take a closer look at each type of salt to see which one comes out on top.

Solar salt is sold in crystal form, but the more expensive pellets are less likely to form bridges. This means that they are less likely to stick together and cause problems in your water softener. Rock salt does not take on a crystal or pellet shape and mainly resembles pellet salt. While it may be less expensive than solar salt, rock salt is not as efficient and will require more salt to achieve the same level of softening.

Also Read: Is Water Softener Salt The Same As Rock Salt

Salt pellets are a more efficient option, requiring less salt to achieve the same level of softening as crystals. They also don’t clump up as much, making them easier to use and maintain. Salt crystals require less maintenance and don’t clump up as much as salt pellets, but they are not as efficient because you need more of them for the same level of softening.

Which type of water softener salt you choose ultimately depends on what is most important to you. If clumps and maintenance are a big concern, then salt crystals may be the better option for you. However, if efficiency is key, then salt pellets are the way to go. No matter what you choose, make sure to properly maintain your salt levels to avoid any problems down the road.

FAQ

Should I use pellets or crystals in my Culligan water softener?

There are two types of salt that can be used in water softeners- pellets and crystals. The Culligan water softener uses one or the other, depending on the model you have. The system will remove hard minerals and metals from the water, making it softer. Softeners are available in two options- pellet or crystal form. The manufacturer of your softener often recommends that you use pallets in the tank.

Salt pellets and salt crystals both work to soften water, so they can be used safely in your softener system. However, they are designed for different systems. Crystals are ideal in a two-part water softener, while Pellet salt is best suited to all-in-one water softeners or medium-to-high water use.

Does it matter what water softener pellets you use?

Yes, it does matter what type of water softener salt pellets you use. If you purchase water softener salt pellets, the best practice is to let the old type of salt drop below the half tank level before switching back for maximum efficiency.

Can I use water softener pellets instead of salt?

Salt pellets are a great alternative to salt crystals for water softening. They are easier for homeowners to handle and last longer. However, it is important to make sure that the salts in pellets do not over-soften your water and that they are safe for consumption as well as appliances.

Mike Spencer

Hi Guys, Mike is a Mechanical Engineer who specializes in Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning. His love for humanity and his profession propels him to share useful and factual Information on this blog.