Softener Solutions for Wholehouse

SOFTENING - A 4-STAGE PROCESS

STEP 1
      The body of a water softener is a tank filled with cation resin beads. This is the tall chrome sleeved cylinder with the control head perched on top. The resin beads are covered with sodium ions. As hard water passes through the resin bed, the resin beads act like a magnet, attracting the calcium and magnesium ions (hardness) in exchange for the sodium ions.

STEP 2 
      Eventually the resin beads become saturated with mineral ions and have to be “recharged.” This process is called regeneration, and is conducted by the control valve on the top of the tank. The control valve is the brain of the system and can be set to regenerate based on actual useage (metered) or actuates based on a preset schedule (for example every three days.) Metered valves are typically more expensive, but will provide a more consistent level of softened water than a non-metered valve.

STEP 3 
      During regeneration, a strong brine solution (from the larger tank pictured) is flushed through the resin tank, bathing the resin beads in a stream of sodium ions which replace the accumulated calcium and magnesium ions (hardness).

STEP 4 
      The brine solution, carrying the displaced calcium and magnesium ions, is then flushed down the drain by fresh water. The regenerated beads can be used again and again.