How does a softener work?
A water softener simply exchanges hardness ions (calcium and magnesium) with sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange. This exchange takes place within the media (resin) tank. When water flow through the tank it comes in contact with small resin beads that are covered with sodium ions. As the water flows by the sodium ions they are exchanged with hardness ions. Eventually the beads contain nothing but calcium and magnesium and no sodium. It is at this point that the beads stop softening the water, and it is time for them to be regenerated. Regeneration involves saturating the beads with a high concentration of salt (sodium chloride). The brine displaces all of the hardness ions that have built up on the resin beads with sodium ions. The remaining chlorides, excess brine, and all the calcium and magnesium are flushed out of the tank and it is now once again ready to soften the water. The differences that separate one softener from another are flow rates, tank size, and the type
