What is the difference between a timed & metered softener?
Time Clock The simplest unit operates on a timed basis. Depending upon the hardness of the water supply, the capacity of the softener and the number of people in the residence, the number of days that the unit will operate is calculated. The softener is set when it is installed, to regenerate at, say, 2.00 a.m. at this calculated frequency. To ensure that soft water is always available, the interval between regenerations will be underestimated rather than overestimated. The timer controlled softener will regenerate at the pre-set number of days regardless of the volume of water used. If water usage is low, because, for instance, one or more of the residents is away, there will be significant residual capacity at the time of regeneration, which is arguably wasteful of salt and regeneration water. Similarly, if there is an increase in usage of water, the capacity could be exceeded at the pre-set number of days and the water would go hard towards the end of the cycle. It is also advisable
