The required size of the water softener depends on several factors. A water softener can be 65% efficient. There are different types of water softeners available on the market. Read the article below to know about the factors that affect the size of a water softener:
Factors to Consider
The hardness of the water: You should test your water to know its hardness. Hardness refers to the level of minerals in the water. The concentration of minerals like Calcium and Magnesium can affect the size of the water softener needed.
The hardness of water also depends on its source. If you are using well water, it might have a certain level of iron content. According to a usual estimate, if your well water has a hardness of 10 grams per gallon (GPG), it contains 1 part per million (ppm) of iron.
The more people living in the house, the more water will be used, and the larger the water softener should be. Generally, four people in a household use almost three hundred gallons of water per day.
The efficiency of your water softener also affects its required size. Generally, water softeners are deemed 65% efficient.
The type of water usage by a family affects its water consumption. It involves activities such as laundry, showering, and cooking. You may have to increase the size of the water softener according to the water usage or demand.
How to Measure Water Hardness?
Water hardness can be measured by using a test kit. You can locally test your water, or you can send water samples to a lab for testing and analysis.
You can contact a water testing professional for a detailed water analysis. Just look up the water hardness levels for your area. Local water utility provides annual water reports. Water reports can give you an estimate of the water quality in your area.
Choosing the Right Size Water Softener
You can use the following formulas to determine the appropriate size of a water softener:
Hardness: 10 GPU plus 1 ppm of iron = 13 (10 plus 3 to compensate for the 1 ppm of iron present) GPG hardness (compensated for iron)
Daily water use 4 People X 75 Gallons per day (industry standard) = 300 gallons per day.
Daily Softening Requirement = 13 grains per gallon X 300 gallons per day = 3900 grains per day.
Water Softener Efficiency= 65%
Water Softener Size= 3900 X 7 = 27,300/- grains
Efficient Water Softener Size=27,300/.65 = 42,000 grains
There are different types of water softeners available on the market. You can find salt-based water softeners for your household. Salt-free water softeners do not use salt to remove minerals from water.
Magnetic water softeners use magnetic fields to alter the properties of hard water minerals. Electronic water softeners use electronic impulses to alter the properties of hard water minerals.
Consider the capacity ratings of your water softeners. The water flow of your water softeners also varies. Tips for selecting a water softener that is the right size for your household.
Conclusion | What Size Water Softener Do I Need?
The size of the water softeners you need depends on the existing water quality in your area. You can locally test your water, or you can send samples to professionals. Water professionals can help solve your problems. A good water softener can help solve a lot of problems.