Water Softener Product Comparison Chart Definitions

Battery Back-up: 

In the context of water softeners, a battery backup refers to a feature that allows the water softener's control system to continue functioning during a power outage. The control system is responsible for managing key operations such as regeneration cycles, timekeeping, and system settings.

Chlorine Removal: 

Some water softeners come equipped with a pre-filter or a combined water softener and filtration system that removes chlorine before the water reaches the resin bed. This protects the resin and enhances the overall longevity and performance of the water softener.

Chloramine Removal:

Just like chlorine, chloramines can degrade the resin beads in a water softener over time, reducing their effectiveness. The resin beads are essential for the ion exchange process that removes hardness-causing minerals (like calcium and magnesium) from the water. Chloramines can also be corrosive to certain types of plumbing materials, potentially causing damage over time.

Demand Regenerated / Metered:

Demand Regenerated or Metered water softeners are systems that regenerate (clean and recharge) their resin bed based on the actual amount of water used, rather than on a set time schedule.

Factory Programmed:

In the context of water softeners, factory programmed refers to settings or parameters that are pre-configured by the manufacturer before the unit is shipped. These settings control various aspects of the water softener's operation and are typically optimized for general use, making the installation and setup process easier for the user.

Max. Iron Concentration:

Max. Iron Concentration refers to the maximum amount of iron that a water softener or filter can effectively remove.This is an important factor to consider when choosing a system, as it will determine how well it can handle the iron content in your specific water supply.

Max. Service Flow Rate: 

The Max. Service Flow Rate of a water softener refers to the maximum flow rate of water (measured in gallons per minute, GPM) that the system can soften while still effectively removing hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium.

If the flow rate exceeds this maximum limit, the water softener might not be able to treat the water properly, leading to partially softened or even fully hard water passing through. This could happen if multiple water fixtures are used simultaneously in your home, such as running the dishwasher, shower, and washing machine at the same time.

In essence, the Max. Service Flow Rate is an important specification to consider when selecting a water softener, as it needs to match or exceed the peak water demand of your household to ensure continuous soft water.

Max. Softening Capacity:

The Max. Softening Capacity of a water softener refers to the total amount of hardness minerals (like calcium and magnesium) that the system can remove from the water before it needs to regenerate. 

Water hardness is often measured in grains per gallon (GPG). The Max. Softening Capacity tells you how many grains of hardness the softener can handle before the resin bed becomes saturated and needs to be regenerated.

Max. Water Hardness: 

The Max Water Hardness rating of a water softener refers to the highest level of hardness in water (measured in grains per gallon, GPG) that the system can effectively treat. Water hardness is caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium, and the Max Water Hardness rating indicates the maximum concentration of these minerals that the softener is designed to handle.

Water hardness is typically measured in GPG. For example, a water softener with a Max Water Hardness rating of 75 GPG can effectively soften water with hardness levels up to 75 grains per gallon.

Min. Salt Per Regeneration:

The Min. Salt per Regeneration in a water softener refers to the minimum amount of salt required to effectively regenerate the resin bed during the regeneration cycle. Regeneration is the process where the resin beads inside the water softener are "recharged" with sodium ions, allowing them to continue removing hardness minerals (like calcium and magnesium) from the water.

For example if a water softener’s Min. Salt per Regeneration is 6 pounds, it means the system needs at least 6 pounds of salt to perform an effective regeneration cycle. Using less than this amount may result in incomplete regeneration, leading to reduced softening performance.

Min. Water Per Regeneration:

The Min. Water per Regeneration in the context of a water softener refers to the minimum amount of water required to complete the regeneration cycle. Regeneration is the process by which the resin bed inside the softener is flushed and recharged with sodium or potassium ions, restoring its ability to remove hardness minerals (like calcium and magnesium) from the water.

For example if a  water softener has a Min. Water Per Regeneration of 30 gallons, it means that the system needs at least 30 gallons of water to effectively regenerate the resin bed. Using less water could lead to incomplete regeneration, which might result in reduced water-softening performance.

Number of Softening Tanks:

The number of softening tanks in a water softener system refers to the number of separate resin tanks or vessels used for the softening process. 

Single Tank Systems: Most residential water softeners have a single softening tank. This tank contains the resin beads where ion exchange occurs, removing hardness minerals from the water. After a period of use, the tank needs to be regenerated to restore the resin's ability to soften water.

Dual Tank Systems: Some water softener systems, particularly those designed for larger households or commercial applications, feature two softening tanks. These systems are often referred to as “dual-tank” or “twin-tank” water softeners. 

Resin Type:

Resin type in a water softener refers to the kind of resin beads used in the softening process. These resin beads are essential for the ion exchange process that removes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) from the water. The type of resin used can affect the efficiency, capacity, and longevity of the water softener.

Resin Volume: 

Resin volume in a water softener refers to the amount of resin beads contained within the softening tank. This volume is crucial because it determines the capacity and effectiveness of the water softener in removing hardness minerals from the water.

Softener Efficiency Rating: 

Softener Efficiency Rating in a water softener refers to a measure of how effectively the system uses resources—such as salt and water—during the regeneration process. It is an important indicator of the water softener's operational efficiency.

Upflow/ Downflow:

The terms "upflow" and "downflow" refer to the direction in which water flows through the softener resin bed.

Upflow: In an upflow softener, water enters from the bottom and flows upward through the resin bed. This method is generally more efficient at removing contaminants.

Downflow: In a downflow softener, water enters from the top and flows downward through the resin bed. This method can be more effective for removing larger particles. 

Warranty:

A warranty is a guarantee provided by a manufacturer or seller that a product will meet certain performance standards and be free from defects for a specified period.