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Water Conditioning Salt
Salt is also used for treating potable water (drinking water) to remove hardness or “softened” by using an ion-exchange process.
The cause of water hardness is the presence of other metal ions, typically calcium and magnesium ions. If those ions are removed, the hardness disappears. In ion-exchange, problematic ions are exchanged for desirable ones. In its original state, an ion exchange polymer or resin carries sodium ions on its surface which increases its affinity for larger, more highly charged calcium and magnesium ions. When hard water passes over the resin, the sodium ions are displaced. As sodium salts are more soluble than calcium and magnesium, the symptoms of hardness disappear. Although chemical and other methods can bring some control over hardness, only ion-exchange can completely remove the calcium and magnesium ions that cause it.
Water softening grades of our salt come in many forms: granular, buttons, pellets, nodules, and tablets. These specialty salts are used for water softening and are available in either sodium- chloride or potassium-chloride bases. Potassium chloride water softening salts are used where additional levels of sodium are problematic, typically in people with hypertension. We also offer water conditioning salt products with additives to prevent problems associated with high iron environments.