SOFT-SEL® and the water softener The purpose of a water softener is to reduce the quantity of calcium and magnesium - in carbonate form- in the tap water until an acceptable level has been reached. This is necessary in regions where 'hard' water is delivered by water supply companies or when the consumer uses well water or his own groundwater. Everybody knows that a high percentage of calcium is damaging to your water heating system, taps, shower taps, dishwashers, washing machines and pipes. Moreover soft water washes better. Thanks to the changed surface tension softened water washes much better clothes and linen than hard water using lesser soap or detergent. Also when taking a shower or a bath you will notice that you need lesser shampoo or soap. Besides the water leaves a sensation of softness on your skin. However the softener must not remove all the calcium from the water! Too soft water could damage the metal water pipes. It is also better for your health - in case you drink from the tap - to leave a small content of calcium in the water.
Three main components of a water softener: 1. The actual softener is a closed receiver through which the water is lead and which contains yellow microballs, the so-called ion exchanging resin. These balls remove the calcium and the magnesium from the water. 2. The valves - this is a unit of little valves electrically driven which steer the direction of the water flow. 3. A brine reservoir - this is a built-on reservoir filled with salt. The salt reservoir of a dishwasher can contain 1 to 1,2 kg of salt. The reservoir of a domestic water softener 25 to 100 kg. The valves make sure that a defined water level in the reservoir is maintained. The salt dissolves in the water up to a concentration of about 25 %. In this way brine is formed. Once the salt concentration of 25 % in the water is reached, the salt stops dissolving and the remaining salt keeps its granular form.