The Advantages of Ionic Exchange Water Softeners

It can be difficult to decide which method for softening hard water is best because there are a number of choices available. Cost of a water softener system ? from $400 to $1,200 -- can be a factor, as well as how the water softener unit is set up, its size, and how much water it will soften before requiring maintenance.

Household water can be tested using a water test kit from a pool supplier or a water softener vendor. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG), parts per million (PPM), or milligrams per liter (MG/L). Water that measures from 3.5 to 7 GPG is considered hard water.

Ionic exchange water softeners consist of a brine tank, a filtering unit, valves to direct the flow of the water and a meter or timer to indicate when the filter needs to be recharged. Recharge cycles can be set to occur at certain times, based on water demand for the household, or it can be done manually. There are also semi-automatic systems, which let the user know when the softener needs recharging.

Ionic exchange water softeners work by replacing ions of the minerals that cause hardness, calcium and magnesium, with sodium or potassium ions. This occurs when water is filtered through negatively charged plastic beads, which have been soaked in brine. The magnesium or calcium ions are attracted to the negatively charged beads, which are flushed with brine, driving off the calcium or magnesium ions and replacing them with sodium ions. Finally, the water containing the hard ions is discarded.

Using ionic exchange water softeners poses no health risks for most people. But those who are on sodium-restricted diets should either keep bottled or non-treated, filtered water on hand for cooking and consumption or use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride to soften their water. It should be noted that potassium chloride is more expensive than sodium chloride.

Water Softeners Info provides detailed information about magnetic and ionic exchange water softeners, home water softener systems and kits, product reviews and comparisons, water softener salt, and more. Water Softeners Info is the sister site of Dishwashers Web.

---

The Benefits of Owning Wood Mini Blinds

Wood mini blinds are one variety of wood blinds for covering doors and windows. The smaller increments of a narrow slate dimension, wood mini blinds are better... Read More

The Convenience of the Portable Massage Chair

Human resource officers have, over the past decade or so, began to understand how massage therapy can benefit their employees. Employees that sit at a desk for... Read More

Warm And Cozy Down Comforters Will Turn Your Bed Into A Luxurious Sanctuary!

Down comforters provide you with a luxurious natural warmth that few other materials can. Down is known for its insulating properties and ability to spring back to... Read More

Digital Picture Frames: The Wave of The Future

What is a digital picture frame? Think of a digital picture frame as a slide show of sorts for your picture. Like a flat screen TV, the... Read More

Black and White Themed Teen Bedroom Decorating Ideas

When we found out we were having twins, our teenage daughter volunteered to move into a smaller bedroom so that the twins could have the bigger one.... Read More

The Magic of Color

Deciding what colors to use when decorating your house can be a real challenge. Do you want a soothing atmosphere, vibrant or warm and cozy? The choice... Read More

The Benefits of Bamboo Roman Shades

Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block the sun or prying eyes of nosy neighbors. Roman shades can be purchased or made cheaply and... Read More

The Benefits of Wood Blinds

In interior design, the blinds found on windows and doors are major decorating elements. Blinds made of wood or those with a wooden look add a feeling... Read More

Summertime Simplicity in Your Home Decorating

Here in the Northeast, summer is almost here. With hot humid weather approaching-it's already here in the southern part of the country-we can learn a few tricks... Read More

Lighting Up a Seniors Life - Baby Boomer Alert!

Lighting for seniors requires attention to some specific details. When planning a lighting design for aging baby boomers we want to provide both adequate light to see... Read More

Three Ways to Add Charm and Style to Your Kitchen

I like decorating my kitchen with a cozy, warm, inviting, homey feeling to it. Usually I'm fighting for all the space I can get in my kitchen... Read More

Tabriz Persian Rugs

Tabriz are one of the most popular Persian rugs. Tabriz is the dominant city of Northwest Iran and is the second largest city in Iran. It has... Read More

Granite Countertop Colors

Granite, like marble and other stones, is as old as the earth. Granite is the second hardest stone (diamond being the first) and is created from molten... Read More

Add Beauty and Elegance to Your home with Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs can be purchased in a great variety of colors and patterns, and will add beauty and elegance to your home décor. When you decide to... Read More

Learn Some Feng Shui Guidelines For Your Childrens Room

Feng shui indicates some specific guidelines regarding children's spaces and bedrooms. The way we decorate them and the way we distribute the furniture should be done by... Read More

Granite Countertops: An Overview

Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom in the demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an... Read More

Ceiling Fan Blades

The blades of a ceiling fan make all the difference. The amount of airflow a fan generates depends on the type and size of blades it has.... Read More

A Look at Waterbed Sheet Sizes

Just like conventional beds, waterbeds come in a number of sizes. It is important to buy the appropriate size sheet for the bed, or the sheets will... Read More

Psychology of Color - Decorating a Kitchen for the Subconscious

Psychologists have studied the influence of color on the mind for years. While they have not found any effects that generalize to every society, they have found... Read More

Antiques, Collectibles, & Memorabilia: Do You Know the Difference?

The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference between an antique and collectible? Aren't collectibles and memorabilia really the same thing? In this month's column,... Read More

How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood floors. It offers similar and perhaps superior qualities of strength, hardness, and appearance. Using bamboo (which is... Read More

Finding a Color Scheme - Decorating with What you Have

If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and blending colors, your answer could be as far away as your nearest pillow. Check out this quick... Read More

Preserved Flower Candles

Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look, while preserving your favorite flower.Written by Expressive CandlesWe have been asked many times, how to put flowers... Read More

All About Closet Organizers

Most people like you love to keep everything in its place. They like also to clean up every room of the house often. However, it can take... Read More

A Guide to Acrylic Kitchen Sinks

Unlike laminates, acrylic and/or polyester plastics are homogenous nonporous material. Kitchen sinks made from acrylic come in different thickness and numerous colors. They can be polished but... Read More

A Guide to Wine Picnic Baskets

Wine picnic baskets are just the ticket for two, four, or more people. When it's just too nice to spend the day indoors, why not go for... Read More