Water Softener Salt - Types & Which One Do You Need?

As the salt level in your Water Softener system starts to run low, you are overwhelmed by the different choices of water softener salt available. 

​That makes you to think:

What type of salt should I use for my water softener? 
Salt made from the evaporation method is undoubtedly the best softener salt with the highest level of purity (99.8%). It comes in different shapes which can be pellet, cube or crystal.


This was just a quick answer to your question. Let's dive deep into it.

If you have been biting your nails for a few days to find out which salt you should get, luckily you have come to the right place. 

In this post, I will walk you through everything related to water softener salt and help you pick the best one for your softener. 


What is Water Softener Salt & Its Use? 

Before we start our hunt to find the best water softener salt, you must first understand why you even need it. 

Usually, the tap water that we get has a lot of impurities which not only affects our health but also damages our household equipment. 

Like clogging the pipe, decreasing the efficiency of the washing machine, water heater & dishwasher, causes stains in basins etc.

These impurities are nothing but minerals which need to be removed from water before use, this is where Salt comes into play. 

When hard water reacts with salt it becomes soft through a process called ion exchange. 

Basically, the harmful minerals are exchanged with Sodium ions making the water softer.

This is why you need to add Salt from time to time in your water softener system. 

Types of Water Softener Salt & Which one is Best For You?  

There are many types of Water Softener Salt, all of them are made from Sodium Chloride.

The difference is just in the process of salt production.

They come in different shape and sizes: 

• Crystal or Solar
• Pellet 
• Cube 

Salt Made From Evaporation Method (h3)

In this method salt water is heated using steam, due to which water gets evaporated leaving crystalline salt. 

These crystals can then be made into pellets or cubes.

Water Softener Salt made from evaporation method is the purest form of softener salt you can get.

More purity means it has less insoluble matter, which means it won’t cause bridging and mushing and work efficiently. 

If your water is hard or very hard you should definitely go for it.

According to USGC, if the level of calcium and magnesium is between 61 - 120mg/L it is considered hard. 

(You can get your water checked for free from us.)

It is usually the most expensive one, but considering the fact it doesn’t create clogs in the brine tank it cuts the cost of maintenance in the long run. 

Purchase quality softener salt from Acme Water World. 

Salt Production Through Solar 

In this method, seawater is first collected in a pond and exposed to sunlight and wind.

Due to which water eventually evaporates leaving behind crystal salt. 

Although, as you can see seawater is exposed in the open, that is why it has higher level of insoluble matter than salt made from evaporation method. 

If the water hardness level in your area is below 60 mg/L, you can use it without any worry. 

If it is greater than that it will start causing bridging and mushing inside the brine tank which will need frequent maintenance. 

Order your Solar Salt from Acme Water World today.

Rust Removal Salt 

On top of these if you see that there is a lot of rust formation in the tank, you should consider using rust remover salt as well. 

At Acme Water World, we have a range of water softener salt that you can order right now.


Rock Salt  
Rock salt is the crude form of salt that is why it has lots of impurities (insoluble matter). 

You should never use rock salt for your water softener system unless no other salt is available and the salt level in your water softener is too low.

It should be replaced immediately when better softener salt is available as the impurities in the rock salt will start to combine with hard water and cause bridging. 

Also read - How to clean Water Softener Brine Tank?

Can I use Table Salt for a Water Softener System?  

This is a very common question that a lot of water softener owners have which is: 

Can we use table salt in our water softener? 

The answer is NO. 

Because the table salt that we use for consumption is iodized for health benefits. 

But this iodized salt should not be added in water softener as it makes bonds with hard water and clogs up the system and makes the process of resin regeneration difficult.

And you will need to clean the brine tank very often.  

Bottom Line

I hope this easy to follow guide was able to help you finalize the best water softener salt for you.  

If you were to take my recommendation: 

I would highly suggest you go for the one made from the evaporation method as it also makes sure that your softener system works efficiently.

​We at Acme Water World deliver the best quality salt to your home and office in Granger or Mishawaka.

If you are still struggling to find answers to any of your query related to it then make sure to comment down and we will be happy to help.