Morton Salt and Water Softener Products
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We have received numerous requests from dealers and customers about the use of potassium chloride (s/b KCl) as a regenerant for water softeners. As a result, we set up two identical water softeners and regenerated one with sodium chloride and one with potassium chloride. Both units were exhausted with 13-gpg hard water. From the capacity data we obtained, it appears that potassium chloride can be substituted directly for sodium chloride in a water softener with no loss of capacity.

Experiments conducted in homes indicate consumers noticed no difference in taste between sodium or potassium regenerated softeners. There was also no noticeable change in the feel of the water softened by either regenerant.

The potassium chloride was supplied to us in a granulated form and the sodium chloride was furnished as pellets. Caking experiments showed granular potassium chloride was much more prone to caking and salt bridging than was sodium chloride. We also found that the solubility of potassium chloride fluctuates with temperature whereas the solubility of sodium chloride does not. In areas of the country where outside installations subject the brine tank to wide fluctuations in temperature the use of potassium chloride could result in brine draw fouling.

There has been considerable concern expressed about what health effects, if any, potassium might have on individuals drinking water that has been softened with a potassium chloride regenerated water softener. There have been numerous papers written on the subject with most of the published information showing that potassium deficiency is common in certain population groups. There is some information; however, that shows that elevated levels of potassium can cause serious health problems.

Since we are not doctors or nutritionists and do not make any health claims on this product, we suggest consumers consult their own physician before using potassium chloride as a regenerant. Following is a summary of a few papers regarding the health effects of potassium.

"... Be wary, of salt substitutes containing potassium chloride. It's bitter and doesn't taste much like salt. Too much potassium can cause problems for people with heart, blood pressure, or kidney conditions."
      Gail Levey, MS., R.D.
      Good Food- March. 1987

"... Controversy continues about whether and what kind of dietary advice given to the general population is justified. For example, although there is clinical, experimental, and epidemiological evidence supporting an inverse association between dietary potassium intake and blood pressure, recommendations to increase dietary potassium intake are generally considered unwarranted..."
       New England Journal of Medicine
      January, 1987

More Information on Sodium in your water.