WATER SOFTENERS
PARTS, KITS & ACCESSORIES
WINDSOR SALT

The Softener Performance Specifications chart provides important information in choosing which softener will best suit your family's needs.

Home Water Use

The number of people in a household can have a large impact on the appropriate softener needed. With the average family using approximately 80 to 100 gallons per person daily, it is easy to see that for some families, having ENOUGH soft water is very important. It is also important to factor in the FUTURE needs of a growing family.

Water Hardness

Water hardness is a major consideration in estimating the correct size water softener. Have your water tested by a certified lab and see the softener performance specifications.

Iron in water is measured in parts per million (ppm). The total* ppm of iron, and type or types*, is determined by chemical analysis. Four different types of iron in water are:

• Ferrous (clear water)

  Is soluble and dissolves in water. It is usually detected by taking a sample of water in a clear bottle or glass. Immediately after taking, the sample is clear. As the water sample stands, it gradually clouds and turns slightly yellow or brown as air oxidizes the iron. This usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes.

When using the softener to remove Ferrous (clear water) iron, add 5 grains to the hardness setting for every 1 ppm of Ferrous (clear water) iron.

• Ferric (red water) and bacterial and organically bound iron

  This iron is insoluble and is visible immediately when drawn from the faucet because it has oxidized before reaching the home. It appears as small cloudy yellow, orange or reddish suspended particles. After the water stands for a period of time, the particles settle to the bottom of the container. Generally, these irons are removed from water by filtration. Chlorination is also recommended for bacterial iron.

• Colloidal and inorganically bound iron (Ferrous or Ferric)

  This is iron of Ferric or Ferrous form that will not filter or exchange out of water. In some instances, treatment may improve colloidal iron water, but always CONSULT A QUALIFIED WATER CHEMISTRY LAB before attempting to treat it. Colloidal iron water usually has a yellow appearance when drawn. After standing for several hours, the color persists and the iron does not settle, but remains suspended in the water.

• Demand Initiated Regeneration
• Whole House System
• 27,000 grain capacity for larger households
• Compact - fits in 1.3 sq. ft.
• High Efficiency - less salt usage
• Regenerates only when needed saving salt and water
• Battery-free power interruption protection
• Easy, do-it-yourself installation instructions
• Manufacturer's warranty

These figures may be used as a starting point. There is no harm in specifying a higher capacity softener. In the long run, a higher capacity softener may be more convenient.

________ 1. Grains Per Gallon

Enter the hardness of your home's water in grains per gallon.

If the hardness figure is based upon parts per million (ppm) or milligrams (mg/l) divide this figure by 17.1 to determine respective hardness by grains per gallon.

________ 2. Average Gallons Used Per Day, Per Person

Estimate the number of gallons used daily per person.

Consumers use approximately 80 gallons a day under normal conditions. Use 100 - 120 gallons for hotter climates.

________ 3. Number Of People In Household

While it is important to consider the number of people currently living in a household, it is also important to consider the maximum number living in a household on weekends, or in the future.

________ 4. Total Gallons Used Daily Per Household

Multiply line 2 x line 3. This is an estimate of your daily water usage.

________ 5. Water Hardness To Be Removed Daily

Multiply line 1 x line 4. This is the total number of grains of hardness that need to be removed every day from the water supply.

________ 6. Regeneration Occurance Rate

Water softeners should not have to regenerate every day. Ideally they should be sized to regenerate no more than once every 2 or 3 days.

This step will reduce the chance of softened water being depleted during periods of heavy water usage.

________ 7. Minimum Softener Capacity Needed

Multiply line 5 x line 6. This is the minimum capacity estimate for a new water softener.