What is a solar salt water softener? If you have installed a water softener in your home, you probably know that it uses different types of salts.
An example of a salt used to clean a fabric softener is solar salt. From the word sun, you may already have an idea of how it is made.
Let's see if you're right. Let's find out what a sun softener is and how it is used.
Contents
What is solar salt?
Solar salt is mainly produced using solar energy. It comes from seawater, which evaporates under the influence of the sun.
Solar salt is a small white opaque crystal.
How is solar salt produced?
The solar salt production process uses natural evaporation and precipitation. This is the oldest and most environmentally friendly method of salt production.
First, salt water is harvested from natural bodies of water such as lakes, oceans, rivers and groundwater. These waters are channeled into a series of shallow, interconnected lakes.
The water slowly evaporates as it flows through the lakes due to exposure to the sun and wind. When the water evaporates, sodium and chlorine remain. They bond together and form salt.
The water that reaches the last lake is highly concentrated. The salt then crystallizes into brine (salt and water solution).
The salt crystals are cleaned, washed and dried to remove impurities. They are stored in a stack awaiting examination.
Magnets and metal detectors are also used to remove unwanted minerals from salt.
The crystals are crushed to different levels of fineness. Food-approved solar salt will have a finer consistency, whilesoftenerThe solar salt becomes coarser or pressed into pieces.
Salt contains 60% chloride and 40% sodium. The purity of the salt will depend on the amount of sodium chloride concentration.
Table salt has a higher concentration which is 97% and above.
How does salt help soften water?
When you think about the water softening process, it can be a bit confusing.
If you get salt in the tank, does that mean you are using salt water? But tap water is not salty. How is it done?
Do not worry. There is a simple explanation.
Salt consists of two elements, namely sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).
In general, a water softener does not add salt to the water. It breaks the bond between sodium and chloride and uses only sodium.
But why only sodium? To answer this question, we need to understand how a water softener works.
A softener is mainly used to remove minerals such as magnesium and calcium from hard water.
The system uses a process called ion exchange.
The water softener has a resin layer consisting of resin beads. These spheres are negatively charged sodium.
The metals in water are positively charged. Since they are opposites, the positively charged minerals stick to the resin beads. Purifies the water.
Once the resin is filled with minerals, it must be regenerated. This is where salt comes into play.
Salt is added to the brine tank, where it is mixed with water. The sodium, which has a positive charge, separates from the chloride and binds to the (negatively charged) resin.
As the salt water flows through the resin, the metals in the resin are separated. Minerals are washed out of the reservoir.
This leaves the resin with positively charged sodium ions. If you use hard water, another ion exchange takes place. But this time it is the sodium ions that separate and mix with the water.
So no, a water softener does not make water salty. It only adds sodium ions.
Now you don't have to worry about the sodium content. Drinking water is perfectly safe as long as sodium levels are within the normal range.
Our bodies naturally need sodium to function. It helps nerves and muscles to function better.
But sodium poses a risk to some people, even in small amounts. If you have any of these, consider installing a water softener:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Low sodium diet
- Kidney and gallbladder diseases
Reasons to use solar salt as a fabric softener
There are three reasons for using solar salt in water softeners.
Solar salt has a high level of purity. The most available solar water softening salt on the market is 99.6% pure. This means that solar salt dissolves faster and has almost no impurities. This makes them more efficient.
Unlike rock salt, solar salt does not contain shale particles that can clog the water softening system.
Solar salt is also subjected to a mineral separation process, which consists in the use of magnets. Make it free of metals that can be harmful to humans when mixed with drinking and cooking water.
In addition, solar salt is a cheap alternative. Although evaporated salt is the highest salt and is the most effective, it is expensive. Solsalt can do the job satisfactorily at a lower price.
Other types of salt
- Rock salt- Salt comes from a salt mine. It forms naturally over hundreds of years.
It is harvested with seed drills and large machines.
Salt does not necessarily have to be a large piece of rock. It can look like veins like coal.
Most of the processes take place inside the salt mine.
After the salt is extracted from the mine, it is examined and separated. Packaging will depend on the texture and size of the crystals.
Rock salt contains slate and other rock particles. They can cause problems with the softening system.
Particles can clog the diesel particulate filter weld, the resin bed and even the supply pipes. It can destroy the entire system. - evaporated salt– Evaporated salt is the purest form of salt. Like solar salt, it is formed by evaporation.
However, unlike solar salt, evaporated salt goes through a process where the steam separates the salt from the water.
The evaporation method begins with drilling a well in the ground. The depth may vary from a hundred to a thousand feet until the salt bed is reached.
The water is then led out into the well. It flows through the salt bed and dissolves the water in its path. And it comes out of the other well as brine.
The brine is taken from the other well and stored in large tanks.
It is then poured into huge vacuum containers. The pots are connected.
The first pan is heated by introducing steam into it. When it boils, the steam goes to the next pot and the process starts over. Increases energy efficiency.
The salt obtained is very pure. Can be used in water softeners.
It is very effective and does not cause salts and metals to build up in your system.
But this type of salt can be expensive.
What you should know before using solar salt
Here are some things to consider when using solar salt to soften water.
Resin bearings must be reconditioned or recharged regularly. It is recommended to do this at least once every three days. Keeps the resin healthy and active.
Solsalt is high quality salt. It has fewer impurities that can damage the fabric softener.
Add the correct amount of solar salt for each regeneration. The brine tank should be a quarter full of salt.
Even though solar salt is pure, there is still the potential for it to build up in your system over time. Check containers and tubes regularly to prevent clogging.
The purity of solar salt can range from 96 to 99 and above. You can check the label if you want to ensure the quality of the salt you are using.
If using a salt block, make sure it is submerged in water. This will ensure that the salt block dissolves faster. Otherwise, recovery will take longer.
Application
Solar salt is formed by exposure to the sun and wind. These natural forces separate the water from the salt.
The process to become both natural and environmentally friendly.
Solar salt is used in water softening systems. It will work perfectly with less risk of caking and other problems because it is a high quality salt.
FAQs
What is solar water softener salt? ›
Solar salt crystals can be used in water softeners to transform hard water into soft water. They are a naturally white, opaque, high purity salt. Using solar salt in your softener can help minimize the accumulation of brine tank residue—helping to keep the water softener clean and trouble-free.
Is solar salt better for water softeners? ›Specifically, solar salt will put you at a higher risk for bridging, for buildups in your resin tank, and more. Solar salt leads to more maintenance and decreased performance. To ensure the best water softening process, choose pellets instead of solar salt.
What kind of salt is solar salt? ›Solar salt is salt formed through the solar evaporation process. Because solar salt is made from brine, insoluble impurities in the salt can be eliminated. Solar salt's sodium chloride content is usually 99.5% or higher. One of the most common uses for solar salt is in water softening.
What is the difference between solar salt and pellets? ›Solar salt is as effective at regenerating a water softener as pellets and is a lower price alternative. It is not as clean as pellets and does require more frequent cleanings of your day brine tank due to the sediment left behind.
Do I have to use solar salt? ›As a result of this processing this grade of salt can contain various impurities that can clog your system and leave residue in your brine tank that can cause salt bridging. Water Depot always recommends the use of Solar Salt with all our water softener systems, for enhanced performance and efficiency.
What is the meaning of solar salt? ›: salt from seawater or other brine evaporated in the sun.
Does solar salt come in pellets? ›Solar salt is most commonly found in pellet or crystal form.
How long does a 40 lb bag of water softener salt last? ›While the average family will go through a 40 lb bag about once a month or so, your amount will vary. Another factor to consider is how often your water softener regenerates; if it's nightly, then the average family may go through a 40lb bag every 10 to 14 days.
What is the best type of water softener salt? ›Sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) are equally effective salt options for water softeners combatting the effects of hard water. Though potassium chloride, the more expensive option, is an effective alternative for those with sodium-related health concerns or living in areas with sodium restrictions.
What is the other name of solar salt? ›Sea salt is salt that is produced by the evaporation of seawater. It is used as a seasoning in foods, cooking, cosmetics and for preserving food. It is also called bay salt, solar salt, or simply salt.
Where does solar salt come from? ›
Solar salt production is, typically, the capturing of salt water in shallow ponds where the sun evaporates most of the water. The concentrated brine precipitates the salt which is then gathered by mechanical harvesting machines.
How many bags of salt do I need for a water softener? ›You will likely need to add one full 40 lb. bag of salt to your water softener per month (on average), to keep your salt at an adequate level.
Is it better to use salt crystals or pellets? ›Pellets Are More Efficient Than Crystals
The pellets are definitely superior when it comes to salt pellets vs. salt crystals. Although they're pricier than their crystal counterparts, they can be used as-is without further processing.
Install Solar Today
The anti-corrosion properties of SunPower panels make them the ideal choice for coastal homes, so owners don't have to worry about salt water corrosion.
Sodium chloride (salt) and potassium chloride water softening salts are both effective in softening your water. The two products can also be used interchangeably or be mixed in together.
How long does solar salt last? ›You'll need to refill the salt once every two to three months.
What is the difference between solar salt and regular salt? ›Solar salt and rock salt are made by different processes. Rock salt is mined from underground salt mines and we use it as we find it, with little processing. Solar salt, on the other hand, is made by an evaporation process. For developing solar salt, we start with brine (or a salt water mixture).
Can I use solar salt on my driveway? ›Solar salt is another popular choice because it generally does not damage concrete or plants. However, solar salt can be more expensive than rock salt. Table salt can also be used for melting ice, but it is less effective than either rock or solar salt. In addition, table salt can damage concrete and plants.
Why is solar salt better? ›Solar salt is highly pure (99.6%), and it dissolves more easily and readily than other types of salt. Some types of water softening systems can benefit from the use of solar salt, especially those that experience salt clumping in their tank.
Can you use solar salt for cooking? ›Other water softening salt products like solar salt, rock salt and brine blocks are not recommended for food application for the same reason.
What is the temperature range of solar salt? ›
The low viscosity of solar salt allows it to be pumped over a wide temperature range (220–580 °C) and it are also compatible with stainless steel, which is the material employed to transport and store the salt.
Is it OK to use salt crystals instead of pellets? ›Water softener salt crystals, pellets, and cubes can be used interchangeably in most water softeners. Be sure to consult your water softener owner's manual to determine if a certain type of salt is recommended for your system.
How often do you add salt to a water softener? ›In general, we recommend adding a bag of salt every month. At the first of each month check your brine tank and you'll be able to monitor your salt usage and adjust as needed.
How many pounds of salt do I need for a water softener? ›For a properly sized water softener system, the industry standard for an average family of four, (with a water hardness level of 7-10 grains per gallon) will use approximately 10lbs of salt each week or one 40lbs bag of salt each month.
Is it bad to put too much salt in water softener? ›Don't Add Too Much Salt
Adding too much salt to your water quality softener can cause salt “bridging,” or a buildup and solidification of regenerant. This buildup can prevent your system from regenerating properly.
Should your softener have water in the brine tank? Yes, it should, as long as it's a post-fill system. But as stated above, unless the salt is almost empty you should not be able to see any of it, because the tank is not supposed to fill up to the top (usually no higher than 10″ to 12″).
Why is my brine tank full of water? ›The Most Likely Reason You've Got Too Much Water in the Brine Tank: The Injector is Clogged. If that hole becomes clogged, your unit can't suck the brine out. But it will continue to add more water to the brine tank and that's a problem. If this is the case, you just need to replace or clean out that clogged injector.
What is better than a water softener? ›If your goal is only to reduce the presence of harmful contaminants, a water filter is a better solution than a water softener. When your home's water is run through a quality whole house water filter, you are reducing harmful contaminants like chlorine, chloramines, harmful VOCs, and more.
Which water softener uses the least amount of salt? ›Genesis water softener systems are an eco-friendly choice, saving as much as 75% on salt and 65% on water usage with each regeneration in contrast to other softeners. Using upflow softener technology results in the best salt efficiency and the capability to use the lowest reasonable amount of salt.
Does Morton make solar salt? ›Morton® White Crystal® Solar Salt is harvested, dried and screened for commercial use. White crystal solar salt is available in medium, coarse and extra coarse grades.
What is the difference between yellow and blue water softener salt? ›
Solar Crystals are in the blue bag, Pellets are in the yellow bag, and rust / iron fighting comes in the green bag.
Is solar salt corrosive? ›At temperatures of 560 °C, reached in state-of-the-art solar tower systems, corrosion of metallic components in contact with solar salt can become an issue and has caused leaks and plant shut-downs in recently built tower projects.
How do you make solar salt? ›Solar salt is created in large, interlocking ponds. Salt water is pulled into the ponds from a body of water like the Great Salt Lake or the San Francisco Bay. The water is brought into these shallow ponds where it is evaporated, using the sun, wind and time. The process is similar to farming.
How long does a 50 lb bag of salt last for water softener? ›Water softeners today work off gallons going through the system. A house with one person with a 30,000-grain unit will go through a 50Lb bag of salt every five to six weeks. A house with four people if softener is sized correctly a 45,000 or 60,000 grain unit a little more than a 50Lb. bag a month.
What happens if no salt in water softener? ›Can a Water Softener Work Without Salt? Typical water softening systems need salt in order to regenerate and produce soft water. Without sodium, the softener can no longer effectively remove calcium and magnesium from your water, allowing hard water back into your pipes and home.
Can I put vinegar in my water softener? ›Can I put vinegar in my water softener? Yes; follow the same instructions for cleaning the tank with bleach. You can also mix the vinegar with water if you'd rather just scrub the brine tank instead of running a full cycle.
Can you mix solar salt crystals and pellets? ›pellets, cubes, solar crystals, blocks, etc. In general, all types of loose water softening salt work well together and there is no particular harm caused by mixing different types.
Can you drink water softened? ›Can I Drink Softened Water? While most softened water is perfectly safe to drink, the amount of sodium in the treated water will depend on the hardness of the original water. If the water hardness is below 400 ppm calcium before you soften it, then you can drink it with little concern.
What happens if moisture gets into a solar panel? ›Abstract. Moisture ingress in photovoltaic (PV) modules is the core of most degradation mechanisms that lead to PV module power degradation. Moisture in EVA encapsulant can lead to metal grids corrosion, delamination and discolouration of encapsulants, potential induced degradation, optical and adhesion losses.
Can cold water crack solar panels? ›In the summer, solar panels get hot from the sun. Spraying cold water on them can result in what is called 'thermal stress. ' Glass is by nature brittle, so when the glass experiences an extreme change in temperature, the material cannot accommodate fast enough – and it cracks.
Does a solar still purify water? ›
A solar still distills water with substances dissolved in it by using the heat of the Sun to evaporate water so that it may be cooled and collected, thereby purifying it.
Which is better in a water softener salt or potassium? ›Performance. In comparing the performance between the two, sodium chloride is better because less of it is needed to soften the same amount of water than potassium chloride. In this way, its cost-effectiveness becomes even more evident because a little goes a long way.
Why is potassium chloride pellets so expensive? ›Because extracting potassium chloride from the earth is more costly than mining sodium chloride, potassium chloride is more expensive.
What's the difference between evaporated salt and solar salt? ›Solar salt has a lower solubility level than evaporated salt. Many available brands have 99.6% or above salt contents. However, its insoluble level is around 0.03%, which means it may cause problems like insoluble buildup and a salt bridge, which will need to be cleaned.
What are the two types of water softener salt? ›Sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) are equally effective salt options for water softeners combatting the effects of hard water. Though potassium chloride, the more expensive option, is an effective alternative for those with sodium-related health concerns or living in areas with sodium restrictions.
Is all solar salt the same? ›In short, yes. Different types of salt have different purposes and effects. For example, solar salt is typically used in water heaters, while evaporated salt is often used in water softeners. Each type of salt has its own unique properties, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
Is pool salt the same as solar salt? ›Solar Salt
However, this process also temporarily increases the presence of brine shrimp and bacteria in the salt. They die when the ratio of salt to the water gets too high, but it also means solar salt has a particularly high level of impurities when compared to other types of pool salt.
All of these options use sodium chloride to operate, which is the most common compound used in water softening systems. While we recommend evaporated salt pellets or cubes for water softeners, you can then choose between sodium chloride and potassium chlorate evaporated salts.
Which is better softener salt pellets or crystals? ›Pellets Are More Efficient Than Crystals
The pellets are definitely superior when it comes to salt pellets vs. salt crystals. Although they're pricier than their crystal counterparts, they can be used as-is without further processing.
Your salt consumption will depend on the level of water hardness (minerals in your water) and the amount of water your household consumes. The average family of four with hard water (7-10 grains per gallon hardness level) will use about one 40-lb bag of salt each month.
Is there a difference between pool salt and water softener salt? ›
The pool salt and water softener salt come from the same grade salt, but the difference is the additives added. Water softener salt includes additional components that are very corrosive. Know what can happen if you use water softener salt in your pool.
What is the best salt level for a pool? ›The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal. Before adding salt to your pool, test the water to check your salt level.
What kind of salt is best for salt water pool? ›What type of salt should I use for my salt water pool? You should use mined salt in a pool with a salt chlorine generator. Use salt that's 95% pure or more, as the higher purity makes it much less likely to stain the pool or damage the equipment. To extend your salt cell's lifespan, only clean the cell when necessary.