Water softener systems require a number of supplies. Your business needs to stock an adequate number of each classification of supplies for the various types of water softeners.

The water softener resin forms the cornerstone of a good water softener. Fine mesh resin removes hardness such as iron from well water. But fine mesh resin has the disadvantage of restricting water flow and you can only use it in units designed for it.

Other supplies for water softening equipment include filters, tanks, valves, pumps, tubing, salt, water treatments (such as Calgon water softener) and other small parts. Unlike resin, which generally does not need replacement except in extreme conditions, these parts do require periodic replacement depending on the conditions in which the water softening equipment operates.

1. Stock the type of resin for the water softening equipment that you will sell

2. Choose from a large variety of water softening filters that work with the equipment you stock

3. Ensure you keep a large variety of salt and other mechanical parts that break down over time.

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Look for a large variety of water softener filters

Many different impurities may exist in your local groundwater. You must be prepared to deliver or install various water softener filters for these different types of minerals and chemicals.

I recommend: Kinetico provides filters for its products. It also supplies valves, tanks and other replacement parts. Budget Water International functions as a water softener distributor. The company also sells various replacement parts for name brand equipment by such water softeners manufacturers as Culligan and Rainsoft, such as sulfur filters, arsenic filters, sediment filters and several others.

Stock commercial water softener salt and other consumables

Water softeners do not run forever. After installation some supplies must be continually resupplied, such as salt. Other commercial water softener parts, such as valves and pumps, may wear out over time.

I recommend: North American Salt Company carries several water softener salt products. Cargill Inc. also carries a variety of the Diamond Crystal brand of water conditioning salt. Water Value carries a number of parts, including salts, valves, and tanks needed for water softener repair or installation.

Keep a supply of water softener resin on hand

All water softeners do not use the same type of resin. The different types depend on hardness level of the water and the type of water softener used. Resins generally do not often require replacement except in certain conditions, or when the original equipment nears the end of its life.

I recommend: The SpectraPure laboratory produces a number of commercial and industrial use water softener resins. These include anion resins, cation resins and other types in various quantities. Purolite manufactures a number of different resins. Each type removes different types of impurities from water flushed through a water softener. Discount Water Softeners carries a full line of supplies including resins.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Study the local conditions before deciding on which water softening equipment and supplies to stock. In particular, filters purify for certain chemicals or elements. If these conditions do not apply to your area, do not waste shelf space with them. Stock only the items that customers in your area will likely need.

The traditional method used for removing calcium, magnesium, iron and other heavy metals from water is rapidly changing. 34 states now prohibit the use of regenerative water softening systems, which exchange the calcium and magnesium ions for sodium and potassium. This step adds salt to treated water and wastewater.

Even the most efficient water softener system still discharges salt brine into local wastewater and can cause environmental concerns.

Commercial water softener manufacturers are helping with the transition. Culligan water conditioning company in Orange County, California, is working with their local water agency to remove regenerative water softeners and replace them with point of use water treatment products that are more environmentally acceptable. Before choosing water softener filters for your business:

1. Check with local water agencies to learn the water softener resin regulations for your area.

2. Stick with water softening equipment manufacturers who have been in business a while. There are some new approaches being marketed that have not been fully tested.

3. Consider newer water softening systems that produce less waste water.

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Find the right commercial water softener for your needs

Whether you are seeking a traditional regenerative water softener installation or a technology that meets the new regulations for many states, compare the features and determine which commercial water softener is best for your business.

I recommend: Review the variety of water softeners available. WaterSofteners.com compares brands and types of water softeners. ConsumerDemocracy offers reviews and ratings for water softeners

Locate water softener distributors and water softener systems

There are major brands of water softener systems and water softener manufacturers, as well as water softening equipment.

I recommend: The best way to find water softeners manufacturers or a water softener distributor is at websites like Budget Water. Also, Culligan Water Softener is a solid company that has been in business a long time. They have a large network and can help you find a knowledgeable local dealer.

Learn about new water softening technology

Technology has introduced several new approaches to water softener systems. Water softeners manufacturers offer several ranges of water softening equipment.

I recommend: The A Plus Water Treatment Specialists manufacture a system where the treated water coming out of their salt free unit removes scale and is nearly maintenance free. Another commercial water softener manufacturer is Easy Water, which removes scale electronically.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you live in an area where you can use a regenerative water softener (the kind that uses salt), new equipment is more efficient. It uses less salt and water in the process, and salt is reduced in the wastewater.
• •  Become familiar with the newer technology, and make sure the system you choose is a proven one by working with established and reliable water softener manufacturers and their distributors.

Businesses selling water softening equipment can choose from several types of equipment. Water softeners manufacturers build a large variety of systems for different applications, capacities and pricing. Making the most of water softening equipment can help a business meet all consumer media needs. Water softeners come in different sizes, with different capacities, using different ionizing agents.

Water softeners purify by use of an ion exchange system, namely by replacing hard water minerals such as magnesium and calcium with sodium. Over time, the zeolite beads that contain the sodium exhaust themselves and it will be necessary to recharge the system. You can categorize the different types of water softener systems based on the way they recharge.

Some types of water softeners require some level of interaction by the equipment operator to recharge. Others have electronic sensors that trigger a regeneration cycle based on the amount of water flow rather than time, a system that saves water and energy. Yet another option, particularly for customers that need large capacity systems, involves swapping water softener tanks for recharging offsite.

1. Review timed water softeners that require human interaction

2. Investigate the advantages of metered water softening equipment

3. Study the water softener tank exchange option.

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Evaluate automatic water softening equipment

More expensive than a manual system, but less expensive than a metered system, automatic water softening equipment regenerates by setting a timer to regenerate after a particular number of days. Such systems may not provide the best answer for some applications since they use more salt and flush brine into the septic or sewer system. This type of equipment comes in compact sizes for homeowners or businesses with limited space as well as larger capacity models.

I recommend: Parker Boiler Company makes automatic water softeners. These softeners use a 12-day timer. This water softening equipment ranges in smaller capacity (45,000 grains, 140 lbs) to large capacity (750,000 grains, 2,100 lbs) equipment. Water Doctors makes several models of automatic water softeners. This company has a commercial water softener line, but can also build customized equipment based on the hard water content of your area.

Investigate the advantages of demand-initiated regeneration water softening equipment

Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) systems measure water usage, so that the system triggers regeneration after a certain number of gallons used instead after a certain number of days. If the consumer uses less water, the system can go several days before it requires regeneration.

I recommend: Kinetico Water Systems sells metered commercial water softening equipment. Applications for these include hospitals, assisted living facilities and restaurants. General Electric makes a line of water softeners of different capacities. The GE water softener measures water usage over time. They also contain a large salt reservoir for less frequent replacement.

Consider water softening equipment which regenerates off-site

For this type of water softening equipment, the servicing company replaces the resin tank in the home and takes the spent tank to a central location for recharge. Becoming a water softener distributor for this type of equipment can enhance sales and services for your business. You will likely be involved in water softener installation and repair with this option.

I recommend: You should consider Culligan water softener tank exchange services. In this manner your customer rents tanks and pays the manufacturer based on a per tank, per gallon or per regeneration rate. Rayne Water also provides tank exchange services. This service provides benefits to the end user since the customer does not have to buy chemicals. The process also saves electricity since the vendor provides regeneration services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Water softeners add extra salt into the water stream. Some customers may not like the taste of softened water or have a health problem that advises them not to drink it. Additionally, some communities might ban water softeners that release sodium via regeneration. Be sure to stock some equipment that uses alternate chemicals for filtration such as those that use potassium chloride.

Water serves many purposes in business. Whether used for drinking, washing, production, or a mixture of all the above, water quality is paramount. When municipally treated water is not available, or if the water for your business needs to meet particular specifications, water softener equipment can be an invaluable asset. These units remove minerals common in water that can cause unpleasant taste, inconvenient build up in appliances and pipes, and unwanted staining and coloring on fabrics.

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Water hardness

Water hardness is a term referring to the amount of minerals dissolved in water. It is measured by determining the number of grains of material per gallon of water as well as the milligrams of material per liter of water. High amounts of minerals means harder water.

I recommend: Fairfax County Water Authority explains the meaning of water hardness and the scales used to measure it.

Ion exchange process

Ion exchange is the process used by many water softening systems. This process removes the hard mineral ions from the water and replaces them with sodium ions from a concentrated brine solution. In water softeners, a bed of resin beads is charged with sodium ions. Once the exchange takes place, the system recharges by using brine to wash away the hard ions and recharge the resin with sodium.

I recommend: Excel Water Technologies offers an in-depth explanation of the ion exchange process involved in water softening.

Water softening salt

Water softening salt is a course salt used by water softening units. It provides the system with sodium ions to make the ion exchange process possible. It comes in varying forms, including rock, crystal (solar) and pellet (evaporated), each with their own level of purity.

I recommend: Cargill offers information on types and use of water softener salt.

Demand initiated regeneration (DIR)

Demand initiated regeneration (DIR) softening units regenerate the resin bed based on a sensor system or water usage measurement, as opposed to automatically regenerating according to a set schedule. This is more efficient and less likely to waste softened water.

I recommend: Purity Planet discusses several different types of ion-exchange water softeners, including demand initiated regeneration units.

Off-site regeneration unit

Off-site regeneration units eliminate the need to buy softener salt. Instead of recharging the resin bed with sodium ions on-site, these units are retrieved according to a set schedule and taken to a central location to regenerate the ion charge. A freshly recharged unit is delivered when the spent unit is retrieved.

I recommend: Culligan provides information on the process and benefits of using off-site regeneration units in a portable exchange service.

Magnetohydrodynamic softening

Magnetohydrodynamic softening units use focused magnetic fields to decrease the bonding ability of the minerals in water that cause hardness. This is an alternative to the traditional ion-exchange process of water softening. The minerals are still present but are less likely to 'stick' to each other, pipes, or other surfaces, thus acting more like soft water.

I recommend: Clearwater GMX offers a simplified explanation of magnetohydrodynamics, as it applies to water softening.