Making the Most of Water Softening Equipment

Learn the types of water softening equipment and their popular uses

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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