The Different Types
of Water Softener
There are five different types of water softeners: manual,
semi-automatic, automatic, demand initiated regeneration (DIR) and
off-site regeneration. Each type of water softener comes in several
different sizes and is rated on the amount of hardness that can be
removed before it must be regenerated.
A manual water softener must be started and stopped when recharging
the unit. With a semi-automatic water softener, it is necessary that
an individual manually begin the procedure for recharging, with the
exception of the automatic termination of the rinse portion and the
return to service.
An automatic water softening system is normally equipped with a
timing device that will automatically begin the recharging cycle, as
well as all steps in the process. There is an abundance of softening
material to accommodate the process for numerous regenerations,
however, additional material must be added when necessary. This is
the most popular type of softening unit.
The demand initiated regeneration (DIR) unit provides the initiation
of all operations which are automatically performed according to the
demand for softened water. These system usually include two
softening tanks, as well as a brine tank. One tank will be softening
as the other tank is recharging.
The fifth type of water softener is the off-site regeneration unit.
These are usually rented by the homeowner. A recharged tank will
replace a used tank when needed. The used tanks are then recharged
at a central location.
The best type of water softener for household use is one that can be
connected into the water supply line. However, when it comes to
water for drinking and cooking purposes, it is best to install a
separate faucet for un-softened water.
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