When it comes to choosing the right water softener for your household, sizing is a crucial factor to consider. The size of the water softener directly impacts its efficiency and effectiveness in removing hardness minerals from your water supply.
To determine the appropriate size, you need to take into account the number of members in your household and the hardness level of your water. The hardness level is measured in grains per gallon (GPG) and can be determined through a water test.
Once you have the GPG value, you can calculate the capacity of the water softener needed. On average, each person in a household uses around 80 gallons of water per day. Multiply this by the number of members in your household to get an estimate of your daily water usage.
Next, consider the fixtures in your home that require softened water. These include faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Each fixture has a flow rate measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Multiply the flow rate by the number of minutes each fixture is used daily to determine the total gallons used by each fixture.
To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to choose a water softener that can provide at least three days' worth of softened water before needing to recharge. Multiply your daily water usage by three to calculate the total gallons between recharging.
Now that you have an estimate of your daily water usage and total gallons between recharging, you can select a water softener with the appropriate capacity. Water softeners are typically rated based on their ability to remove a certain number of grains before regeneration.
Consider the resin capacity of the water softener as well. The resin is responsible for removing hardness minerals from the water. Ensure that the resin capacity matches or exceeds your estimated daily grain removal requirement.
By carefully sizing your water softener based on these factors, you can ensure that it meets the needs of your household. An accurately sized water softener will provide you with softened water throughout your home, protecting your fixtures and appliances from the damaging effects of hard water.
