Choosing the right salt for your water softener can feel overwhelming because so many options exist. To help you make an informed choice, we’ll walk you through the different types of water softener salts and highlight what makes each one unique.

When you select a water softener salt, make sure you choose one with a low level of impurities. Look for salt that’s 99.8% soluble or cleaner. This choice keeps impurities from building up in your salt tank, reduces the need for frequent cleaning, and helps your water softener run without malfunctions.

We proudly supply salt from Compass Minerals, under the Suresoft brand. You can choose from pellets, pellets with rust inhibitor, and solar salt. Here are the types of salts we offer:

Option #1 – Pellet Salt

Pellet salt delivers the highest purity and cleanest option available. Mined from underground deposits, the salt goes through a process where water is evaporated, then pressed into pellets. While it costs more, pellet salt gives you superior quality. When you use pellet salt, you don’t need to clean your salt tank as often.

Option #2 – Pellet Salt with Rust Inhibitor

Pellet salt with a rust inhibitor includes an additive that helps fight rust. It doesn’t solve every issue in iron-rich water, but it boosts your softener’s efficiency. Iron builds up on the resin beads inside your softener, but the additive cleans the beads so your system keeps working at its best.

Option #3 – Solar Salt

Producers harvest solar salt by evaporating seawater, which creates small crystals. Since it’s a natural product without additives, solar salt usually contains more impurities than pellet salt. Some water softeners specifically require solar salt, so check with your dealer before using it.

Option #4 – Rock Salt

Rock salt is the cheapest option, but it doesn’t belong in your water softener. With high levels of impurities, it can damage your system. Save rock salt for melting ice and snow—not for treating your water.

Option #5 – Block Salt

Block salt costs less but carries a lot of impurities. Only use it if your water treatment dealer recommends it. Since it’s not well-packaged, block salt often collects dirt and dust, which makes it less desirable. Solar salt is a cleaner alternative.

Option #6 – Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride works well if you want to eliminate sodium from your softened water. Keep in mind, it costs more per bag and your system will use more during each regeneration cycle. Potassium chloride also tends to form hard bridges in the tank. If you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, you may also want to consider a reverse osmosis drinking water system.

The Final Conclusion

Some may argue salt is a commodity, and in some ways, they are correct.  When adding any salt to your tank you get soft water.  However, just as there are different grades of gasoline, there are varying grades of water softener salt.  By prioritizing quality and purity over price, you’ll keep your softener running smoothly and extend its lifespan.