The so-called ‘hard’ water, which is found in coastal, island and even continental areas, contains high concentrations of metal ions that are responsible for the formation of salt deposits in pipes, boilers and household or professional appliances. This physical and chemical composition of water hinders the operation and maintenance of critical equipment in sectors such as industry, tourism and even ordinary households, negatively affecting energy efficiency, cleanliness and user experience.
To address the presence of these ions, water softening is applied - a technique based on ion exchange - with the aim of removing them from the water supply network. In this process, salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) plays a key role, as it is used to regenerate the resin in water softeners.
The softening process and the role of salt
Water softening is carried out using a special system called a water softener, the type of which varies depending on its use.
Its operation is based on resin, a material that has the ability to retain the ions that cause water hardness and exchange them with sodium ions. In simple terms, when water passes through the resin, calcium and magnesium are ‘trapped’ and sodium is released in their place, resulting in ‘softer’ water reaching the taps. Over time, however, the resin reaches a saturation point and can no longer soften the water effectively. At this stage, the regeneration process is required: a saturated solution of sodium chloride (brine) is fed into the softening system and the resin regains its original ion exchange capacity and is once again functional for water softening.
The softener is usually programmed to perform regeneration automatically (e.g. at night when no water is being used). The user only has to refill the salt in the special tank when it runs out.
Technical requirements for salt used in water softeners
The quality of the salt used in this process is crucial. It must be highly pure, dissolve evenly and be free of impurities or sediments that could cause system malfunctions. The use of specially formulated vacuum salt tablets for softeners, ensures consistent performance and reduced maintenance requirements.
Problems caused by hard water in domestic and commercial use
Hard water can cause significant problems for installations and users:
Salt build-up and equipment wear: Hard mineral deposits form inside pipes, heaters, and appliances, reducing their internal diameter and overall performance. Over time, these hard deposits accelerate corrosion and can lead to breakdowns or blockages in critical equipment.
- Poor cleanliness and appearance: Hard water leaves white spots on fabrics, glasses, dishes and linen. It also reacts with soap to form insoluble residues that settle on surfaces.
- Negative user experience: Bathing in hard water often leaves the skin dry and hair coarse.The residues also reduce flow pressure in showers and taps.
- Malfunctions in swimming pools: High hardness levels create white residues on filters, pipes and tiles, affecting water quality and increasing the need for chemicals and maintenance.
- Challenges for industries: Salt residues in boilers, heat exchangers and production lines increase energy consumption and maintenance costs. In sensitive industries (e.g. food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals), hard water can alter product quality. In addition, the need for frequent cleaning and operational downtime affects productivity.
Benefits of soft water
The water treatment addresses the above issues and offers significant benefits to industrial facilities, hotels, and domestic use:
Reduced damage and costs: Without salts, pipes and machinery remain clean, maintaining full performance and longer life.
Lower energy and detergent consumption: Clean heating elements and improved cleaning performance reduce energy and detergent requirements.
Improved user experience: Skin and hair are softer, white linen stay brighter, and surfaces are free of spots or dull marks.
Benefits for industry: Soft water reduces maintenance requirements, improves energy efficiency and ensures consistent production quality. In addition, downtime due to blockages or cleaning is reduced, which translates into significant cost savings.
In conclusion, salt-based softening is essential in every application - from domestic use to hotels and industrial facilities. Removing salts prevents equipment wear, reduces costs and ensures greater efficiency and comfort.
Choosing the right regeneration salt is critical to the effective operation of a water softener. Regenit vacuum salt tablets are specially designed for water softeners. They are made from high-purity recrystallized salt and dissolve evenly. This ensures efficient operation, less maintenance and a longer service life for the water softening system.
99.8% NaCl purity
Homogeneous composition without additives
Stable dissolution without agglomeration
Compatible with professional and industrial water softeners
Available in 25kg bags and accompanied by all necessary quality certifications.
This is a trusted choice for hotels, dry cleaners, professional kitchens, and industries that rely on water quality for their daily operations.
For more information or to request a sample, please contact Dadakarides Salt S.A. team.