Choosing the right salt is more important than you might think when it comes to keeping your water softener working effectively. With several options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll break down the types of water softener salt—rock salt, solar salt, and evaporated salt—so you can make the best choice for your home.
At WaterSmart Systems & Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how the wrong salt can lead to buildup, inefficiency, or even damage. Our experts are here to help you find the right fit based on your softener system, water hardness, and household needs. Contact us today to learn more.
1. Why the Right Salt Matters
Using the correct type of water softener salt isn’t just about keeping your water soft- it's about preserving the performance, lifespan, and efficiency of your entire system.
All softener salts work by regenerating the resin beads inside the tank that remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium. But not all salts are created equal.
Here’s why making the right choice matters:
1. Prevents Salt Bridges and Mushing
Low-purity salts, such as rock salt, contain higher levels of insoluble minerals. Over time, these impurities can settle at the bottom of your brine tank, leading to salt bridging (a hard crust that blocks salt from dissolving properly) or salt mushing (a thick sludge that clogs the system). Both issues reduce effectiveness and can lead to costly service calls.
2. Improves Water Quality
The cleaner your salt, the more efficient your system is at removing hardness. Impurities interfere with the regeneration cycle, which means your softener may not fully recharge, leaving you with water that’s only partially softened.
3. Reduces Maintenance Needs
High-purity salts dissolve more completely, reducing residue inside the brine tank and resin bed. This means fewer cleanings, fewer clogs, and more reliable operation. Over time, that also means less wear and tear on components.
4. Enhances Efficiency
Efficient regeneration means less salt and water are used per cycle. This is especially true with high-efficiency or demand-initiated systems that work best with evaporated or solar salts. You’ll not only save money on salt, but you’ll also conserve water—great for your wallet and the environment.
5. Protects Your Investment
A quality water softener can last 10–15 years or more with proper care. Using the right salt helps ensure your system performs well year after year. Skimping on salt quality might save a few dollars up front, but it can shorten your system’s lifespan and lead to more frequent repairs.
2. Rock Salt
Rock salt is mined from underground salt deposits and appears in coarse, irregular chunks. It’s the most basic and unrefined of the types of water softener salt, often found in large bags at hardware or grocery stores.
Pros:
Low cost: Rock salt is typically the cheapest option per pound, making it a budget-friendly choice for households trying to save on regular salt purchases.
Readily available: Found in most retail stores, often in large 20–40 lb bags.
Cons:
Low purity (78–85%): Rock salt contains higher amounts of insoluble minerals like calcium sulphate, which don’t dissolve well in water.
More maintenance required: These impurities can settle at the bottom of the brine tank and form a sludge that needs to be cleaned out regularly.
Can cause salt bridging: Accumulated minerals can form hard crusts in the tank, disrupting the brine production and reducing system effectiveness.
Best For:
Older water softeners or basic systems that aren’t sensitive to salt quality.
Homeowners who don’t mind frequent cleaning and are looking for short-term savings.
WaterSmart Tip: If you're using rock salt, make it a habit to check your brine tank monthly and clean it at least every 6–12 months to avoid clogging or buildup.
3. Solar Salt
Solar salt is created through the natural evaporation of seawater or brine in shallow ponds, typically using the sun and wind. It’s sold in both crystal and pellet forms and is considered a cleaner, more eco-friendly alternative to rock salt.
Pros:
Higher purity (85–99%): Fewer impurities mean less risk of system buildup and better efficiency.
Dissolves more easily: Especially when used in pellet form, solar salt dissolves well and creates a consistent brine solution.
Environmentally friendly: Made through a renewable evaporation process, solar salt has a smaller carbon footprint compared to mined alternatives.
Cons:
Slightly more expensive: Costs more than rock salt, but still affordable for most households.
May not work well with extremely hard water: Its moderate purity can be insufficient for households with very hard water or high-volume usage.
Best For:
Homes with moderate water hardness.
Standard water softeners with no advanced filtering requirements.
Users are looking for a balance between price and performance.
WaterSmart Tip: If your system uses pellets, solar salt is often the sweet spot—good purity, less cleaning, and a more sustainable production process.
4. Evaporated Salt
Evaporated salt is the purest form of water softener salt on the market. It starts as mined rock salt, but is purified through a high-heat evaporation process that removes virtually all insoluble minerals, leaving behind a dense, high-quality salt, usually sold in pellet form.
Pros:
Exceptional purity (99.6% or higher): Almost no insoluble material, which means minimal brine tank residue and fewer clogs.
Efficient and long-lasting: Requires fewer cleanings and improves regeneration efficiency, which saves on both water and salt over time.
Recommended by manufacturers: Most high-efficiency water softeners specifically suggest using evaporated salt for optimal performance.
Cons:
Highest cost per pound: You’ll pay more upfront, but likely save on repairs and maintenance long-term.
Not always necessary for basic systems: If your system doesn’t require high-purity salt, you might not see significant added value.
Best For:
Homes with very hard water.
High-efficiency, demand-initiated softeners.
Homeowners who want the best performance with minimal maintenance.
WaterSmart Tip: We always recommend evaporated salt for new installations or upgraded systems. It's a small upgrade that protects your investment and boosts long-term efficiency.
5. Which Salt Is Best for Your System?
When deciding between the different types of water softener salt, consider the following:
System type: Some softeners require pellets or high-purity salt to function properly.
Water hardness: The harder your water, the more powerful and pure your salt needs to be.
Maintenance habits: If you prefer low-maintenance, opt for higher-purity salts that leave less residue.
Budget: While evaporated salt costs more upfront, it may save you in the long run through less system wear and tear.
WaterSmart’s Expert Recommendations
Here’s what our team typically suggests:
For standard systems: Start with solar salt pellets unless your softener’s manual recommends otherwise.
For high-efficiency systems: Always go with evaporated salt to avoid clogs and reduce cleaning needs.
Avoid rock salt unless you're on a tight budget and are prepared to clean your brine tank regularly.
Still not sure? Bring in a photo of your system or give us a call—we’re happy to help you pick the perfect match.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the different types of water softener salt makes it easier to protect your system and your water quality.
Whether you’re refilling your tank for the first time or upgrading your system, choosing the right salt is a small decision with a big impact.
Your Local Water Softener Experts
If you’re still unsure about types of water softener salt or water softeners in general and want expert advice on choosing the best system for your home, contact us today.
For over 30 years, our team has been here to answer your questions, provide personalized recommendations, and help you enjoy the benefits of softer, cleaner water!
Don’t wait—let us help you transform your water quality today.
Our customers have come to recognize us as a company that provides superior customer service combined with the highest quality CANADIAN-MADE products at the best prices.
“Repair team fixed our water softener after it started overflowing. Fast response, courteous professional crew, cleaned after themselves and talked me through maintenance tips. Good service, good value.”
