Do Water Softeners Add Salt to Your Water?
Many homeowners understand that water softeners are the key to tackling hard water problems, but there's still confusion about what role salt plays in the process — and whether you're actually drinking it. Let’s break down how water softeners use salt, how sodium interacts with your water, and what this means for your health and home.
Understanding Salt and Sodium in Water Softeners
Is Salt Added to My Drinking Water?
The simple answer: No. Water softeners use salt (sodium chloride), but they don’t add salty water to your plumbing. Instead, they use sodium, an element in salt, during the ion exchange process to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium.
While salt is a chemical compound (NaCl), sodium (Na) is just one part of that compound. The actual amount of sodium transferred into your water is minimal, and nowhere near the levels found in most foods.
Common Misconception
People often see the large brine tank full of salt and assume their water is running through it directly. In reality, salt is used only during the regeneration process, and softened water remains very low in sodium.
“A gallon of softened water with 20 gpg of hardness has about as much sodium as four slices of white bread.”
How Water Softeners Work
The Ion Exchange Process
The core function of a water softener is to exchange hard water minerals (calcium, magnesium) with sodium ions through a bed of resin inside the softener tank. These resin beads attract and hold onto the hard minerals as water passes through.
When the resin becomes full, the system goes into regeneration mode:
Saltwater from the brine tank flows into the resin tank
Sodium replaces calcium and magnesium on the resin
The displaced minerals are flushed down the drain
The resin is refreshed and ready to soften again
This process is key to reducing scale buildup, improving soap performance, and extending the lifespan of appliances.
How Much Sodium Is In Softened Water?
It Depends on Your Water Hardness
The harder your water, the more sodium your softener will exchange to remove minerals. However, even in areas with very hard water, the total sodium added is still considered "very low sodium" by FDA standards.
Sodium Levels Are Generally Safe
Softened water typically has less sodium than what you get in most foods and beverages. For example, coffee, bread, and pizza all contribute more sodium to your diet than soft water.
If you are concerned about sodium intake, a reverse osmosis (RO) system can be installed at the kitchen sink to filter sodium and other impurities, providing purified drinking water.
Traditional vs. Salt-Free Water Softeners
What's the Difference?
Salt-free systems are better described as conditioners rather than softeners. Instead of removing minerals, they chemically alter them so they’re less likely to stick to surfaces.
Limitations of Salt-Free Systems
Do not remove calcium and magnesium
Don't reduce soap scum or fully eliminate scale
Some models even recommend pairing with a traditional softener
While salt-free systems may be suitable for certain households or areas with brine discharge restrictions, traditional softeners remain the most effective solution for hard water problems.
“Softened water helps extend the life of your appliances, plumbing, and clothes.” — Angie Hicks, Angie’s List
Choosing the Right Salt for Your Brine Tank
Purity Matters
When selecting water softener salt, choose high-purity products like:
Solar Salt Crystals: Naturally evaporated and ideal for most systems
Salt Pellets: Clean-dissolving, great for preventing build-up
Avoid These:
Rock Salt or Road Salt: Low purity, contains debris and contaminants
Salt Blocks: May include binders that clog your system over time
Always check your owner's manual or consult a professional before switching salt types.
What Happens If You Forget to Add Salt?
If the brine tank runs out of salt:
The system can’t regenerate properly
Resin beads won’t release hard minerals
You’ll experience hard water again (dry skin, soap scum, scaling)
A quick refill with high-purity solar salt can restore the system, but regular checks are the best prevention.
Summary: Why Salt Is Essential, But Not in Your Water
Key Takeaways:
Salt is used indirectly during regeneration
Sodium levels in soft water are low and safe for most people
For sodium-sensitive households, an RO filter offers peace of mind
Salt-free softeners do not remove hardness minerals
To keep your water softener working efficiently, always:
Check salt levels monthly
Use high-quality salt
Consider smart sensors or delivery services to stay on track
Looking for stress-free soft water in Connecticut? Contact SimplySaltCT to learn how our sensor-based delivery service makes salt management easier than ever!