76The diagram below shows the exchange that takes place during the water softening process. When
the resin beads in your softener become saturated with calcium and magnesium ions, they need to
be recharged. Sodium ions from the water softening salt reactivate the resin beads so they can
continue to do their job. Without sufficient softening salt, your water softener is less efficient. As a
rule, you should check your water softener once a week to be sure the salt level is always at least
one quarter full.
Conventional Household Water Softener