If you've ever wondered whether the softener salt you choose makes a difference in how your softener performs, the short answer answer is yes — and more than most people realize. In our prior blog, Salt and Your Brine (Salt) Tank, we talked about how certain salt types can contribute to issues inside the tank. This time, we’re taking a broader look at why salt choice matters in the first place and how a few simple habits can help keep your system running smoothly.

Purity Matters More Than You Think
Higher purity salt dissolves more cleanly, which means fewer impurities left behind in the tank. When salt dissolves the way it should, your softener can regenerate properly and deliver consistent water quality. Lower‑purity salts may cost less upfront, but they often leave behind more residue — and that buildup can affect performance over time.

Solar Salt vs. Pellets: What’s the Difference?
Solar salt is naturally evaporated and tends to dissolve more efficiently. Pellets are manufactured and can vary in how they break down. While both can work in softeners, solar salt generally supports smoother operation with fewer complications. If you’ve ever noticed your salt level not dropping the way you expect, the type of salt you’re using may be part of the reason.

Match Your Salt to Your Water Conditions
If your water has iron, choosing a salt formulated to help manage staining can make a noticeable difference. If iron isn’t a concern, a clean, high‑purity standard salt is usually all you need. The key is choosing a salt that supports your system* rather than working against it.

If you’d like to see our specific recommendations, you can find them in our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) here. 
 
A Few Simple Habits Go a Long Way

• Keep an eye on your salt level and refill the tank before it gets too low.
• Break up any hardened areas you notice on the surface.
• Stick with one type of salt rather than switching back and forth.

A clean tank also supports performance, and our technicians can handle that as an additional part of your service when needed. These small steps help your softener stay consistent and reduce the chance of performance issues.
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The Bottom Line
The salt you choose plays a direct role in how well your softener works. With the right type and a few easy habits, you can help your system stay efficient, reliable, and ready to deliver the water quality you expect. For a deeper dive into our tank-cleaning details, read our blog Salt and Your Brine (Salt) Tank. 

We provide repairs and maintenance on most brands of water treatment equipment. Contact us today if you have questions about which salt is right for your system.

*Some systems aren’t compatible with rust protection salt. If you’re not sure whether yours can use it, contact us and we can help you determine the right fit.

If you're not sure when you checked your salt tank last, it could be time to add more salt. But before you do, you need to know that it’s important to use correct salt in your brine tank AND the tank should be cleaned periodically.
 
If you’re using ordinary pellets or block salt you run the risk of problems with your brine tank; a key component to providing your family with great tasting water.

Why does the type of salt matter? Pellets are more likely to cause bridging in your brine (salt) tank. Bridging is a packed solid layer of salt that spans across the width of the brine tank and does not allow the salt level to drop. So, you may look into your brine tank and think you have plenty of salt, but the salt is actually raised above the water level and is not going into the system when it regenerates. This means your system is trying to clean itself without cleaner.

Our salt is a professional brand of salt and it's cleaner than most other brands. What makes our green bags of salt even more special? They aren't pellets. They are solar salt composition but still have the rust remover additive. Not only do you get a better value for your money, but you're using the best product for your system!

Additionally, your brine tank should be dumped and cleaned at least annually. 
 
Here are a few questions to consider:

• Have you been using pellets?
• Has your brine tank gotten dirty over time or have an inside film?
• Not sure when you checked your salt tank last? 
• Do you know how to properly clean the tank for maximum efficiency?

If any of these questions made you feel a bit uneasy and it's been more than one year since your brine tank was cleaned last, then yes, your brine tank probably needs cleaning.

Too busy or not sure how to clean the tank yourself? You'll need to let the salt run down so the brine tank is a maximum of 1 foot full and then give us a call to come out and clean the tank. We can even bring more salt or you can have your own salt available when we come to clean and we can add it for you. Proper salt AND brine tank cleaning is recommended to make sure that your system is working properly while providing you and your family with great water.

For more information on your salt or brine tank or to schedule an appointment for a brine tank cleaning, call 804.693.7294 or click the button below. 
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