How The Water Softener Works - US Water Systems Synergy 9000 Installation Manual

How the Water Softener Works

Water hardness is derived from Calcium and Magnesium minerals that have been dis-
solved into the water under the earth's surface. These minerals are found in limestone
deposits and are the source of hard water. The amount of hardness in a given water
supply is dependent upon the quantity of Calcium and Magnesium present and the length
of time water has been in contact with them. This can vary dramatically from source
to source and, for this reason, a water analysis is imperative in order to determine the
proper treatment method. The degree of hardness increases as the concentration of
Calcium and Magnesium "ions" increases and is measured in Grains Per Gallon (gpg).
The problem of hard water in the home/business comes to light in many facets of daily
use. Water spots and scum left behind on bathtubs, fixtures, and showers; wear and tear
on appliances; calcium build-up in hot water heaters and piping; and, greater amounts of
soap and detergents being used are just a few examples.
The modern water softener is designed to reduce hardness ions and their unpleasant
side effects. Special resin beads in the softener mineral tank are used to change hard
water into soft water. The surfaces of these beads are covered with sodium ions. As
hard water enters the mineral tank and comes into contact with the resin, an exchange
of ions takes place as dissolved Calcium and Magnesium ions cling to the resin surface
and sodium ions take their place, thus softening the water. This process is called Ion
Exchange. Over time, the sodium ions used for the exchange process become depleted
and must be replenished.
The water softener provides a Regeneration process whereby brine solution enters the
mineral tank, driving-off the collected hardness ions and replenishes the surface of the
resin beads with more sodium ions. This process is automatically initiated by the control
valve on the mineral tank. The regeneration process has five basic cycles as follows:
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