What Size Softener Do I Need?

Are you thinking of buying a water softener but are confused about the size of the Water Softener should you get? 

This is one of the most basic questions that people go through before getting one, in this post we have tried to help you as much as possible by providing you a size chart of water softener according to family size.   ​

What does a water softener do?

Water softeners are devices that prevent 'hard' water from producing lime-scale build-up in water pipes, fittings, and appliances, as well as to improve the lathering ability of soap and detergents, which can be diminished by the presence of hard water.  

Water hardness is caused by elevated quantities of calcium and magnesium ions in the water, which usually indicates that the water came from limestone or dolomite-rich location.

Which size Softener do I Need?  

Water Softener Size or Capacity Determining Factors 
The quantity of water softener you will require is determined by two factors: the 'hardness' of your water supply and the amount of water per day that you wish to soften.

It is usually a good idea to find out the hardness of your water supply, whether via your local water supply utility or by measuring it yourself. The hardness of water is measured in parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg). 

One grain of hardness is equivalent to about 17 ppm. A measured hardness of 10.5gpg (180ppm) or higher is considered very hard water and will require the use of a water softener; however, if your measured hardness is greater than 7gpg (120ppm), you may also desire to soften your water.

Our 32,000-grain unit (1 cubic foot of resin) has more than enough capacity for the majority of households. Larger family (6 or more), larger house (4000sq ft+), and/or very hard water are all factors that might necessitate a larger unit (over 15 grains).

A water softener should ideally be sized so that it does not regenerate more than every three days (wasting water and salt) and should not go more than 14 days without being regenerated (can cause compacting of resin, and fouling with sediment or iron).  

It's definitely preferable to wait 7 days between regenerations, especially if iron is present.  

Also Check:
Buy Reverse Osmosis System in Elkhart 
Water Softener Salt Delivery in Elkhart

To determine the right-sized water softener, use the following formula:

70 times the number of persons in your family (gallons of water used per day, national average).

Multiply the result by your water hardness in grains per gallon (divide by 17.1 to convert mg/l or ppm to grains).

Add 5 grains for every ppm (mg/l) of the iron present (iron MUST be dissolved iron - it appears clear from the tap but leaves reddish-brown stains).

This is your daily grain intake. Divide this figure by each softener capacity until you find the optimum fit. 


Water Softener Size Chart 
Hardness in Grains per Gallon                  1 to 2                     3 to 4                            5 to 6                                   7 to 8
5-10 GPG                                                  32,000 Grain            32,000 Grain               32,000 Grain                       40,000 Grain
11-20 GPG                                                32,000 Grain            32,000 Grain               40,000 Grain                       48,000 Grain
21-30 GPG                                                32,000 Grain            40,000 Grain               64,000 Grain                       80,000 Grain
31-40 GPG                                                40,000 Grain            64,000 Grain               64,000 Grain                       96,000 Grain
41-50 GPG                                                64,000 Grain            80,000 Grain               96,000 Grain                      110,000 Grain
51-75 GPG                                                64,000 Grain            80,000 Grain               96,000 Grain                      110,000 Grain
76-100 GPG                                             80,000 Grain             96,000 Grain               96,000 Grain                      110,000 Grain

​Why Should Water Be Softened?  

The accumulation of 'lime-scale' reduces the efficiency and longevity of pipes and appliances, increases maintenance expenses, and increases the number of cleaning solutions necessary.  

Because of its low lathering ability and the creation of soap scum, hard water can be unpleasant to use for bathing and showering. To avoid the issues caused by lime-scale buildup, the household water supply must be softened by removing or modifying the calcium and magnesium ions before they may form carbonate crystals.  

Fortunately, water softener systems are now available in a broad range of sizes, from portable systems for your RV to whole-house systems for any size of home. 

Where to buy Water Softener? 

Spencerswater offers you the best quality water softener at the most affordable price. Order today, make sure to check our service area before ordering.