We had Nova install their filter and softener system in 2 houses here. The individual parts (3 pre filters, resin tank and salt tank) is the best system IMO - especially for the price. Some people install just the softener and with our water that has sediment, this sediment can clog the resin in the softener tank causing it to prematurely need replacing. And as others have stated, chlorine also damages the resin. The pre filters are easily changed but I let Nova bring and replace them annually.
Don't be fooled. "Potassium" systems are still salt systems. It is potassium chloride. When most people think of salt, they think of table salt which is sodium chloride. There are endless salt compositions but the potassium chloride and sodium chloride are the 2 used to regenerate the resin in softeners. During regeneration, the water is dispensed usually in the landscape, the lawn or down the driveway. Either can damage concrete. Sodium chloride will kill plants. Potassium chloride is actually good for plants.
My softener drain is plumbed to a downspout that empties next to the curb so not much gets in the grass. I use sodium chloride. The cost savings over potassium chloride has more than paid for extending the downspout. Sodium chloride is about $9/ 40 lb bag and potassium chloride is about $40/ 40 lb bag. Both do the same job regenerating the resin. Some people are concerned about a possible sodium intake due to their health but it really doesn't add any significant amount of sodium to your drinking water. We use about 4 bags a year.
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