How a water softener works

HOW IT WORKS 

 

Overview 

 

Hard water enters the softener through the inlet and travels down through a bed of ion exchange resin. As the hard water flows through the resin, the calcium and magnesium ions in the hard water are exchanged for sodium ions. The softened water then travels out through the flow meter and into the house. The softening capacity of the resin is limited and it therefore needs to be recharged or regenerated as we call it. The frequency of regeneration depends on how much water is used and how hard the water is. 

  

The electronic circuitry in the softener monitors water use and the remaining capacity. It then decides when to regenerate and whether to do a full or less than full regeneration. If the softener has some capacity left when the regeneration is started then only the exhausted resin is regenerated. If the remaining capacity falls below a preset threshold, and the time is not right for a full regeneration, then a quick mini regeneration is performed, this will ensure soft water is available until the time is right for a full regeneration. 

  

The AT210 is a meter controlled water softener rather than a time controlled water softener. This means that frequency of regeneration is calculated on household water consumption. This means that the softener measures the water you use and regenerates when it is needed, making it more efficient than time controlled water softeners that regenerate at a set time no matter what. With a meter controlled water softener, if you are not there to use water (ie. away on holiday) the water softener will not regenerate.