Grain & GallonHow-to
What water softener grain capacity really means (32,000, 48,000, 64,000)
Water softener grain capacity is rated at maximum salt. See the makers' own salt tables, what 32,000 to 64,000 grains means in resin, and reserve settings.
Sizing and running costs
Two calculators and two guides for the numbers that decide what you buy and what you pay afterwards. Start with the water softener size calculator: enter your household, hardness and iron to get a resin volume and grain rating at your salt setting. The grain capacity guide explains why the number on the box is a maximum-salt figure, and the hardness setting guide shows what to enter on the valve, iron allowance included. Then take your resin volume to the running cost calculator for a yearly salt, water and dollar figure. Each page shows its formula and cites the source for every constant, so you can check the math yourself.
How-to
Water softener hardness setting, with iron added the way your manual says
The right water softener hardness setting: convert your test to gpg, add iron by your manual's factor, read the chart, then check the result with a strip.
How-to
How much does it cost to run a water softener? Salt, water and a calculator
What it costs to run a water softener per year: salt, regeneration water and dollars from your hardness, household and salt setting, every figure sourced.
How-to
What size water softener do you need? A calculator with iron and salt settings
Find what size water softener you need: enter your household, hardness and iron to get the resin volume and grain rating at your salt setting. All sourced.