Anyone know the proper way to size a water softener?

**amateurplumber1** · 03-18-2013, 08:14 PM

So I was getting ready to buy a 48,000 grain capacity water softener when some guy on another forum told me if I want to size it properly for maximum hardness, I'll need a 64,000 grain capacity softener. My problem is that our water company softens water to about 11-12 gpg, and then during the "irrigation season" they dont soften at all, and the water gets to 30 gpg. So i suppose that's a little unusual. We have 3 people in the house, 4 baths (3 full baths) and none of our showers have more than one shower head. We're on city water. All the water softener companies I talked to suggested 48,000 grains. So I dont really know what to do and would greatly appreciate your help.

Thanks a ton!

**Mikey** · 03-19-2013, 04:35 AM

My uneducated opinion is you could install a softener to handle the normal load, sized per something like Gary's website calculator, but shorten the regeneration time during the irrigation season. Or vice-versa -- install a 64K system and lengthen the regeneration time during the "normal" season. Issues of salt and water efficiency probably would influence the decision, but those are above my pay grade. The pros will no doubt comment on that.

**amateurplumber1** · 03-19-2013, 12:29 PM

Alright, thanks for the tip! You have been immensely helpful to me! I dont even think we use that much water, so Ill probably go with the smaller one.

**amateurplumber1** · 03-30-2013, 09:29 AM

I'm gonna bump this once and leave it alone. Just wanna make sure I'm getting the right size. I'm also going to call our water company again and talk to them.

**mialynette2003** · 03-30-2013, 11:35 AM

You want to size the unit based on the higher hardness. You should buy a Hach 5B test kit to monitor the hardness level thoughout the year.

**amateurplumber1** · 03-30-2013, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by mialynette2003

You want to size the unit based on the higher hardness. You should buy a Hach 5B test kit to monitor the hardness level thoughout the year.

Thanks for the info!

I *think* the 48K should be ok since there will only be 2 people in the house after this coming here.

**Mikey** · 03-31-2013, 05:12 AM

Had a question, found the answer, can't figure out how to delete the post altogether.

**amateurplumber1** · 03-31-2013, 10:43 AM

I usually just put deleted. :P

Is there any downside to getting a larger softener? I think a 64000 grain softener would be way too large for just 2 people even when the water is 30 gpg.

**Mikey** · 03-31-2013, 12:52 PM

I tried that and got a snotty message that said my post had to be at least 10 characters. Don't know about a too-big softener other than too-expensive.