What Kind of Salt Should You Use in Your Water Softener?
- David Gray
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
A Local’s Guide for Hamilton & Boone County Homeowners
If you live in Hamilton or Boone County, chances are you rely on a water softener to keep your home's water free of buildup, stains, and that annoying dry-skin feeling. But not all softener salt is created equal—and using the wrong kind can cost you in system efficiency, lifespan, and even your utility bill.
Whether you're in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, or Westfield, or in Zionsville or Lebanon, this guide breaks down the different types of salt available, how to choose the right one, and when it’s time to make a switch.
Types of Water Softener Salt
There are several options out there, but most softener owners use one of the following:
1. Salt Pellets
Best for most homes in Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville
Salt pellets are the most common type used in residential softeners. They’re compressed and purified, which means less residue and fewer clogs. If you’re on city water or using a high-efficiency unit, pellets are a great all-around choice.
Pros: Low buildup, longer-lasting
Cons: Slightly more expensive
Recommended for: Most Hamilton & Boone County systems
2. Salt Crystals
Better for low-usage homes, seasonal cabins, or older softeners
Salt crystals are less dense than pellets and dissolve faster. They work best in low-flow softeners, making them a fit for smaller homes or twin-tank systems.
Pros: Affordable, easy to find
Cons: Can form salt bridges in high-use systems
Recommended for: Older or occasional-use softeners
3. Solar Salt
An eco-friendlier option if your system can handle it
Solar salt is produced through the evaporation of seawater and is a bit more natural. It comes in crystal or pellet form and works well if your softener isn’t prone to bridging or buildup.
Pros: Naturally produced, minimal processing
Cons: May require more frequent cleaning
Recommended for: Eco-conscious households
4. Evaporated Salt
The purest option—and usually the priciest
Evaporated salt is made by crystallizing brine into nearly 100% pure sodium chloride. It’s ideal for newer softeners and homes with very hard water.
Pros: High efficiency, low buildup
Cons: Most expensive option
Recommended for: Premium systems, very hard water areas
5. Potassium Chloride
A sodium-free alternative for health or environmental needs
Potassium chloride is great for homes trying to reduce sodium intake or discharge. It's especially popular where wellness and sustainability are priorities.
Pros: Salt-free, safe for plants and septic systems
Cons: Costly and dissolves more slowly
Recommended for: Households on low-sodium diets or with septic concerns
How to Choose the Right Salt for Your Home
Here’s a simple way to match your needs with the right product:
Water Usage Level | System Age | Salt Recommendation |
High (families) | Newer | Salt Pellets or Evaporated Salt |
Low (1–2 people) | Older | Crystals or Solar Salt |
Health Priority | Any | Potassium Chloride |
Eco-Conscious | Any | Solar Salt or Potassium |
If you live in Noblesville, Zionsville, or Lebanon, where some areas may have well water or variable hardness, you may want to consider having your water tested to fine-tune your salt choice.
Why It Matters: Protecting Your Softener and Your Home
Using the wrong salt can cause:
Salt bridges (which block salt from dissolving)
Residue buildup in your tank
Inefficient softening, leading to hard water damage
If your softener is running more often or you notice spots on dishes or itchy skin, your salt choice may be part of the problem.
Not Sure What You Need? We Can Help.
At Salty Dawg Delivery, we don’t just drop bags on your porch—we bring the salt down to the basement, refill your tank, and make sure your system is running like it should.
Our standard delivery includes:
✅ 3 bags of high-quality salt (pellet or your preferred type)
✅ Tank refill and quick system check
✅ Friendly service from a local team that knows Hamilton and Boone Counties inside and out
Whether you're in the heart of Fishers, out near the trails of Westfield, or watching cornfields sway in Lebanon, we’ve got you covered.
Final Tip: Don’t Let Salt Run Out
No matter what kind of salt you use, running your softener dry can cause serious problems. Consider our monthly subscription and let us handle the schedule—so you never have to lug a bag of salt again.
Comments