Refilling salt is a routine maintenance task that keeps your Harmony Water Softener operating properly. Check the brine tank monthly and refill it before salt runs too low.
How often you need to add salt depends on your system size, water hardness, and household water usage.
Why Salt Is Important
Salt in the brine tank does not directly soften water. Instead, it supports the regeneration process by:
- Cleaning hardness minerals from the resin beads
- Recharging the resin so it can continue softening water
- Maintaining consistent system performance
Without enough salt, the resin cannot regenerate properly, and the system will not produce soft water effectively.
When to Refill Your Harmony Series Water Softener
Regularly checking the salt level helps ensure your system regenerates properly and continues producing soft water.
- Check the brine tank at least once a month.
- Refill the tank when the salt level drops to about 2–3 inches above the bottom.
- Avoid letting the tank run nearly empty, as this can interrupt regeneration.
For most households, 80 lbs of salt typically lasts about 2–3 months, depending on water usage and water hardness.
Choosing the right Salt for Your Harmony Series Water Softener
The type of salt you use plays a big role in how efficiently your system regenerates and how well it stays free of clogs or buildup.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two most common salt styles:
Pellet Style Salt
Pellet salt, such as Morton® Clean and Protect, is a highly recommended option for most water softeners due to its clean, consistent performance and minimal maintenance needs.
Pros:
- Dissolves evenly for reliable regeneration
- Produces less residue, reducing the risk of salt bridges or clogs
- Typically purer, which means fewer impurities in the brine tank
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other types
- May be harder to find in bulk in some areas
Coarse Crystal Salt or Salt Bricks
While often more budget-friendly, coarse salt options like Solar Naturals® or salt bricks come with trade-offs that can impact your system’s efficiency and increase upkeep.
Pros:
- Often less expensive
- More widely available in some regions
Cons:
- May dissolve unevenly, leading to salt bridges or blockages
- Can contain more impurities, which may reduce system efficiency
- Salt bricks may not break down fully, leading to buildup over time
For best performance and lower maintenance, pellet-style salt is generally the more efficient choice.
How to Refill the Salt Tank:
Refilling salt is quick and easy. Just follow these steps to keep your system running smoothly.
- Open the brine tank lid to access the salt compartment.
- Inspect the salt level inside the brine tank to gauge how much salt is left inside and avoid overfilling.
- Pour in up to 80 lbs of pellet salt. Avoid adding more than 80 pounds at once to prevent salt bridging.
- Replace the lid securely to keep the tank clean and free from debris.
- Check the salt level monthly and refill when salt level drops to about 2–3 inches above the bottom of the tank to maintain proper function.