Setting the gallon capacity on your water softener helps your system know how much water it can treat before it needs to regenerate. Setting it according to your household and water hardness ensures your softener runs efficiently and effectively softens your water.
Understanding GPG and PPM: The Measurements Used to Measure Water hardness
Water hardness is commonly measured in either grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM). Both measure the amount of hardness minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, present in your water.
Use whichever measurement is provided by your water test or local water quality report. The calculator accepts both units and will automatically use the value you enter.
Use the Gallons Capacity Calculator below to estimate the recommended gallon capacity setting for your Aquasure water softener.
| Current | Suggested |
| Your System Grains Capacity | System Grain Capacity |
| Placeholder Text in Text Box: Enter grains value | Enter system grain capacity |
| Water Hardness | Water Hardness Level |
| Don't know your water hardness? Click here to find out. | Don't know your water hardness? Find your local water hardness. |
| Placeholder Text in Text Box: Enter hardness value | Enter water hardness |
| PPH (People Per Household) | Household Size |
| Placeholder Text in Text Box: Enter number of people | Enter household size |
| *It is considered good practice to reduce the gallons calculated by 1/3 to compensate for the variety of contaminants found in well water. | Well Water Tip: Consider reducing the calculated gallon capacity by approximately 1/3 to account for additional minerals and contaminants commonly found in well water. |
Information You’ll Need
Before using the calculator, have the following information ready:
- System grain capacity
- Water hardness level
- Number of people in your household
Why Water Hardness Matters
Water hardness can vary based on where you live, your water source, and local geology.
Knowing your water hardness level helps ensure you choose and program a system with the right grain capacity for your home. If the hardness level is entered incorrectly, the system may regenerate too often or not often enough.
Water Hardness Units
The calculator accepts water hardness in either:
- GPG: Grains per gallon
- PPM: Parts per million
If you do not know your water hardness level, review your local water quality report or complete a water hardness test before programming your system.
Well Water Considerations
If your home uses well water, additional minerals and contaminants may place more demand on the softener.
As a general guideline, it is considered good practice to reduce the calculated gallon capacity by approximately one-third when programming a softener for well water.
Need Help Finding Your Water Hardness?
If you are on a municipal water supply, your local water provider may include hardness information in its water quality report.
If you are on well water, a water test is the best way to determine your hardness level before selecting or programming a softener.