"How is hard water measured?"
Hard water is usually measured in either PPM (parts per million) or GPG (grains per gallon).
17.1 PPM or Mg/L = 1 GPG
or
PPM or Mg/L divided by 17.1 = GPG (grains per gallon)

"How can I tell how hard my water is?"
You can either have it tested locally or you can send it to us (at least 1oz) and we will test it for free (Hardness, pH, Iron only). 

"Why does the water softener have to add salt to the water?"
The softener works by passing the hard water through resin beads which have soft sodium/potassium ions attached to them. While the water is in contact with the resin beads an ion exchange takes place with the hard mineral ions (typically calcium and/or magnesium) trading places with the soft sodium/potassium ions. After a period of use the sodium/potassium ions are depleted being replaced by calcium and magnesium. The resin then needs to be regenerated with the sodium/potassium ions so the resin will again be able to exchange the hard for the soft. Our softeners use potassium or sodium to regenerate.

"What is the difference between a water softener, a water filter, a descaler, and a conditioner?"
A water softener is a water treatment system where the calcium and magnesium carbonate (the minerals responsible for the hard water) which are dissolved in the water are replaced with either sodium chloride (salt) or potassium chloride. This is different from a water filter in that filters will generally remove chlorine, pesticides, bacteria (in some cases), and suspended particles (sand, sediment, etc). A filter will not remove dissolved solids (which are responsible for hard water). 

"Why would I want to soften my water?"
It greatly reduces the scaling of pipes, faucets, pots, glasses, tubs, etc.
You will use less laundry soap, dishwashing soap, hand soap, etc.
The water is more pleasant to wash with, less soap scum.

"Ok then, why wouldn't I want to soften my water?"
If you're using sodium chloride (salt), then the softener will add a small amount of sodium to the water. For most people this is not a problem. However, if you're on a sodium restricted diet, we would recommend a seperate faucet in the kitchen that dispenses un-softened water for drinking. Some people take awhile to get used to the feel of softened water.

"Someone told me that softened water feels 'slimy'."
When you wash your skin with hard water, there is a layer of soap and minerals that is left on your skin. This is what causes the supposed 'squeaky clean' feeling. With soft water, the soap is completely rinsed away leaving just the natural oils your skin produces.

"I've heard that a water softener adds sodium to my water supply. Is this true?"
Yes. A household water softener removes the hardness minerals - calcium and magnesium - from water and replaces them with sodium.

"How much sodium is added to the water by the softener?"
That depends on the hardness of the original water. This table shows the additional amount of sodium consumed by drinking one quart of softened water.

   Initial Hardness                       Sodium Added

 1.0 grains per gallon                7.5 milligrams/quart

 5.0 grains per gallon               37.5 milligrams/quart

10.0 grains per gallon               75.0 milligrams/quart

20.0 grains per gallon              150.0 milligrams/quart

40.0 grains per gallon              300.0 milligrams/quart

"Should I worry about corrosion from the salt in the water?"
No. Over a long period of time it may have some effect on exposed steel surfaces. Most of the metal in a home that comes in contact with softened water is either coated, painted, or stainless steel. All which would be unaffected.

"Do I have to use salt?"
Most stores that sell softener salt will also sell a salt substitute (potassium chloride). This is just as effective as the regular salt, but adds potassium instead of sodium. The downside is that potassium chloride costs between 3 and 4 times more than the regular softener salt.

"Will a Reverse Osmosis system remove the salt from the sodium softened water?"
ALPHA'S ROS-5 will remove 99%  of the salt from the water.

"What should I look for in a water softener?"
One of the main features you should look for are capacity (measured in grains) and how it determines when to regenerate. Our units vary in size from a 20,000- 1000000  grain capacity and meters how much water has been used to determine when it should regenerate. Some units regenerate after a fixed period of time regardless of how much water you've actually used.
Warranty is one of the biggest considerations in buying a water softener. Check out our WARRANTY PAGE

"What difference does size make?"
The size of the softener (rated in grains) in combination with knowing your hardness level will tell you how often it will regenerate, and consequently how often you will have to add salt.
If you have a family of four and you hardness level is 10. Divide the unit grain capacity, FGA-60--30,000 Grain capacity by your hardness (10), giving you 3,000 gallons of treated water. The average person uses about 50 gallons per day so divide the 3,000 by 200 (50 gallons x 4 people). This gives you 15 days between regenerations. Our softener uses about 8lbs of salt per regeneration, so if you start out with a full brine tank (350 lbs) it should last you well over a year before you have to add salt again!
How's that for low sodium.

"How much water does it take to dissolve 8 pounds of salt?"
One gallon of water will dissolve 3 pounds of salt. So for pounds of salt, at least 3 gallons of water should be in the brine tank.

"Do I have an exact amount of salt in the brine tank for the softener to regenerate properly?"
The amount of salt placed into the brine storage tank has nothing to do with the amount of salt used during the regeneration cycle. Water will disolve and absorb salt only until it becomes saturated. A given amount of brine (salt saturated water) contains a specific amount of salt. Just make sure that there is at least enough salt for a regeneration cycle (8 lbs in the case of our unit).

"With a flow rate of 8 gpm, just how much water is that really? How much water do most fixtures use?"
A toilet will normally use 1.5-3gpf, a shower 1 1/2 - 3, a bathroom or kitchen faucet 2-3, a dishwasher 2-4, a washing machine 3-5. When you start running more than one fixture at a time, they add up quick and those extra gallons from 1" waterways can make a difference.

"Why would I want '1" waterways' when I only have a 3/4" main?"
Even if you have a 3/4" main line, having true 1" waterways will significantly reduce the friction loss that any softener produces. Yes, this might be "overkill" for some, but if gallons per minute are important to you, then it would definitely be worth it. No extra charge ever for 1" full flow whole house water softener or filter.

"What makes your softener better than others that charge as much as four times the price?"
All softeners, regardless of price, should soften your water (i.e reduce the hardness to 0 grains). The question is how long will the unit last? How often does it regenerate? How large is the grain capacity? What is the warranty? How long has the company been in business? Does the softener regenerate based on time rather than how much water has been used? How easy is it to change the settings and service the unit? How quickly can you get your questions answered and your problems solved?
We have a weekend 8-3pm EST and holiday technical support and installation number (914-489-3068) for all Alpha Water Systems Inc. Equipment.
Call our office (973-293-7856) for technical support Monday-Friday 8-4pm EST

"Why do you recommend a two tank system over a one tank system?
Salt water is corrosive. If you live by a beach and have a car, you see this all the time. On a one tank system the controls are very close to the salts. We feel that it's far superior to keep the electronics away from the corrosive effects of the salt. Salt tanks should be cleaned out every few years and one tank systems have to be uninstalled to cleaned. We manufacture a space saver all in one for small homes and condo's. Model SFA-40 20,000 Grain Capacity.

"What's the difference between naturally soft water and the water from a water softener?"
There's a great deal of difference! Naturally soft water is generally acidic and contains very few dissolved minerals. This tends to make the water quite corrosive to pipes and plumbing.
The water from a water softener is more like the raw water from which it is made. It is usually alkaline rather than acidic, and contains moderate amounts of dissolved minerals. Thus softening hard water in the home should not significantly affect corrosion.

"Will a softener remove iron/red stains?"
In many cases it will! It depends upon the levels of Iron present. We manufacture Iron units for heavy Iron problems. Please contact us for correct Iron-Softener combinations for maximum life. 973-293-7856

"Will a softener remove tannin?"
It can. By replacing the typical CATION media in the softener tank with an ANION resin, it will  remove tannin. Use Model FGA-60T.

"Will a softener remove nitrates?"
It can. By replacing the typical CATION media in the softener tank with a special nitrate resin, it will  remove nitrates. Use Model FGA-60N.

"Will a softener remove radium?"
It can. By replacing the typical CATION media in the softener tank with a special radium resin, it will  remove radium. Use Model FGA-120MJR.

"I've read that the softener capacity should be large enough so that it should not regenerate more than every two days. Is there an ideal period between regenerations?"
"Do long periods between regenerations (say a month) have any negative effects on the softener?"
A water softener should be regenerated when the softener has reached its capacity and is unable to keep exchanging the hard ions for the soft ions. How often a water softener regenerates is dependent on how many grains per gallon of hardness is present in your water and the (size) grain capacity of your water softener. If the capacity of the water softener is 40,000 grain, and you have 10 grains per gallon of hardness, then your softener would regenerate after 4,000 gallons of water had passed through it. How quickly you would use 4,000 gallons of water would really depend on your water usage.

"Magnetic (magic) Softeners?"
They have been around for a few years. We ask, if they work so well why doesn't everyone have one? In 1985 we sold a few as an experiment (with a money-back guarantee) and we told the customer we were skeptical. The results? After 8 months, the customer did not feel they were working as claimed (and of course their money was refunded). This test was performed in Pleasant Valley Lake, New Jersey. Some of the state of  New Jersey's hardest water readings.
Another brand maybe? We say "Dont be taken!" Be very wary of electronic salt free units advertised on TV. They have no certification or verification of operation. If they worked as advertised we would be a national dealer!
Our salt free softeners have been verified for whole house applications. 

"How easy is it to install your softener?"
If you've done even a little plumbing, we think you'll be able to install our softener. We have a 7 day installation team that walks you through every aspect of the job. 914-489-3068 We are available before, during and after the install with support answers. Take a look at the basic installation instructions  and decide for yourself. 

"Does the resin tank have to be right next to the brine tank?"
No, they can be up to 20' apart.

"How do I utilize your 'free technical support'?"
With the purchase of any Alpha Water Systems Inc water filter we will give you our technical support 914-489-3068 for any questions which puts you in direct contact with one of our softener experts. Please provide model and serial number or invoice number for free technical support. We have an Installation Tech line set up for weekend & holiday Installations 914-489-3068. You will receive activation to our seven day tech-direct number on purchase. For information call 973-293-7856

"How does the warranty work on the softener?" Alpha Water Softeners have a 10 year warranty. Our tech support is ready to help you with any installation or maintenance questions that you may have for the life of the unit. See our WARRANTY page for complete information.

"Does your softeners have a 'grains per gallon' limit?"
Our residential softeners will handle from 1 to 120 grains per gallon.

"What kind of resin does your softener include?"
Our FGA series water softeners come installed with Sybron Chemical IONIC #C-249 CATION quality water softener resin.

"Is it ok for the water softener drain hose to drain into my septic system?"
Generally most people drain their discharge into their standard drain, which would go into the public drain system or their septic tank.Please follow all local plumbing codes.

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