Hard water is easily spotted because it creates a bathtub ring. Hardness minerals and soap collect to form a scum that appears on shower walls, clings to hair, clogs skin pores and makes house cleaning difficult. Hard water also can clog pipes, cause water heaters to operate inefficiently, and increase maintenance on water-using appliances. Hard water is caused by water passing through rock formations and picking up calcium and magnesium.
Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon.
The hard water passes through a tank containing resin beads holding sodium ions. The calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions thus softening the water. The unit is then ready to soften water again. The number of grains per gallon are measured and combined with water usage statistics to accurately calculate and set equipment regeneration cycles. Iron stains on sinks, clothing and linens indicate the presence of iron in water.