- Resin beads are designed for standard water softening, chlorinated water softening, and iron-containing water - The standard 8% cross-link resin beads will treat 32,000 grains of hardness per sq. ft of resin.10% cross-link chlorine resistant resin will give 30-60% longer life in chlorinated water - Fine mesh resin is designed for well water containing ‘clear water’ iron or ferrous iron – it has twice the iron-removing capacity as cross-link resin (8ppm v 4ppm) Consult your local water softener dealer as to which type of resin you should use in your water softener.