Resin beads generally last 15 years if the water softener is well maintained. In the presence of chlorinated water, standard beads will generally not last longer than ten years. If you see small fragments of resin beads appearing in your softened water, then your resin beads are breaking down and may need to be replaced. Open the ion-exchange tank and feel the beads for firmness. If they are mushy or broken then they need to be replaced.