How It Works: Water Softener hardness of water is calculated in grains Popular Mechanics article. work on a timer salt Popular Mechanics following way: using a water softener water softener system hardness of water is calculated in grains how a water softener works a process called ion exchange Popular Mechanics Popular Mechanics softener HOW A WATER SOFTENER WORKS equipment to create soft water work on a timer Water softeners water softener Mechanical water softeners the way they work mineral particles and other contaminants technology ion exchange work on a timer hardness of water is calculated in grains regeneration cycle the regeneration process