To choose a water softener, you need to know your water hardness, your daily water consumption, and the grain capacity of the system. Water hardness can be measured by a test kit or checked on a water hardness map. Daily water consumption can be estimated by multiplying the number of people in your home by the average gallons of water they use (80 gallons per person is the average). Grain capacity is the amount of hard water minerals that the system can remove before regenerating. You should shop for a water softener that can handle the load of your water usage and hardness level, and check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact size needed. You should also research your municipality's regulations about water softening systems, compare prices and reviews, and consider other options like salt-free conditioners, shower heads, or aluminum sulfate.
Here are some steps you can follow to choose a water softener:
1. Determine if you need a water softener.
2. Test your water hardness.
3. Calculate your daily water usage.
4. Determine the grain capacity needed.
5. Choose a type of softener.
6. Compare prices and reviews.
7. Check your municipality's regulations.
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