- Soft water refers to water that contains no (or very little) calcium or magnesium. According to a study at Virginia Tech University, 85 percent of American homes have hard water, which has been linked to negative effects on the skin, such as childhood eczema. Culligan water softeners use the latest in water softening technology to remove these metals from household water.
- A Culligan water softener's tank is loaded with beads charged with sodium ions called "resin beads." While the hard water makes its way through the resin beads, the sodium ions attract and replace the magnesium and calcium ions. The resin beads will eventually lose their effectiveness and the sodium ion charge must be replenished in a process referred to as "regeneration."
- A liquid known as the "brine" is released into the resin tank and saturates the resin beads with sodium ions, which flushes out the calcium and magnesium ion build-up. Once the brine solution has replaced the calcium and magnesium, leaving behind sodium ion charged resin beads, the brine is washed away with water. The resin beads are ready to use again.
- Culligan's patented Aqua Sensor monitors the hardness of the water to make sure regeneration of beads occurs only when necessary. This helps to guarantee the most efficient use of salt and water.
- Depending on the hardness of the water, the resin beads need to be replaced about every two to three months. While it's possible to replace the beads yourself, Culligan offers a delivery service that includes replacement of beads.
