What does 'grain capacity' mean when shopping for a water softener? We explain this crucial measurement to help you choose the right system.
What is a Grain?
In water treatment, hardness is measured in Grains Per Gallon (GPG). One grain of hardness is equivalent to one grain of wheat in weight (about 1/7000th of a pound) dissolved in a gallon of water.
Understanding Grain Capacity
Water softeners are sized by their "grain capacity," which is the total number of grains of hardness they can remove before needing to regenerate. Common sizes are 24,000, 32,000, and 48,000 grains.
Sizing Your System
To choose the right size, you need to know your water hardness (GPG) and your household's daily water usage. A system that is too small will regenerate too often, wasting water and salt, while an oversized system is an unnecessary expense.
Our experts can test your water and calculate the perfect grain capacity for your home's needs.
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