How a Water Softener Works

Softening Cycle

When the water softener is providing soft water, it is called “service” or the “softening cycle”. During this cycle, hard water flows from the main water pipe in the household into the water softener. Inside the resin tank is a bed made up of thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads. As hard water passes through the bed, each bead attracts and holds the hardness minerals. Water without the hardness minerals (soft water) flows from the water softener to the rest of the house.

Regeneration Cycle

Eventually the beads become coated with calcium or magnesium ions. At this point, the water softener needs to replenish the beads with sodium ions. This process is called “regeneration”.

Regeneration occurs when the resin beads are washed with a strong salt water solution. The sodium forces the calcium and magnesium ions to be released where they are then discharged as waste during the regeneration cycle. The beads are then ready to once again to collect the hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) from the water. Regeneration consists of five cycles; brine fill, brining, brine rinse, backwash and fast rinse. The total time of the regeneration cycle is approximately two hours.

Water Conditioning Information

Water Conditioning

Water conditioning is the treatment of four general conditions. These are:

Hardness

Iron

Acidity

Sediments

1.Hardness is a term to describe the presence of calcium and magnesium minerals in water. A chemical analysis accurately measures the amount of minerals in grain weight. For example, one gallon of water with 5 grains per gallon (gpg) hardness has dissolved minerals, that if solidified, about equals the size of one ordinary aspirin tablet. One gallon of water, 25 gpg hard, has a mineral content equal in size to 5 aspirin tablets. Water hardness varies greatly across the country. It generally contains from 3 to 100 gpg.

Hardness minerals combine with soap to make a soap curd. The curd greatly reduces the cleaning action of soap. Precipitated hardness minerals form a crust on cooking utensils, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Even the tastes of foods are affected. A water softener removes the hardness minerals to eliminate these effects, and others.

IMPORTANT: Water softeners using sodium chloride (salt) for regeneration add sodium to the water. Persons on sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall intake. Water softeners using potassium chloride (salt) for regeneration add potassium to the water. Persons on potassium restricted diets should consider the added potassium as part of their overall intake.

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Whirlpool WHES30, WHES20 How a Water Softener Works, Water Conditioning Information, Softening Cycle, Regeneration Cycle
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WHES30, WHES20 specifications

The Whirlpool WHES30 and WHES20 are innovative water softeners designed to enhance the quality of your home’s water supply. These models are engineered to effectively reduce hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium, providing soft water that helps protect your plumbing and appliances from scale buildup while improving the efficiency of soap and detergent.

One of the standout features of the WHES30 and WHES20 is their capacity. The WHES30 has a higher capacity, making it suitable for larger households requiring consistent soft water for daily use. It can handle water hardness levels of up to 120 grains per gallon and is designed to accommodate up to 30,000 grains of hardness removal, ensuring that even in high-demand scenarios, families can rely on a consistent supply of softened water. In contrast, the WHES20 is ideal for smaller households or those with milder water hardness issues, capable of managing up to 20,000 grains.

Both models utilize a demand-initiated regeneration process, which is an energy-efficient technology that allows the systems to regenerate only when necessary. This not only saves water and salt but also extends the lifespan of the system. The softeners use a high-efficiency brining cycle, which reduces waste and enhances performance, ensuring that you have soft water available at all times.

The Whirlpool WHES series also features easy-to-use digital controls. This user-friendly interface enables homeowners to easily monitor and program the system settings according to their specific needs. Detailed diagnostic information is displayed, allowing users to track water usage and maintenance schedules efficiently.

Additionally, both water softeners come equipped with a two-in-one system design that incorporates a built-in brine tank, simplifying installation and saving valuable space in your home. The compact nature of these models ensures they can fit into various locations without taking up excessive room.

In terms of construction, the WHES30 and WHES20 are durable and designed for longevity. They are built with sturdy materials that resist corrosion and ensure reliable performance over the years. This commitment to quality makes these water softeners a valuable investment for any household.

Overall, the Whirlpool WHES30 and WHES20 models deliver user-friendly operation, efficient performance, and high-quality components, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to improve their water quality through effective softening technology.
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