Cat-ion Resin Softener and Salt (How it works)
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
In order to remove the calcium and magnesium from calcium-carbonate or magnesium-carbonate found in the water, we need to give the negative ions they are combined with, carbonate (CO3)-2, something else in exchange for the positive ions. By using an insoluble material the ions may be pulled out of the solution and held in place (the resin beads which are made from a plastic material). The exchange process is about the ability of the resin bead to take on one ion while giving up another. When the resin bead is fully loaded with sodium, it will readily give off the sodium (Na+1) with one positive charge in exchange for calcium (Ca+2) with two positive charges. When all of the exchange sites are loaded with calcium or magnesium, the resin beads are subjected to a high amount of salt (brine).
