Water usage is a major factor when determining the size of your water softener. This is basically dependent on how many people live in the home.

Other factors include the number of bathrooms and if extra water flow rates to accommodate multiple shower heads or large bathtubs.

Typically, for each person and child, 60 to 75 gallons per day is the estimated industry standard.

• Water hardness is a measurement of how much calcium and magnesium is dissolved in the water. This is usually measured in units of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (GPG). GPG is derived by dividing the mg/L bye 17.1.
  
• Water softeners remove the calcium and magnesium minerals to lessen the water hardness. Water softeners use either salt or potassium to create an ionization process to exchange the water hardness minerals with salt or potassium.
• Municipal City Water Source:
  You can contact your water utility company to get the water hardness levels.
  
  In some instances, water hardness will be given as a range of numbers. This occurs because the water source may change throughout the year. When sizing for a new softener, use the higher amount.
  
  You can also contact our team. We have a vast library of water company data. 
• Well Water Source:
  Now, if you're on your own private well, you're going to want to enter the accurate water hardness (GPG) level.
  
  Regarding iron content level for well applications. You'll know if you have iron in your well water because if you don't a quality iron filtration system or softener in your home now, then you will see ugly, red-brown staining on your fixtures.
  
  So if that is the case you definitely want to get that tested. Then click here to see your choices.
  
  You can either use test strips or have it professionally tested you get test strips and most hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, True Value, or you can order our well water test kit here.
   

Note on Well Water Applications
Well Water:
Now, if you're on your own private well, you're going to want to consider additional factors.

• Get Your Well Pump Flow Rate
• Test Your Well Water

Well Pump Flow Rate is very important.
This determines the backwash requirements of your entire water treatment system.

Fortunately, we thought of you and have a very easy method to get your well pump flow rate. For details, see below.

Testing Your Well Water:
We recommend testing your water at least every 5 years. Many factors can change the water composition and quality of your water source.

Testing will help you manage mineral content as well as harmful metals and other toxins that may leak into the water source. Additional filtration may be required as your water quality changes, which may change with the seasons.

You get home test strips and most hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, True Value, or you can order our well water test kit here.

For an accurate, comprehensive water analysis, try our professional certified lab for well water testing.

Iron Content:
Regarding the iron content level for well applications... You'll know if you have iron in your well water because if you don't have a quality iron filtration system or softener in your home now, then you will see ugly, red-brown staining on your fixtures.

So if that is the case, then you definitely want to get that water tested. You can either use a basic, home test strips, or have it professionally tested to get an accurate, comprehensive water analysis.

Sulfur and Manganese:
High levels of sulfur and manganese will greatly affect your water quality and the sizing of your water treatment and softener systems. These can also lead to accelerated plumbing wear and tear.

With sulfur you'll get that "rotten egg" smell.
With manganese, you'll see black staining in your dishwasher and fixtures.

We highly recommend trying our easy, no hassle sizing calculator. This will accommodate most well water applications.

You can get basic test strips and most hardware stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, and  True Value, or you can order our well water test kit.

For an accurate, comprehensive water analysis, try our professional certified lab for well water testing.