Salt based softeners work on an adsorption process (different from absorption). The ions from magnesium and calcium are transferred from the water to the surface of the beads in the salt/brine tank (adsorption, similar to adhere), and releases sodium ions into the water. By reversing and flushing the system (usually automatically done), it detaches the magnesium and calcium ions and dumps the unwanted magnesium and calcium ions from the system. It gradually uses up the salt so you have to periodically add some.The only downside is if someone in the house is sensitive to sodium.Soft water actually allows you to wash yourself, your clothes, and everything else better.
@Retired_Engineer: When our salt compartment get low enough we can see what has been removed from the water before it makes it into out home. It's a little disturbing how brown the water is. I know it's probably very concentrated but still, it looks like a muddy sludge.
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