Open the big lid on top of the brine tank—that’s the tall plastic tube usually next to the main unit. Pour in salt pellets. Don’t use table salt (it’s too fine and will turn into a brick). Use “water softener salt” from the hardware store, which looks like white gravel. Pro tip: Don’t fill it to the very top. Leave about six inches of room so the salt can dissolve properly. Your softener will guzzle salt like a thirsty camel, so check it every month.
Salt Bags Are Heavy. Here’s a Hack
Carrying a 40-pound bag of salt is basically a workout. Slide it up the stairs instead of lifting it. Or buy two smaller bags. If you drop a bag and salt goes everywhere, just sweep it up and pretend you meant to exfoliate your floor. We’ve all been there.
