When water is referred to as 'hard' this simply means, that it contains more minerals than ordinary water. These are especially the minerals calcium and magnesium. The degree of hardness of the water increases, when more calcium and magnesium dissolves. Softeners are designed to remove hardness from water. The hardness constituents of calcium and magnesium are identified in most scale formations in boilers, cooling towers, and other water-related equipment.
The softener cycles of operation include: